Turn off pop-ups in Chrome's built-in blocker
Chrome blocks most pop-ups automatically. If you are still seeing them, the blocker may be turned off, or a pop-up slipped through. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select Settings. Go to Privacy and security on the left, then click Site settings. Find Pop-ups and redirects and make sure it is set to Blocked.
If pop-ups keep appearing on one specific website, Chrome will show you a notification when it blocks them. Look for a small icon in the address bar — it may look like a pop-up window or a blocked symbol. Click it to see how many pop-ups were blocked on that page. You can allow pop-ups for that site if you trust it, or leave the blocker on.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker is on by default, but you can verify it is active in Settings under Privacy and security, then Site settings.
- Some websites you trust may need pop-ups enabled to work properly — you can allow them for specific sites without turning off the blocker everywhere.
- Extensions like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus block more aggressive pop-ups and ads that slip past Chrome's basic blocker.
- If a pop-up asks you to read something or claims your device has a virus, close the entire tab rather than clicking anything in the pop-up itself.
Allow pop-ups for websites that need them
Some legitimate websites use pop-ups for login windows, file downloads, or chat features. If a site you trust is not working because pop-ups are blocked, you can allow them just for that site. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Under Allow, click Add and type the website address.
Chrome will remember your choice for that site. The next time you visit, pop-ups will work there while staying blocked everywhere else. If you change your mind, go back to the same menu, find the site in the Allow list, and click the trash icon to remove it.
Use an extension for stronger pop-up blocking
Chrome's built-in blocker stops most pop-ups, but some websites use tricks to get around it. Extensions like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus catch more of them. Open the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension name, and click Add to Chrome. The extension will appear as an icon in your toolbar.
These extensions also block many ads and tracking scripts, which can make pages load faster. You can click the extension icon to see what it blocked on the current page, or to temporarily turn it off for a site you want to support. Most extensions let you adjust their settings — look for a gear icon or Options in the extension menu.
Recognize and close malicious pop-ups safely
Some pop-ups are not blocked because they appear inside the webpage itself rather than in a separate window. These fake alerts often claim your device has a virus, that you have won a prize, or that you need to update software. Do not click anything inside the pop-up. Instead, close the entire tab by clicking the X next to the tab name at the top.
If closing the tab does not work, press Alt + F4 on Windows or Command + Q on Mac to close Chrome entirely. You can reopen it and go back to your other tabs — they will still be there. Never read anything a pop-up offers, and never call a phone number shown in one. These are almost always scams.
Check your extensions if pop-ups suddenly increase
If you suddenly see many more pop-ups than before, a recently installed extension may be causing them. Open Chrome and click the three dots, then go to Extensions > Manage extensions. Look at the list and think about what you installed recently. Uncheck the toggle next to any extension you do not recognize or do not use anymore.
Some extensions are designed to show ads or pop-ups as a way to make money. If disabling an extension stops the pop-ups, you can remove it entirely by clicking the trash icon. Stick to extensions from well-known developers — check the reviews and how many people have installed it. An extension with millions of users and mostly positive reviews is safer than one with a few hundred downloads and mixed feedback.
Clear your cache and cookies if pop-ups persist
Websites sometimes store information in your browser that makes pop-ups reappear. Clearing this data can help. Click the three dots, go to Settings, then select Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. A window will open. Make sure Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked, then click Clear data.
This will log you out of websites you are signed into, so you may need to log back in. It will not delete your bookmarks or saved passwords unless you specifically check those boxes. After clearing, visit the websites where you were seeing pop-ups and see if they return. If they do, the pop-ups may be coming from ads on the page itself rather than browser pop-ups, and an ad-blocking extension will help more than clearing data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome still show pop-ups if the blocker is on?
Some pop-ups are not actually separate windows — they are ads or alerts built into the webpage itself. Chrome's blocker only stops pop-up windows. For these, use an ad-blocking extension like uBlock Origin. Also check that your blocker is actually set to Blocked in Site settings, not Allow.
Will blocking pop-ups break websites I use?
Most websites work fine with pop-ups blocked. A few need them for login windows or file downloads. If a site stops working, you can allow pop-ups just for that site in your Site settings without turning off the blocker everywhere else.
Is it safe to use ad-blocking extensions?
Extensions from the official Chrome Web Store are scanned for malware, so they are generally safe. Stick to well-reviewed extensions with millions of users, like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus. Avoid extensions with few reviews or from unknown developers.
What should I do if a pop-up says my device has a virus?
Close the entire tab when ready — do not click anything in the pop-up. These are scams. Your browser cannot detect viruses, and legitimate antivirus software does not work this way. If you are worried about malware, run a scan with Windows Defender or your antivirus program outside of Chrome.
Can I block pop-ups on my phone?
Chrome on Android and iPhone also has a pop-up blocker that is on by default. Tap the three dots, go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and make sure it is set to Blocked. Extensions are not available on mobile Chrome, so the built-in blocker is your main tool.