If Safari is slow, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or has other issues

The issue could be caused by a Safari Extension, Internet plug-in, or other add-on. 

Safari Extensions, Internet plug-ins, and other add-ons are designed to enhance or customize the browsing experience. Add-ons are widely available on the Internet, and some are installed as part of an app or other software. If you have add-ons installed, an add-on could be causing the issue.

If the issue is unwanted pop-up windows, ads, and graphics while surfing the web, learn how to remove ad-injection software (adware) from your Mac.

Turn off Safari Extensions

You can turn off Safari Extensions to learn whether any are causing the issue.

  1. From the Safari menu, choose Preferences.
  2. Click the Extensions icon, then select an extension from the list. 
  3. Deselect the Enable checkbox to turn off that extension. 

If turning off an extension resolves the issue, check for extension updates by clicking Updates in the lower-left corner of the window. Or remove the extension by clicking the Uninstall button.

Extensions in Safari preferences

Remove Internet plug-ins and other add-ons

You can remove Internet plug-ins and other add-ons to learn whether any are causing the issue. To find them, quit Safari and open these Library folders:

  • The Library folder at the top level of your hard drive. Open it from the Finder by choosing Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar. Then type /Library and click Go.
  • The Library folder in your home folder. Open it by holding Option while choosing Go > Library from the menu bar.

The Library folders contain the following folders for add-ons. Move any files within these folders to the Trash.

  • Internet Plug-Ins
    Don't remove Default Browser.plugin, nslQTScriptablePlugin.xpt, Quartz Composer.webplugin, or QuickTime Plugin.plugin.
  • Input Methods
  • InputManagers
  • ScriptingAdditions

If removing the files from these folders resolves the issue, quit Safari again and gradually put back files until you find the one causing the issue:

  1. Open the Trash and select one of the files you removed. Chose File > Put Back. The file returns to its folder.
  2. Open Safari and see if the issue returns.
    • If the issue returns, you've identified the add-on causing the issue. Avoid using it or contact its maker for an updated version. 
    • If the issue doesn't return, quit Safari and put back another file. 

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