Where to find the pop-up blocker setting in Safari

Safari, the default browser on Mac, blocks most pop-ups automatically. To turn this off, open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Security tab.

You will see a checkbox labeled Block pop-ups. Uncheck it to disable the blocker. Close the Settings window and the change takes effect when ready. Any website you visit from that point forward can now open pop-ups.

If you want to block pop-ups again later, return to the same menu and check the box. You can also manage pop-ups for specific websites: in Safari's menu bar, go to Safari > Settings > Websites, then select Pop-ups from the left sidebar to allow or block pop-ups on individual sites.

Key Takeaways

  • Safari's pop-up blocker lives in Settings under the Security tab, where you uncheck "Block pop-ups" to turn it off.
  • You can control pop-ups per website instead of disabling the blocker entirely by using the Websites section in Settings.
  • Chrome and Firefox have their own pop-up blocker settings, found in their respective preference menus, not in macOS system settings.
  • Turning off a pop-up blocker affects only the browser you changed it in — other browsers on your Mac keep their own settings.

How to disable pop-ups in Chrome on Mac

Google Chrome also blocks pop-ups by default. Click the Chrome menu in the top left corner and select Settings. On the left sidebar, click Privacy and security, then Site settings.

Scroll down to find Pop-ups and redirects and click it. Toggle the switch at the top to Allowed. This turns off pop-up blocking for all websites. If you want finer control, you can add specific websites to the "Allow" list below instead of allowing all pop-ups.

Chrome remembers your choice, so the next time you visit that website, pop-ups will load without you having to change the setting again. If you change your mind, return to the same menu and toggle the switch back to Blocked.

Disabling pop-ups in Firefox on Mac

Firefox blocks pop-ups as a standard feature. Click Firefox in the menu bar and select Settings. Click Privacy & Security on the left side.

Under the Permissions section, find Pop-ups and uncheck the box next to "Block pop-up windows." You can also click Exceptions next to it to allow pop-ups only on certain websites while keeping the blocker on for others.

Firefox's approach is similar to Safari's: you can either disable the blocker entirely or create a list of sites where pop-ups are permitted. The Exceptions button opens a window where you type the website address and choose whether to allow or block it.

Why a website might need pop-ups enabled

Some legitimate websites use pop-ups for important functions. Online banking sites sometimes open pop-ups for security verification. Educational platforms may use them for quizzes or notifications. Ticketing websites occasionally require pop-ups to display your purchase confirmation or seat selection.

If a website tells you to disable your pop-up blocker and you trust the site, turning it off for just that domain (rather than all websites) is the safer approach. Most browsers let you allow pop-ups for one site while keeping the blocker active everywhere else. This way you get the functionality you need without exposing yourself to unwanted pop-ups from other sources.

What to do if pop-ups return after you disable the blocker

If you disabled the pop-up blocker but still see no pop-ups on a particular website, the issue may not be your browser's blocker. Some websites have their own pop-up code that fails to load, or your internet connection may be blocking them at a different level.

Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache. Go to Safari > Develop > Empty Web Caches (Safari), or Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data (Chrome). If pop-ups still do not appear, the website itself may have a technical problem rather than your blocker being the cause.

Re-enabling your pop-up blocker when you are done

Once you have finished with the website that needed pop-ups, you should turn the blocker back on. Leaving it off leaves you exposed to unwanted pop-ups from other sites — many of which are advertisements or potentially harmful.

Return to your browser's settings using the same steps above and re-enable the blocker. If you allowed pop-ups only for a specific website, you do not need to do anything; the blocker remains active everywhere else. Checking the box in Safari, toggling the switch in Chrome, or checking the box in Firefox takes only a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I allow pop-ups for just one website instead of all websites?

Yes. In Safari, go to Settings > Websites > Pop-ups and add the website to the "Allow" list. In Chrome and Firefox, click "Exceptions" or "Manage" next to the pop-up setting and enter the website address. This keeps the blocker on for all other sites.

Will disabling the pop-up blocker affect my security?

Disabling it globally exposes you to unwanted pop-ups, some of which may contain malware or scams. Allowing pop-ups for only the specific website you need is safer. Re-enable the blocker when you are done.

What if I disabled the pop-up blocker but the website still will not show pop-ups?

The website itself may have a technical issue, or the pop-up code may be broken. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If it still does not work, contact the website's support team — the problem is likely on their end, not yours.

Do I have to disable the blocker in every browser on my Mac?

No. Each browser has its own settings. Disabling it in Safari does not affect Chrome or Firefox. You only need to change the setting in the browser you are actually using.