Pop-up ads appear because websites and apps use them to make money, and your browser settings usually allow them by default
A pop-up is a small window that opens on top of what you're looking at, usually without you clicking anything. It happens because the website you're visiting has code that tells your browser to open a new window, or because an ad network has placed tracking code on multiple sites. Your browser comes set to allow these by default — blocking them requires you to change your settings or install software that does it for you.
The method you use depends on what device you have and where the pop-ups are coming from. A pop-up blocker built into your browser works for most cases. Malware or unwanted software on your computer can also cause pop-ups, and those need to be removed separately. On a phone, the options are more limited because phones don't have browser extensions the way computers do.
Key Takeaways
- Most browsers have a built-in pop-up blocker you can turn on in Settings, usually under Privacy or Security.
- If pop-ups keep appearing even with the blocker on, malware or unwanted software on your computer may be the cause, and you should scan with your antivirus program.
- On phones, switching to a browser with stronger blocking (like Firefox or Brave) or using a content blocker app can reduce pop-ups, though options are more limited than on computers.
- Closing a pop-up by clicking the X button is safe; clicking inside the ad or on any button inside it can trigger downloads or open more windows.
Turn on your browser's built-in pop-up blocker
Every major browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — includes a pop-up blocker that is usually turned on already. If pop-ups are still getting through, check that it hasn't been turned off. The steps differ slightly by browser.
In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure "Blocked (recommended)" is selected. If a specific website needs to show pop-ups, you can add it to the Allow list on this same page.
In Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy & Security. Scroll to the Permissions section and look for Pop-ups. Make sure the checkbox next to "Block pop-up windows" is checked.
In Safari on Mac: Click Safari in the menu bar, select Preferences, then Security. Make sure "Block pop-up windows" is checked.
In Edge: Click the three dots in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Scroll to Security and make sure "Block pop-ups" is turned on.
Scan your computer for malware if pop-ups continue
If your pop-up blocker is on and pop-ups are still appearing constantly — especially if they appear even when you're not browsing the web — malware or unwanted software is likely installed on your computer. This is different from website pop-ups and requires a different fix.
Run a full scan with your antivirus program. Windows comes with Windows Defender built in; on a Mac, you can use Malwarebytes (free version available) or Avast. Let the scan finish completely, which can take 30 minutes to an hour. If threats are found, the program will ask whether to remove them — select yes.
If you don't have antivirus software installed, download Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.com, install it, and run a full scan. The free version scans and removes malware. After removal, restart your computer and check whether the pop-ups have stopped.
Use a browser extension for stronger blocking on Windows and Mac
If your browser's built-in blocker isn't catching everything, extensions add an extra layer. These work on Windows and Mac but not on phones (most phones don't support extensions the way computers do).
uBlock Origin is free and blocks ads and pop-ups across all websites. It's available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Go to the extension store for your browser, search for uBlock Origin, click Add to Browser, and confirm. It runs in the background with no setup needed.
Adblock Plus is another free option that blocks pop-ups and ads. It works the same way — add it from your browser's extension store and it starts working immediately. Some websites may ask you to turn it off to view their content; you can allow specific sites while blocking others.
Extensions can slow your browser slightly because they're checking every element on every page. If you notice your browser running slower after adding an extension, you can disable it for specific websites or remove it entirely.
Reduce pop-ups on your phone
Phones have fewer options than computers because most mobile browsers don't support extensions. Your best options are to switch browsers or use a content blocker app.
On Android: Firefox and Brave both have stronger pop-up blocking than Chrome. Download either from the Google Play Store, set it as your default browser (go to Settings, Apps, Default apps, Browser app), and use it instead of Chrome. Brave includes ad blocking built in; Firefox requires you to enable Enhanced Tracking Protection in its settings.
On iPhone: Safari is the default, and it has decent pop-up blocking already. If you want stronger blocking, download Firefox or Brave from the App Store and set it as your default (go to Settings, scroll down to the browser name, tap Default Browser App, and select it). You can also add a content blocker app like 1Blocker or AdGuard, though these require a paid subscription for full features.
On both phones and computers, be cautious about which websites you visit. Sites offering free movies, TV shows, or software often have aggressive pop-ups because they rely on ad revenue. Sticking to well-known websites reduces pop-ups significantly.
Close pop-ups safely without clicking inside them
When a pop-up does appear, close it by clicking the X button in the corner — usually in the top right or top left of the pop-up window. Do not click anywhere inside the pop-up itself, on any buttons, or on text that says "Click here" or "Learn more," because that's how pop-ups trick you into downloading software or opening more windows.
If there is no visible X button, the pop-up may be fake. Press Escape on your keyboard to close it, or close the entire browser tab. If a pop-up claims your computer has a virus or that you've won a prize, it's a scam — close it and do not click anything inside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pop-ups still appear even with my blocker on?
Some websites use code that bypasses standard blockers, or malware on your computer is generating them. First, make sure your blocker is actually enabled in your browser settings. If it is, run an antivirus scan. If the scan finds nothing and pop-ups only appear on certain websites, try adding an extension like uBlock Origin for stronger blocking.
Is it safe to click the X button on a pop-up?
Yes, clicking the X button is safe. It closes the pop-up without triggering any downloads or opening new windows. Never click inside the pop-up itself or on buttons that say "Close" or "OK" — those can be fake buttons designed to trick you into clicking the ad instead.
Can I block pop-ups on specific websites only?
Yes. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, go to your pop-up blocker settings and add the website to your Allow list if you want that site to show pop-ups. You can also use extensions like uBlock Origin to block ads on some sites while allowing them on others by adjusting the extension settings for each site.
Do ad blockers slow down my browser?
Extensions like uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus can use a small amount of memory and processing power, which may slow your browser slightly on older computers. If you notice a significant slowdown, try disabling the extension for a day to see if your browser speeds up. You can always re-enable it if the slowdown was unrelated.
What should I do if a pop-up says my computer has a virus?
Close it immediately by pressing Escape or clicking the X button. These are scams designed to trick you into downloading fake antivirus software. Your real antivirus program (like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes) will never alert you through a pop-up on a website — it alerts you through your computer's notification system.