12 Fixes Chrome not working on Mac

Google Chrome is a popular browser for Mac users, but it can occasionally run into issues like crashing, freezing, or failing to open. If Chrome isn’t working properly on your Mac, this guide provides step-by-step solutions to fix the problem.

Common Issues with Chrome on Mac

1. Chrome won’t open or keeps crashing.
2. Tabs freeze or pages don’t load.
3. Extensions aren’t functioning correctly.
4. Chrome uses excessive memory or slows down the system.
5. Sync issues with your Google account.

How to Fix Chrome Not Working on Mac

1. Restart Chrome

A simple restart can often fix minor glitches.

Steps:

1. Quit Chrome completely:
   • Press Command (⌘) + Q.
   • Or click Chrome > Quit Google Chrome in the top menu bar.
2. Reopen Chrome and check if the issue persists.

2. Restart Your Mac

Sometimes, restarting your Mac can resolve background issues affecting Chrome.

Steps:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
2. Select Restart.
3. Open Chrome after your Mac restarts.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

Chrome requires a stable internet connection to function properly.

Steps:

1. Open a different browser like Safari to test your connection.
2. If the connection is slow or unstable, restart your router or switch to a wired connection.

4. Update Chrome

Using an outdated version of Chrome can cause compatibility issues.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings > About Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and prompt you to restart if an update is available.

5. Clear Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache and cookies can cause Chrome to behave unpredictably.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear Data.

Tip: Restart Chrome after clearing cache and cookies.

6. Disable or Remove Extensions

Faulty or incompatible extensions can interfere with Chrome’s performance.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots > More Tools > Extensions.
2. Disable all extensions by toggling them off.
3. Enable them one by one to identify which extension is causing the issue.

Tip: Remove any unused or suspicious extensions.

7. Check for Conflicting Applications

Some software, like antivirus programs, can interfere with Chrome.

Steps:

1. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software.
2. Test Chrome to see if the issue resolves.
3. If Chrome works, add it to your antivirus software’s whitelist.

8. Reset Chrome Settings

Resetting Chrome can fix misconfigurations or settings causing issues.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots > Settings.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

9. Reinstall Chrome

If the above steps don’t work, reinstalling Chrome may fix the issue.

Steps:

1. Quit Chrome completely.
2. Open Finder > Applications.
3. Drag Google Chrome to the Trash and empty the Trash.
4. Download Chrome from the official website and reinstall it.

Tip: Sync your data with your Google account before uninstalling to prevent data loss.

10. Check macOS Updates

Outdated macOS versions can cause compatibility problems with Chrome.

Steps:

1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Check for updates and install them if available.
3. Restart your Mac and test Chrome.

11. Use Chrome’s Built-In Troubleshooter

Chrome has a built-in tool to detect and fix issues with the browser.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome and type the following into the address bar:perlCopy codechrome://settings/reset
2. Select Clean up computer and click Find.
3. Follow the prompts to remove harmful software or configurations.

12. Try a Different Browser Temporarily

If Chrome continues to malfunction, use an alternative browser like Safari or Firefox as a temporary solution.

FAQs

1. Why is Chrome not opening on my Mac?

Chrome may fail to open due to corrupted files, insufficient memory, or interference from other software. Restart your Mac or reinstall Chrome to fix the issue.

2. Why does Chrome keep crashing on my Mac?

Crashes can occur due to outdated Chrome versions, corrupted cache, or problematic extensions. Updating Chrome or clearing cache can resolve this.

3. Can I use Chrome on older macOS versions?

Yes, but ensure you have a supported version of Chrome. Check the system requirements on Chrome’s download page.

4. How do I fix Chrome using too much memory on my Mac?

• Close unnecessary tabs and disable extensions.
• Clear cache and cookies.
• Reset Chrome settings.

5. Does reinstalling Chrome delete my bookmarks?

No, if you’ve synced your data with a Google account, your bookmarks and other settings will be restored after signing in.

Key Takeaways

• Restart Chrome and your Mac as the first troubleshooting steps.
• Update Chrome and macOS to ensure compatibility.
• Clear cache, disable extensions, and reset Chrome settings to resolve persistent issues.
• Reinstall Chrome as a last resort.

By following these steps, you can quickly troubleshoot and resolve issues with Chrome on your Mac, ensuring a seamless browsing experience.