The fifteenth iteration of the OS has just been released by the Cupertino giant and it brings in quite a few noteworthy features to the fore. On the flip side though, a few bugs and issues have managed to creep in as well. For instance, the wallpaper flickering, the ruined Calculator app, issues with MS Word and Excel files, and iPhone Mirroring not working are just some of the handpicked issues from the long list. And now there has been another entry to this list.
Safari Cannot Download Files to External SSD in Sequoia
Numerous users have voiced their concern that the Safari browser is unable to download files to their external SSD after updating their Mac to macOS Sequoia. The file is stuck in the download mode or it simply states that Cannot move file. If you try to open it, you’ll be greeted with the “Safari can’t open the file” error message [the complete error message being “Safari can’t open the file because the file is being downloaded”].
Users have already tried restarting their Mac and ejecting and reconnecting their external drive but to no avail. Likewise, they have even trued changing the download location of the file, but that didn’t spell out success either. So all this begs an important question- is there a fix? Let’s find out.
How to Fix this Issue
- One obvious fix for this issue is to switch over to a different browser, as Safari is the only one bugged with this issue. So you may try out Chrome for the time being until the bug is quashed.
- Apart from that, many have said that an AFPS formatted drive is safe from this issue and only the exFat one is facing this problem. So if possible, try switching over to the former one and then check out the results.
So as of now, these two are the only workarounds that might help you mitigate the issue of Safari not being able to download files in an external drive on your Mac running the latest macOS Sequoia. As far as the official stance on this matter is concerned, the developers are yet to acknowledge this issue, let alone give out any ETA for the rollout of a fix. As and when any of these two things happen, we will update this guide accordingly. In the meantime, the aforementioned workarounds are your best bet.
basketv0
Hi, thanks for this document.
My Safari version 18.0 (20619.1.26.31.6) has been erroring and leaving any downloads to any locations including the defaults with a .download extension. While in safari itself, the message at the usual location (Top right) says underneath the file “Cannot move file”.
I have not tried to delete my safari profile yet because I have invested much time creating profiles and tabs etc.. if there was an alternative that doesn’t involve loosing my settings I will try.
If anyone has experienced or seen this same issue ?