Chrome blocks most pop-ups by default, and you can turn that off for specific websites or disable it entirely
Google Chrome comes with a built-in pop-up blocker that stops most new windows from opening without your permission. If a website you trust needs to open pop-ups — for a document viewer, a payment form, or a tool that runs in a new window — you can allow them. You can permit pop-ups just for that one site, or you can disable the blocker completely, though keeping it on for most sites protects you from unwanted ads and malware.
The fastest way is to click the pop-up blocker icon that appears in Chrome's address bar when a pop-up is blocked, then choose to allow pop-ups from that site. If you want to change the setting before a pop-up appears, you can do that through Chrome's settings menu in about 30 seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome shows a small icon in the address bar when it blocks a pop-up, and clicking that icon lets you allow pop-ups from that site with one click.
- You can allow pop-ups for one website without turning off the blocker for all websites, which keeps you protected elsewhere.
- The Settings menu under Privacy and Security lets you add websites to an allow list or turn off pop-up blocking entirely.
- Some websites need pop-ups to work correctly — online banking, document tools, and video players often use them — so you may need to allow them for specific sites.
Allow pop-ups from one website using the address bar icon
When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears to the right of the website address in the address bar. The icon looks like a window with a slash through it. Click that icon and a menu will appear showing how many pop-ups were blocked.
Click "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website name]" and Chrome will stop blocking pop-ups from that site going forward. You do not have to change any settings or restart the browser — the change takes effect when ready. If you change your mind later, you can click the same icon again and choose to block pop-ups from that site once more.
Allow pop-ups through Chrome Settings
If you want to set up pop-up permissions before visiting a site, or if you want to see all the sites you have already allowed, use the Settings menu. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, then click "Settings."
On the left side, click "Privacy and security," then click "Site settings." Scroll down and click "Pop-ups and redirects." You will see two sections: "Allowed" shows websites where you have turned off blocking, and "Blocked" shows websites where you have blocked them. To add a new site to the allowed list, click "Add" next to "Allowed" and type the website address. To remove a site from the allowed list, click the three dots next to its name and select "Remove."
Turn off the pop-up blocker completely
If you want Chrome to stop blocking pop-ups on all websites, go to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. At the top, toggle the switch next to "Blocked" to turn it off. The switch will turn gray, and Chrome will no longer block any pop-ups.
Turning off the blocker entirely is not recommended for everyday browsing, because many pop-ups are advertisements or malware. Most websites that need pop-ups to function will work fine if you allow them only for that specific site using the address bar icon or the allow list.
Websites that commonly need pop-ups enabled
Some legitimate websites rely on pop-ups to deliver important functions. Online banking sites often use pop-ups for security verification or to display account statements. Document viewers, PDF tools, and video players frequently open content in new windows. Some government websites and forms use pop-ups for process steps or to display required information.
If a website tells you that a feature is not working and you suspect pop-ups are the cause, check the address bar for the blocked pop-up icon. If you see it, click it and allow pop-ups from that site. The feature should then work as intended.
Difference between pop-ups and pop-unders
Chrome's pop-up blocker stops new windows from opening on top of the current page. A pop-under is a window that opens behind your current window, so you do not see it until you minimize or close the page you are on. Chrome treats pop-unders the same way it treats pop-ups — it blocks them by default.
If a pop-under appears despite the blocker being on, it usually means the website found a way around Chrome's protection, or the window was opened by a script that Chrome did not recognize as a pop-up. Allowing pop-ups from that site will also allow pop-unders, so only do this for websites you trust.
Checking your pop-up settings on a shared computer
If you share a computer with other people, each person's Chrome profile has its own pop-up settings. When you sign into Chrome with your Google account, your allowed websites and blocked websites follow you to that profile. If someone else uses a different profile on the same computer, their pop-up settings are separate.
If you are using Chrome without signing in, or if you are using a guest profile, your pop-up settings explore only to that session. Once you close the browser, those settings do not carry over to the next time you open Chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Chrome blocked a pop-up?
Chrome shows a small icon in the address bar — it looks like a window with a line through it — when it blocks one or more pop-ups. Click that icon to see how many were blocked and to allow pop-ups from that site if you want to.
Can I allow pop-ups for one website but keep the blocker on for others?
Yes. You can allow pop-ups from specific websites while keeping the blocker active everywhere else. Use the address bar icon or the Settings menu to add websites to your allow list. This keeps you protected on most sites while letting trusted websites use pop-ups.
What if I allow pop-ups and then change my mind?
Go to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. Find the website in the "Allowed" section, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove." Chrome will block pop-ups from that site again.
Do I need to restart Chrome after changing pop-up settings?
No. Pop-up settings take effect when ready. If you allow pop-ups from a site, the next pop-up from that site will go through. You do not need to close and reopen the browser.
Will turning off the pop-up blocker affect my security?
Turning off the blocker entirely removes one layer of protection against unwanted ads and malware. Most pop-ups that get through a disabled blocker are harmless advertisements, but some can be malicious. It is safer to allow pop-ups only for specific websites you trust rather than disabling the blocker completely.