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How to Fix Outlook Not Working on Mac in the Safari Browser: A Complete Guide

 Are you facing issues with Outlook not working on Safari? Don’t worry—this compatibility problem between Outlook and Safari is more common than you might think. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective and practical solutions to get your email back up and running seamlessly. Whether it’s a browser setting, a cache issue, or an outdated version causing the trouble, we’ll cover all the steps you need to troubleshoot and resolve the problem efficiently. Stay tuned for detailed guidance that ensures your email experience remains smooth and hassle-free!

How to Fix Outlook Not Working on Mac in the Safari Browser A Complete Guide

How to Fix Outlook Not Working on Mac in the Safari Browser A Complete Guide

If you’re having trouble using Outlook on Safari, don’t worry—this is a common issue that can usually be resolved with a few simple steps. Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, here are some quick checks and fixes you can try:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable and fast internet connection. A weak connection can often lead to loading issues.

2. Verify Outlook Server Status

Visit websites like DownDetector to check if Outlook’s servers are experiencing downtime in your area. If the servers are down, the issue isn’t on your end, and you’ll need to wait until Microsoft resolves it.

3. Force Quit and Restart Safari

Sometimes, simply restarting Safari can resolve temporary glitches. Here’s how:

  • Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select Force Quit from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose Safari and click Force Quit.
  • Relaunch Safari and try accessing Outlook again.

4. Switch to Google DNS for Better Performance

Changing your Mac’s DNS settings to Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) can improve speed and reliability. To update your DNS:

  • Open System Preferences on your Mac.
  • Go to Network > Select your active connection > Click Advanced.
  • Navigate to the DNS tab and add Google’s DNS addresses.

5. Update macOS and Safari

An outdated version of macOS or Safari can cause compatibility issues. Make sure your system is up to date:

  • Open System Settings (or System Preferences in older versions).
  • Click General, then select Software Update.
  • If an update is available, install it and restart your Mac.

What If These Steps Don’t Work?

If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, there could be a deeper problem, such as browser extensions interfering with Safari or corrupted cache data. Scroll down for more advanced troubleshooting steps to ensure Outlook works smoothly on Safari.

Solution 1: Disable iCloud Private Relay

If you’re subscribed to Apple One or iCloud+, your system might have automatically enabled the Private Relay feature for Safari. This privacy-focused feature routes your Safari traffic through an Apple-branded server to mask your IP address from advertisers. However, it can sometimes interfere with services like Outlook. Disabling this feature could help resolve the issue.

Here’s how to turn off Private Relay:

  • Open Settings on your Mac or iPhone.
  • Tap on your Profile Name at the top of the menu.
  • Select iCloud from the options.
  • Locate Private Relay and toggle it off.

Disable iCloud Private Relay

After Disabling Private Relay

Once you’ve turned off Private Relay, refresh the Outlook page in Safari to see if the issue is resolved.

If the problem persists and Outlook is still not working on Safari, don’t worry—move on to the second solution for further troubleshooting steps. Each solution is designed to address specific potential causes of the issue.

Solution 2: Enable Pop-ups for Email Links

Safari blocks pop-ups by default to enhance security and user experience. However, certain email links in Outlook may rely on pop-ups to open properly. Allowing pop-ups for Outlook’s website can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

  • Open Safari and navigate to the Outlook website: outlook.live.com
  • Click on Safari in the top menu bar, then select Settings (or Preferences in older versions).
  • Go to the Websites tab and select Pop-ups from the sidebar.
  • Find the dropdown menu next to "When visiting other websites" and choose Allow.
  • Specifically, ensure that outlook.live.com is set to Allow in the list of configured websites.

Once you’ve enabled pop-ups for Outlook, refresh the page and check if the issue is resolved. If Outlook still doesn’t work properly, proceed to the next solution for further troubleshooting.

Solution 3: Remove Unnecessary Safari Extensions

Some Safari extensions might interfere with Outlook, causing it to malfunction. Extensions that are outdated or rarely used are often the culprits. To resolve the issue, it’s recommended to remove unnecessary or problematic extensions. Follow these steps:
  • Open Safari on your Mac.
  • Click on Safari in the menu bar, then select Settings (or Preferences in older versions).
  • Navigate to the Extensions tab.
  • Review the list of installed extensions.
  • Select any extension you don’t use or suspect might be causing issues, and click Uninstall.
  • Repeat this process for each unnecessary or outdated extension.
Remove Unnecessary Safari Extensions

After cleaning up your extensions, restart Safari and check if Outlook is now functioning properly. If the problem persists, move on to the next solution for additional troubleshooting.

Solution 4: Clear Outlook's Cache in Safari

Clearing the cache for the Outlook website in Safari can help resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated data. This process will remove stored preferences and login information for Outlook, so you may need to log in again after clearing the cache. Here’s how to do it:
  • Open Safari on your Mac.
  • Click on Safari in the menu bar and select Settings (or Preferences in older versions).
  • Go to the Privacy tab and click on Manage Website Data.
  • In the search bar, type Outlook to locate the stored data for the Outlook website.
  • Select the Outlook entry and click Remove.
  • Confirm the action, then close the settings menu.
Clear Outlook's Cache in Safari


After clearing the cache, reload the Outlook website and log in again. If the issue persists, continue with the next solution to further troubleshoot the problem.

In Conclusion
By following these quick and practical fixes, you should be able to get Outlook working properly on Safari again. If the issue persists despite trying all the solutions, consider checking for additional guidance on the official support websites for Microsoft or Apple.

Remember, keeping your browser and operating system updated and clearing unnecessary extensions or cached data can prevent similar issues in the future. A seamless email experience is just a few steps away!
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