Why does Google Chrome not work on Mac?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

There can be several reasons why Google Chrome may not work on a Mac. Some common issues include incomplete or corrupted installation, conflicting software, outdated Chrome version, or issues with extensions or plugins. Let’s go through each of these possibilities in more detail.

1. Incomplete or corrupted installation: If Chrome was not installed properly or if the installation files are corrupted, it can prevent the browser from working correctly. In such cases, it is recommended to uninstall Chrome completely and then reinstall it. To do this, go to Finder -> Go -> Applications, find the Chrome application, and move it to the Trash. Then, download the latest version of Chrome from the official website and install it again.

2. Conflicting software: Sometimes, other software on your Mac can conflict with Chrome and cause it to stop working. This could be antivirus software, firewall settings, or even other browsers. To troubleshoot this, try disabling any antivirus or firewall temporarily and see if Chrome starts working. If it does, you may need to adjust the settings of your security software to allow Chrome to function properly. Additionally, try closing any other open browsers and see if that helps.

3. Outdated Chrome version: Using an outdated version of Chrome can lead to compatibility issues and prevent the browser from functioning correctly. Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome installed by going to Chrome -> About Google Chrome. If there is an update available, it will automatically download and install it. Restart Chrome after the update is complete and check if it is working properly.

4. Issues with extensions or plugins: Extensions and plugins can sometimes cause Chrome to crash or become unresponsive. Try disabling all extensions and plugins and see if Chrome starts working again. If it does, you can enable them one by one to identify the problematic extension or plugin. You may need to update or remove the problematic extension/plugin to resolve the issue.

5. Other possible causes: There could be other factors contributing to Chrome not working on your Mac. These can include compatibility issues with the operating system, corrupted user profile, or hardware problems. If none of the above solutions work, you may need to seek further assistance from Google support or consider contacting a professional technician for help.

Remember to always keep your Mac and Chrome browser up to date with the latest software updates and security patches. Regularly clearing cache and cookies can also help resolve potential issues.