Turn on Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker
Google Chrome comes with a pop-up blocker already turned on by default, but if you're still seeing pop-ups, you may have accidentally disabled it or need to check your settings. The blocker stops most unwanted windows from opening, though some websites can slip through if they use newer techniques.
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. Make sure the toggle next to "Blocked (recommended)" is turned on — it should be blue. If it's already on, your blocker is active.
If you see a pop-up despite this, Chrome may have blocked it. Look for a small pop-up icon in the address bar (it looks like a speech bubble with a line through it). Click it to see what was blocked, and you can choose to allow pop-ups from that specific site if you trust it.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome's pop-up blocker is on by default — check Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects to confirm it's enabled.
- If a pop-up gets through, look for the blocked pop-up icon in the address bar to see what Chrome stopped.
- You can allow pop-ups from specific websites you trust by clicking the pop-up icon and selecting "Always allow on this site."
- Browser extensions designed to block ads and pop-ups offer extra protection beyond Chrome's built-in blocker.
- Clearing your browsing data and checking installed extensions can stop pop-ups caused by malware or unwanted software.
Allow pop-ups from sites you trust
Sometimes a website you use legitimately needs to open a pop-up — a bank login window, a document preview, or a video player. If you trust the site, you can tell Chrome to stop blocking its pop-ups.
Visit the website and look for the pop-up icon in the address bar. Click it and select Always allow on this site. Chrome will remember this choice and let that site's pop-ups through from now on. If you change your mind later, go back to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, find the site in the "Allow" list, and click the X next to it to remove permission.
Install an ad and pop-up blocking extension
Chrome's built-in blocker handles most pop-ups, but some websites use aggressive techniques that slip through. A dedicated extension adds another layer of protection. Popular options include uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and AdGuard — all are free and available in the Chrome Web Store.
To install one, click the three dots in the top right, select Extensions, then Manage extensions. Click Open Chrome Web Store and search for the extension name. Click Add to Chrome, then confirm by clicking Add extension in the popup. The extension will appear as an icon in your toolbar. Most work automatically without any setup needed.
Be cautious about which extensions you install — stick to ones with hundreds of thousands of reviews and a high rating. Avoid extensions from unknown developers, as some are designed to show you more ads rather than block them.
Clear your browsing data if pop-ups won't stop
If pop-ups keep appearing even with the blocker on and no extensions installed, malware or unwanted software may be causing them. Clearing your browsing data can remove cookies and cached files that some malicious sites use to trigger pop-ups.
Click the three dots, select Settings, then Privacy and security. Click Clear browsing data. A window will open — make sure the time range is set to All time at the top. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data. This removes stored information from websites you've visited, which can stop some pop-up attacks.
After clearing, restart Chrome completely by closing all windows and reopening it. If pop-ups continue, check your installed extensions — go to Settings > Extensions > Manage extensions and look for anything unfamiliar. Remove any extension you don't recognize by clicking the trash icon next to it.
Check your Chrome extensions for unwanted software
Pop-ups sometimes come from extensions you installed without realizing what they do, or from extensions that changed their behavior after an update. A quick review of what's installed can identify the culprit.
Click the three dots, go to Extensions, then Manage extensions. Look through the list for anything you don't remember installing or anything with a vague name. If you're unsure about an extension, search its name online — legitimate extensions have clear descriptions and active developer support. Remove anything suspicious by clicking the trash icon.
You can also turn extensions off temporarily to test whether one is causing the pop-ups. Click the toggle next to an extension to disable it, then browse normally for a few minutes. If pop-ups stop, that extension was the problem — remove it permanently. Turn the toggle back on for extensions you want to keep.
Disable notifications if websites are sending pop-up alerts
Some websites ask permission to send you notifications — small alerts that appear on your screen even when you're not on the website. These aren't true pop-ups, but they behave similarly and can be annoying. You can block them the same way.
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. Look at the "Block" list to see which sites are already blocked. If you want to block more, click Add next to "Block" and type the website address. You can also check the "Allow" list and remove any sites you no longer want notifications from by clicking the X next to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I still seeing pop-ups if my blocker is on?
Some websites use newer techniques that slip past Chrome's blocker, or you may have accidentally allowed pop-ups from that specific site. Check the pop-up icon in the address bar to see what was blocked. If the site is in your "Allow" list under Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, remove it and the blocker will start blocking again.
Will blocking pop-ups break websites I use?
Rarely. Most legitimate websites don't rely on pop-ups. If a site you trust needs to open a pop-up for login or a document, you can allow it by clicking the pop-up icon and selecting "Always allow on this site." You can remove that permission anytime.
Is it safe to install pop-up blocking extensions?
Yes, if you install them from the Chrome Web Store and choose extensions with high ratings and many reviews. Avoid extensions from unknown developers or with vague descriptions. Stick to well-known options like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus, which are maintained by active communities.
What should I do if clearing data doesn't stop the pop-ups?
Check your installed extensions for anything unfamiliar and remove it. If pop-ups continue, restart your computer entirely — some malware persists in Chrome's memory until you reboot. If the problem persists after that, consider running a malware scan with your antivirus software.
Can I block pop-ups on mobile Chrome?
Chrome on Android and iPhone has a pop-up blocker, but it works differently than the desktop version. On mobile, go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and make sure it's set to "Block." Mobile extensions are more limited, so the built-in blocker is your main tool.