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If you are using an iPhone, there is a high likelihood that your most used browser is Safari. While Safari is the default web browser for iPhones, users still have access to other browser choices on the App Store. However, this hasn’t stopped Safari from owning the second largest browser usage market share.
Like most applications, Safari is not without its issues. A common problem is where Safari keeps saying you are not connected to the internet. Now, this can happen for several reasons, as explained below:
Reasons Why Safari Can’t Connect to the Server
Now, when you open Safari on your iPhone, the expectation is that you get to connect to a website or webpage. However, if you see the Safari cannot connect to server message instead, it can be for any of the below reasons:
- Poor Wi-Fi network or iPhone cellular data.
- Provide the wrong URL in the address bar.
- Previous browsing cache and data preventing the connection.
- Bugs within your iPhone’s operating system.
- Outdated iOS version.
- Problems with the DNS server settings.
The only way to know if your Safari browser is encountering any of the above problems is by trying the fixes below.
How to Fix Safari Cannot Open Page Because Server Cannot Be Found
There are various reasons why can’t safari connect to the server. You can try any of the nine (9) recommended fixes below to fix the problem. Soon, if you face a similar scenario, you can always use the method that initially worked for you.
1. Check Internet Connection
Firstly, check if you get the “Safari cannot open page because server cannot be found” message to check your internet connection. It is often the problem, and connecting to another internet source can quickly fix the issue. Possibly your device is not connected to a wireless network, or the mobile data is off. To solve this issue,
Step 1: Tap the “Settings“ app on the iPhone.
Step 2: On the Settings Page, check for the status of the “Mobile Data/Wi-Fi.“
Step 3: If they are both off, tap on “Mobile Data/Wi-Fi“ to turn either on. If either Mobile Data or Wi-Fi is on, tap to turn them off, then tap to turn them on again.
Note: If you connected your device to a wireless network, ensure that the router is on and working correctly. Also, check that your device is still within the Wi-Fi range.
Step 4: Try visiting a webpage.
If the problem persists, you should consider the next solution.
2. Check the URL
If you manually entered the website address into your Safari, you should recheck the correctness of the URL. It is no secret that a bit of change in the URL address means the page wouldn’t load. For example, you are forgetting to include “s” in “HTTP” or using “/” instead of “\” in the address bar. After retyping the URL, press Enter to load the page again. The problem should get solved if the URL was the issue.
3. Clear History and Website Data
Another possible reason your Safari keeps saying you are not connected to the internet could be data from previous browsing sessions taking up storage space. As such, all you need to do is clear the history and website data on Safari. Here’s how to do so:
Step 1: Launch “Settings“ on your device.
Step 2: Scroll down to “Safari.”
Step 3: Scroll down to “Clear History and Website Data“ and tap on it.
Step 4: At the bottom of the page, tap on “Clear History and Data“ to remove all history, cookies, and browsing data.
Note: Once you go through this process, you will lose any data saved on Safari.
Try loading the webpage again to see if the problem lingers. If it persists, then you should try the next fix.
4. Disable Content Blocker
Safari comes with an extension known as Content Blocker. This extension protects Safari users by blocking unwanted or malicious websites from opening. Sometimes, it may prevent Safari from connecting to the Server. You can easily disable this extension by taking these steps:
Step 1: Tap the “Settings” from your home screen.
Step 2: Scroll through the menu list and tap “Safari.“
Step 3: Scroll to the “General“ group and tap the toggle beside “Content Blockers“ or “Block Pop-ups“ to disable it.
Note: Depending on your iPhone model, you may see Content Blockers or Block Pop-ups.
Try relaunching the webpage to check if the server connection now works. Are you still experiencing the same problem? Try the next fix.
5. Reset Network Settings
Another option to fix your server connection problem requires resetting your network settings. Doing this removes the DNS settings and Wi-Fi passwords. You will have to provide them again after resetting your network settings. Here’s how to carry out this process:
Step 1: Launch “Settings“ on your device.
Step 2: Tap “General“ from the settings list.
Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.“
Step 4: Tap “Reset“
Step 5: Tap “Reset Network Settings.“
Step 5: Provide your iPhone passcode to confirm the operation.
6. Restart iPhone
One of the easiest methods to fix this problem is to force restart your iPhone. Different iPhone generations require slightly different “force restart” processes. Check them out below:
iPhone 6S and previous generations
Step 1: Press the “Home” and “Lock” buttons simultaneously.
Step 2: Hold both buttons until the “Apple” icon comes up and your device restarts.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Step 1: Hold the “Volume Down” button and simultaneously press the “Power” button.
Step 2: Keep holding both buttons until you see the “white Apple logo.”
iPhone 8 and newer generations
Step 1: Press “Volume Up” and let go very quickly.
Step 2: Press “Volume Down” and let go very quickly.
Step 3: Press and hold down the “Top” button until the “Apple” logo appears, then release it.
7. Change the DNS Settings
One top reason why Safari cannot connect to Server is DNS issues. DNS is the acronym for Domain Name Server, and it stores both IP addresses and domain names. If your DNS settings have a problem, webpages won’t load. Here’s how to change your DNS settings:
Step 1: Launch “Settings“ on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap “Wi-Fi.“
Step 3: Tap the toggle beside Wi-Fi to turn it on.
Step 4: To view the information about the Wi-Fi your phone is connected to, tap the I icon beside the Wi-Fi name.
Step 5: Scroll down and tap “Configure DNS“
Step 6: Tap “Manual.“
Step 7: Tap “Add Server” in the “DNS Servers” section.
Step 8: Type 8.8.8.8.
Step 9: Save this number to add the Google DNS Server.
Try rerunning Safari to check if the problem has been solved. If it persists, try the following option below.
8. Fix Safari Can’t Connect to Server without Data Loss
Where all the immediate fixes do not work, you can try using a third-party to fix the Safari cannot connect to a server error. An excellent third-party tool is the Tenorshare ReiBoot which can resolve over fifty different iOS issues, including Safari cannot connect to Server without data loss. Follow the steps below to fix it:
Step 1: Download Tenorshare ReiBoot on your PC and install it.
Step 2: Click “Start“ after connecting your iPhone to the PC.
Step 3: Wait for ReiBoot to detect your device.
Step 4: Download new firmware for your device by clicking on “Standard Repair.
Step 5: Click “Start Standard Repair” to fix the issue.
Your device should reboot once the process is complete, and you should also have Safari running normally.
Read More: Best iOS System Recovery Software
9. Update Your iPhone
As mentioned earlier, if your iOS is outdated, Safari may encounter this problem. Therefore, you need to update your iPhone frequently to enjoy the best of Safari. Here’s how to install the latest iOS version to your device:
Step 1: Tap “Settings” from your home screen.
Step 2: Select “General.“
Step 3: Tap on “Software Update“ to search for the latest iOS firmware for your device.
Step 4: Download and install the latest firmware to your device if you find any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about fixing your Safari connection? We have answered a few frequently asked questions to help you in this section. Check them out below:
- 1. What Happens When I Clear My Safari Cache?
When you visit websites on Safari, you often get asked to accept cookies or provide a password. The information you provide or accept on these pages is stored in a cache. Clearing the cache clears all the saved data and helps resolve site formatting or loading issues.
- 2. How Does the iPhone Content Blocker/Pop-Up Block Feature Work?
With internet marketing now pervasive, you want to ensure that you do not accidentally venture into malicious sites when you encounter an ad. The pop-up block/content blocker feature on your iPhone prevents malicious ads or banners from loading on sites you visit.
Conclusion
This post has shown you nine ways to fix “Safari cannot connect to server.” Do you still have any questions? Let us know in the comments section.
