Pop-up blocking is built into every modern browser, but you may need to turn it on or adjust its settings
Most web browsers come with pop-up blocking already active. If pop-ups are still getting through, your blocker may be turned off, set to allow pop-ups on certain sites, or overwhelmed by aggressive ads. The fix depends on which browser you use and where the pop-ups are coming from.
Pop-ups fall into two categories: ones your browser can block automatically, and ones that slip through because a website has permission to show them. This guide covers how to control both.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all block most pop-ups by default, but you can check your settings to confirm the blocker is on.
- If pop-ups appear on a specific website, that site may have permission to show them — you can revoke that permission in your browser settings.
- Some pop-ups are not true pop-ups but ads embedded in the page itself, which require a different blocking method.
- Clearing your browser cache and cookies can sometimes stop pop-ups that have been stored on your device.
- If blocking pop-ups breaks a website you need to use, you can allow pop-ups just for that site instead of turning off blocking entirely.
Turn on pop-up blocking in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and security on the left side. Look for Site settings and click it.
Find Pop-ups and redirects in the list. The toggle should be switched to Blocked. If it shows Allowed, click the toggle to turn blocking back on. Once blocking is on, most pop-ups will be stopped automatically.
If pop-ups still appear on a specific website, that site has been added to your allowed list. In the same Pop-ups and redirects section, scroll down to Allowed and find the website. Click the trash icon next to it to remove permission.
Turn on pop-up blocking in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security on the left. Scroll down to the Permissions section.
Look for Pop-ups and make sure the checkbox next to Block pop-up windows is checked. If it is not checked, click it to turn blocking on. Firefox will now block most pop-ups by default.
To remove a website from your allowed list, stay in the same Permissions section and look for Pop-ups. Click Exceptions next to it. Find the website you want to block and click Remove.
Turn on pop-up blocking in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Security tab.
Look for the checkbox that says Block pop-up windows and make sure it is checked. If it is not, click it to turn blocking on. Safari will now stop most pop-ups from appearing.
Safari does not maintain a separate allowed list for pop-ups the way Chrome and Firefox do, so if a website needs to show you pop-ups, you will need to temporarily turn off blocking, visit the site, then turn it back on.
Turn on pop-up blocking in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services on the left. Scroll down to Site permissions and click it.
Find Pop-ups and redirects in the list. The toggle should be set to Block. If it shows Allow, click the toggle to turn blocking back on.
If pop-ups continue on a specific website, scroll down in the same section to Block and look for the website listed under Allow instead. Click the three dots next to it and select Remove to block pop-ups on that site.
Stop pop-ups that are not true pop-ups
Some ads look like pop-ups but are actually part of the webpage itself. Your browser's pop-up blocker cannot stop these because they are not separate windows — they are content the website has embedded in the page. These usually appear as boxes that slide in from the side or bottom of your screen.
The best way to handle these is to look for a close button, usually an X in the corner of the ad. If there is no close button, you can try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, which sometimes removes stored ads. In most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac, then selecting All time and clicking Clear data.
If an embedded ad keeps returning to the same website, that site may be using an ad network that stores the ad on your device. Clearing cookies will remove it temporarily, but it may return the next time you visit.
Allow pop-ups on a specific website if you need them
Some websites require pop-ups to work properly — for example, a banking site might use a pop-up for security verification, or a ticketing site might open your receipt in a new window. If blocking pop-ups breaks a website you need to use, you can allow pop-ups just for that site.
In Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, visit the website that needs pop-ups. Click the lock icon or information icon next to the web address at the top. Look for Pop-ups or Pop-ups and redirects and change the setting from Block to Allow. Refresh the page and try again.
In Safari, you will need to turn off pop-up blocking entirely using the method described above, visit the website, then turn blocking back on when you are done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pop-ups still appear even though I turned on blocking?
Some websites have permission to show pop-ups, or the pop-ups are embedded ads rather than true pop-ups. Check whether the pop-ups appear on one specific site or many sites. If it is one site, remove it from your allowed list. If it is many sites, your blocker may be off — go back and confirm the toggle is set to Block or Blocked.
Can I block pop-ups on my phone?
Yes. On iPhone, open Safari, tap the Aa icon next to the web address, and look for Block Pop-ups. On Android, open Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings, then Site settings, and toggle Pop-ups and redirects to Blocked.
Will blocking pop-ups break websites I use?
Rarely. Most websites do not need pop-ups to function. If a site does not work after you turn on blocking, you can allow pop-ups just for that site without turning off blocking everywhere else.
What is the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?
A pop-up appears on top of the page you are viewing. A pop-under opens behind your current window and you do not see it until you close or minimize your browser. Pop-up blockers stop both, but pop-unders are less common.
Do I need a separate pop-up blocker extension?
No. Your browser's built-in blocker is usually enough. Extensions can block additional ads, but they are not necessary for basic pop-up blocking and may slow down your browser.