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4 Ways to Fix Google Chrome Not Working on Mac

Quick Tips
  • Google Chrome is a resource-intensive app, so you can start by ensuring that there is enough RAM available on your Mac for Chrome.
  • A malicious extension may also be eating up memory while also restricting Chrome from working. Make sure to double-check that.
  • If all else fails, you can always re-install Google Chrome or switch to some great alternatives

Basic Fixes:

  • Restart Mac: Most users don’t shut down Mac very often. However, a simple restart can fix most issues. Just click on the little Apple icon in the menu bar, select Restart, and reboot the Mac.
  • Use Activity Monitor: Find Google Chrome from the Activity Monitor app, click on it, and hit the X mark at the top to exit it. Then try launching it again to see if that fixes your issue.

Fix 1: Review Installed Extensions

If Google Chrome is launching, but you’re facing issues inside the window, it could be due to faulty extensions. Additionally, some extensions could be outdated or have lost developer support. These can develop incompatibility with Chrome, and mess with Chrome functions on the Mac.

Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser, and navigate to More > More Tools.

Step 2: Now, open the Extensions menu and remove irrelevant extensions from the list.

Remove extensions from chrome

Fix 2: Delete Google Chrome Data

Typically, we advise users to delete the Chrome cache and remove problematic extensions from the browser. But if you cannot access the Chrome homepage, that trick won’t work here. Instead, you need to delete Google Chrome data from the Library menu on Mac and try again.

Step 1: Open Finder on Mac. Next, click on Go in the menu bar and select Library (you can also use Shift + Command + L keys).

Open library menu Fix chrome not working on mac

Step 2: Open Applications Support and go to the Google folder, and once inside, delete the Chrome folder.

Open google folder

And that’s it. Reboot the Mac and launch Google Chrome again.

Fix 3: Reinstall Google Chrome

If you are still facing Chrome not working on the Mac issue, it’s time to take extreme measures to fix the problem. We are talking about uninstalling the Google Chrome browser and downloading the latest stable build from the official website.

Step 1: On your Mac, navigate to Finder > Applications.Here, right-click on Google Chrome. From the list of options, click on Move to Trash.

Move google chrome to trash Fix chrome not working on mac

Step 2: Once the app has been uninstalled, empty the trash on the Mac.

Step 4: Now, go to the official Google Chrome website and download the latest Chrome build.

Fix 4: Try Google Chrome Alternatives

The macOS ecosystem is filled with capable Chromium-based Google Chrome alternatives. Each of these are fully compatible with Google Chrome’s extensions, while also offering added features of their own. Here are some alternatives that we at GT would recommend:

  • Microsoft Edge: Great for efficiency, and offers unique features like Sleep Tabs, Vertical Tabs, Collections, and more.
  • Brave Browser: Prioritizes security and privacy, alongside a Brave Wallet for cryptocurrencies.
  • Opera: Built-in free VPN, tab islands, customizable sidebar, and more.
  • Vivaldi: Fully customizable UI, complete with theming and more.

It’s worth noting that these browsers will not work with Google Chrome’s sync. That said, most of these browsers offer their sync solutions for smartphones.

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Last updated on 28 August, 2024

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