Why your Mac is blocking pop-ups and how to turn it off
Your Mac blocks pop-ups by default in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. This happens in the browser's settings, not at the system level, so you control it separately for each browser you use. When a website tries to open a pop-up window and your browser stops it, you'll usually see a small notification at the top of the page or in the address bar.
You might need to disable pop-up blocking if a website you trust uses pop-ups for legitimate features — like opening a document, showing a calculator, or displaying a form in a new window. Disabling it entirely is usually not necessary; most browsers let you allow pop-ups from specific websites instead.
Key Takeaways
- Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all block pop-ups by default, and each browser has its own settings to control this.
- You can turn off pop-up blocking entirely for one browser, or allow pop-ups only from websites you trust.
- Most websites that need pop-ups will show you a prompt when a pop-up is blocked, letting you allow it without changing your settings.
- Disabling pop-up blocking makes your browsing less secure, so allowing pop-ups only from specific sites is safer than turning it off completely.
Disable pop-up blocking in Safari
Open Safari and go to the menu bar at the top of your screen. Click Safari, then select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Security tab.
You'll see a checkbox that says "Block pop-ups". Uncheck it to turn off pop-up blocking entirely in Safari. If you want to keep blocking enabled but allow pop-ups from a specific website, leave this box checked. When you visit that website and a pop-up is blocked, Safari will show a notification in the address bar — click it and select "Allow" to let that site open pop-ups.
Disable 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 in the left sidebar. Click Site settings.
Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. At the top, you'll see a toggle for "Blocked (recommended)". Click it to turn off pop-up blocking entirely. To allow pop-ups only from specific sites instead, leave this setting on and scroll down to the "Allow" section. Click Add and type the website address.
Disable pop-up blocking in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
Under the Permissions section, find "Block pop-up windows" and uncheck the box to turn off pop-up blocking. To allow pop-ups from only certain websites, keep this box checked. When Firefox blocks a pop-up from a site you trust, it will show a notification in the address bar — click it and choose to allow pop-ups from that site.
Disable pop-up blocking in Edge
Open Edge and click the three horizontal dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
Scroll down to the Security section and find "Block pop-ups". Toggle it off to disable pop-up blocking entirely. If you'd rather allow pop-ups from specific sites, keep this toggle on. When Edge blocks a pop-up, you'll see a notification in the address bar — click it and select the option to allow pop-ups from that website.
Allow pop-ups from one website without disabling it everywhere
The safest approach is to keep pop-up blocking on globally but allow it for websites you trust. Every browser shows you when a pop-up has been blocked — usually with a small icon or notification near the address bar. Click that notification and you'll see an option to allow pop-ups from that specific site.
If the notification doesn't appear, you can also add a website to your browser's allow list manually. In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Security and click Manage Website Settings under "Block pop-ups". In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, follow the steps above to reach the pop-ups settings, then add the website address to the allow list.
What to watch for after disabling pop-up blocking
Once you turn off pop-up blocking, any website can open pop-ups without restriction. This includes ads, fake security warnings, and other unwanted windows. Many pop-ups are designed to trick you into clicking them or downloading something you don't want.
If you disabled pop-up blocking and now see suspicious pop-ups, turn it back on immediately using the same steps above. You can then re-enable pop-ups only for the websites that actually need them. If a pop-up asks you to update software, install a plugin, or claims your device has a virus, close it without clicking anything — these are common scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a website say pop-ups are blocked when I have pop-up blocking turned off?
Some websites have their own pop-up blocking built in, separate from your browser. This is less common but can happen. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If the problem continues, contact the website's support team.
Can I block pop-ups on Mac at the system level instead of in each browser?
No. macOS doesn't have a system-wide pop-up blocker. Each browser manages its own pop-up settings independently. If you use multiple browsers, you'll need to adjust the setting in each one separately.
Is it safe to disable pop-up blocking completely?
It's not recommended. Disabling it entirely exposes you to unwanted ads and potentially malicious pop-ups. Instead, allow pop-ups only from websites that genuinely need them. This gives you the functionality you want without the security risk.
What's the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?
A pop-up appears on top of your current window. A pop-under opens behind your current window so you don't see it until you close your browser tab. Pop-up blockers typically stop both, but some ads use other methods to appear that blockers don't catch.
Do I need to restart my browser after changing pop-up settings?
No. Changes to pop-up settings take effect immediately in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You don't need to close and reopen your browser.