Chrome blocks pop-ups by default, and you can turn that block off for specific websites
Chrome's pop-up blocker stops most pop-ups automatically, but some websites you trust need pop-ups to work — things like login windows, file downloads, or payment forms. You can let pop-ups through for those sites while keeping the blocker on everywhere else. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The fastest way is to click the pop-up blocker icon that appears in your address bar when a site tries to open a blocked pop-up. You can also change the setting in Chrome's full settings menu if you want to allow pop-ups before they get blocked, or if you want to turn off the blocker entirely.
Key Takeaways
- When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears in your address bar — click it to allow pop-ups from that site just once or always.
- You can add specific websites to your allowed list in Chrome Settings under Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects.
- Turning off the pop-up blocker entirely is not recommended, but you can do it in the same menu if a website absolutely requires it.
- Pop-ups allowed for one site do not affect your blocker on any other site — each website has its own setting.
Allow pop-ups from a site using the address bar icon
When a website tries to open a pop-up and Chrome blocks it, a small icon appears to the right of your web address. The icon looks like a box with an arrow pointing out of it, or sometimes shows a number if multiple pop-ups were blocked. Click that icon to see your options.
A menu will appear with the name of the website that tried to open the pop-up. You have two choices: click "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website name]" to let that site open pop-ups from now on, or click "Allow" to let just this one pop-up through without changing your settings. Choose "Always allow" if you use the site regularly and know you need its pop-ups.
After you click either option, the pop-up will open immediately. The next time that website tries to open a pop-up, it will go through without being blocked — you will not see the icon again unless you change the setting back.
Add a website to your pop-up allow list in Settings
If you want to allow pop-ups before they get blocked, or if you want to add a site to your list without waiting for a pop-up to appear, use Chrome's Settings menu. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select "Settings."
On the left side, click "Privacy and security," then click "Site settings." Scroll down until you see "Pop-ups and redirects" and click it. Under "Allow," you will see a list of websites you have already allowed. To add a new one, click "Add" and type the website address — for example, example.com or mail.example.com if you only want to allow pop-ups from that specific part of the site.
After you add the website, pop-ups from that site will open without being blocked. If you change your mind later, find the website in the "Allow" list, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove" to put it back under the blocker.
Turn off the pop-up blocker entirely (not recommended)
If a website absolutely will not work with the blocker on, you can turn it off completely. Go to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. At the top, you will see a toggle that says "Blocked (recommended)." Click it to turn the toggle off.
When you do this, Chrome will stop blocking pop-ups from every website. This leaves you open to unwanted pop-ups, ads, and potentially harmful windows. Most websites work fine with the blocker on — if one does not, it is usually better to add just that site to your allow list instead of turning off the blocker for everything.
If you turn off the blocker and want to turn it back on, go to the same menu and click the toggle again to switch it back to "Blocked (recommended)."
Check which sites are allowed to show pop-ups
You can see your full list of allowed websites anytime. Open Settings, go to Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. Under the "Allow" section, every website you have given permission to will be listed with its address.
If you see a site you no longer want to allow, click the three dots next to it and select "Remove." The next time that site tries to open a pop-up, it will be blocked again. You can remove sites one at a time, or if you want to clear the entire list, you can reset all site permissions — though this will also reset other settings like camera and microphone permissions, so do this only if you are sure.
What to do if pop-ups still do not work after allowing them
Sometimes a website's pop-ups still will not open even after you have allowed them. This usually means the website itself has a problem, not Chrome. Try refreshing the page by pressing Ctrl+R (or Cmd+R on Mac) and attempting to trigger the pop-up again.
If that does not work, the website may require a specific browser setting or an extension. Check the website's help section or contact their support team to ask what they recommend. Some older websites were built to work with pop-up blockers that no longer exist, and their pop-ups may not work in modern Chrome no matter what you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will allowing pop-ups from one website affect other websites?
No. Each website has its own pop-up setting in Chrome. If you allow pop-ups from example.com, the blocker stays on for every other site. You can allow pop-ups from ten websites and still block them everywhere else.
Can I allow pop-ups from only part of a website?
Yes. When you add a website to your allow list, you can be specific about which part. For example, you can allow pop-ups from mail.example.com but not from example.com itself. Type the exact address you want to allow.
What is the difference between "Allow" and "Always allow"?
Clicking "Allow" on the address bar icon lets just that one pop-up through without changing your settings. Clicking "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website]" adds the site to your permanent allow list, so all future pop-ups from that site will open automatically.
Is it safe to allow pop-ups?
It is safe to allow pop-ups from websites you trust. Avoid allowing pop-ups from sites you do not recognize or do not use regularly. If a site you trust suddenly starts showing unwanted pop-ups, remove it from your allow list and contact the website's support team.
How do I know if a pop-up is real or a scam?
Real pop-ups from websites usually appear in a small window and relate to what you are doing on the site — like a login box or a payment form. Scam pop-ups often claim you have won something, ask you to download software, or tell you your device has a problem. If you are unsure, close the pop-up and contact the website directly through their main website.