Apple Safari Error: Safari Cannot Open the Page Because the Server Cannot Be Found - How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
Safari Cannot Open the Page Because the Server Cannot Be Found
Brand
Apple Safari
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
The 'Safari cannot open the page because the server cannot be found' error occurs when your browser can't locate the website's server, typically due to DNS resolution issues, network connectivity problems, or incorrect website URLs. This error prevents you from accessing specific websites while other sites may work normally.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code Safari Cannot Open the Page Because the Server Cannot Be Found

  1. Check Your Internet Connection

  2. Verify the Website URL

  3. Clear Safari DNS Cache

    Only enter your admin password in Terminal if you're comfortable with command line operations
  4. Change DNS Servers

  5. Reset Safari Settings

    This will clear your browsing history and saved website data
  6. Disable VPN or Proxy

  7. Check Firewall and Security Settings

  8. Try Alternative Browsers

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When to Call a Professional

Contact your internet service provider if the error affects all browsers and devices on your network, as this indicates a broader connectivity issue. Consult Apple Support if Safari consistently fails to load any websites after trying these steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Safari say server cannot be found when other browsers work?
This typically occurs when Safari's DNS cache is corrupted or outdated, Safari's network settings conflict with your system, or Safari-specific extensions are interfering. Try clearing Safari's cache and resetting its settings.
How do I fix Safari server not found error on iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears saved WiFi passwords but often resolves DNS issues. Also try switching between WiFi and cellular data to isolate the problem.
What does it mean when Safari cannot find the server?
This error means Safari cannot translate the website's domain name into an IP address (DNS resolution failure) or cannot establish a connection to the website's server. It's usually a temporary network or configuration issue.
Can firewall settings cause Safari server not found errors?
Yes, overly restrictive firewall or security software can block Safari's network connections. Check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall to ensure Safari has proper network permissions.