Chrome blocks most pop-ups automatically, but you can strengthen the settings or turn them off completely
Chrome comes with a built-in pop-up blocker that stops most unwanted windows from opening. By default, this blocker is turned on and catches the majority of pop-ups before you see them. However, you can adjust the settings to be stricter, allow pop-ups on specific websites you trust, or turn the blocker off entirely if you need to see pop-ups on a particular site.
The steps below show you where to find these settings and how to change them. The process takes less than a minute, and you can change your mind at any time.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome's pop-up blocker is on by default and blocks most unwanted pop-ups without you having to do anything.
- You can see which pop-ups Chrome blocked by clicking the pop-up icon that appears in the address bar when a pop-up is stopped.
- You can allow pop-ups on specific websites by adding them to an exception list, so you only see pop-ups where you want them.
- Turning off the pop-up blocker entirely is not recommended, but you can do it if a website you trust requires pop-ups to work.
- If a pop-up still gets through, you can close it by clicking the X button or pressing Alt+F4 on Windows or Command+W on Mac.
Check if Chrome is blocking pop-ups right now
When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears in the address bar on the right side. The icon looks like a rectangle with a slash through it. Click this icon to see what pop-ups were blocked and decide whether you want to allow them.
A menu will drop down showing the blocked pop-ups. You can click on any of them to open it, or you can click "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website name]" to let that site show pop-ups from now on. If you do not see this icon, it means Chrome did not detect any pop-ups on that page.
Change your pop-up blocker settings
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. This opens the main menu. Scroll down and click "Settings."
On the left side of the Settings page, click "Privacy and security." Then click "Site settings." You will see a list of different types of content that websites can request — images, cookies, camera, microphone, and others. Scroll down until you find "Pop-ups and redirects."
Click "Pop-ups and redirects." You will see a toggle at the top that says "Blocked (recommended)." This toggle is on by default. If you want to turn off the pop-up blocker entirely, click the toggle to switch it to "Allowed." However, this is not recommended because it will let all pop-ups through.
Allow pop-ups on websites you trust
If you need pop-ups to work on a specific website, you do not have to turn off the blocker for the entire browser. Instead, you can add that website to an exception list so pop-ups work only there.
Go back to the "Pop-ups and redirects" settings page (Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects). Below the "Blocked (recommended)" toggle, you will see two sections: "Blocked" and "Allowed." Click the "Add" button next to "Allowed." Type the website address — for example, www.example.com — and click "Add." From now on, pop-ups will work on that site, but the blocker will still be on everywhere else.
If you change your mind and want to block pop-ups on that site again, go back to the same settings page, find the website in the "Allowed" section, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove."
Remove a website from the pop-up exception list
You may add a website to your exception list and later decide you do not want pop-ups there anymore. The process to remove it is straightforward.
Open Settings, go to Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Look for the website you want to remove in the "Allowed" section. Click the three dots next to the website name and select "Remove." Pop-ups from that site will now be blocked again.
Close a pop-up that got through the blocker
Occasionally a pop-up will slip past Chrome's blocker. If this happens, look for the X button in the top right or top left corner of the pop-up window and click it. On Windows, you can also press Alt+F4 to close the active window. On Mac, press Command+W.
If the pop-up does not have a visible close button or the close button does not work, try right-clicking on the pop-up and selecting "Close" or "Close window" from the menu. If you are on a website that is repeatedly showing pop-ups that will not close, consider removing that site from your exception list or avoiding it altogether.
Understand the difference between pop-ups and notifications
Pop-ups and notifications are not the same thing, and Chrome treats them differently. A pop-up is a new browser window or tab that opens without you clicking anything. A notification is a small message that appears in the corner of your screen, usually asking permission to send you alerts.
The pop-up blocker only stops pop-ups, not notifications. If you want to block notifications instead, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. You can turn off notifications entirely or add websites to an exception list, just like you do with pop-ups. Notifications are usually less intrusive than pop-ups, but you can control them the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still see pop-ups if the blocker is on?
Chrome's blocker catches most pop-ups, but not all of them. Some pop-ups are triggered by your own actions — like clicking a button — and Chrome allows these through because it assumes you wanted them. Others use newer techniques that the blocker has not yet learned to recognize. If a pop-up keeps appearing on the same website, add that site to your blocked list or stop visiting it.
Will turning off the pop-up blocker slow down my browser?
No, turning off the blocker will not speed up or slow down Chrome. However, you will see more pop-ups, which can be annoying and may contain ads or malicious content. It is better to leave the blocker on and add exceptions for the few sites that need pop-ups.
Can I block pop-ups on my phone or tablet?
Yes. On Chrome for Android or iPad, tap the three dots in the bottom right, go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and turn on the toggle. The process is the same as on a computer, though the menu locations are slightly different because of the smaller screen.
What if a website says I need to allow pop-ups to use it?
Some websites genuinely need pop-ups to work — for example, online banking sites that open a pop-up for security verification. When you visit such a site, Chrome will show the pop-up icon in the address bar. Click it and select "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website name]." This adds the site to your exception list without turning off the blocker everywhere.
Does blocking pop-ups protect me from viruses or malware?
The pop-up blocker stops unwanted windows from opening, which reduces your exposure to malicious ads and scams. However, it is not a complete security tool. For better protection, keep Chrome updated, avoid clicking suspicious links, and consider using Chrome's built-in Safe Browsing feature, which warns you about dangerous websites.