Chrome blocks pop-ups by default — here's how to turn that off
Chrome comes with a built-in pop-up blocker that stops most windows from opening without your permission. If a website you trust needs to open a new window and Chrome is blocking it, you can disable the blocker entirely, or you can allow pop-ups only on that specific site. The fastest route is usually to allow pop-ups just for one website rather than turning off protection everywhere.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you want to block pop-ups everywhere, allow them on one site, or change what happens when a pop-up is blocked. All of these settings live in the same place in Chrome's menu.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome blocks pop-ups automatically, and you can allow them for one website without turning off protection for all sites.
- When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears in the address bar — clicking it lets you allow that pop-up without changing any settings.
- To turn off the pop-up blocker entirely, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects.
- Allowing pop-ups on one site is safer than disabling the blocker everywhere, because most pop-ups are advertisements or malware.
Allow a pop-up from one website without changing your settings
When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears in the address bar on the right side — it looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of it. Click that icon and you will see a list of blocked pop-ups. Click the pop-up you want to allow, and it will open when ready.
This is the quickest fix if you are on a website once and need one pop-up to open. Chrome will still block pop-ups on that site in the future unless you take the next step.
Allow pop-ups permanently on one website
If you visit a website regularly and it needs pop-ups to work, you can tell Chrome to always allow them there. Open Chrome and go to the website. Click the lock icon in the address bar (or the information icon if there is no lock), then click Site Settings. Scroll down to Pop-ups and redirects and change it from Blocked to Allowed.
From now on, Chrome will let that website open pop-ups without asking. The blocker stays on for every other website.
Turn off the pop-up blocker completely
If you want to disable pop-up blocking across all websites, open Chrome and click the three-line menu in the top right corner. Click Settings, then Privacy and Security on the left side, then Site Settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle the switch at the top from Blocked to Allowed.
Turning off the blocker entirely is not recommended, because most pop-ups are advertisements or attempts to install unwanted software. If only one or two websites need pop-ups, allowing them on just those sites is safer.
What to do if a pop-up blocker icon does not appear
Sometimes a website tries to open a pop-up but Chrome blocks it silently — no icon appears in the address bar. This usually means the pop-up was blocked by a filter before it even reached the blocker. Refresh the page and try again, or try a different browser to see if the pop-up opens there.
If the website says a pop-up should have opened and nothing appeared, the website itself may have a problem. Contact the website's support team or try accessing it from a different device.
Why Chrome blocks pop-ups and when you might need them
Pop-ups were originally designed to show advertisements, and most still are. Chrome blocks them to protect you from malware, scams, and unwanted software installations. However, some legitimate websites use pop-ups for login windows, file downloads, or forms that need to appear in a separate window.
If a website you trust says it needs a pop-up and you cannot use it without one, allowing pop-ups on that site alone is the right choice. You do not need to disable the blocker everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome block pop-ups if I did not ask it to?
Chrome's pop-up blocker is on by default to protect you from malware and unwanted advertisements. You can turn it off in Settings if you prefer, but most people leave it on because the vast majority of pop-ups are not from websites you want to use.
If I allow pop-ups on one website, will other websites see that?
No. When you allow pop-ups on a specific website, that permission applies only to that website. Chrome keeps separate settings for every site you visit, so allowing pop-ups on one site does not affect any other site.
Can I block pop-ups on some websites but not others?
Yes. The default is to block pop-ups everywhere. You can then allow them on specific websites by clicking the pop-up icon in the address bar or by going to that site's settings and changing Pop-ups and redirects to Allowed. You do not have to choose all or nothing.
What if a website says pop-ups are blocked but I do not see the icon in the address bar?
The website may be using a different type of pop-up that Chrome's blocker does not flag with an icon. Try refreshing the page, or check whether the website has its own pop-up settings you need to change. Some websites require you to disable ad blockers or change privacy settings on their end.