7 Ways to Fix Safari Not Downloading Files on iPhone and Mac

Parth Shah is an evergreen freelance writer covering how-tos, app guides, comparisons, listicles, and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TV platforms. He has over five years of experience and has covered 1,500+ articles on GuidingTech and Android Police. In his free time, you will see him binge-watching Netflix shows, reading books, and traveling.

Shachi is a law student with a curiosity for consumer technology. Being a fanatic of the Apple ecosystem, you can often find her hustling for solutions for Apple-related issues. If you have any issues with your iPhone or Mac, she’s the go-to troubleshooter. When not engrossed in writing or her thick law textbooks, you can find her snapping away brilliant portraits of people on her iPhone 15 Pro.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Use a VPN and Try Another Server

When we encountered an issue with Safari not downloading files on our iPhone, we used a VPN to connect to one of the US servers. The trick worked like a charm, and Safari completed the download process quickly. You can download any popular VPN app from the App Store and change your region.

Fix 2: Disable iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay is a part of iCloud+ and Apple One subscriptions on iPhone. The option is enabled by default to deliver a secure browsing experience. It hides your IP address and browsing activity in Safari and protects your unencrypted internet traffic from prying eyes.

On iPhone

You can temporarily disable iCloud Private Relay and try again.

Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone > go to yourProfile.

Step 2:TapiCloud> openPrivate Relayfrom the following menu > disable the toggle forPrivate Relay.

On Mac

Step 1:OpenSystem Settingson Mac > go to yourprofile> selectiCloud.

Step 2:SelectPrivate Relay.

Step 3:Disable the toggle forPrivate Relay.

Fix 3: Corrupt File

Are you trying to download a corrupt file from Safari? You may face issues with downloading such files. You should avoid sketchy websites and use official sources to download files.

Fix 4: Force Quit Safari

You can force quit Safari on iPhone or Mac and try again. iPhone users can swipe up and hold from the bottom to open the recent apps menu. Swipe up on Safari to close it. Now, launch the browser and download the files again.

If you have a Mac, openActivity Monitoron Mac > selectSafari> click theXmark at the top > launch Safari > download your files again.

Fix 5: Check iPhone and Mac Space

Insufficient storage on your iPhone or Mac can be the main reason behind download glitches on Safari. Here’s how to check your iPhone and Mac storage and take the required steps to free up space.

iPhone

Step 1:OpenSettings> scroll toGeneral> selectiPhone Storage.

Check the detailed breakdown of app storage. If you have storage issues, clear unwanted storage or purchase an iCloud+ subscription.

Mac

Step 1:Go toSystem Settings> selectStorage.

Step 2:Check your Mac storage. You can empty bin, store files in iCloud, or optimize storage to free up space.

Fix 6: Give Required Permission (Mac)

If your Mac’s settings don’t allow downloading files from Safari on Mac, you can’t download files. To fix this, tweak the Settings menu as follows.

LaunchSafari Settingson Mac > move to theWebsitesmenu > selectDownloadsfrom the left sidebar > chooseAllowin the menu beside the website you wish to download from.

Fix 7: Try Safari Alternatives

If you missed it, Apple lets you change the default browser on your iPhone and Mac. Using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your daily driver is easier than ever. You can install your preferred browser from the App Store or the web and download files easily.

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Last updated on 22 July, 2024

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