Safari Can’t Find the Server - MacBook Air

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Level 1

11 points

Safari Can’t Find the Server - MacBook Air

I have suddenly started getting the ‘can’t find the server’ message when I try to use Safari on my MacBook Air.

It’s happening for Every Single Webpage (including iCloud). I can access the pages on my iPhone (using the same WiFi/modem connection), so there’s nothing wrong with the web pages.

I haven’t changed anything on my laptop. It just started out of the blue and has been going on for several days now.

I’ve tried everything I can think of. I’ve restarted my computer. I’ve checked the Network settings. I’ve turned the firewall off. I’ve disabled my antivirus program and ad blockers. I’ve tried Safe Mode. Nothing works.

My OS is up to date, as best I can tell (Catalina 10.15.6) - but can’t connect to the Apple Software Update server to confirm 🤷🏼‍♀️

My internet is working - all my other devices and TV streaming services work.

Can anyone help?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 26, 2020 7:59 PM

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Answer 1

brenden dv

Community Specialist

Oct 3, 2020 2:20 PM in response to SParker01

Hello SParker01,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

We see that you are not able to access any web pages in Safari, getting a message that it cannot find the server. Let's start by taking a look at the following support article to sort out what may be going on.

If you can’t open a website in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

Best regards.

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Answer 2

CarlAVII

Community Specialist

Oct 6, 2020 2:27 PM in response to SParker01

SParker01,

Thank you for the update. If the info in that article haven't helped you to access web pages, you would be best served if you would contact Apple Support directly for more assistance.

Cheers.

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Answer 3

SParker01 Author

Level 1

11 points

Oct 6, 2020 4:05 PM in response to CarlAVII

Hi PsyDye,

Unfortunately I tried that too (before I posted here).

There’s a note up on the support page at the moment saying ‘Apple support options are currently limited. Thank you for your patience and understanding.’

When I tried to get in touch with an actual person, the support bot said support is not currently available.

Seems like no one here can help either, so I guess I’ll have to give up and hope it spontaneously fixes itself one day 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Answer 4

Oct 7, 2020 8:45 AM in response to SParker01

By your post it seems that you have third party anti virus apps installed. Uninstall these.

There is no reason to change the Mac firewall. Why do you have a need to turn it off? If should have been off by default.

If you are using a VPN uninstall the VPN.

Start up in safe mode to see if that fixes the issue.

Shut down Safari then while pressing and holding the shift key, start up Safari.

Try a different browser.

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Answer 5

Oct 7, 2020 8:57 AM in response to SParker01

+1 on everything Bob said.

also: what are the DNS settings?

System Preferences->Network, select the connection, click Advanced, then click DNS.

If you have a grey address that is the one your router is providing. Try adding 8.8.8.8 and see if makes any difference (this is the IP address of Google’s public DNS server)

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Answer 6

SParker01 Author

Level 1

11 points

Oct 3, 2020 4:07 PM in response to brenden dv

Thanks, but I’ve already followed that article and tried every single one of those things (most of which were listed in my original post to illustrate). Nothing worked. Any other ideas?

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Safari Can’t Find the Server - MacBook Air

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