Editing Issues
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For the past few days, I haven’t been able to do basic things like change image sizes (large > medium, for example), add tags by typing them into the entry window. The default font has also changed, and the settings sidebar at the right has fewer options and is more difficult to use. I can draft a post on my desktop, but have to use the (generally more of a hassle to use) mobile app to change the image size, add tags, etc. Not ideal!
— I’ve tried logging out and back in again.
— I’ve tried clearing the Safari cache and also using a private browsing window. The problems remain in both cases.
— The font and sidebar layout issues happen in Firefox, but I can change the image size and add tags.
— And now I can’t even access the AI Help interface. It popped up once, suggested I clear the cache and reboot, and then never came back.
I post daily so I know it’s a recent issue. Any ideas on what’s happening, or how it might be fixed?
The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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It sounds like you are experiencing a significant browser-specific conflict, particularly with Safari, that is preventing the WordPress block editor from loading its scripts correctly. Because the issues with image resizing and tags disappear when you switch to Firefox, we can determine that your website and its plugins are functioning properly, but Safari is likely blocking the specific JavaScript files that control the editor’s interactive elements.This type of “degraded” experience—where the font looks different and the sidebar is missing options—happens when the editor fails to load its custom styling and defaults to a basic HTML view. Since you have already cleared your cache and tried a private window, the most likely culprit is a browser extension or a specific Safari security setting like “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking,” which can sometimes overreach and block the communication between your dashboard and the WordPress media library. You should try disabling any ad-blockers or privacy extensions in Safari specifically for your site to see if the full functionality returns.Another possibility is that a recent WordPress or theme update is clashing with an older version of macOS or Safari. If your browser is fully up to date, you might check the “Settings” menu within the WordPress editor itself (the three vertical dots in the top right corner) to ensure you haven’t accidentally toggled “Fullscreen Mode” or “Spotlight Mode,” as these settings can drastically change how the sidebar and toolbar appear. If the issue persists only in Safari despite these checks, using Firefox as your primary editing browser for a few days may be the most stable workaround until a minor patch is released for your theme or the Safari browser.
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Thanks, James, this is helpful! Looks like the problem is cross-site tracking, so I’ll work around that and hope for an update soon.
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I’m so glad to hear that identified the culprit! It’s a bit of a nuisance when privacy features like “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” get a little too aggressive and start treat your own website’s editor scripts as suspicious activity. Since Safari’s goal is to stop trackers from following you across the web, it sometimes accidentally severs the connection between your WordPress dashboard and the various “blocks” or media tools that rely on external scripts to function.For now, keeping that setting toggled off specifically for your admin sessions—or simply sticking with Firefox for your daily posting—is a solid plan. WordPress.com developers are usually very quick to release patches when browser updates cause these kinds of interface breakages, so you likely won’t have to wait very long for a permanent fix. It’s also worth checking for any pending macOS updates, as Safari patches are often bundled into those system-wide refreshes.
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Thanks again, James, the problem was getting very annoying. Hopefully an update can take care of this in short order!
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Just to add one more option that might make things easier going forward.
If you prefer to keep Safari’s privacy settings enabled for your everyday browsing, you may find it smoother to use a separate browser specifically for working on your site. That way you don’t have to keep toggling security options on and off.
WordPress.com works well in all modern browsers, and you can see a few supported alternatives here:
Many people use Safari for personal browsing and something like Firefox or Chrome for site editing to avoid exactly this kind of friction.
WordPress.com Forums 