Most pop-up blockers are turned on by default, and you disable them one site at a time
A pop-up blocker stops websites from opening new windows without your permission. The problem is that some legitimate websites need to open pop-ups to work — a bank's security check, a document upload tool, a video player, or a form that appears in a new window. When a pop-up blocker prevents something you actually need, you have two choices: turn off the blocker for just that one site, or turn it off entirely while you use that site.
Which choice you make depends on your browser and what the website does. The fastest route is usually to tell your browser to allow pop-ups from that specific site. This keeps you protected on every other website while unblocking just the one you need.
Key Takeaways
- Most browsers let you allow pop-ups from a single website without turning off the blocker everywhere.
- When a pop-up is blocked, your browser shows a notification bar or icon — click it to allow pop-ups from that site.
- If you cannot see a notification, go to your browser's settings and add the website to the pop-up blocker's allow list.
- Turn off the blocker entirely only if the site genuinely will not work with it on, and turn it back on when you are done.
Allow pop-ups from one site in Chrome
When Chrome blocks a pop-up, a small icon appears in the address bar on the right side — it looks like a box with a line through it. Click that icon and you will see a list of blocked pop-ups. Select "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website name]" and Chrome will stop blocking them for that site only.
If you do not see the icon, the site may not have tried to open a pop-up yet. Go to Chrome's settings instead: click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. Scroll down to "Allowed" and click "Add" to type in the website address.
Allow pop-ups from one site in Firefox
Firefox shows a notification bar at the top of the page when it blocks a pop-up. The bar says "Firefox prevented this site from opening a pop-up window" and has a button that says "Preferences". Click that button and Firefox will add the site to your allow list.
If you do not see the notification, open Firefox's settings by clicking the three-line menu in the top right and selecting Settings. Go to Privacy & Security on the left, scroll down to Permissions, and find Pop-ups. Click the "Exceptions" button next to it, type the website address, and click "Allow".
Allow pop-ups from one site in Safari
Safari does not show a notification when it blocks a pop-up the way Chrome and Firefox do. Instead, go to Safari's menu at the top of the screen and click Preferences. Select the Security tab, then find the checkbox that says "Block pop-up windows" and uncheck it. This turns off the blocker for all websites.
Unfortunately, Safari does not have a built-in way to allow pop-ups from just one site — you have to turn the blocker off entirely or use a different browser for that website. If you turn it off, remember to turn it back on when you are done by checking the box again.
Allow pop-ups from one site in Edge
Microsoft Edge works much like Chrome. When Edge blocks a pop-up, an icon appears in the address bar. Click it and select "Always allow pop-ups and redirects from this site". Edge will remember that choice and stop blocking pop-ups there.
If you do not see the icon, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, Search, and Services. Scroll down to Site Permissions and click Pop-ups and redirects. Under "Allow", click "Add" and type the website address.
Turn off the blocker temporarily if a site will not work
Some websites are poorly designed and will not work even after you allow pop-ups from them. In that case, you may need to turn off the blocker entirely while you use that site. The steps are the same as above, but instead of adding the site to an allow list, you uncheck or toggle off the pop-up blocker setting itself.
The moment you are done with that website, turn the blocker back on. This is important because pop-up blockers protect you from malicious ads and scams that try to open windows without your permission. Leaving it off leaves you exposed on every other site you visit.
Check if an extension is blocking pop-ups instead
If you have installed a browser extension for ad blocking or privacy, it may be the thing blocking pop-ups, not your browser's built-in blocker. Look at your extensions list — in Chrome and Edge, click the puzzle piece icon in the top right; in Firefox, click the three-line menu and select Add-ons.
Find any extension related to ads, privacy, or blocking, and click it. Look for a settings or options button and search for pop-up or pop-ups. You may find a toggle to turn off blocking for that site, or you may need to disable the extension temporarily. Once you are done with the website, turn the extension back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a website say pop-ups are blocked when I do not see a notification?
The website may have tried to open a pop-up before you allowed it, or the pop-up may have opened and closed so quickly you missed it. Reload the page after you allow pop-ups from that site, and the website should work.
Is it safe to allow pop-ups from a website I do not fully trust?
Allowing pop-ups from a site does carry some risk — the pop-ups could contain ads or malware. Only allow them from sites you recognize and need to use. If a site you do not trust is asking for pop-ups, it may be a sign not to use that site at all.
What if I allow pop-ups but the website still does not work?
The problem may not be the pop-up blocker. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try the website in a different browser. If it works in another browser, the issue is specific to your first browser's settings or extensions.
Can I block pop-ups again after I turn off the blocker?
Yes. Go back to your browser's settings using the same steps above and turn the blocker back on, or uncheck the site from your allow list. Your browser will remember your choice.