What to do when a browser page loaded from a Mac app won’t work

Many websites that offer financial services (such as banks and investing companies) let you connect your accounts to other software, such as Quicken. However, it’s often unwise to let any third party see your login credentials. The workaround is that you can start at the app, which switches to a browser in which you log in directly to the site in question and authorize the conduit, and then the site provides a token directly to your app to allow data to flow.

I’ve found lately that this process fails as often as it succeeds when I use Safari. Apple has added more privacy protections with each successive release of Safari, and version 18 for macOS (released as part of macOS 15 Sequoia and to previous versions of macOS, like 14 Sonoma) seems to break some banking sites authorization loops.

The trouble is that the app-to-browser authorization process doesn’t reveal a URL you could copy and paste in another location: the app opens a web page in the browser. The solution is to change the default browser on your Mac to another one that is built differently, like Google Chrome or Firefox.

Here’s how to change your default browser in macOS:

1. Go to  > System Settings.
2. Navigate to Desktop & Dock.
3. From the “Default web browser” pop-up menu, choose a different browser.
4. In the accounting or other app, start and complete the browser-based authentication process.
5. Return Desktop & Dock and change the default browser back to Safari.

Foundry

Ask Mac 911

We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.