Where pop-ups come from and why blocking them matters
Pop-ups are windows that appear on top of what you're doing — usually advertisements, fake security warnings, or requests to read something. Most come from websites you visit, but some come from malware or browser extensions you installed. Blocking them protects you from accidentally clicking something dangerous and keeps your screen clear while you work.
Your browser has built-in pop-up blocking, but it's not always turned on by default, and it doesn't catch everything. Malware-generated pop-ups need different tools to stop. The method you use depends on where the pop-ups are coming from and what device you're using.
Key Takeaways
- Most browsers have a pop-up blocker you can turn on in settings, which stops the majority of pop-ups from websites.
- If pop-ups appear even with the blocker on, you likely have a browser extension or malware causing them — removing the extension or running a scan usually fixes it.
- On Windows, check your installed programs and remove anything you don't recognize; on Mac, look in Applications and delete suspicious items.
- On phones, pop-ups usually come from apps or websites, and you can block them by adjusting notification settings or switching browsers.
- If pop-ups claim your device is infected or ask you to call a number, they are fake — close them and do not call.
Turn on pop-up blocking in your browser
Every major browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — has a built-in pop-up blocker. It is usually on by default, but if pop-ups are getting through, check that it hasn't been turned off.
In Chrome: Click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security. Click Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure "Blocked (recommended)" is selected. If a specific site needs pop-ups to work, you can add it to the Allow list here.
In Firefox: Click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy & Security. Scroll to Permissions and look for Pop-ups. Make sure "Block pop-up windows" is checked.
In Safari on Mac: Click Safari in the menu bar, select Settings, then Security. Check the box next to "Block pop-up windows."
In Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Under Tracking prevention, find Pop-ups and redirects and make sure it is set to Block.
Remove browser extensions that cause pop-ups
If pop-ups continue after you've turned on the blocker, a browser extension is probably generating them. Extensions are small programs that add features to your browser — toolbars, ad blockers, password managers. Some are legitimate; others are designed to show you ads or collect your data.
In Chrome: Click the three-line menu, select More Tools, then Extensions. Look through the list for anything you don't recognize or don't remember installing. Click the trash icon to remove it. If you're not sure what something does, search its name online before deleting it.
In Firefox: Click the three-line menu, select Add-ons and Extensions. Go to the Extensions tab. Remove anything suspicious by clicking the three dots next to it and selecting Remove.
In Safari: Click Safari in the menu bar, select Settings, then Extensions. Uncheck or remove extensions you don't use or don't recognize.
In Edge: Click the three-dot menu, select Extensions, then Manage extensions. Remove anything you don't need.
Scan for and remove malware on Windows and Mac
If pop-ups appear even after you've disabled extensions and turned on the blocker, malware may be installed on your computer. Malware is software designed to harm your device or steal your information. It can generate pop-ups, redirect your searches, or slow your computer down.
On Windows: Use the built-in Windows Defender. Click the Start menu, type "Windows Security," and open it. Click Virus & threat protection, then Scan options. Select Quick scan and click Scan now. If threats are found, Windows will remove them automatically. If the problem persists, run a Full scan instead, which takes longer but checks more files.
On Mac: macOS does not have a built-in malware scanner like Windows does. Open Applications, then Utilities, and look for Activity Monitor. Check the CPU and Memory tabs for programs using a lot of resources that you don't recognize. You can also look in Applications for programs you didn't install and drag them to the Trash. If you want a dedicated scanner, Malwarebytes for Mac is a common choice, though it is not free.
After scanning, restart your computer. If pop-ups stop, the malware is gone. If they continue, the infection may be deeper — consider taking your computer to a repair shop or contacting the manufacturer's support line.
Stop pop-ups on your phone
Phone pop-ups usually come from apps or websites, not from malware the way desktop pop-ups do. The fix depends on where they're coming from.
If pop-ups appear in your browser: On iPhone, open Settings, scroll to Safari, and turn on "Block Pop-ups." On Android, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select Settings, then Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects, and make sure they are blocked. If a particular website is causing them, you can also switch to a different browser — Firefox and Opera both have strong pop-up blockers.
If pop-ups appear as notifications: On iPhone, go to Settings, Notifications, and turn off notifications for apps you don't trust. On Android, go to Settings, Apps, select the app, tap Notifications, and turn them off.
If pop-ups appear within an app: The app itself is showing them, usually because it's a free app funded by ads. You can either pay for an ad-free version if available, switch to a different app, or just close the pop-ups when they appear by tapping the X.
What to do about fake security warnings
Some pop-ups claim your device is infected, your password has been stolen, or your storage is full. These are almost always fake. Real security warnings from your operating system or antivirus software do not pop up unexpectedly — they appear in your settings or your security software's own window.
If you see a pop-up warning that asks you to call a phone number, read something, or enter your password, close it when ready. Do not call the number. Do not read anything. straightforward click the X button or press Escape on your keyboard to close it. If the X button doesn't work, close your entire browser — on Windows, press Alt+F4; on Mac, press Command+Q.
If you accidentally clicked a link in a fake warning, change your passwords from a different device as soon as you can. If you entered payment information, contact your bank or credit card company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pop-up blocker not work on some websites?
Some websites require pop-ups to function — login windows, file downloads, or video players sometimes open in pop-up windows. If you trust the site, you can add it to your blocker's allow list in your browser settings. Most blockers let you click a notification when a pop-up is blocked and choose to allow it for that site.
Can I block pop-ups without using my browser's built-in blocker?
Yes. Third-party ad blockers like uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus block pop-ups along with other ads. They work as browser extensions and give you more control over what gets blocked. However, the browser's built-in blocker is usually enough for most people and doesn't slow your browser down as much.
What if I see a pop-up that looks like it's from my bank or email provider?
Close it without entering any information. Banks and email providers do not send pop-ups asking for your password or account details. If you're concerned about your account, go directly to the website by typing the address in your browser or calling the number on your bank statement — never use a link from a pop-up.
Do I need antivirus software to stop pop-ups?
Not necessarily. Your browser's pop-up blocker stops most of them. Antivirus software like Windows Defender helps if malware is installed, but it's not the first tool to try. Start with the browser blocker and extension removal; only run a malware scan if pop-ups continue after that.
Why do pop-ups keep coming back even after I close them?
If the same pop-up returns repeatedly, it's likely coming from a browser extension, a website you visit often, or malware. Check your extensions first, then scan for malware. If it's a specific website, you can block notifications from that site in your browser settings.