Apple Safari Error Code 'Safari Cannot Verify the Identity of the Website': How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
Safari Cannot Verify the Identity of the Website
Brand
Apple Safari
Product Type
browser
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
This Safari security error appears when the browser cannot verify a website's SSL/TLS certificate, indicating potential security risks. The error protects you from potentially unsafe connections but can sometimes block legitimate websites due to certificate issues or system settings.
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How to Fix Error Code Safari Cannot Verify the Identity of the Website

  1. Check Date and Time Settings

  2. Try Different Network Connection

  3. Clear Safari Cache and Cookies

    This will log you out of all websites and remove saved preferences

  4. Reset Safari to Default Settings

  5. Update macOS and Safari

    Back up important data before installing system updates

  6. Check Keychain Access for Certificate Issues

    Only delete certificates you're certain are problematic - removing essential certificates can cause other issues

  7. Temporarily Override Certificate Warning

    Only use this method for websites you completely trust - it exposes you to potential security risks

  8. Reset Network Settings

    You'll need to re-enter WiFi passwords after forgetting networks
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When to Call a Professional

Contact Apple Support if the error occurs on all websites after trying all steps, or if you're on a corporate network where IT administrators need to address certificate or proxy server issues. Also seek help if you're uncomfortable manually managing certificates in Keychain Access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Safari say it cannot verify the website identity?
Safari displays this error when it cannot validate a website's SSL/TLS certificate due to issues like expired certificates, incorrect system time, network interference, or corrupted certificate data in your browser cache.
Is it safe to continue to a website when Safari shows this error?
Generally no. This error indicates potential security risks. Only proceed if you completely trust the website and understand the risks. The error exists to protect you from potentially malicious sites or compromised connections.
How do I fix Safari certificate errors permanently?
Ensure your Mac's date/time is correct, keep macOS updated, clear Safari cache regularly, and avoid overriding certificate warnings unless absolutely necessary. Most certificate errors resolve automatically when these basics are maintained.
Can antivirus software cause Safari certificate verification errors?
Yes, some antivirus programs with web protection features can interfere with SSL certificate verification. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to test if it's causing the issue, then adjust its web protection settings accordingly.
What should I do if the error only occurs on specific websites?
If only certain sites show this error, the issue is likely with those websites' certificates rather than your browser. Contact the website administrators to report the issue, or wait for them to renew their SSL certificates.

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