Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.
exofexa
User level: Level 1 (0 points)

Clicking on a webpage takes me to the left-hand column instead of opening the page

When on a webpage if I click on anything it goes to left hand column with tabs etc and page will not open


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: On google

Posted on Oct 29, 2026 9:28 PM

1 reply

Owl-53
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)

Oct 30, 2026 12:59 AM in response to exofexa

It sounds as though whenever you click on something while browsing Google or another webpage, it opens or appears in the left-hand sidebar instead of taking you to the page you want.


Try a few things to get this sorted out.


1. Check your browser's sidebar


If you are using Safari:


Open Safari and click View in the top menu.


If the sidebar is open, select Hide Sidebar.


Apple's guide may also be helpful:


https://help.apple.com/safari/mac/8.0/en.lproj/ibrw1012.html


If you are using Google Chrome:


Look near the top-right corner for the Side Panel icon.


If the panel is open, click the X or Close button.


Also check whether Chrome is using its Split View feature, which can cause two webpages to appear side by side.


Google's instructions for managing the side panel are here:


https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/13156494


2. Check your mouse or trackpad


Try clicking a link once with your normal left mouse button. Make sure you are not holding down the Command key or accidentally using the middle mouse button, as these can change how links open.


3. Restart your browser


Completely quit your browser using Command (⌘) + Q, reopen it and try clicking a link again.


4. Try a Private or Incognito window


This helps determine whether a browser extension or setting is causing the problem.


  • Safari: Select File > New Private Window.


  • Chrome: Select File > New Incognito Window.


Try clicking a few Google search results. If they work normally, a browser extension or setting may be responsible.


5. Restart your Mac mini


If the problem continues, choose Apple menu > Restart and test your browser again.


Just two questions so we can narrow this down:


  1. Are you using Safari or Google Chrome when this happens?
  2. When you click a link, does the webpage actually open in the left-hand column, or does the sidebar simply appear while the main webpage stays unchanged?


If possible, please send  us a screenshot showing what happens when you click a link.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256385691