My safari no longer downloads files from the internet

Hello angélica193, 

To help troubleshoot the behavior, test after using a private Safari window and after clearing the Safari data. Taking these steps can help to clear up unexpected behavior with Safari. Check out those steps here: If Safari on Mac doesn't open a webpage or isn’t working as expected - Apple Support

"Test with a private window 

A website can store cookies, caches, and other data on your Mac, and issues with that data can affect your use of the website. To prevent the website from using that data, view it in a private window. From the menu bar in Safari, choose File > New Private Window, or press Shift-Command-N.

If that works, use the following steps to remove the website's data, including its caches and cookies. The website can then create new data as needed. If it's a website that you sign in to, make sure that you know your sign-in information before continuing.

1. Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences), then click Privacy.
2. Click Manage Website Data.
3. Select the affected website from the list shown.
4. Click Remove.
5. Click Done.
6. Open the website again in a non-private browser window."

If the issue persists, let us know the behavior being experienced when attempting to download files. For example, does it persist with multiple websites and file types? Is an error message provided when the download fails? The answer to these questions may help to further isolate the issue.

Kind regards.

Hey angélica193,

Safari cannot be deleted and reinstalled so that is why the option is missing. Next, try starting your Mac in safe mode. Since safe mode prevents some files and apps from loading, it can be a great way to isolate behaviors like this. Use the guidance below from How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support to access safe mode and test for the issue there.

"Apple silicon

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

Intel processor

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key as your Mac starts up.
2. Release the key when you see the login window, then log in to your Mac. 
3. You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see ”Safe Boot” in the upper-right corner of the window."

If the issue does not occur there, it is account related so use the guidance in that article to continue. Removing login items is one step that might be particularly helpful. YOu'll find those from the Apple menu  > System Preferences > Users & Groups > [User name] > Login Items. Further guidance can be found in Remove login items to resolve startup problems on your Mac.

Cheers!

Hi angélica193,

We'd like to investigate the issue further. Please reach out to support for further assistance here: Apple Support

Have a great day!

Hello angélica193,

Got it. To change your download permissions, open Safari then select Safari in the menu bar > Preferences. Go to the Websites tab and select Downloads. At the bottom right under the "When visiting other websites" section, set it to Allow. If the website you're trying to download is listed in the Allow Downloads list, also make sure that specific site is set to Allow.

Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac

Cheers!