Safari blocks pop-ups by default, and you can turn that off in Settings
Safari's pop-up blocker is on automatically. To turn it off, open Safari, go to the menu bar at the top of your screen, click Safari, then select Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions). Click the Security tab. Uncheck the box next to "Block pop-ups". Close the window, and the blocker is off.
On iPad or iPhone, the process is slightly different because Safari settings live in the main Settings app, not in Safari itself. Open Settings, scroll down and tap Safari, then scroll to the Privacy & Security section. Toggle off Block Pop-ups. The change takes effect immediately.
Once you disable the blocker, pop-ups from any website will appear. This means you may see ads, notifications, and other pop-up windows you didn't see before — both wanted and unwanted. The blocker won't filter anything; every pop-up that a website tries to open will now reach your screen.
Key Takeaways
- On Mac, disable pop-up blocking by opening Safari Settings, clicking Security, and unchecking "Block pop-ups".
- On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security and toggle off "Block Pop-ups".
- Disabling the blocker affects all websites you visit, not just one site.
- You can re-enable the blocker at any time by reversing these steps.
- Safari's pop-up blocker cannot distinguish between useful pop-ups and unwanted ads, so it blocks all of them equally.
Why a website might need pop-ups to work
Some legitimate websites use pop-ups for things that actually matter: login windows, file downloads, calendar pickers, form fields that appear in a new window, or payment screens. If a site you trust isn't working the way it should, a blocked pop-up might be the reason.
The blocker can't tell the difference between a pop-up that serves a real purpose and one that's just an ad. It blocks them all equally. So if you're having trouble with a specific website — a feature that won't load, a button that doesn't respond, or a form that seems incomplete — turning off the blocker is one of the first things to try.
After you disable the blocker and test the website, you can turn it back on. You don't have to leave it off permanently if you only needed it off temporarily.
Turn the blocker back on for just one website
You don't have to disable the blocker globally. If you only need pop-ups from one site to work, you can leave the blocker on and add that site to an exception list.
On Mac, go to Safari > Settings > Security. Look for the section labeled "Block pop-ups" — there's a button or link next to it (often labeled Exceptions or shown as a list). Click it, then type or paste the website address. Click Add. Now pop-ups from that site will work, but the blocker stays on for everywhere else.
On iPhone and iPad, unfortunately, there is no exception list. You either block pop-ups everywhere or allow them everywhere. If you need pop-ups from one site to work, you'll need to toggle the setting off, use the site, then toggle it back on.
What to watch for after you disable the blocker
Turning off the pop-up blocker means you'll see more windows appear while you browse. Some will be useful; many will be ads, surveys, notifications, or requests trying to get your attention or your information. You may notice a significant increase in the number of windows that appear, especially on sites that rely heavily on advertising.
Be cautious about pop-ups that ask you to download something, enter personal information, or click to claim a prize. These are common tactics used by scams. If a pop-up seems suspicious, close it by clicking the X button or pressing Escape on your keyboard. Do not click inside the pop-up or on any buttons it offers, even if they say "No" or "Cancel" — scammers sometimes use those buttons to trigger unwanted downloads or redirect you to other sites.
If you find yourself seeing far more pop-ups than you expected, or if they're interfering with your browsing, turn the blocker back on. There's no penalty for toggling it on and off as needed.
Re-enable the pop-up blocker
If you disabled the blocker and want to turn it back on, the steps are the same as turning it off — just in reverse.
On Mac: Safari > Settings > Security, then check the box next to "Block pop-ups". On iPhone or iPad: Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security, then toggle Block Pop-ups back on. The blocker will be active again the next time you open a new tab or window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling the pop-up blocker slow down Safari?
No. The blocker doesn't make Safari faster or slower — it just prevents certain windows from opening. Turning it off won't change how quickly pages load or how responsive the browser feels.
Can I block pop-ups from one website but not others?
On Mac, yes — use the Exceptions list in Safari Settings to add specific websites. On iPhone and iPad, no — you can only turn the blocker on for all sites or off for all sites.
What's the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?
A pop-up appears on top of the page you're viewing. A pop-under opens behind your current window, so you don't see it until you close or minimize Safari. Safari's pop-up blocker blocks both types.
If I disable the blocker, will websites know I did that?
Websites cannot see your Safari settings. They can only see whether a pop-up they tried to open actually appeared on your screen. Disabling the blocker doesn't send any signal to websites about your settings.
Does the pop-up blocker affect notifications from websites?
No. The pop-up blocker only affects pop-up windows. Website notifications — the messages that appear in the corner of your screen — are controlled by a separate setting in Safari's Privacy & Security section.