Step 1 — Use the Secure VPS Website (HTTPS)

Safari will not accept secure login cookies if you visit the site using http://. Always use the secure version:

If you see http:// in the address bar, change it to https://.

Step 2 — Turn Off “Prevent Cross‑Site Tracking”

This is the #1 Safari setting that blocks VPS login cookies. Safari may treat login cookies as “cross‑site” even though they are not.

Safari → Settings → Privacy

Turn OFF:

Prevent cross‑site tracking

Safari will immediately begin accepting VPS login cookies.

Step 3 — Turn Off “Block All Cookies”

Safari can block cookies globally. If this is enabled, VPS login will fail.

Safari → Settings → Privacy

Make sure Block all cookies is OFF.

Step 4 — Turn Off “Hide IP Address” (macOS 12+)

Newer versions of Safari include a feature that hides your IP address from trackers. This can interfere with secure cookies and SameSite cookies.

Safari → Settings → Privacy

Set Hide IP address to:

Off

NOT:

From trackers
From websites

Step 5 — Exit Private Browsing Mode

Safari Private Browsing blocks persistent cookies. This causes the exact failure your diagnostic page may show:

FAIL — Your browser is blocking VPS login cookies.

To fix this:

Close all Private Browsing windows (they have a dark background and a “Private” label).

Step 6 — Clear Old Website Data

Safari sometimes stores old cookie rules or outdated domain data. Clearing website data can fix this.

Safari → Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data…

Search for:

vaticanstamps.org

Remove it, then reload the site.

Step 7 — macOS System Settings: Check Tracking Permissions

Safari respects macOS system-level privacy settings. If cross‑site tracking is blocked at the OS level, Safari will block VPS cookies.

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking

Make sure:

Allow cross‑site tracking

is enabled.

Step 8 — Make Sure the Domain Matches Exactly

Safari is extremely strict about cookie domains. VPS login cookies only work on:

https://vaticanstamps.org

They will not work on:

• http://vaticanstamps.org
• https://www.vaticanstamps.org
• http://vaticanstamp.org (missing “s”)
• Old bookmarks pointing to outdated URLs

Step 9 — Run the VPS Diagnostic Test

After adjusting Safari settings, run the diagnostic test again:

Step 10 — Send Results to the VPS Website Team

If you still cannot log in, please send the diagnostic results to the VPS Website Team. Include your phone number so we can assist you quickly.