Safari's pop-up blocker is on by default, and you turn it off in Settings
Safari blocks most pop-ups automatically. If a website you trust needs pop-ups to work — for example, a banking site that opens statements in new windows, or a scheduling tool that displays booking forms — you can turn the blocker off entirely, or allow pop-ups only on specific sites.
The steps differ slightly between Mac and iPhone or iPad, but both take less than a minute. You do not need to restart Safari after changing the setting.
Key Takeaways
- On Mac, open Safari Settings, click the Security tab, and uncheck "Block pop-ups" to disable the blocker for all websites.
- On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari, scroll to "General", and toggle off "Block Pop-ups" to disable it system-wide.
- You can allow pop-ups on one website only by visiting that site, clicking the address bar, and selecting "Allow Pop-ups on This Website".
- Disabling the blocker entirely means you will see pop-ups from all websites, including ads and unwanted windows.
- The per-site exception method is safer than disabling the blocker globally, since it protects you from unwanted pop-ups on most sites.
Disable pop-ups on Mac
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 labeled Block pop-ups. If it is checked, click it to uncheck it. The blocker is now off. Close the Settings window.
If you want pop-ups blocked on most sites but allowed on one specific site, leave the blocker on. Visit the website that needs pop-ups, click the address bar, and you will see a message about blocked pop-ups. Click Allow Pop-ups on This Website. Safari will remember this choice for that site only.
Disable pop-ups on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app on your device. Scroll down and tap Safari. Under the General section, find the toggle for Block Pop-ups and tap it to turn it off.
To allow pop-ups on a single website instead, leave the blocker on. Open Safari, visit the site, and tap the address bar. You will see a notification that pop-ups were blocked. Tap Allow to permit them on that site going forward.
The setting syncs across your iPhone and iPad if you use the same Apple ID, so changing it on one device affects the other. If you want different settings on each device, you will need to change them individually after disabling iCloud sync for Safari settings.
Why Safari blocks pop-ups by default
Pop-ups are often used for advertising, malware, or phishing attempts. Blocking them protects you from unwanted content and reduces the risk of clicking something harmful by accident. Most legitimate websites work fine without pop-ups.
Some older websites or specialized tools — particularly in banking, healthcare, or education — were built when pop-ups were common and may not function properly with the blocker on. In those cases, allowing pop-ups on that specific site is safer than disabling the blocker entirely.
Safari's blocker is particularly effective because it distinguishes between pop-ups triggered by user actions (like clicking a link) and unsolicited pop-ups that open on their own. This means legitimate pop-ups that you intentionally trigger usually get through even with the blocker on.
What happens when you disable the blocker
Once you turn off the pop-up blocker, websites can open new windows without restriction. You will see pop-ups from every site you visit, including advertisements, notifications, and potentially unwanted windows.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by pop-ups after disabling the blocker, you can turn it back on using the same steps. There is no penalty for switching it on and off as needed. Some users disable the blocker temporarily to test whether a website's problem is caused by the blocker, then turn it back on immediately.
Allow pop-ups on one site only
The safest approach is to keep the blocker on and make exceptions for sites that need pop-ups. Visit the website, and Safari will show you a notification that pop-ups were blocked. Tap or click the notification and select the option to allow pop-ups on that site.
Safari stores this permission for that specific domain. If you change your mind, you can revoke it by going back to Settings, clicking Safari, and looking for a list of sites with pop-up permissions. On Mac, this appears under the Security tab; on iPhone or iPad, it is in the General section. You can remove individual sites from the list or clear all exceptions at once.
Manage pop-up permissions for multiple sites
If you have allowed pop-ups on several websites, you can view and edit the full list in Safari Settings. On Mac, open Safari Settings, click Security, and scroll to the bottom where you will see "Pop-ups" with a list of allowed domains. Click the minus button next to any site to remove it.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari > General and scroll down to find the list of sites with pop-up permissions. Swipe left on any site to delete it, or tap "Edit" to remove multiple sites at once. This method lets you keep the blocker on globally while maintaining a curated list of trusted sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling the pop-up blocker slow down Safari?
No. The blocker runs in the background and does not affect Safari's speed. Turning it off or on will not make Safari faster or slower.
Can I block pop-ups on some sites but allow them on others?
Yes. Keep the blocker on globally, then visit each site that needs pop-ups and allow them individually. Safari remembers your choice for each domain.
What if a website says pop-ups are blocked but I do not see a notification?
Some websites display their own message instead of triggering Safari's notification. If you see a message on the page itself, try clicking it or refreshing the page. If that does not work, disable the blocker temporarily to test whether Safari's blocker was the cause.
Do I need to restart Safari after changing the pop-up blocker setting?
No. The change takes effect immediately. You can continue browsing without restarting.
Can I block pop-ups on my Mac but allow them on my iPhone?
Yes. Safari settings are separate on each device by default. Changing the blocker on your Mac does not affect your iPhone or iPad, and vice versa, unless you have enabled iCloud sync for Safari settings.