Chrome blocks most pop-ups automatically — here's how to turn that off
Chrome's pop-up blocker is turned on by default and stops most new windows from opening without your permission. If a website you trust needs to open pop-ups and they're being blocked, you can disable the blocker entirely, allow pop-ups for just that one site, or adjust which types of pop-ups get through. The steps take less than a minute.
The blocker works the same way in Chrome on Windows, Mac, and Linux. On Android and iPhone, the process is slightly different because the browser settings are organized differently, but the end result is the same.
Key Takeaways
- You can turn off Chrome's pop-up blocker completely in Settings, or allow pop-ups for just one website without changing your default protection.
- When a pop-up is blocked, Chrome shows a small icon in the address bar that lets you unblock it for that visit only.
- Allowing pop-ups for a specific site is safer than disabling the blocker entirely, because it keeps protection on for every other website.
- On Android and iPhone, the pop-up blocker setting is in the main menu under Site Settings, not in the general Settings app.
Allow pop-ups for one website without changing your default settings
If you only need pop-ups to work on a single website, you don't have to disable the blocker for everything. Chrome lets you create an exception for just that site.
Open the website where you need pop-ups to work. When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears in the address bar on the right side — it looks like a square with a line through it. Click that icon. A menu will appear with the option "Always allow pop-ups and redirects on [website name]". Click that option. From now on, pop-ups will open on that site, but the blocker stays active everywhere else.
If you don't see the blocked pop-up icon, the site may not have tried to open a pop-up yet. Some websites only attempt pop-ups when you click a specific button or link. Try clicking around the page to trigger the pop-up, then look for the icon again.
Turn off the pop-up blocker completely in Chrome Settings
If you want to disable the blocker for all websites, you'll do that in Chrome's main settings menu. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu that appears.
On the left side of the Settings page, click "Privacy and security". Then click "Site Settings". Scroll down until you see "Pop-ups and redirects" and click it. At the top of that section, you'll see a toggle or radio button next to "Blocked (recommended)". Click it and change it to "Allowed". The blocker is now off for all websites.
To turn the blocker back on later, return to the same menu and switch the setting back to "Blocked (recommended)".
Re-enable the blocker for specific websites
Even after you turn off the blocker globally, you can still block pop-ups on websites you don't trust. In the same "Pop-ups and redirects" menu where you disabled the blocker, scroll down to the section labeled "Block". Click "Add" and type the web address of any site where you want pop-ups blocked.
For example, if you disabled the blocker but want to keep it active on example.com, you would type "example.com" in the box and click "Add". Pop-ups will be blocked on that site even though the blocker is off everywhere else.
Disable the pop-up blocker on Android or iPhone
The process on mobile is similar but the menu is organized differently. Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner (iPhone) or top right corner (Android). Tap "Settings".
On Android, tap "Site Settings" and then "Pop-ups". Toggle the switch to "Allowed". On iPhone, tap "Content Settings" and then "Block Pop-ups", then toggle it off. The blocker is now disabled on your phone.
To allow pop-ups for just one site on mobile instead of disabling the blocker entirely, visit that website, tap the three dots, and look for an option to allow pop-ups on that domain. The exact wording varies depending on your phone and Chrome version.
What to do if pop-ups still don't open after disabling the blocker
Sometimes a website's pop-ups won't open even after you disable Chrome's blocker. This usually means something else is blocking them — either your computer's firewall, an antivirus program, or another browser extension.
Check whether you have any extensions installed that might block pop-ups. Click the three dots in the top right, go to "Extensions", and look through the list. Common culprits include ad blockers, privacy extensions, or security tools. Try disabling them one at a time to see if any of them are the real blocker. If disabling an extension fixes the problem, you can leave it off for that site or uninstall it entirely.
If no extensions are blocking the pop-ups, the issue may be with your antivirus software or firewall. Check your security software's settings for a pop-up blocker or website restrictions. The exact steps depend on which program you use, but most have a settings menu where you can add websites to an exception list.
Understand what Chrome considers a pop-up
Chrome's blocker stops new windows that open without you clicking something to trigger them. A window that opens because you clicked a link or button is usually allowed through, even with the blocker on. This is intentional — it prevents websites from opening windows you didn't ask for, while still letting legitimate pop-ups work when you interact with the page.
Some websites try to work around the blocker by opening pop-ups in response to your click but with a delay, or by opening them in a way that looks like you triggered them. Chrome's blocker has gotten better at catching these tricks over time, but some still get through. If you see a pop-up you didn't expect, it may have been allowed because Chrome thought you triggered it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome block pop-ups by default?
Most pop-ups are ads or malicious content that websites open without your permission. Blocking them by default protects you from unwanted windows and reduces the chance you'll accidentally click something harmful. You can always allow them for sites you trust.
Will disabling the pop-up blocker make my computer less safe?
Disabling it globally does remove one layer of protection, but the main risk is annoying ads rather than security threats. If you only allow pop-ups for specific websites you trust, your safety stays about the same as before.
Can I block pop-ups on one site but allow them on another?
Yes. You can either disable the blocker globally and then add specific sites to a block list, or keep the blocker on and add exceptions for sites that need pop-ups. The second option is safer because it keeps protection on by default.
What's the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?
A pop-up opens in front of the current window. A pop-under opens behind it, so you don't see it until you close or minimize your current window. Chrome's blocker stops both types.
If I allow pop-ups for a site, will it remember that choice?
Yes. Once you allow pop-ups for a website, Chrome remembers that choice and allows them every time you visit, unless you manually remove the site from your exceptions list.