NetID Login - "Stale Request" Error in Safari

This document will describe how to fix a stale request error in Safari.

Problem

When you are attempting to log in to a UW Madison service or a link that requires NetID authentication, you may see a "Stale Request" error. This can occur while browsing Safari on MacOS or iOS if cookies are blocked. Instructions on how to unblock cookies are below.

You may see the following error:

Stale Request Error

Solution

Note: This document is only applicable to a specific case in Safari. If you are using a different web browser or these instructions fail to work, follow the instructions here: NetID Login - How to Fix a "Stale Request" Error

Safari on MacOS

  1. In the upper left menu bar, select Safari then Preferences.

    Safari Preferences

  2. In the window that shows up, select the Privacy tab. Uncheck the Block all cookies option.

    Uncheck Block All Cookies

  3. Completely close Safari. If these steps do not fix the issue after restarting Safari, follow the steps in NetID Login - How to Fix a "Stale Request" Error, or use a different browser.

Safari on iOS

  1. Find your Settings.
  2. iOSSettings.png

  3. Scroll down or search to find Safari.
  4. findingsafariinsettings.png

  5. Make sure that Block All Cookies is turned off. It should look like below:
  6. turningoncookiessafari.png

  7. Close Safari and try again. If these steps do not fix the issue after restarting Safari, follow the steps in NetID Login - How to Fix a "Stale Request" Error, or try a different browser. Browsers such as Chrome and Firefox are available to download from the App Store.

Note: If are using a version of iOS that is older than iOS 7, you can find instructions on enabling cookies here: Enabling Cookies for Safari on Old iOS Versions