Chrome blocks most pop-ups automatically, and you can turn that off in Settings
Chrome comes with a built-in pop-up blocker that stops most new windows from opening without your action. If a website you trust needs to open pop-ups — for example, a banking site that opens statements in new windows, or a tool that displays results in a separate window — you can disable the blocker entirely, or you can allow pop-ups only on that specific site.
The fastest route is to add the site to Chrome's exceptions list, so pop-ups work there but stay blocked everywhere else. If you want to turn off the blocker completely, that takes one more step in Settings.
Key Takeaways
- You can allow pop-ups on a single website by clicking the pop-up blocker icon in the address bar and selecting "Always allow pop-ups on this site."
- To disable the pop-up blocker entirely, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects, and toggle it off.
- Chrome remembers which sites you've allowed, so you only need to do this once per website.
- If you don't see a pop-up blocker icon in the address bar, the site may not have tried to open a pop-up, or you may have already allowed it.
Allow pop-ups on one website only
When a website tries to open a pop-up and Chrome blocks it, a small icon appears in the address bar on the right side — it looks like a window with a slash through it. Click that icon.
A menu appears with the message "Pop-ups blocked" and a button that says "Always allow pop-ups on this site." Click that button. Chrome will remember this choice, and pop-ups from that website will open from now on without you having to do anything else.
If you change your mind later, click the same icon again and select "Don't allow pop-ups on this site" to turn them back off for that website.
Disable the pop-up blocker completely
If you want pop-ups to work on all websites, not just one, you need to turn off the blocker in Chrome Settings. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, then click "Settings."
In the left menu, click "Privacy and Security," then click "Site Settings." Scroll down until you see "Pop-ups and redirects" and click it. Toggle the switch to the off position — it will turn gray instead of blue. Pop-ups will now open on every website.
This change applies to your entire Chrome browser on that device. If you use Chrome on multiple devices, you'll need to repeat these steps on each one.
Why websites use pop-ups
Pop-ups serve different purposes. Some are advertisements that appear without your request — these are what the blocker is designed to stop. Others are functional: a bank might open your statement in a pop-up window, a map tool might display directions in a new window, or a support chat might appear as a separate box.
Chrome's blocker stops both types, which is why you sometimes need to allow them. The blocker doesn't distinguish between a pop-up that's trying to sell you something and one that's part of how the website works.
What to do if allowing pop-ups doesn't work
Sometimes you allow pop-ups on a website and they still don't appear. This usually means the website itself is preventing them, not Chrome. Some sites have their own settings that control whether pop-ups open.
Check the website's settings or help section to see if there's a pop-up option there. You may also need to disable any browser extensions you have installed — extensions can block pop-ups even when Chrome's blocker is off. To see your extensions, click the puzzle-piece icon in the top right of Chrome, then look for any that might be blocking content.
The difference between pop-ups and notifications
Pop-ups are windows that open on top of the page you're viewing. Notifications are messages that appear in the corner of your screen, usually from websites asking permission to send you alerts. Chrome has a separate blocker for notifications, which works the same way: click the icon in the address bar and choose to allow or block them.
If a website is trying to send you notifications and you're not seeing a request, the notification blocker may be on. The steps to turn it off are identical to the pop-up blocker steps — go to Site Settings and look for "Notifications" instead of "Pop-ups and redirects."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome block pop-ups if I've already allowed them on a site?
If you allowed pop-ups but they're still blocked, the website may have changed its domain or you may be on a different version of the site (like a mobile version). Try allowing pop-ups again. If that doesn't work, check whether an extension is blocking them — extensions can override Chrome's settings.
Can I allow pop-ups on a website without disabling the blocker everywhere?
Yes. Click the pop-up blocker icon in the address bar and select "Always allow pop-ups on this site." This adds only that website to your exceptions list, and the blocker stays on for all other sites.
What if I don't see the pop-up blocker icon in the address bar?
The icon only appears when a website tries to open a pop-up. If you don't see it, the site may not have attempted to open one, or you may have already allowed pop-ups there. Try refreshing the page or checking the website's settings to see if there's a button you need to click to trigger the pop-up.
Does disabling the pop-up blocker make my browser less safe?
Disabling it completely exposes you to more advertisements and potentially malicious pop-ups, so it's safer to allow pop-ups only on websites you trust. If you turn off the blocker, consider turning it back on after you're done with the site that needed it.