Safari won't download pdf's

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Level 1

16 points

Safari won't download pdf's

I'm using Safari 18.1.1 on a MacBook Sequoia 15.1.1 and I'm not able to download pdf's in Safari. On the pdf, I hover over and click the downloads icon and then I get a pop up that says, "Safari can't save the file ... then it gives the file name ... to the downloads folder". Internet search said to try to changing where Safari downloads to. I tried changing it to the Desktop (and also "ask for each download") but I still get the same message. I'm trying to download tax forms and can't. This has happened on multiple forms from multiple sources. It's super frustrating. I've tried clearing Safari cache and history and restarted the MacBook. Thanks.

Posted on Jan 30, 2026 10:50 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

TheLittles

Level 10

203,713 points

Jan 30, 2026 11:04 PM in response to fishysammay

"Safari won't download pdf's: I'm using Safari 18.1.1 on a MacBook Sequoia 15.1.1 and I'm not able to download pdf's in Safari. On the pdf, I hover over and click the downloads icon and then I get a pop up that says, "Safari can't save the file ... then it gives the file name ... [...]"

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Try Resetting Safari's Settings to Default:

To do so, delete the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist file from Finder.

First, Use Spotlight to Get to Finder:

Open Spotlight: [Hold Down: command + Press Spacebar]
Paste this: ~/Library/Preferences/
Press: return key

Screenshot:

Then, Delete this File from Trash:

Then, move com.apple.Safari.plist to the trash. Once Moved, delete it from the Trash. It will then be recreated, and add Safari Settings will be replaced.

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