Safari can't establish a secure connection

What is error message 'Can't establish a secure connection' on Safari?

Can't establish a secure connection is an error that usually occurs when using the web browser, Safari. It may mean that the webpage is on a server that does not meet secure cryptographic standards. When the error occurs, the website you are trying to open may be using a weak encryption or Safari cannot connect to its server.

How can you fix 'Can't establish a secure connection' on Safari?

Some of the common fixes include:

• Using a DNS address
• Disabling third-party software
• Turning off IPv6

Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.

• Use a DNS address
• Disable third-party software
• Turn off IPv6

1. Use a DNS address

"Safari can’t establish a secure connection" may due to the obtained DNS server, or your connection is checked by a firewall. Try to configure your DNS using Google public DNS, see if it fixes the problem. If it does, you might under a firewall or you have obtained a bad DNS address.

1. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
   Select the “Network” control panel.
2. On the left side, select the network interface that you are using.
3. Click “Advanced.”
4. Click "DNS" tab.
5. Click + button to add a new DNS address.
6. Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
7. When finished, click Ok.
8. Then, click Apply.

2. Disable third-party software

"Safari can’t establish a secure connection" may also be due to third-party software, this includes anti-virus. Due to the anti-virus web protection protocol, it may prevent your access to a specific site. Try to disable all third-party software that runs in the background to rule out other interference.

Running your operating system in clean boot may disable all third-party software that runs on startup.

1. Restart the computer.
2. If you have a login window, hold Shift key before pressing the login button. Release when you're on the Desktop.
3. If you do not use a login window, hold Shift when the progress bar start. Release when you're on the Desktop.
4. Try surfing the inter using Safari.

3. Turn off IPv6

The IPv6 might be causing conflict with your IPv4, resulting in “Safari can’t establish a secure connection.” Try to disable IPv6 to solve the problem. See the steps below.

1. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
   Select the “Network” control panel.
2. On the left side, select the network interface that you are using.
3. Click “Advanced.”
4. Click “TCP/IP” tab.
5. In "Configure IPv6," select Off.
6. Then, click OK.