Pop-ups are blocked by default on every major Mac browser, and you'll need to change that setting if a website you trust needs to show you one
Every browser on Mac — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge — blocks pop-ups automatically. This is the right default: most pop-ups are ads or worse. But some legitimate websites use pop-ups for things like login windows, file downloads, or forms that won't work any other way. If a site tells you to enable pop-ups and nothing happens, your browser is stopping it.
The steps to allow pop-ups differ by browser, and you can usually allow them for just one website instead of turning them on everywhere. That way you keep protection against unwanted pop-ups on every other site.
Key Takeaways
- Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all block pop-ups by default, and each has its own menu to change that setting.
- You can allow pop-ups for a single website without turning them on globally, which keeps you protected on other sites.
- Some websites genuinely need pop-ups to work, but if a site asks you to enable them and you don't recognize it, that's a sign to leave.
- If you allow pop-ups and then regret it, you can turn them back off in the same settings menu where you turned them on.
How to allow pop-ups in Safari
Open Safari and go to the website that needs pop-ups. In the address bar, you'll see a small icon that looks like a hand stopping something — that's the pop-up blocker. Click it, then click "Allow Pop-ups for This Website" from the menu that appears.
If you don't see that icon, the site hasn't tried to open a pop-up yet. Try clicking the button or link on the site that should trigger the pop-up, then look for the blocker icon again. Once you allow pop-ups for that site, Safari will remember it the next time you visit.
To turn pop-ups back off for a specific site, go back to that website, click the pop-up blocker icon in the address bar, and select "Disallow Pop-ups for This Website."
How to allow pop-ups in Chrome
Open Chrome and visit the website that needs pop-ups. Click the lock icon or information icon in the address bar on the left side. A small menu will drop down. Look for "Pop-ups and redirects" and click the dropdown next to it. Select "Allow" from the options.
Chrome will then let that website open pop-ups. The next time you visit, Chrome remembers your choice. If you change your mind, follow the same steps and select "Block" instead of "Allow."
How to allow pop-ups in Firefox
Go to the website that needs pop-ups in Firefox. When a pop-up is blocked, you'll see a notification bar at the top of the page saying "Firefox prevented this site from opening a pop-up window." Click the "Preferences" button on that bar, or click the information icon in the address bar.
A dropdown menu will appear. Find the option for pop-ups and select "Allow Pop-ups for This Site." Firefox will remember this choice when you return to that website. To block pop-ups again, use the same menu and select "Block Pop-ups for This Site."
How to allow pop-ups in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and navigate to the website that needs pop-ups. Click the information icon in the address bar on the left. A panel will open on the right side of the screen. Look for "Pop-ups and redirects" and click the toggle to turn it on for that site.
Edge will now allow pop-ups from that website. To turn it back off, click the same toggle again.
When you should and shouldn't allow pop-ups
Allow pop-ups for websites you recognize and trust — your bank, your email provider, a news site you read regularly, or a service you pay for. These sites sometimes use pop-ups for legitimate reasons like confirming a login or showing you a document.
Do not allow pop-ups for sites you don't recognize, sites that ask you to enable them before you've done anything, or sites that seem suspicious in any way. Scammers and malware distributors often use pop-ups to trick you into downloading something or giving up information. If a random website is pushing you hard to enable pop-ups, that's a reason to close the tab and leave.
What to do if pop-ups still don't appear
Sometimes a website's pop-up doesn't work even after you've allowed them. This usually means the website itself has a problem, not your browser. Try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or trying a different browser to see if the pop-up works there.
If the pop-up is supposed to appear when you click a button, make sure you're clicking the right button. Some websites have multiple buttons, and only one of them triggers a pop-up. If you're still stuck, contact the website's support team — they can tell you whether the pop-up feature is working on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I allow pop-ups for one website but block them everywhere else?
Yes. All four browsers let you allow pop-ups for individual sites while keeping the global block on. This is the safest approach because you only open the door for sites you actually need it for.
What if I accidentally allowed pop-ups and now I'm getting too many?
Go back to that website using the same steps you used to allow pop-ups, and select the option to block them again. Your browser will stop allowing pop-ups from that site immediately.
Do I need to allow pop-ups on my phone too?
Safari and Chrome on iPhone and iPad also block pop-ups by default, and you can allow them the same way — by clicking the information icon in the address bar and toggling pop-ups on for that site.
Is it safe to allow pop-ups if I trust the website?
Yes, if you genuinely trust the site. Allowing pop-ups for a legitimate bank or email service is safe. The risk comes from allowing them on unknown or suspicious sites, where the pop-up itself might contain malware or a scam.