Safari asks before every download on a site, or blocks it

Why it happens

Safari can treat downloads differently for each website: ask every time, allow them, or deny them. A site set to Ask shows the "allow downloads" question each time, and a site set to Deny makes its download buttons seem to do nothing. Once you choose for that site, Safari remembers it.

How to fix it

1. Open the website in Safari, so it shows up in the settings list.

2. Choose Safari > Settings… in the menu bar, click Websites at the top, then click Downloads in the list on the left.

   Safari›Settings…›Websites›Downloads

3. Find the site on the right and use the pop-up menu next to it. Choose Allow to download without being asked, Ask to get the question each time, or Deny to block its downloads.

4. The pop-up at the bottom, When visiting other websites, sets the choice for every site you haven't set yourself. Ask is a sensible middle ground.

5. Close the settings window and try the download again.

Still not fixed?

1. Download button still does nothing? Some sites open the download in a new window. Check Pop-up Windows in the same Websites list and allow pop-ups for that site.

2. Look at the Downloads button in the Safari toolbar. If the file started, it's listed there and saved in your Downloads folder unless you chose another place.

3. Turn off Safari extensions for a moment in Safari > Settings… > Extensions. A content blocker can stop downloads on some sites.

4. If the disk is nearly full, downloads can fail part way. Free up some space and try again.

5. If Safari won't download from any site even with Allow set and extensions off, update macOS in General > Software Update and restart. If downloads still fail everywhere, contact Apple Support.