There can be multiple reasons why Safari may be closing by itself. In this detailed answer, I will explore some of the common causes and provide possible solutions.
1. Corrupted Caches: Safari stores temporary data in caches to load websites faster. However, if these caches become corrupted, it can lead to Safari crashing. To resolve this issue, you can clear the caches by going to Safari Preferences, selecting the “Advanced” tab, and checking the box for “Show Develop menu in menu bar.” Then, go to the Develop menu and choose “Empty Caches.”
2. Extensions and Plugins: Safari extensions and plugins can sometimes conflict with each other or with the browser itself, causing crashes. To identify the problematic extension, you can disable them one by one and check if Safari continues to crash. Go to Safari Preferences, select the “Extensions” tab, and uncheck the enabled extensions. Restart Safari and see if the issue is resolved. If it is, you can enable the extensions one at a time until you find the culprit.
3. Outdated Software: Using outdated versions of Safari or macOS can lead to compatibility issues and crashes. Ensure that both Safari and your operating system are up to date. Open the App Store and go to the Updates tab to check for any available updates.
4. Malware or Adware: Malicious software or adware can interfere with Safari’s functioning and cause unexpected crashes. It is essential to keep your system protected with a reliable antivirus software. Consider running a scan using trusted antivirus software like MacKeeper to detect and remove any potential threats.
5. Insufficient System Resources: If your Mac is running low on memory or processing power, it can cause Safari to crash. Close unnecessary applications and tabs to free up system resources. Additionally, consider upgrading your Mac’s hardware if it consistently struggles to handle multiple tasks.
6. Incompatible Websites or Content: Certain websites or web content may not be fully compatible with Safari, leading to crashes. If Safari crashes only on specific websites, try using an alternative browser or contact the website’s support for assistance.
7. Hardware or Software Conflicts: In rare cases, conflicts with other hardware or software on your Mac can cause Safari to crash. If you recently installed new hardware or software, try uninstalling or disconnecting it temporarily to see if Safari stabilizes.
Safari may be closing by itself due to various reasons such as corrupted caches, problematic extensions, outdated software, malware or adware, insufficient system resources, incompatible websites or content, and hardware or software conflicts. By following the suggested solutions, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue causing Safari to crash.