How to Block Pop-ups in Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari

Pop-ups are those annoying windows that suddenly appear on your screen when you visit a website. They can contain ads, show warnings or ask you to click on something. Fortunately, you can easily block these distracting elements in any modern browser. In this article we explain step by step how to stop pop-ups in Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari.

What exactly are pop-ups?

Pop-ups are small windows that open automatically on top of the website you are viewing. They were often used for ads, newsletter sign-ups or special offers. Although some pop-ups can be useful, most are mainly irritating and can even be dangerous if they try to mislead you.

Why are pop-ups annoying?

Pop-ups disrupt your browsing experience in several ways. They block the content you want to read, slow down your computer and can sometimes even contain malicious software. Older computers in particular can become noticeably slower when many pop-ups open at the same time.

Are all pop-ups bad?

Not all pop-ups are harmful. Some websites use pop-ups for useful functions such as signing in to your account, confirming an action or showing important information. That is why browsers let you allow pop-ups from specific websites while blocking them everywhere else.

Blocking pop-ups in Google Chrome

Google Chrome has a built-in pop-up blocker that is turned on by default. Still, it can happen that it was accidentally turned off or that certain websites have been given permission. Here is how to check and adjust this.

Steps for Chrome on your computer

Open Google Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right. This opens the menu. Then click Settings. Scroll down and click Privacy and security in the left menu. After that, click Site settings and scroll to Pop-ups and redirects.

Make sure the switch is set to Blocked. This means Chrome automatically stops pop-ups. Here you also see a list of websites that are allowed to show pop-ups. Remove websites from this list by clicking the three dots next to the website and selecting Remove.

Chrome on your phone or tablet

You can also block pop-ups in Chrome on mobile devices. Open the Chrome app and tap the three dots in the top right. Go to Settings, then Site settings and then Pop-ups and redirects. Turn off the switch to block pop-ups.

Blocking pop-ups in Mozilla Firefox

Firefox offers excellent protection against pop-ups and gives you a lot of control over which websites can and cannot show pop-ups.

Adjusting Firefox settings

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right to open the menu. Click Settings and select Privacy & Security in the left menu. Scroll to the Permissions section and look for Block pop-up windows.

Make sure the Block pop-up windows box is checked. By clicking Exceptions, you can add websites that are allowed to show pop-ups, for example your bank or another trusted website.

Turning on extra protection

Firefox also offers Enhanced Tracking Protection, which helps block some ads and trackers. You will find this option in the same Privacy & Security menu. Choose Strict to get the best protection.

Blocking pop-ups in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge, the default browser in Windows, also has a powerful built-in pop-up blocker.

Configuring Edge

Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right. Select Settings and then click Cookies and site permissions in the left menu. Look for Pop-ups and redirects and click it.

Turn on the Block option by sliding the switch to the right so that it turns blue. Here you can also add exceptions for websites you trust.

Using SmartScreen

Edge also has Microsoft Defender SmartScreen built in, which offers extra protection against dangerous websites and downloads. Check that this feature is turned on under Settings, Privacy, search, and services.

Blocking pop-ups in Safari

Do you use a Mac or iPhone? Safari has its own settings for blocking pop-ups.

Safari on Mac

Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top, then Preferences or Settings depending on your macOS version. Go to the Websites tab and select Pop-up Windows in the sidebar. Here you can choose to block pop-ups for all websites or only for specific sites.

Safari on iPhone and iPad

On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Safari. Look for the Block Pop-ups option and make sure it is turned on by making the switch green.

Extra tools against pop-ups

Besides the built-in browser settings, there are other ways to fight pop-ups.

Installing browser extensions

There are special browser extensions or add-ons that protect even better against pop-ups and ads. Well-known examples are uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus. These extensions block not only pop-ups but also many other ads.

To install an extension, go to your browser's extension store. In Chrome this is the Chrome Web Store, and in Firefox it is called Firefox Add-ons. Search for the extension you want and click Add or Install.

Be careful when downloading

Some programs you download secretly install extra software that causes pop-ups. Always pay close attention when installing programs and uncheck any unwanted extra software. Choose a custom installation so you can see exactly what is being installed.

What to do about persistent pop-ups

Sometimes pop-ups keep appearing despite all your settings. This can point to a deeper problem.

Check for unwanted software

If you still see a lot of pop-ups despite all the settings, there may be unwanted software on your computer. Run a scan with your antivirus program or Windows Defender. Remove suspicious programs through Control Panel or Settings.

Resetting your browser

In extreme cases, you can reset your browser to its default settings. This removes all extensions and custom settings. You will usually find this option under Settings and then Advanced or About the browser.

Tips for staying safe online

Besides blocking pop-ups, there is more you can do to stay safe on the internet. Never click on suspicious links or ads. Keep your browser and operating system up to date. Use strong passwords and be careful about sharing personal information online.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I still see pop-ups even though I blocked them?

Some websites use tricks to get around the pop-up blocker. There may also be unwanted software on your computer that generates pop-ups. Check your browser extensions and run a virus scan if the problem persists.

Are pop-up blockers safe to use?

Yes, the built-in pop-up blockers of browsers are completely safe. Well-known extensions such as uBlock Origin are also reliable. Be careful with unknown extensions, though, and only download from official sources.

Can I allow pop-ups for specific websites?

Absolutely. Every browser lets you add exceptions. This is useful for trusted websites that use pop-ups for important functions such as online banking or online stores.

Do pop-up blockers also block regular ads?

The standard pop-up blockers in browsers only block pop-up windows, not regular ads on web pages. To block all ads, you need a separate ad blocker such as uBlock Origin.