How to View SSL Certificate Information in Safari on Mac
Safari for Mac users can check SSL certificate details in a few simple steps. Click the padlock icon in the address bar of any secure website. This action shows basic security information. Select “Show Certificate” to view detailed SSL information. The certificate window displays the website’s security status, expiration date, and issuer details. Users can verify if the connection is secure and trusted. Safari makes SSL certificate inspection easy with this built-in feature. The certificate information helps users confirm website authenticity and encryption status before sharing sensitive data online. This process works on all recent versions of Safari for MacOS.
Why Checking SSL Certificates in Safari on Mac Matters
The process of learning SSL certificate inspection starts with understanding the importance of this feature particularly when using Safari on Mac. SSL/TLS certificates serve as fundamental security components for web browsing and users need to verify them to ensure their online safety.
1. Prevent Phishing & Fake Websites
- The Tune icon along with certificate details in Safari help users establish whether a website presents a genuine or phishing attempt.
- A fake “Apple ID login” page might display HTTPS but its certificate would reveal an untrusted issuer together with domain mismatch.
2. Ensure Strong Encryption (TLS 1.2/1.3)
- Weak encryption creates an environment where data remains at risk of being intercepted.
- The Safari browser requires modern TLS protocols but checking the certificate ensures:
- The certificate includes a Key Algorithm section which shows RSA 2048-bit or ECC.
- The certificate uses a Signature Hash value of SHA-256.
3. Avoid “Not Secure” Errors & Browser Warnings
- Safari displays warnings to users when sites have expired or misconfigured certificates by showing:
- The certificate verification process enables users to solve these problems.
4. Enterprise & Developer Use Cases
- The IT administrative staff must confirm all corporate and internal certificates for compliance purposes.
- The Web development process includes HTTPS debugging for local and test environments.
- Security Teams need to perform audits on third-party services to identify weak certificates.
5. Safari-Specific Benefits
- The deep integration between Safari and macOS allows users to export certificates for additional evaluation using Keychain Access.
- The valid certificates ensure Privacy Protection because Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) operates most effectively in these situations.
Save this guide as a bookmark because you will need it when Safari displays a warning about an uncertain certificate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Find SSL Certificate Details in Safari on Mac
- Quick SSL Check via Safari’s Address Bar
- View Full Certificate Details
- Using Keychain Access for Advanced Inspection
- Advanced: Checking SSL via Safari Developer Tools
Method 1: Quick SSL Check via Safari’s Address Bar
This is the fastest way to view basic certificate information:
- Open Safari and navigate to any HTTPS website (look for in the address bar)
- Click the lock icon next to the URL
- In the dropdown, you’ll see:
- The certificate’s validity status (“Valid” or “Expired”)
- The issuing Certificate Authority (e.g., Let’s Encrypt, DigiCert)
- Basic encryption information
Pro Tip: This quick view is sufficient for most casual users who just want to verify a site’s legitimacy.
Method 2: View Full Certificate Details
For developers, IT professionals, or security-conscious users who need complete information:
- Follow steps 1-2 from Method 1
- Click “Show Certificate”
- The certificate viewer opens with three tabs:
Overview Tab
- Issued To: The domain name (Subject)
- Issued By: The Certificate Authority (Issuer)
- Validity Period: Start and expiration dates
- Public Key Info: Algorithm and key length
Details Tab
- Version: X.509 certificate version
- Serial Number: Unique identifier
- Signature Algorithm: e.g., SHA-256 with RSA
- Extensions:
- Subject Alternative Names (SANs)
- Key Usage restrictions
- Certificate Policies
Trust Tab
- Configure how Safari should handle this certificate
- Useful for adding exceptions for self-signed certs
Method 3: Using Keychain Access for Advanced Inspection
Safari integrates SSL management with macOS’s Keychain Access app. If you want to go beyond the basics, here’s how you can use it:
- After opening the certificate in Safari (Method 2)
- Click “Export”to save as a .cer file
- Open Keychain Access(Applications > Utilities)
- Drag the .cer file into Keychain Access or use File > Import
- Double-click the certificate for:
- Complete trust chain visualization
- CRL (Certificate Revocation List) status
- OCSP verification details
Note: This method is particularly useful for system administrators managing multiple certificates.
Advanced: Checking SSL via Safari Developer Tools
For web developers needing technical details:
1. Enable Safari’s Developer menu:
- Safari > Settings > Advanced > Show Develop menu
- Navigate to your website
- From the menu bar: Develop > Show Web Inspector
- Go to the Security tab to see:
- Connection protocol (TLS 1.2, 1.3)
- Cipher suite being used
- Certificate chain visualization
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Safari users on Mac need to know the correct location to view SSL certificate details. Safari provides built-in tools which together with Keychain Access enable users to verify website credibility and explore encryption details.
A secure website functions like a fortified fortress which relies on its strong gate for protection and the SSL certificate acts as this secure lock. You now possess the skills to verify website security like an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I view SSL certificate details in Safari?
Click the padlock icon in Safari’s address bar. Select “View Certificate” from the dropdown menu. The certificate window shows the website’s security and encryption details.
How can I check if a website is SSL secure in Safari?
Look for a padlock icon in Safari’s address bar. Secure websites show “https://” at the start of their URL. Green padlock icons indicate valid SSL certificates.
What does the SSL certificate tell you in Safari?
SSL certificates display the website owner’s information. They show the certificate’s expiration date and issuing authority. Users can verify the site’s security status and encryption level.
Why can’t I see SSL certificate in Safari?
Some Safari versions hide certificate details behind additional clicks. Outdated Safari versions may not display certificates properly. Users need macOS and Safari updates to view certificates correctly.
How do I enable SSL certificate in Safari?
Safari enables SSL certificates by default. Go to Safari Preferences > Privacy & Security to adjust security settings. Check “Warn when visiting fraudulent websites” for enhanced protection.
Are SSL certificates different in Safari compared to other browsers?
Safari uses the same SSL certificate standards as other browsers. The viewing process differs slightly from Chrome or Firefox. Safari integrates with macOS keychain for certificate management.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
