Chrome blocks most pop-ups automatically, but you can tighten the settings or allow them on specific sites

Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker is on by default and stops most unwanted windows from opening. You do not need to install anything extra. If pop-ups are still getting through, you can adjust Chrome's settings to be stricter, or you can add rules for individual websites. If a site you trust needs pop-ups to work properly, you can allow them just for that site.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Chrome on Windows, Mac, Linux, or a phone, but the settings menu is the same place on all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome blocks pop-ups by default; check your settings first to confirm the blocker is turned on before assuming it is broken.
  • You can allow pop-ups on specific websites without turning off the blocker everywhere else.
  • If a pop-up blocker is interfering with a site you need to use, you can add that site to your exceptions list in about 30 seconds.
  • Third-party extensions that block pop-ups exist, but they are not necessary for basic protection in Chrome.

Check whether your pop-up blocker is on

Open Chrome and look at the top right corner. Click the three vertical dots (called the menu button) and select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then click Site settings.

Scroll down until you see Pop-ups and redirects. Click it. At the top, you should see a toggle or dropdown that says Blocked (recommended). If it says Allowed, click the toggle to turn blocking back on. If it already says Blocked, your pop-up blocker is active and working.

Allow pop-ups on a website you trust

If a website you use regularly needs pop-ups to function — for example, some banking sites or online tools open documents in pop-up windows — you can add that site to your exceptions list. You do not have to turn off the blocker everywhere.

Go back to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Under the heading Allow, click Add. Type the website address (for example, example.com) and click Add. Chrome will now allow pop-ups from that site only.

If you later change your mind, you can remove the site from the allow list. Go back to the same menu, find the site under Allow, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove.

Block pop-ups on a specific website

If one website is sending you pop-ups even though your blocker is on, that site may be using a method that bypasses the standard blocker. You can create a rule to block pop-ups from just that site without affecting others.

Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Under the heading Block, click Add. Type the website address and click Add. Chrome will now block all pop-ups from that site, even if you have pop-ups allowed elsewhere.

What to do if pop-ups still appear

If pop-ups are still getting through after you have confirmed the blocker is on, the site may be using redirects instead of pop-ups. A redirect is when a website sends you to a different page without you clicking anything. Chrome's pop-up blocker also blocks most redirects, but some slip through.

Check whether the unwanted window is actually a pop-up or a redirect by looking at the address bar. If the address changed without you clicking a link, it was a redirect. You can block redirects the same way you block pop-ups: go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and add the site to your Block list.

If you are visiting a site that is full of ads or redirects, consider whether you need to visit it at all. Some websites are designed to make money from redirects and are not worth your time or attention.

When to use a pop-up blocker extension

Chrome's built-in blocker handles most pop-ups. Third-party extensions like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus exist, but they are not necessary for basic pop-up blocking. They are more useful if you want to block ads on web pages themselves, not just pop-ups.

If you do install an extension, read it only from the Chrome Web Store. Extensions from other sources can contain malware or track your browsing. Before you install any extension, read the reviews and check how many users have installed it. An extension with thousands of reviews and a high rating is safer than one with ten reviews and no history.

Pop-up blocker settings on Chrome for Android and iPhone

Chrome on phones has the same pop-up blocker, but the settings menu is slightly different. Open Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner, and select Settings. Tap Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. You will see the same Blocked (recommended) toggle. Tap it to turn blocking on or off, or add exceptions the same way you would on a computer.

Phone browsers are generally safer from pop-ups than desktop browsers because the operating system itself blocks many pop-up attempts. If you are seeing pop-ups on your phone, they may be coming from an app rather than Chrome. Check your phone's app settings or uninstall apps you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chrome say a pop-up was blocked?

Chrome shows a notification at the top of the page when it blocks a pop-up. This means the blocker is working. You do not need to do anything unless you want to allow pop-ups from that site. If you do not see the notification, no pop-ups were attempted.

Can I allow pop-ups temporarily without changing my settings?

When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small notification appears at the top of the page. Click it and select Always allow pop-ups on this site to add the site to your exceptions list. To undo this later, go back to your pop-up settings and remove the site from the Allow list.

Do I need to restart Chrome after changing pop-up settings?

No. Changes to your pop-up blocker settings take effect when ready. If you just added a site to your allow list, you may need to refresh the page for the pop-ups to appear.

What is the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?

A pop-up opens in front of the page you are viewing. A pop-under opens behind it, so you do not see it until you close your browser window. Chrome's blocker stops both. If you notice a new window behind your current one, close it and add that site to your block list.

Will blocking pop-ups break websites I need to use?

Legitimate websites rarely rely on pop-ups. If a site you need stops working after you turn on pop-up blocking, add that site to your allow list. If the site still does not work, the problem is probably something else, not the pop-up blocker.