Fix Safari Cannot Open the Page Because it Could not Establish a Secure Connection to the Server

At times when you open the page, you encounter certain types of errors. The error may be of varied degrees. This is true in the case of each and every web browser. And same can be said with utmost certainty about the native browser of Apple, called Safari. One of the most discussed errors of Safari among iPhone users is Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server. What could be the reason, and what are the ways to fix it? Let us find out.

Safari is the native browser of Apple that is known for its security and privacy factors and for adding bookmarks, among others. The built-in security settings on macOS are designed to keep your device safe from security or privacy breach while browsing the web. As a result of this, you often notice, Safari will, at times, prevent its users from accessing the website that it does not deem secure. 

Let us dive in to know the causes and fixes for Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server.

Safari Cannot Open the Page Because it Could Not Establish a Secure Connection to the Server: Reasons

There is no certain and definite reason for the error Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server. But most of the time, the error is caused due to the following reasons.

1. Mistrust of Encrypted Data

Safari browser never trusts the encrypted data on its site. Alternatively, Safari could not access and verify the information conclusively. This very often happens due to a lack of  Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates being properly configured. 

Whereas, if you are sure that the site is secure, then the problem can be with Safari Browser.

2. Third-Party Extension

If there is nothing wrong with the security and safety of the site, the possible cause for Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server could be the third-party extension or the add-on that you have enabled on your browser on your iPhone or other devices.

3. Outdated Cache Data

Another viable cause could be an outdated cache that can disrupt the smooth working of your Safari browser. You have to keep in mind that after a certain time, the Cache gets corrupted and becomes an obstructor in the hassle-free working of the browser, which could lead to Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server.

4. Outdated Internet Protocol(IP) Version

If it is an outdated Internet protocol version. It is a more complicated problem. IP is a combination of the rules that route the packets of data so that data can move across the network and make it to the right destination. 

How to Fix, Safari Cannot Open the Page Because it Could Not Establish a Secure Connection to the Server

There is no definite and certain method to fix this error. However, there are some standard ways to fix the error. The list of these fixes goes as under.

1. Clear the Cache/Browser Data

Once you visit the browser, certain information is stored in the browser cache and cookies. In case this data is outdated, details pertaining to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). It can lead to this error. So to fix this error, you need to clear the cache and cookies. Here is how you can clear the cache.

1. Open the Safari Browser in the Settings on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down to Clear history and website data.

3. Select Remove All Website data. 

Clear the Browser Data

Once you are done clearing the Cache. Now clear the entire Browser data. Follow the given steps to clear the browser data.

1. Launch Safari on your device.

2. Go to the History.

3. Click on Clear History in the bottom right corner.

2. Check the Date and Time on Your Device

Sometimes, incorrect dates and times on your Mac device lead to errors like this and others within Safari. So to fix the error, Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server. You must set the correct time zone and date. 

3. Change DNS Settings

If the problem still persists, Check  Domain Name Server (DNS) settings since DNS is a replica of a phonebook that allows the devices and the sites to reach each other. In order to Connect to websites, DNS is used by Safari.

So if there is anything wrong with the settings of the DNS, safari can’t establish a secure connection. Thereby it is important to change the DNS settings. 

4. Disable Browser Extension

Adding an extension or an add-on can conflict with Safari’s ability to connect to the site securely. This is true with anti-virus programs and security-related extensions.

So it is advisable to deactivate and disable all browser extensions. This might help you to resolve the error  Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server.

5. Disable IPv6

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that determines the movement of data across the internet. IPv6 is the latest version of the protocol version. Whereas some websites still use the older version, IPv4. The same might be true in the case of Safari, thereby leading to Safari can’t establish a secure connection message.

So you need to disable IPv6 on your network and revert back to the older version of IPv4. This might help you fix the error that Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server.

6. Make Sure Keychain Trusts the Certificate

Since Keychain stores the password details, among other secure things, it keeps your data secure and can control which sites are trusted by your device. As such, you can tell it to accept a site’s SSL certificate.

Therefore Safari sometimes comes up with a connection error message in case it does not verify the validity of the site’s SSL certificate. In such a situation, you have the option of bypassing the configuring settings on your macOS. This will help you resolve the issue Safari can’t open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server.

Wrapping Up

Safari being the native Apple browser, is known for its privacy features which ought to be appreciated. But the loop side is SSL certificate configuration becomes a herculean task as it firewalls the suspicious and less trusted sites, which leads to the flashing of the message Safari cannot open the page because it could not establish a secure connection to the server.

But then there is a way out of this problem. In this article, I have at length discussed the possible causes and the standard fixes to resolve the issue. You can read it on our website. You can also visit our website for content like this and much more.

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