Where to find pop-up blocker settings on your Mac browser

Pop-up blockers are turned on by default in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox on Mac, but you can disable them in each browser's settings. The exact steps depend on which browser you use, and the setting usually takes effect immediately — you do not need to restart the browser or your computer.

Most websites work fine with pop-up blocking on. You only need to turn it off if a site you trust is not loading properly, a form is not appearing, or a feature you need requires pop-ups to function.

Key Takeaways

  • Safari's pop-up blocker is in Preferences under the Security tab, where you can uncheck "Block pop-ups".
  • Chrome's pop-up blocker is in Settings under Privacy and Security, where you toggle "Block pop-ups and redirects" off.
  • Firefox's pop-up blocker is in Preferences under the Privacy & Security tab, where you uncheck "Block pop-up windows".
  • You can disable the blocker entirely or add specific websites to an exception list so only those sites can show pop-ups.
  • The change takes effect immediately in most cases, and you can turn the blocker back on anytime.

Disable pop-ups in Safari

Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select Preferences (or Settings if you are on macOS Sonoma or newer). Click the Security tab.

Look for the checkbox next to Block pop-ups. If it is checked, click it to uncheck it. Close the Preferences window. Pop-ups are now allowed in Safari.

If you want to block pop-ups everywhere except on specific websites, leave the box checked. Instead, go to Safari > Preferences > Websites, select Pop-ups from the left sidebar, find the website in the list, and change its setting from Block to Allow.

Disable pop-ups in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. Click Privacy and security in the left sidebar.

Click Site settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle the switch next to Block pop-ups and redirects to the off position (it will turn gray). Pop-ups are now allowed in Chrome.

To allow pop-ups only on certain sites, leave the toggle on. Scroll down to the Allow section and click Add. Type the website address and click Add. That site can now show pop-ups while others remain blocked.

Disable pop-ups in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Select Settings. Click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.

Scroll down to the Permissions section. Find Block pop-up windows and uncheck the box next to it. Pop-ups are now allowed in Firefox.

To block pop-ups everywhere except on specific sites, leave the box checked. Scroll down to find Block pop-up windows again, and click the Exceptions button next to it. Type the website address in the field and click Allow. That site can now show pop-ups.

When to turn off pop-up blocking

Most pop-ups are advertisements, and blocking them makes browsing faster and cleaner. However, some legitimate websites use pop-ups for important features — login windows, file downloads, payment forms, or notifications from services you use.

If a website is not working correctly and you suspect a pop-up is the problem, try disabling the blocker for that site only rather than turning it off everywhere. This keeps you protected on other sites while letting the one you trust function normally.

If you turn off pop-up blocking and then notice unwanted pop-ups appearing, turn it back on immediately. You can always disable it again for a specific site if you need to.

Troubleshooting when pop-ups still do not appear

If you have disabled the pop-up blocker but pop-ups still are not showing, the problem may be something else. Some websites use JavaScript to create pop-ups, and JavaScript might be disabled in your browser settings. Check that JavaScript is turned on in your browser preferences.

Another possibility is that your Mac has a system-level pop-up blocker or security software running. Check your Mac's System Settings under General > Login Items or System Settings > General > Extensions to see if any third-party security apps are active. You may need to disable them as well.

If the website itself is broken or outdated, disabling the pop-up blocker will not fix it. Try the site in a different browser to see if the problem is specific to Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block pop-ups on some websites but not others?

Yes. In Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, you can add websites to an exception list so they are allowed to show pop-ups while all other sites remain blocked. Each browser has an "Allow" or "Exceptions" button in the pop-up settings where you can enter specific website addresses.

Will disabling the pop-up blocker slow down my Mac?

Turning off the pop-up blocker itself will not slow down your Mac. However, if you disable it globally instead of just for specific sites, you may see more pop-ups load, which could use more memory and make browsing feel slower. Using the exception list for trusted sites only is a better approach.

What is the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?

A pop-up appears on top of the website you are viewing. A pop-under opens behind your current window and you do not see it until you minimize or close your browser. Most pop-up blockers catch both, but some pop-unders may still get through because they load in the background.

Do I need to restart my browser after disabling the pop-up blocker?

No. The change takes effect immediately in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. You can refresh the website you are on and the pop-ups should appear right away. You do not need to close and reopen the browser.

Is it safe to disable the pop-up blocker?

It is safer to disable it only for websites you trust. Malicious pop-ups can contain scams, fake security warnings, or links to harmful sites. If you turn off blocking globally, be cautious about clicking anything in unexpected pop-ups. Using the exception list to allow pop-ups only on specific sites reduces your risk.