How to Fix Safari Can’t Establish A Secure Connection to the Server?

Jack

By Jack

Update on

Safari Can't Establish A Secure Connection to the Server

Apple came up with Safari to keep users safer when they surf the internet on their Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Safari comes with various in-built security features.

However, the most remarkable one is that Safari does not load a page if it does not find it secure. Generally, the refusal to load websites by Safari reminds us to be extra careful about sites that we trust.

However, in some cases, you encounter the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” issue even when you open the most trusted websites on the internet. So, here are some effective ways to resolve this issue.

Part 1: Reasons Why the Safari Can’t Establish A Secure Connection to the Server Issue Pops Up

While loading a website, Safari examines to check whether that site is employing secure encryption for protecting your data.

If it could not verify it, you may see the message ‘Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server’ flashing on your screen. This happens because Safari refuses to upload that page.

Safari cant establish a secure connection to the server

So, encryption is very important for protecting your security and privacy. If a site does not employ secure encryption, third parties can find a way to watch everything you do while visiting that site.

This means they will discover your web browsing habits. Even worse, they might find out your login details of accounts, such as online banking.

How do users know whether Safari made a secure connection?

To verify whether the connection is secure, Safari checks each website’s certificate. Taking a closer look at the Search bar at the Safari’s top will let you know how secure the site you are surfing is.

How do users know whether Safari made a secure connection

If you come across a grey padlock against the site’s name, then the website is secure and features a standard certification.

extensive verification certificate

On the other hand, if there is a green padlock, then that site has a more extensive verification certificate. These websites are far more secure than the earlier ones.

Not Secure

You may come across the ‘Not Secure’ phrase if you cannot see any padlock. Users should avoid putting any financial or personal information on these sites since they are not secure. So, it is recommended to avoid unsecured sites altogether, if you can.

People may even find pop-up messages about bad certificates or unsecured websites. Also, Safari may refuse to upload that page at all if Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.

Part 2: Different Ways to Resolve Safari Can’t Establish A Secure Connection to the Server.

Generally, Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server when the site you visit does not have a valid security certification and is not employing secure encryption. This is usually the case with dangerous and fraudulent websites.

Sometimes, however, Safari can’t make secure connections even when you load trusted websites like Google, Facebook, or Amazon. If this is the case, there may be problems with your application settings or internet connection. Then, you can use some general troubleshooting tips to load the site.

Besides, if you are bothered with the errors like preventing cross-site tracking on browsers and phones, or err_connection_reset on Chrome, here are the top solutions for you.

2.1 By Checking the URL Again

checking the URL again

It is possible that the site you are trying to upload is not the one you like to visit. Scammers and fraudsters often make fake sites designed to feature as the actual deal for stealing your important personal details.

So, it is best to examine the URL in the search bar at the top and ensure that you have put in the correct web address. This is because even small mistakes, such as .co.uk when it has to be .com, can mean you are on the wrong website.

If you are not sure what the actual web address needs to be, then use a reliable search engine to find that website instead.

2.2 By Setting the Accurate Date and Time

Sometimes, using the inaccurate date and time could end up in unexpected issues like ‘Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.’

This could stop users from downloading the recent software update, loading protected web pages, or downloading new applications.

On Mac, visit the menu ‘Apple‘ and then open ‘System Preferences.’ From there, choose the ‘Date & Time‘ tab.

Select the padlock for unlocking changes and then switch on the toggle present against ‘Set date and time automatically.’

setting the accurate date and time

On iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, visit ‘Settings‘ and tap on the ‘General‘ tab. From there, choose the ‘Date & Time‘ option. Switch on the toggle next to the ‘Set automatically‘ option if it is not switched on.

By setting the accurate date and time

2.3 By Changing to Another DNS

The DNS (Domain Name System) your device or computer employs features like a phone directory for all the sites you visit on the web. When you put a web address in the URL column, Safari uses this DNS to find the current location of the page on the web.

So, issues with the DNS could end up in the wrong address, which may be why ‘Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.’

Fortunately, it is quite simple and free to change to another DNS. This even makes Safari work faster. We recommend you use the public DNS of Google. However, there are lots of other alternatives available also.

On your Mac, visit the Apple menu and open ‘System Preferences.’ After that, choose the ‘Network‘ tab. Select the Wi-Fi network. Then, go to the menu ‘Advanced.’ Open ‘DNS‘ and add the public DNS servers of Google listed below using the (+) Plus sign.

changing to another DNS

On your iPod touch, iPad, or iPhone, visit ‘Settings‘ and select ‘Wi-Fi.’ Click on the ‘i‘ icon next to your Wi-Fi connection.

From there, choose the option ‘Configure DNS.’ Select ‘Manual‘ and get rid of the present DNS servers. After that, add the following public DNS servers of Google.

The Public DNS Servers of Google are as follows:

  • 8.8.4.4
  • 8.8.8.8

2.4 By Setting the Antivirus Program to Trust the Site

By setting the antivirus program to trust the site

On your Mac, antivirus software may hinder Safari; thus, you face the ‘Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server’s situation. If you are using antivirus software, add sites to the list of trusted websites to avoid future problems.

Of course, users should only carry out this task if they can completely trust that website. If you feel it is possible to be dangerous, do not add that site to the trusted site list.

The method for trusting websites varies depending on the specific antivirus software. Usually, a window called ‘Settings’ or ‘Preferences’ lets users does it. If you cannot find this option, contact the manufacturer to seek assistance.

2.5 By Asking Keychain to Trust the Certificate

Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server when it does not trust that website’s certificate.

In that case, you can visit the application Keychain Access on the Mac to tell Safari to tryst that site to avoid future issues. Once again, it is suggested only if you are pretty sure the site is safe.

For making Safari trust site certificates, users must discover which certificates the site uses exactly. The best method to perform this task is using another web browser, such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

Visit the page you like to open in another browser and tap on the padlock sign next to its URL address. Here, search for information to discover a way to the site’s ‘View Certification.’ You will find this option in different places, depending on browsers.

Next, press the keys ‘Cmd‘ and ‘Space.’ Use the spotlight to open the Keychain Access application. From the menus on the side, choose ‘System Roots‘ and then ‘Certificates.’ Look for the site certificates you just discovered in another browser using the search bar.

To examine its settings, double-tap on each certificate. In the section ‘Trust,’ visit the drop-down menu to access the ‘When using this certificate‘ option and select ‘Always Trust.’

Now, refresh the site in Safari and check whether the ‘Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server issue has been resolved or not.

By asking Keychain to trust the certificate

2.6 Disabling IPv6 for the Network

The IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) method is used for identifying and locating things connected to your internet. This includes all the IP addresses for your HomePod, Apple Watch, iPhone, Mac, and many more.

If you do not know, iPv4 was in place instead of the new IPv6 protocol. Even now, some websites use the older protocol for identifying devices, which can cause problems like ‘Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.’ At the same time, it tries connecting to that site.

To resolve this issue, you can disable IPv6 temporarily on the Mac. For this, open the menu ‘Apple‘ and then choose ‘System Preferences.’ After that, choose the ‘Network‘ tab. Choose your Wi-Fi network and go to the menu ‘Advanced.’ Now, you have to visit ‘TCIP/IP.’

From the ‘Configure IPv6‘ drop-down menu, choose ‘Manually‘ and then press ‘OK.’ Now, see if the issue persists or not.

Disabling IPv6 to resolve Safari can't establish a secure connection to the server

Part 3: How to Continue Secure Browsing Using A VPN

Fix Safari can't establish a secure connection to the server Using A VPN

Safari strives hard to keep users secure on the web regarding surfing. So, when Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server, it is a good sign that you should not trust that site. However, there is another thing that you can do to enhance internet security.

With the help of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your device, you can keep your online activities private. There are lots of free VPNs for iOS devices on the internet. However, you can also consider paid VPN subscriptions for further security.

Also read: Cannot Be Opened Because the Developer Cannot Be Verified on Mac.

FAQs

1. Why does Safari show the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” error? The error message indicates that Safari couldn’t establish a secure connection with the server you’re trying to access. It can be due to various factors, including network connectivity issues, browser settings, or security configurations.

2. Can I fix the error by simply restarting my device? While restarting your device can sometimes resolve minor connectivity issues, it may not fix the underlying causes of the error. It’s recommended to follow the troubleshooting steps provided in this article for a more comprehensive solution.

3. Do I need to update Safari regularly to avoid this error? Keeping Safari up to date is important for security enhancements and compatibility with modern websites. Regularly updating your browser can help prevent errors and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

4. Will disabling extensions affect my browsing experience? Disabling extensions or plugins temporarily is a troubleshooting step to identify if they are causing conflicts. If you find that a particular extension is causing the error, you can consider removing or updating it to a compatible version.

5. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work? If you’ve followed all the troubleshooting steps and still can’t establish a secure connection in Safari, it’s advisable to contact your internet service provider for further assistance. They can help diagnose any network-related issues and provide guidance on resolving the problem.

Conclusion

So, these are some ways to deal with the Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server issue. If Safari cannot connect to a website, you should trust it.

However, if you are sure about it, then go for it. Use the above methods to resolve this issue and enjoy a smooth surfing experience!

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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