Are you frustrated with Google Chrome not working on your Mac? You’re not alone! Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, but like any software, it’s not immune to issues. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the possible reasons why Chrome might not be working on your Mac and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get it up and running again.
Common Issues with Chrome on Mac
Before we dive into the fixes, let’s take a look at some common issues Mac users face with Chrome:
Freezing and Crashing
One of the most annoying issues is when Chrome freezes or crashes unexpectedly. This can happen when you’re in the middle of browsing, typing an email, or even just opening a new tab. You might see the “Aw, Snap!” error message or the spinning beach ball of death.
Slow Performance
Slow performance is another common issue with Chrome on Mac. You might notice that Chrome takes ages to load, or that web pages take forever to render. This can be due to various reasons, including heavy resource usage, outdated browser versions, or conflicts with other apps.
ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error
The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is a frustrating issue that can occur when your network connection changes, such as when you switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet or vice versa. This error can prevent you from accessing websites or even logging into your Google account.
Why Chrome is Not Working on Mac
Now that we’ve covered some common issues, let’s explore the possible reasons why Chrome might not be working on your Mac:
Outdated Browser Version
If you’re running an outdated version of Chrome, you might experience compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, or even complete browser crashes. Make sure to keep your browser up-to-date to ensure you’re getting the latest features and security patches.
Conflicting Apps and Extensions
Sometimes, other apps or extensions can conflict with Chrome, causing issues or even complete crashes. This can happen when an app or extension is poorly designed, outdated, or incompatible with Chrome.
Corrupt Browser Profile
Your browser profile stores your bookmarks, history, and other personal settings. If your profile becomes corrupted, Chrome might not function properly or even refuse to launch.
System Configuration Issues
Your Mac’s system configuration can also affect Chrome’s performance. For example, if your system is running low on disk space, memory, or has outdated software, Chrome might not work properly.
Malware and Virus Infections
Malware and virus infections can target Chrome specifically, causing issues or even hijacking your browsing experience. Run regular virus scans and keep your antivirus software up-to-date to protect your Mac and Chrome.
Third-Party Firewall or Antivirus Software
Third-party firewall or antivirus software can sometimes block Chrome’s connections or interfere with its functionality. Try temporarily disabling these apps to see if Chrome works properly.
Solutions to Get Chrome Working on Mac Again
Now that we’ve covered the possible reasons, let’s dive into the solutions to get Chrome working on your Mac again:
Update Chrome to the Latest Version
Make sure you’re running the latest version of Chrome. You can update Chrome by following these steps:
- Open Chrome on your Mac.
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Select “Help” > “About Google Chrome.”
- If an update is available, click “Update” and wait for the process to complete.
Disable Conflicting Apps and Extensions
Try disabling recently installed apps or extensions one by one to see if they’re causing the issue. You can disable extensions by following these steps:
- Open Chrome on your Mac.
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Select “More tools” > “Extensions.”
- Toggle the switch next to each extension to disable it.
Reset Chrome Browser Profile
If you suspect a corrupt browser profile, try resetting it. This will remove all your bookmarks, history, and other settings, so make sure to back them up before doing so:
- Open Chrome on your Mac.
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Advanced” section.
- Click “Reset and clean up Google Chrome.”
- Click “Reset” to confirm.
Free Up Disk Space and System Resources
Make sure your Mac has enough disk space and system resources to run Chrome smoothly:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Free up disk space | Delete unused files, empty the Trash, and consider upgrading your storage. |
| Close resource-intensive apps | Close any apps that are consuming high system resources, such as video editing software or resource-intensive games. |
| Restart your Mac | Restart your Mac to clear out any temporary system files and free up resources. |
Run a Virus Scan and Update Your Antivirus Software
Run a virus scan using reputable antivirus software to detect and remove any malware or viruses:
- Open your antivirus software.
- Run a full system scan.
- Follow the software’s instructions to remove any detected malware or viruses.
- Update your antivirus software to ensure you have the latest virus definitions.
Temporarily Disable Third-Party Firewall or Antivirus Software
Try temporarily disabling any third-party firewall or antivirus software to see if they’re interfering with Chrome:
- Open the third-party firewall or antivirus software.
- Look for the settings or options menu.
- Disable the software temporarily.
- Try launching Chrome again to see if it works.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If the above solutions don’t work, try these additional troubleshooting steps:
Clear Chrome’s Cache and Cookies
Clearing Chrome’s cache and cookies can help resolve issues:
- Open Chrome on your Mac.
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Select “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the types of data you want to clear, such as browsing history, cookies, and cache.
- Click “Clear data” to confirm.
Reinstall Chrome
If all else fails, try reinstalling Chrome:
- Open the Applications folder on your Mac.
- Find the Google Chrome app and drag it to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash.
- Download and install the latest version of Chrome from the official Google website.
Conclusion
Chrome not working on your Mac can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to keep your browser and system up-to-date, disable conflicting apps and extensions, and try resetting your browser profile if necessary. If you’re still experiencing issues, feel free to try the additional troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from Google support or a qualified IT professional. Happy browsing!
What are the common reasons why Chrome is not working on Mac?
Chrome not working on Mac can be attributed to various reasons. One common reason is that Chrome might be conflicting with other applications or processes running in the background, causing it to malfunction or freeze. Additionally, corrupted or outdated browser extensions, plugins, or add-ons can also cause issues with Chrome’s functionality.
Outdated Chrome versions, incorrect browser settings, or cache and data corruption can also contribute to the problem. Furthermore, issues with the Mac’s operating system, such as outdated macOS or macOS beta versions, can also affect Chrome’s performance. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem to apply the appropriate solution.
How do I restart Chrome on Mac?
To restart Chrome on Mac, you can try the following steps: Firstly, click on the Chrome icon in the Dock and right-click (or control-click) on it. Then, select the “Quit” option from the contextual menu. Alternatively, you can press the Command + Q keys simultaneously to quit Chrome.
After quitting Chrome, wait for a few seconds before reopening it. This simple restart can often resolve minor issues and refresh the browser. If the problem persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
How do I clear browsing data and cache on Chrome?
To clear browsing data and cache on Chrome, follow these steps: Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the Chrome browser window. Then, select the “More tools” option from the drop-down menu, and click on “Clear browsing data.” From the pop-up window, select the types of data you want to clear, such as browsing history, cookies, and cached images and files.
Choose a time range from the dropdown menu, and click on the “Clear data” button to remove the selected data. Note that clearing browsing data and cache will log you out of websites and remove saved login information, so you may need to re-enter your login credentials for certain sites after clearing the data.
How do I update Chrome on Mac?
To update Chrome on Mac, follow these steps: Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the Chrome browser window. Then, select the “Help” option from the drop-down menu, and click on “About Google Chrome.” Chrome will automatically check for updates and display the current version number.
If an update is available, click on the “Update Google Chrome” button to download and install the latest version. Wait for the update process to complete, and then restart Chrome to apply the changes. Ensure that you’re connected to a stable internet connection to download and install the update successfully.
How do I disable extensions on Chrome?
To disable extensions on Chrome, follow these steps: Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the Chrome browser window. Then, select the “More tools” option from the drop-down menu, and click on “Extensions.” This will open the Chrome extensions page, where you can view all installed extensions.
Click on the toggle switch next to each extension to disable or enable it. You can also click on the “Remove” button to uninstall the extension completely. Disabling or removing extensions can help isolate the cause of the issue and resolve problems with Chrome.
How do I reset Chrome settings on Mac?
To reset Chrome settings on Mac, follow these steps: Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the Chrome browser window. Then, select the “Settings” option from the drop-down menu. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Advanced” link.
Click on the “Reset and clean up Google Chrome” button, and then click on the “Reset settings” button to confirm. This will reset Chrome’s settings to their default values, removing any customized settings or configurations that might be causing issues.
What if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
If none of the troubleshooting steps work, it’s possible that the issue is more complex or related to a deeper system problem. In such cases, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting methods, such as reinstalling Chrome or seeking assistance from Apple Support or a professional technician.
You can also try booting your Mac in Safe Mode to isolate the problem and identify whether it’s related to a system issue or a Chrome-specific problem. Additionally, you can try reinstalling macOS or seeking assistance from a Mac expert to diagnose and resolve the issue.