Firefox blocks most pop-ups by default, and you can turn that off for specific websites or disable it entirely
Firefox's built-in pop-up blocker stops most new windows from opening without your permission. Sometimes legitimate websites need to open pop-ups — a banking site might use them for find forms, or a ticketing site might open your confirmation in a new window. If a site you trust isn't working because Firefox is blocking pop-ups, you can disable the blocker for just that site, or turn it off completely.
The fastest route is to allow pop-ups for one website only, which takes 30 seconds and doesn't weaken your protection elsewhere. If you need pop-ups everywhere, you can disable the blocker globally, though most people find the per-site approach safer.
Key Takeaways
- Firefox blocks pop-ups automatically, and you can see which ones it blocked by looking for a notification bar at the top of the page.
- The safest method is to allow pop-ups for just one website by clicking the notification and selecting "Allow," which takes seconds.
- You can also manage pop-up permissions in Firefox Settings under Privacy & Security, where you can add or remove websites from the allowed list.
- Disabling the pop-up blocker entirely removes protection across all websites, so only do this if you have another security tool protecting your browser.
Allow pop-ups for a single website using the notification bar
When Firefox blocks a pop-up, a gray notification bar appears at the top of the page, usually saying "Firefox blocked a pop-up window." Click anywhere on that bar to expand it and see your options.
You'll see a button labeled "Allow" with a dropdown arrow next to it. Click the dropdown arrow, and you'll get two choices: "Allow for This Site" or "Allow for This Session." Choose "Allow for This Site" if you want Firefox to stop blocking pop-ups on that domain permanently. Choose "Allow for This Session" if you only want pop-ups to work right now, and Firefox will block them again the next time you visit.
After you make your choice, reload the page or try the action that triggered the pop-up again. The pop-up should now open. This method is the fastest way to fix a single website without changing your overall security settings.
Manage pop-up permissions in Firefox Settings
If you want to see all the websites you've already allowed, or remove a site from the allowed list, open Firefox Settings. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then select "Settings."
In the Settings window, click "Privacy & Security" in the left sidebar. Scroll down until you find the "Permissions" section. You'll see a row labeled "Pop-ups" with a "Settings" button next to it. Click that button to open the pop-up permissions window.
This window shows two lists: "Allow" and "Block." The "Allow" list contains every website you've given permission to open pop-ups. You can remove any site by clicking it and then clicking "Remove." The "Block" list shows sites you've explicitly blocked — this is rarely used unless you've manually added a site there. To add a new website to the allow list without waiting for a pop-up to appear, type the website address in the text field at the top and click "Allow."
Disable the pop-up blocker entirely
If you want Firefox to stop blocking pop-ups on every website, you can turn off the blocker completely. Open Firefox Settings again and go to "Privacy & Security." In the "Permissions" section, find the row that says "Block pop-up windows" — it has a checkbox next to it. Uncheck that box, and the pop-up blocker is now off.
Be aware that disabling the blocker removes a layer of protection. Many pop-ups are advertisements or malicious, and the blocker stops them automatically. Only disable it if you have another security tool protecting your browser, such as an antivirus program with browser protection or a dedicated browser extension designed for security.
Re-enable the pop-up blocker if you change your mind
If you disabled the blocker and later want to turn it back on, return to Firefox Settings, go to "Privacy & Security," and check the "Block pop-up windows" box again. Firefox will resume blocking pop-ups on all websites except those on your allow list.
If you only want to remove a single website from your allow list rather than disable the blocker entirely, use the pop-up permissions window described earlier. This is the safer approach because it keeps the blocker active everywhere else.
What to do if the notification bar doesn't appear
Sometimes Firefox blocks a pop-up but doesn't show the notification bar. This usually happens if the pop-up was triggered by an advertisement or script rather than a direct user action like clicking a button. In this case, go to the pop-up permissions window in Settings (Privacy & Security > Permissions > Pop-ups > Settings) and add the website manually by typing its address and clicking "Allow."
If you're not sure whether Firefox is blocking pop-ups, check the address bar. Firefox displays a small icon (usually a circle with a slash through it) on the right side of the address bar when it blocks a pop-up. Click that icon to see the notification and allow pop-ups for that site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Firefox is blocking a pop-up?
Firefox shows a gray notification bar at the top of the page when it blocks a pop-up. You may also see a small blocked-pop-up icon on the right side of the address bar. Click either one to see your options and allow the pop-up if you trust the site.
Will allowing pop-ups for one website affect other websites?
No. When you choose "Allow for This Site," Firefox only stops blocking pop-ups on that specific domain. All other websites remain protected by the pop-up blocker. This is why the per-site method is safer than disabling the blocker entirely.
Can I block pop-ups again after I've allowed them?
Yes. Go to Firefox Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Permissions, then Pop-ups Settings. Find the website in the "Allow" list, click it, and click "Remove." Firefox will block pop-ups on that site again.
What's the difference between "Allow for This Site" and "Allow for This Session"?
"Allow for This Site" is permanent — Firefox will allow pop-ups every time you visit that website. "Allow for This Session" only works until you close Firefox or navigate away. Use "Session" if you only need pop-ups once, and "Site" if you visit the website regularly.