If you recently installed the Mojave Supplemental Update and were surprised to see Safari 14.0 installed, you are not alone.
UPDATE 4/30/21 – This article explained originally how to downgrade from Safari 14.0 to 13.1.2 due to a problem. Apple has pulled the Safari 14.1 Update for both Catalina and Mojave. Users are reporting the error Safari 14.1 = webpage loading errors “a problem repeatedly occurred”. You can attempt to use the same instructions to downgrade from Safari 14.1 to 14.0.3. I’ve included Safari 14.0.3 download links at the bottom
Confirmed the following after reinstall of 10.14.6 over the top of current install (retains user data)
Build Version (18G103) Safari 12.1.2
Software Update shows Security Update 2021-003 & Safari 14.0.3
Good workaround until Apple releases a fix ?
Should be the same for 10.15
You are probably asking yourself, why would anyone want to downgrade from Safari 14 to 13. Safari was offered as a separate download in software update so users could remain on Safari 13 if they wanted. This was fine until the 2020-005 Security Update started to break systems. After issue, Apple re-issued Safari 14.0 but renamed it “Mojave Supplemental Update”. This caught many off guard because they didn’t understand that installing this update was actually installing Safari 14.0.
Readers wrote in and asked me if there is a way to downgrade Safari. Many still needed Flash, others had website compatibility issues. Some just really missed Top Sites. Another big problem was that some users upgraded to Safari 14.0.1 Beta. They are still broke because the supplemental update did not include 14.0.1 as a compatible upgrade version. I recommend that you do anything possible so you don’t need to downgrade. Most users will be just fine with Safari 14. The new version includes user privacy improvements and security fixes.
Supported and Unsupported
I will show you 2 different ways to downgrade from Safari 14.0 to 13.1.2.
- 1. Supported Way – Reinstall (not erase and install) macOS Mojave 10.14.6 (18G103) = Safari 12.1.2
- 2. Unsupported Way – Disable SIP protection > Remove Safari 14.app and Files > Install Safari 13.1.2 > Enable SIP again = Safari 13.1.2
When I say Supported I mean this is what Apple would recommend and is the best path forward. Unsupported is what some users have done the past that might or might not have some compatibility issues. Consider this a warning. I have tested this multiple times and not had an issue, but you might! So please backup before you test this path. You can always install Safari 14.0 again if needed.
The following instructions are only for macOS Mojave.
I did not test this on Catalina or High Sierra, but I’ve included download links below if you would like to try. Readers who have contacted me were only asking about Mojave because of the Supplemental Update naming issue.
Supported Way = Reinstall macOS Mojave
The is pretty cut and dry, you will reinstall macOS Mojave 10.14.6 over the top of your current version of Mojave. An example of this that you are running 10.14.6 (18G6032). This is the latest version of Mojave available and includes all the security fixes in the 2020-005 Update. If you want to see a full listing of macOS versions, take a look at my macOS System Status and Versions Page. After reinstalling macOS Mojave you will be at version# 10.14.6 & BuildVersion number (18G103). Safari will be at 12.1.2.
- 1. Backup all your files (always a good thing just in case)
- 2. Reboot to the Recovery Partition (Command R)
- 3. Click Install macOS
- 4. You are now at macOS Mojave 10.14.6 BuildVersion 18G103 and Safari 12.1.2
- 5. Install Safari 13.1.2 (download link below)
- 6. Install Security Update 2020-004
- 7. NOTE: I did NOT test installing the 2020-005 Security Update after. The Safari 13.1.2 + 2020-004 Security Update install order was offered by Apple when the 2020-005 update was pulled. This was a tested path by them and is supported.
You are back on Safari 13.1.2! Keep in mind you are missing important security updates. I hope that you can fix any compatibility issues that you may have and get on the latest version.
Unsupported Way = Uninstall Safari
As mentioned above, this is an unsupported path. Please backup your files or run a time machine before attempting this. Another thing you could do is run a tmutil localsnapshot /. You could immediately revert back to before any changes if needed. Remember the localsnapshots only last for 24 hours! I have tested this multiple times and have not found any issues, but you might! Let’s get started.
- 1. Make a backup first!
- 2. Disable SIP
- 3. Boot to the recovery partition > Open Terminal > Type in
csrutil disable - 4. Reboot
- 5. Download Safari 13.1.2
- 6. Safari 13.1.2 = http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/38/62/061-98246-A_DETHLIXKPC/njpb63acy0z0rgpdpewxts5rfjlkhtdvcy/Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg
- 7. Download AppCleaner v3.5 – https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/
- 8. Download Pacifist v3.6.2 – charlessoft.com/cgi-bin/pacifist_download.cgi?type=dmg
- 9. Install both apps
- 10. Use AppCleaner to remove Safari 14.0 – Go to preferences and uncheck “Protect default OS X apps”. Drag safari.app over to the app then select all files. then click remove.
- 11. Install Safari 13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg using Pacifist.app – Drag Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg over to the app. A new window will pop up. Highlight the main pkg in the list then hit install. You will see 2 admin prompts and a prompt to overwrite files, select overwrite all.
- 12. Reboot to recovery and re-enable SIP. Open Terminal > Type in
csrutil enable - 13. Reboot back to macOS. You are now back to Safari 13.1.2
Download Links
You might need to cut and paste the link in a new browser tab.
Safari 14.0.3 Download for Catalina – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/15/11/071-10831-A_F9U2DK6CTY/iiqyne50g2xt78rc08bnt49yykpo4n3cg7/Safari14.0.3CatalinaAuto.pkg
Safari 14.0.3 for Mojave – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/44/11/071-10830-A_HVHGD91GPY/cr9a8oy39eao60prj4iwtho4s7w7l5cmm7/Safari14.0.3MojaveAuto.pkg
FOR TESTING – Safari 14.1
Safari 14.1 for Catalina
Safari 14.1 for Mojave
- 1. Safari 13.1.2 for Mojave – UPDATE LINK DEAD! added link above. http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/38/62/061-98246-A_DETHLIXKPC/njpb63acy0z0rgpdpewxts5rfjlkhtdvcy/Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg
- 2. Safari 14.0 for Mojave – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/08/46/001-55225-A_FKPERA412C/z81r8bvj47p12e0pvcz9dj33l43z7h201b/Safari14.0MojaveAuto.pkg
- 3. Safari 14.0 for Catalina – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/00/48/001-50020-A_14M4NE130Q/q4lojf164rqsmp57dawdtgs25ut2d1j44m/Safari14.0CatalinaAuto.pkg
- 4. Safari 14.0.1 Beta Seed 2 – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/17/19/001-52276-A_BBHPSL2B2P/ymw96wmqb7aaypn8v3wcdv6gcu9fb4o9ug/Safari14.0.1MojaveAutoSeed.pkg
- Mojave 2020-004 Security Update download from Apple.com – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2045
- Mojave 2020-005 Security Update download from Apple.com – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2054
Thanks so much for providing this useful resource.
I am following the updated tip in comments from Mr M and,
confusingly, the recommended System Preferences/ update pane wants to install Safari 14.1,
I have Safari 14.0.3, so for now I stopped there
I am wondering if it’s safe to presume that the 14.1 that’s available from Apple now is safe.
It is being presented by Apple once more
Yes, the re-posted Safari 14.1 is a different build which corrects the issues previously observed.
Is there anywhere to download Safari 13 now?
Links for Safari 13 are dead again.
Hey man thanks, I did an upgrade of my safari 13.1.2 to 14 and I got an issue because my macboock doesn’t support the newest version, so I got angry.
I checked your post and I used the unsuported way, that works!!
I downloaded safari from another web page but your steps works without problems, Im very grateful with you, in Mexico we use a phrase for these situations “No todos los heroes Susan capa”(Not all the heroes use cape), thank you very much!
the 13.1.2 safari is loss，can you update links？
The both links for Safari 13.1.2 for Mojave are death. Can you update the links please?
me too. download link not working. please !!!!
Dear Mr. Macintosh,
I know the 2020-005 and suplemental upatate have been out now for a week.
I am still at the 18G6020, Mojave, and although wanted to go directly to Catalina, thought i’d give the updates a try and then go to Catalina.
as you say ”good to go” but are the latest updates to Mojave all free of the issues now. I’ve been (hate to say) filled with anxiety over updates for my Mac Air which is running perfectly with my current version of Mojave
The other question I have, and thought about, if I did skip the updates currently sitting on my ‘system preferences’ it also shows 10.15.7 (Catalina) 8.25 GB, ”upgrade now”
As another option, can I just go to Catalina and what would I expect in terms of install time, with a good Comcast speed.
Or would you recommend doing Mojave update and then Catalina ?
Your advice is most appreciated.
Bill Girolamo
I have currently 2 updates waiting on my Mojave 10.14.6 which are:
2020-005 Security Update and the Supplemental update (which now contains Safari 14.0)
I did not update update to Safari 14.0 when it was offered to Mojave users a few weeks ago.
That being said, now i’ve got two updates waiting and know that the supplemental update contains not only bug fixes but also 14.0 Safari.
Do I have to install both or can I just install the 2020-005 update?
I don’t know even after spending time on your site this morning https://mrmacintosh.com/10-14-6-supplemental-update-safari-14-released-to-fix-previous-issues/ and watching the full video am still confused.
I did not install either update, so now Do I have to install BOTH 2020-005 and Supplemental and get the new version of Safari? (14.0)
Or
Are the updates below mutually exclusive, where I could only install the security update 2020 – 005
if you can let me know That would be helpful
Bill Girolamo – 2 Mac User on Safari 13 and Mojave 10.14.6 18G6020
Bill, trust me this is very confusing. I tried my best to explain it but you are not the only one still left with questions.
To answer it, All you need to do in the system preferences > Software Update pane is click Install Now. (Make sure both updates are checkmarked)
Software update will install both updates and you will be good to go! Let me know how it goes.
Thank you Mr. Macintosh !
I was thinking of skipping and going directly to 10.15.7 Catalina and retaining the Safari 13 Which is still a stand-alone install, I’ve been told?
Your solution will install safari 14 and keep me at Mojave
Thank you again, your site is very detailed and helpful
Bill
I personally don’t believe you need to install both. The 2020-005 update is unchanged from it’s original posting. The Supplemental does have a rebuilt version of Safari 14, but I can’t find any evidence of any additional bug fixes in the content of the installer nor any of the scripts run during installation, but I haven’t had time to do more than a cursory comparison of those installations.
If it were me and I wanted to stay with Safari 13 (I don’t) then I would install the Security Update and then run softwareupdate -l and if there is no error message, you should be good to go.
Thanks Al, I appreciate the note and the information. The question I have is if i have one installed the 2020-005 and not the supplemental update, if I have problems, i’ll have a days’ work of determining the issues. If Mr. Macintosh says the 2 together work fine, i’d opt for going with both, or skipping them all together and going directly with Catalina 10.15.7, which is continuing to offer the 14.0.01 Safari install as a stand alone.
That’s the only dilemma I have right now, going with an 8 GB install or just updating the Mojave. I know, eventually, and soon, i’ll need to grab Catalina because in the next week Big SUR will be at everyones doorstep and at that point, i may not be able to go to the next OS.
I normally wait the year, before gong to the prior year macOS, and this year is no different and am never in a hurry to instal l “Security updates” especially now with all the issues each install brings. I wait patiently, review via Google or in this case Mr. Macintosh who did a great job giving all the scenarios that people could have hit.
I hit the one where I did NOT install anything and then 14 Safari was offered as a Supplemental update and had i just installed both I would have received 14.0 w/out knowing .. not a wise move for apple. The install s/have been Very clear, but it did say it in the notes.
SO, my only choice at this juncture is update Mojave and take the 14 safari or go to Catalina
Thanks again for your response, it was greatly appreciated.
Bill
Not sure I understand why you believe you will have “a days’ worth of work of determining the issues.” In my case I installed only the Security Update, checked with the above mentioned Terminal command to see if there was an issue and waited two or three days before applying the Supplemental, since I knew I wanted to restore Safari 14.
Thanks Al,
I didn’t realize that you only installed the 2020-005 component, I must have missed that. So it’s good to know that if I only install that 2020-005 it will not cause an issue and I will remain at Safari 13.1.2
I thought the supplemental update contained bug fixes for the 2020-005 component and that they had to be installed together.
Thanks for the clarification.
It was appreciated
Bill
Which is the build number of Safari 14.0 for Catalina?
Thanks
Camelia
15610.1.28.1.9
Thank you
I may have missed it, but Tech Tool 13 seems to contain new code that prevents an easy install on Mojave Macs. When I asked them I was told to restart in safe mode, use the terminal, add instructions, restart before I could complete a registration for a Mac pro 2012 (12 core) Mojave. I loaded the same Tech Tool 13 on a Mac pro 2008 (8 core) with el captain with no problem.
One possible issue with the Unsupported method is that normally the WebKit framework is closely matched with Safari. AppCleaner won’t remove WebKit and the 3.1.2 installer probably doesn’t replace the newer version. If you toss the entire framework, it breaks the Installer.app which requires the javascript component contained therein. It’s been a few years since I’ve successfully accomplished such a downgrade, so I don’t know from experience exactly what issues might be involved this time.