4 Ways to Fix Gmail Not Working in Safari for Mac and iPad

Quick Tips

• Clear Gmail cache in Safari. Go to Safari Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > search Gmail > click on Remove.
• Disable iCloud Private Relay by going to Settings > Apple Account name > iCloud > Private Relay > disable.
• The last solution that we recommend is booting your Mac in Safe Mode.

Basic Fixes

• Check date and time: There can be a delay in receiving emails in Gmail if the data and time are not accurate on your Mac or iPad. Go to Settings > General > Date and Time.
• Check internet connection: Ensure that you have good internet connection for instantly receiving and sending emails.
• Use Google DNS: You can try switching to a Google DNS connection on your Mac or iPad.
• Disable VPN: Sometimes VPNs do more harm than good. So we suggest disconnect yours and try connecting to Gmail.
• Update software version: Installing the latest software version always helps in avoiding such issues.

Fix 1: Clear Gmail Cache on Safari

A corrupt Safari cache can be the main culprit here. You should clear cache using the steps below.

On Mac

Step 1: Launch Safari on Mac. Select Safari and then open Settings.

Step 2: Move to the Privacy menu and then select Manage Website Data.

Step 3: Search for Gmail, select it, and then click Remove.

On iPad

Step 1: Launch the Settings app and then scroll to Safari. Select Clear History and Website Data.

Step 2: Tap Clear History from the following menu.

Fix 2: Uninstall Safari Extensions

One of the corrupt Safari extensions may interfere with Gmail. You may need to uninstall irrelevant Safari extensions.

Step 1: Launch Safari on Mac. Click on Safari menu in the top-right corner on the menu bar and then choose Settings from the context menu.

Step 2: Head to the Extensions tab. Choose the relevant extension from the left sidebar and then select Uninstall beside unnecessary extensions in the right pane.  

Fix 3: Disable iCloud Private Relay

Private Relay is a neat security add-on for iCloud+ subscribers. It works in Safari and Mail and hides your IP address from prying eyes. You can disable Private Relay and load Gmail on Safari.

On Mac

Step 1: Open System Settings > Apple Account > iCloud.

Step 2: Select Private Relay and then disable the option.

On iPad

Open Settings > Apple Account name > iCloud > Private Relay > disable the feature.

Fix 4: Use Safe Mode

The last solution that we recommend is booting your Mac in Safe Mode. This built-in troubleshooting method for Macs prevents third-party app interference and loads only system apps on startup. You can try this if none of the solutions have worked for you so far.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner and then select Shut Down.

Step 2: After your Mac shuts down, press and hold the Power Button till you see the two startup options – Macintosh HD and Options.

Step 3: Select Macintosh HD while holding the Shift key and then select Continue in Safe Mode.