Pop-ups are blocked by default on iPhone, but you can turn them back on for specific websites
Your iPhone blocks pop-ups automatically to protect you from unwanted ads and malicious windows. But some websites you actually use — like banking sites, ticketing systems, or online tools — need pop-ups to work properly. When a site says "pop-ups are blocked," you have two choices: allow pop-ups for just that website, or turn off pop-up blocking entirely in Safari settings.
The fastest route is to allow pop-ups for one website at a time as you need them. This keeps you protected on most sites while unblocking the ones that require it. If you use pop-ups constantly, you can disable blocking altogether, though this leaves you more exposed to unwanted windows.
Key Takeaways
- Safari blocks pop-ups by default on iPhone; you can allow them per website or turn off blocking entirely in Settings.
- When a website needs a pop-up, look for a pop-up blocked notification at the top of the screen and tap it to allow pop-ups from that site.
- To turn off pop-up blocking for all websites, go to Settings > Safari and toggle off "Block Pop-ups".
- Allowing pop-ups for one website does not affect other websites — each site's permission is separate.
- If you do not see a pop-up blocked notification, the website may be using a different method that Safari cannot block.
Allow pop-ups for a single website
The easiest way to unblock pop-ups is to do it one website at a time. When Safari blocks a pop-up, you will see a small notification bar at the top of the screen that says "Pop-Up Blocked" or shows a number of blocked pop-ups. Tap that notification to see your options.
After you tap the notification, Safari will show you a menu with the option to "Allow Pop-Ups" for that specific website. Tap it. From that point forward, pop-ups from that website will open normally. The setting sticks with that website only — other sites remain blocked unless you repeat this step for them.
If you do not see a notification at the top of the screen, the website may not be triggering a pop-up that Safari recognizes, or the site may be using a different method to open new windows. In that case, move to the next section to turn off blocking entirely.
Turn off pop-up blocking for all websites
If you use pop-ups frequently or a website is not triggering the blocked notification, you can disable pop-up blocking in Safari settings. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to find Safari.
Tap Safari, then scroll down to the "General" section. Look for the toggle labeled "Block Pop-Ups" and tap it to turn it off. The toggle will no longer be green or highlighted. Pop-ups from all websites will now open without being blocked.
Keep in mind that turning off this setting leaves you more exposed to unwanted pop-ups and ads. You may see more windows opening unexpectedly when you browse. If this becomes annoying, you can always turn the setting back on and return to allowing pop-ups one website at a time.
Check your Safari settings if pop-ups still do not work
Sometimes a website will not open a pop-up even after you have allowed it. This usually means one of two things: the website itself is broken or outdated, or Safari has a separate setting preventing the pop-up from opening.
Go back to Settings > Safari and scroll down to "Privacy & Security." Make sure "Prevent cross-site tracking" is on — this is normally a good setting to keep enabled. However, if a website is having trouble with pop-ups, try turning this off temporarily to see if it helps. If the pop-up works after you disable it, you can turn it back on; the website may simply not be built to work with this privacy feature.
If the pop-up still does not appear, the website may require a feature that Safari does not support, or the site may be using an outdated method to open windows. Try the website in a different browser like Chrome or Firefox to see if the pop-up works there.
Understand the difference between pop-ups and notifications
Pop-ups are windows that open inside Safari when you visit a website. Notifications are messages that appear on your home screen or lock screen, even when you are not using Safari. These are two separate things with different settings.
If a website is asking for permission to send you notifications (not pop-ups), you will see a prompt asking "Allow [Website] to send you notifications?" This is controlled by a different setting. Tap "Allow" or "Don't Allow" based on whether you want that website to send you alerts. This does not affect pop-up blocking.
Re-enable pop-up blocking if you change your mind
If you turned off pop-up blocking and now want to turn it back on, the process is simple. Open Settings, tap Safari, and scroll to the "General" section. Tap the "Block Pop-Ups" toggle to turn it back on. The toggle will turn green or highlight again.
If you allowed pop-ups for a specific website and want to block them again, there is no direct "undo" button in Safari. Instead, you will need to clear your website data for that site. Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, find the website in the list, swipe left on it, and tap "Delete." This removes all stored data and permissions for that site, including the pop-up allowance. The next time you visit, pop-ups will be blocked again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Safari block pop-ups in the first place?
Pop-ups are often used for unwanted ads, malware, or scams. Blocking them by default protects you from accidentally clicking something harmful or having your phone redirected to a malicious site. Legitimate websites can work around this by asking for permission, which is why you see the notification.
Will allowing pop-ups for one website affect my other apps?
No. Pop-up settings in Safari only control what happens inside the Safari browser. Other apps like Mail, Messages, or third-party browsers have their own pop-up settings and are not affected by what you do in Safari.
What if a website says pop-ups are blocked but I do not see a notification?
The website may be using an outdated method to open pop-ups that Safari no longer recognizes, or the pop-up may have already closed before you saw the notification. Try refreshing the page or visiting the website again. If the problem continues, try a different browser or contact the website's support team.
Can I allow pop-ups for some websites and block them for others?
Yes. This is the default behavior. Pop-up blocking is on for all websites, and you only allow pop-ups for the specific sites that need them. Each website's permission is stored separately, so you can have pop-ups enabled on your bank's site and disabled everywhere else.
Is it safe to turn off pop-up blocking completely?
It is not recommended. Turning off blocking exposes you to unwanted ads and potentially harmful windows. If you need pop-ups for a specific site, allow them just for that site instead. If you must disable blocking entirely, turn it back on as soon as you are done with that website.