Firefox blocks most pop-ups by default, but you can allow them for specific websites

Mozilla Firefox comes with a built-in pop-up blocker that stops most new windows from opening without your action. This protects you from unwanted ads and malicious pop-ups, but it also blocks legitimate pop-ups that some websites need to function — like login windows, file downloads, or forms that open in new tabs.

You can turn off the blocker entirely, but a better approach is to allow pop-ups only for the websites where you actually need them. This keeps you protected on most sites while letting specific ones work the way you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Firefox's pop-up blocker is on by default and blocks most new windows, but you can allow pop-ups for individual websites without turning off protection everywhere.
  • When a pop-up is blocked, Firefox shows a notification bar at the top of the page with an option to allow pop-ups for that site.
  • You can also add websites to your exceptions list in Firefox settings under Privacy & Security, in the Permissions section.
  • Turning off the pop-up blocker entirely leaves you vulnerable to unwanted ads and malicious windows, so only do this if you have a specific reason.
  • Some pop-ups that look blocked may actually be third-party content — check your extensions or ad blocker settings if a site still does not work.

Allow pop-ups for a single website using the notification bar

The fastest way to allow a pop-up is to use Firefox's built-in notification. When Firefox blocks a pop-up, a small bar appears at the top of the page saying "Firefox blocked a pop-up window." Click the button that says "Show" or "Allow" to let that pop-up open.

Firefox then asks whether you want to allow pop-ups just this time or always for this website. Choose "Allow" if you visit the site regularly and know you will need pop-ups there. Choose "Allow for this session only" if you are visiting once and do not want to change your settings permanently.

After you allow pop-ups for a site, Firefox remembers your choice. The next time you visit, pop-ups will open without the notification bar appearing.

Add a website to your pop-up exceptions in Firefox settings

If you want to allow pop-ups for a website before Firefox blocks one, or if you want to manage all your exceptions in one place, you can add sites directly in Firefox settings.

Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar. Scroll down to the Permissions section and find Pop-ups.

Click the Exceptions button next to "Pop-ups." A window opens showing any websites you have already allowed. Type the website address (for example, example.com) in the text field and click Allow. Firefox adds it to your list when ready.

You can remove a website from this list at any time by selecting it and clicking Remove. This turns the pop-up blocker back on for that site.

Turn off the pop-up blocker entirely if you need to

If you want Firefox to allow all pop-ups on all websites, you can disable the blocker in the same Permissions section. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions and find Pop-ups. Uncheck the box that says "Block pop-ups."

Be aware that turning off the blocker leaves you exposed to unwanted advertising and potentially harmful pop-ups. Most security experts recommend keeping it on and using the exceptions list instead. Only disable it if you have a specific reason — for instance, if you use a website regularly that requires many pop-ups and adding each one to exceptions becomes tedious.

You can turn the blocker back on at any time by checking the same box.

What to do if pop-ups still do not work after allowing them

Sometimes a pop-up does not open even after you have allowed it in Firefox. This usually means something else is blocking it — not Firefox itself.

Check whether you have an ad blocker extension installed. Popular ones like uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and Ghostery block pop-ups in addition to ads. Open your extensions (click the puzzle-piece icon in the top right, or go to Settings > Extensions & Themes) and look for any ad or content blockers. You may need to add the website to that extension's exceptions list instead of, or in addition to, Firefox's list.

Another possibility is that the pop-up is coming from a third-party source — an embedded video player, a payment processor, or an analytics tool — rather than the website itself. In that case, you may need to allow pop-ups for the third-party domain as well. Check the browser console (press Ctrl+Shift+K on Windows or Cmd+Option+K on Mac) to see what domain the blocked pop-up came from, then add that domain to your exceptions.

Understand the difference between pop-ups and new tabs

Firefox's pop-up blocker only blocks new windows that open automatically without your click. It does not block new tabs that open when you click a link, even if that link is set to open in a new tab.

If a website is trying to open something in a new window and it is not working, the pop-up blocker is likely the cause. If a website is trying to open something in a new tab and it is not working, look for an ad blocker or extension instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Firefox block pop-ups in the first place?

Pop-ups are a common way for websites to show unwanted ads, trick you into clicking malicious links, or collect information about your browsing. Firefox blocks them by default to protect your privacy and security. Allowing pop-ups only where you need them keeps you safe while letting legitimate websites work.

If I allow pop-ups for a website, can it see my browsing history?

Allowing pop-ups does not give a website access to your browsing history. Pop-ups are just new windows or tabs. Your privacy settings and Firefox's tracking protection remain in place regardless of whether pop-ups are allowed.

Can I allow pop-ups for a website on mobile Firefox?

Yes. Open Firefox on your phone or tablet, tap the menu button (three dots), go to Settings, then Privacy, and scroll to Pop-ups. You can turn the blocker off entirely, but Firefox mobile does not currently have a per-site exceptions list like the desktop version does.

What if I accidentally allowed pop-ups for a website and now regret it?

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Pop-ups > Exceptions. Find the website in the list, select it, and click Remove. Firefox will block pop-ups for that site again.

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

No. Changes to your pop-up blocker settings take effect when ready. You do not need to close and reopen Firefox or refresh the page.