block pop up ads safari iphone

• Editor's Choice: Tech Gifts for Mom
• iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro: What's the Difference?

How to Block Ads in Safari on the iPhone

There are some built-in tools, but you'll likely need a content blocker plug-in

• Ithaca College

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Block Ads on iPhone
• Install Content Blocking Apps
• Choose an Ad-Blocking Plug-In
• Block Pop-Ups

Why You Should Block Ads

• Why You Shouldn't Block Ads

What to Know

• Download and set up an ad blocker app. Then, on iPhone: Settings > Safari > Content Blockers ( on ).
• Suggested ad blockers: 1Blocker, Crystal Adblock, Norton Ad Blocker, Purify.
• Natively block Safari pop-ups on iPhone: Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups ( on ).

This article explains how to use content blockers to block ads in Safari on iPhones with iOS 9 or higher.

Your phone must have iOS 9 or higher to use content blockers. Update the iPhone OS to ensure it has the most up-to-date version with current security patches.

How to Block Ads on iPhone With Safari

Using an ad blocker for your iPhone means your browser won't download ads. This usually means faster page loads, a longer-lasting battery, and less wireless data usage. If you don't want to see pop-up ads, there is a way to block these ads. Here's how to do so using the Safari web browser for iPhone.

Content blockers are apps that add new features that your default web browser doesn't have. These are like third-party keyboards —separate apps that work inside other apps that support them. This means that to block ads, you need to install at least one of these apps.

Most iPhone content blockers work the same way. When you go to a website, the app checks a list of ad services and servers. If it finds these on the site you're visiting, the app blocks the website from loading those ads on the page. Some apps take a comprehensive approach by blocking the ads and tracking the cookies used by advertisers based on those cookies' URLs .

How to Install Content Blocking Apps

To block ads with Safari content blocker apps, install the app, and then enable it from the iPhone Settings app.

Go to the App Store and download a content-blocking app to your iPhone. The example here is Norton Ad Blocker, but all ad-blocking apps work similarly. See the list below for other suggested apps.

Open the ad blocker app and follow the instructions to set it up. Every app is different, but each offers instructions to turn on the ad-blocking abilities.

On the iPhone home screen, open the Settings app.

Select Safari > Content Blockers .

Move the toggle switch next to the ad-blocker app you installed to On (green).

Choose an Ad-Blocking Plug-In for Safari

There is a sizable market for ad-blocking Safari plug-ins. The following options can get you started:

• 1Blocker : Free, with in-app purchases. In addition to more than 50,000 built-in blocker rules, this app supports custom rules to block sites and cookies and to hide other elements.
• Crystal Adblock : At $0.99, the developer claims that this ad blocker loads pages four times faster and uses 50 percent less data. This app also lets you opt to view ads on some sites to support those sites.
• Norton Ad Blocker : This free ad-blocking app from the company behind the popular and long-running antivirus software also lets you add exceptions.
• Purify : Grab this content blocker for $1.99 to block ads and tracking software. It includes a list (typically called a whitelist) to allow you to see ads on some sites if you like. According to the developer, after blocking Safari ads with this app, you can expect a fourfold increase in page load speeds and your web browsing data usage to be cut in half.

How to Block Pop-Ups on the iPhone Using Built-In Tools

Ad-blocking apps can block all kinds of ads and trackers used by advertisers. If you only want to block intrusive pop-ups, you don't need to download an app because pop-up blocking is a built-in feature in Safari. Here's what you need to do:

On the iPhone home screen, select Settings > Safari .

Toggle the Block Pop-ups switch to On (green), if it isn't already.

You can enable the Safari pop-up blocker on your computer, too.

The main benefit of blocking ads is that you don't see advertising. However, there are other key benefits to using these anti-advertisement apps:

• Websites load faster : Ads are extra elements on the page that have to load, and ads often stream video or play animations. It takes time for the page to fully download and often causes other things like non-ad images and videos to take longer to display.
• You'll be more secure : Many ads are vectors for malware. Infected ads hit a network, even a legitimate one, to disrupt your device.
• You use less data : When you no longer see ads, you won't use your monthly data allowances to load ads. Some ad-blocking apps claim to save you lots of data. While their numbers may be inflated, you'll reduce your data usage to some degree because ad images and videos don't download to your phone.
• A longer-lasting battery : Downloading ads, just like downloading anything in Safari, requires energy. One way to have a longer-lasting battery is to stop downloading so much data, which is what happens when you use an ad blocker.

Why You Shouldn't Block Ads

One downside you might encounter when you block ads on your iPhone is that some websites don't load properly. Some sites detect whether their ads load, and if ads don't load, you can't use the site until you unblock their ads.

Almost every site on the internet makes the majority of its money by showing advertising to its readers. If the ads are blocked, the site doesn't get paid. The money made from advertising pays writers and editors, funds server and bandwidth costs, buys equipment, pays for photography and travel, and more. Without that income, it's possible that a site you visit every day could go out of business. Consider supporting your favorite sites by whitelisting them, so ads on those sites still display.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• How to Stop Ads When Playing Games on iPhone
• How to Block Websites on the iPhone
• How to Block Ads on Your iPad
• How to Fix a YouTube Black Screen
• How to Block YouTube Ads on Android
• The 14 Best Plugins (Extensions) for Chrome in 2024
• How to Block Websites on Your Android Phone or Tablet
• How to Change Settings in iOS Dolphin
• Brave Web Browser Review: Should You Make the Switch?
• Is X (formerly Twitter) Down...Or Is It Just You?
• How to Pin Sites in Safari and Mac OS
• 10 Best Free Firewall Programs
• What Is Safari?
• How to Turn Off AdBlock on Mac
• How to Enable the Safari Pop-up Blocker
• 9 Best Safari Extensions of 2024

How to block pop-ups on Safari for iOS and iPadOS

Here's how to block pop-ups on Safari's mobile and tablet app

It's important you learn how to block pop-ups on Safari when you're using the iPhone or iPad version of the browser. Despite being some of the best phones and best tablets around, iPhones and iPads are not immune to pop-ups.

As you may already know, pop-ups are a menace. Not only do they get in the way of the content you're trying to read or watch, they can also present security concerns, directing you to nefarious websites. Needless to say, then, blocking them is pretty much a necessity.

But how do you block pop-ups on your iPhone? You'd be forgiven for thinking you have to sign up for or purchase one of the best ad blockers . But although those are great, luckily, you don't need them — your iPhone comes pre-loaded with a Safari pop-up blocker. All you need to do is make sure it's turned on, and this guide is here to show you how. 

Read on to see how to block pop-ups on Safari for iOS and iPadOS.

1. Open the Settings app , then scroll down and tap Safari .

2. Toggle on Block Pop-ups .

That's really all there is to it. Safari will now block pop-ups for you, meaning you don't have to think about them again. Unfortunately, there's no option for blocking ads too, but we've got a guide on how to block ads on iPhone using Opera browser which, if you haven't already tried it, may tempt you away from using Safari for good thanks to free a built-in ad blocker, pop-up blocker and other cool features. 

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.

Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.

If you'd like to read more iPhone guides, we've got you covered with our range of tutorials. Just got a new iPhone? Learn how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone and get everything transferred over smoothly. Is your iPhone being a little sluggish? Find out how to clear RAM on iPhone , as this can usually help speed things up. You may also want to check out how to hard reset an iPhone , which could also help kick your iPhone back into gear. Dropped your iPhone in water? Learn how to eject water from an iPhone . Got a load of Live Photos? Here's how to turn Live Photos into video on iPhone . Want to end your TikTok addiction? Here's how to set time limits on iPhone apps with Screen Time . Going skiing? Learn how to disable Crash Detection on iPhone so your phone doesn't call the ambulance when it shouldn't.

Peter is Reviews Editor at Tom's Guide. As a writer, he covers topics including tech, photography, gaming, hardware, motoring and food & drink. Outside of work, he's an avid photographer, specialising in architectural and portrait photography. When he's not snapping away on his beloved Fujifilm camera, he can usually be found telling everyone about his greyhounds, riding his motorcycle, squeezing as many FPS as possible out of PC games, and perfecting his espresso shots. 

iOS 18 just tipped for a major productivity upgrade

iPhone 16 — this is the one upgrade Apple needs to make

LG's amazing new C4 OLED TV is already on sale at Walmart

Most Popular

• 2 You can now edit messages in Snapchat — but there are restrictions
• 3 Simba Earth Escape mattress review 2024
• 4 Batman returns in VR in a new title for the Meta Quest 3
• 5 I can't believe OpenAI Sora helped make this trippy 4-minute music video

How to stop pop-ups from appearing on your iPhone's Safari browser

• The iPhone has a built-in pop-up blocker that should stop most, if not all, pop-ups from ever appearing on your Safari browser or screen.
• If you see pop ups, your iPhone's pop-up blocker might be turned off. You can find it in the Safari section of the Settings app. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Pop-ups are common annoyances on the web. In addition to pop-up ads, there are also pop-up windows that ask you to subscribe to newsletters or sign up for other site services. 

While there are some legitimate uses for pop-ups, most of the ones you'll encounter online are ads, spam, or just annoying. 

Thankfully, your iPhone includes pop-up blocking technology that can stop most pop-ups before you see them. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Iphone xs (from $999.99 at best buy), how to stop pop-ups on your iphone using its built-in pop-up blocker.

The iPhone's pop-up blocker should be on by default, but it's possible you have, at some point, disabled it. Here's how to make sure you are blocking pop-ups on your iPhone .

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "Safari."

3. In the General section, turn on "Block Pop-ups" by swiping the switch to the right. 

How to stop pop-ups on an iPhone in other ways

The pop-up blocker should eliminate virtually all pop-ups on your phone, but if you still have trouble, you might need to clear your iPhone's cache to flush out a problem with the browser. Here's how to do that:

1. Open the Settings app and tap "Safari."

2. Tap "Clear History and Website Data."

3. Confirm your choice by tapping "Clear History and Data" in the pop-up window. 

You might also consider using a content blocker. Content blockers prevent ads from displaying on web pages. 

There are a number of content blockers available in the App Store (you can search for "content blockers" or "ad blockers"). You can manage your installed ad blockers in the Safari section of the Settings app, by tapping "Content Blockers."

Read more coverage from   How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to add link shortcuts to business insider and insider on your iphone or ipad, how to move apps and create app folders on any iphone model, how to add bookmarks and favorites on an iphone's safari browser for quick access to your preferred webpages, how to delete or edit the saved bookmarks on your iphone's safari browser.

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

Watch: How to use the iPhone's new spam-call-blocking feature

• Main content

• Apple Watch
• Accessories
• Digital Magazine – Subscribe
• Digital Magazine – Info
• Smart Answers
• Let Loose iPad event
• New iPad Air
• iPad mini 7
• Best Mac antivirus
• Best Mac VPN

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

How to block ads on iPhone & iPad

Advertising appears to be a necessary nuisance on the internet. It remains the primary method for paying content creators, allowing sites (such as the one you’re reading) to avoid paywalls or subscriptions – but sometimes adverts go too far in terms of distraction and intrusiveness.

When you find the constant barrage of consumerism too much, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s pleasantly easy to block ads when using Safari on your iPhone or iPad. In this article, we show how.

How do I stop pop-up ads on my iPhone?

iOS has a built-in pop-up-blocker. Open Settings and go to Safari, then tap the toggle next to Block Pop-ups.

This is a good start, but for the full-fat ad-blocking experience we’ll need to install a third-party content blocker, which occupies the next step.

How to install an ad blocker on iPhone & iPad

Blocking ads on your iPhone or iPad is a three-step process:

• Install a third-party content blocker app (such as AdGuard).
• In iOS Settings, grant the app permission to block content.
• Fine-tune the app’s filters so it blocks adverts in the way you wish.

The way ad blockers work is through Safari extensions . This feature has been around since iOS 9 and isn’t solely restricted to removing pesky adverts – in fact, there’s a wide variety of useful add-ons.

To set up an ad blocker you’ll first need to acquire one from the App Store. You’ll find plenty of options, such as AdBlock Plus and AdGuard . For this tutorial we’ve opted for AdGuard, but the instructions will be virtually identical for any ad blocker.

Install AdGuard and open it. On the main page you’ll notice a message in red that states ‘Protection is disabled’. This is because it requires permission from iOS to do its thing.

Go back to the home screen and select Settings > Safari, then look in the General section for Content Blockers. (This option appears only when you have a relevant app installed.) Tap it and you’ll see a list of any ad blockers you have installed.

AdGuard has multiple toggles for the various kinds of content blocking (six, at time of writing, up from the five when the company made its demo video). Tap those related to the blocking you want AdGuard to do so they turn green; we’re going to enable them all.

Open AdGuard once more and the red warning should have been replaced by a placid green message (or an orange one if you’ve enabled only some of the permissions), meaning you’re able to start configuring the app. This isn’t as daunting as it sounds, because AdGuard has a set of defaults aimed at ensuring a speedy, ad-free online experience.

You can see what this default contains by tapping the cog icon (Settings) at the top right and then Filters. You can see which filters are enabled by checking for the green toggles next to their names. (Some are disabled on the free version of the app.)

Each blocker will have different methods for setting up filters, so check the help sections to discover the way it’s done on that particular app. One of the advantages of AdGuard is that it features a video to take you through the steps: open Settings, then tap About > How to use.

Exempt sites from blocking using whitelists

Consider using the whitelist feature. This instructs the blocker to exempt certain websites, meaning adverts will still appear when you’re visiting them. This is a good thing because it allows the sites to receive revenue and continue providing you with the content you enjoy. Use this feature on sites with unobtrusive advertising which you wish to support.

To exempt a website in AdGuard, you’ll need to open Safari and navigate to the site in question. When there, tap the share button (the one that looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of the top), scroll down, and tap AdGuard.

At the top of the pop-up menu that appears, you’ll get the option to enable or disable AdGuard’s blocking on this page. You can also fine-tune your blocking further by selecting an element on the page to block now and in future.

Remember ad blockers only work in Safari, so any articles you click on in Facebook, Twitter or other apps will not have the blocker activated.

An added benefit of a blocker is that you should end up using less data, as adverts are often visual and therefore larger to download than the text on any given web page. You may also see (very slightly) better battery life .

Are ad blockers safe?

For the most part ad blockers are as safe as any other app on the Store. There were some controversial ones a little while back which Apple removed, following reports that they were running man-in-the-middle attacks. But for the most part, they are safe to use.

Content Blockers do, by their nature, monitor your web traffic and interfere with your web browsing, and for this reason you should stick to the major apps, such as the ones mentioned above.

Is using an ad blocker a good thing?

Now, here’s the rub.

Everyone likes to enjoy the free content available on the web. Paywalls are generally frowned upon, and not many sites have made them work.

But – and this is important – the only way that sites are able to create such great content and provide it to you at no cost is through advertisers paying them for access to the readership.

It was a similar story when magazines and newspapers ruled the information highway, but back then you couldn’t have the publication automatically eviscerate its ads before you enjoyed the articles. Not unless you had a very dutiful butler with a sharp pair of scissors.

Therefore it’s important that publishers gain that ad revenue in order to pay their staff, continue to exist, and produce features such as the one you’re reading.

Ads can be unpleasant; that’s certainly true. So if you find a regular haunt whose content you enjoy, but uses intrusive ads, write to the editor and complain. This can be fed back to the advertisers and hopefully bring about a change on the site that benefits everyone.

If you do use an ad blocker generally, then consider opting for one with a whitelist, and put your favourite sites on that list. The non-intrusive settings available on apps such as Crystal also allow you to contribute to the financial wellbeing of a site by rewarding advertising that respects the reader.

In the end, it’s up to your own conscience. You can block all ads, take content, and no one will be knocking on your door with a warrant for your arrest.

Just be prepared to live in a world where the streets are littered with dishevelled ex-journalists, holding out their withered hands to you as they plaintively cry “50p for a how-to tutorial, guv’nor?”

And that’s it! We hope this tutorial has been helpful. For more advice on ways to tweak your iPhone experience, take a look at our guide to the Best Safari extensions .

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

• Best password managers for Mac and iPhone
• NordPass review: The VPN experts can now look after your passwords
• iCloud Keychain review: How good is Apple’s built-in password manager?

How-To Geek

How to disable pop-up blocker in safari on iphone and ipad.

Some websites need pop-ups in order to work properly.

Quick Links

Why enable pop-ups in safari on iphone and ipad, turn off pop-up blocker in safari on iphone and ipad.

By default, Safari on your iPhone and iPad blocks any website pop-ups. If a site requires these tiny windows to function, you can disable Safari's built-in pop-up blocker. We'll show you how to do that.

Related: How to Use Tab Groups in Safari on iPhone and iPad

One major reason to enable pop-ups in Safari is to allow websites, such as your bank's website, to display pop-up windows they require to operate. On some sites, without these tiny windows, you can't do what you need to.

Later, when you've finished your task, you can re-enable the built-in pop-up blocker, as we'll explain below.

To disable Safari's pop-up blocker on your iPhone or iPad, first, open the Settings app on your phone. Settings is where many of Safari's options are located.

On the Settings page, scroll down and tap "Safari."

On the "Safari" page that opens, you have various options to configure for your web browser . Here, at the bottom of the "General" section, toggle off the "Block Pop-Ups" option.

To re-enable the built-in pop-up blocker, simply turn on the "Block Pop-Ups" option again.

Safari's pop-up blocker is now disabled, and your sites can now launch those small windows while you are browsing in this browser. Enjoy!

Want to disable the pop-up blocker in Chrome on your desktop? If so, it's equally easy to do that.

Related: How to Allow or Block Pop-Ups in Google Chrome

How to Block Pop-Up Ads on iPhone: Proven Solutions

• Try to avoid interacting with pop-up ads whenever possible.
• Remember that certain websites may force you to disable your ad blocker.

Knowing how to block pop-up ads on your iPhone can be crucial, especially in a time and age where certain pop-ups can create an absolute catastrophe. Fortunately, I know how to disable pop-ups on my iPhone 15 Pro, and I can show you how as well. Let’s take a look.

Can You Block Ads on iPhone?

Yes, there are multiple ways you can block ads on your iPhone, including pop-up ads. Not only does your iPhone have numerous features that can help you block ads, but third-party apps like AdGuard , as well as third-party browsers can also provide you further protection from pop-up ads. However, keep in mind that as websites rely more and more on ads to make revenue, the ways in which you are able to block ads may become fewer.

How Do I Block Ads on iPhone?

1. use safari’s built-in pop up blocker.

Safari, Apple’s built-in browser for iPhone, provides a pop-up blocker that’s simple to use.

Time needed:  2 minutes

To disable pop-ups in Safari, follow these steps:

2. Disable Personalized Ads on Your iPhone

Your iPhone does have an option to deliver personalized ads. While disabling this feature won’t eliminate pop-up ads, it’s great for reducing targeting. This can also be beneficial if you have a larger problem with pop-ups.

• Go to Settings .

3. Disable Location-Based Ads on Your iPhone

Just like personalized ads, you can also disable location-based advertising on your iPhone. This can help prevent advertisers from targeting your location when serving you ads.

4. Use a Third-Party Extension

If you want to block ads further than the capabilities of a stock iPhone, you also have the option to use third-party software. AdGuard can be a great solution if you need to block pop-ups on your iPhone.

However, you will likely need to engage your ad blocker once it is installed. This can vary by app, but you will more than likely want to check your browser extensions within Safari.

To ensure your pop-up blocking extension is enabled within Safari, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings.

Where Is The Pop-Up Blocker on iPhone?

Safari has a pop-up blocker on your iPhone, and you can access it via your iPhone settings. Simply navigate to Settings > Safari and ensure that Block Pop-Ups is enabled. You can also use third-party browsers to block pop-ups, or additional third-party software from the App Store if you so choose.

If you continue to receive pop-ups even after following these instructions, you may want to consider checking to see if you have any suspicious software on your device. While pop-ups can be annoying, there is a way to fight them.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Nick deCourville

How to Block Ads in Safari on iPhone: 4 Ways

Imagine how great it would be if you could permanently block annoying ads that you come across while browsing the web. Almost every other website on the internet uses some or other kind of ads. This article explains how to block ads on Safari browser for iPhone.

Ads can be intrusive and make it difficult for you to focus on the content you are trying to consume. Websites rely on ads to stay afloat, however, these ads often bring bad experience to the users and can even cause a web page to load slowly.

Table of Contents

Get rid of annoying ads in Safari on iPhone

There are a few ways to get rid of annoying ads on the web. You can install an ad blocker extension, which will block all ads from appearing on your browser. You can also disable JavaScript functioning, which will prevent some pop-up ads from appearing.

Most of these methods only work on desktop browsers and it is difficult to find one that works on mobile browsers also. Luckily, we have come up with some hidden working methods that can help you to block ads in the Safari browser on your iPhone or iPad. Let’s take a closer look at these methods!

1. Use Safari Reader mode on iPhone

Safari browser has a built-in Reader mode that strips away distractions like ads, sidebar, footer section, and header menu so you can focus on the text of the article you’re reading. It allow users to have a distraction-free browsing experience.

To put it another way, reader mode declutters the web page and converts it into a simplified format so that the user can only focus on the relevant text and images. This can be helpful when you are trying to read a long article.

You can use reader mode on Safari to block ads from some websites if not all. This method will mostly work on text-based websites like blogs and news portal. Here’s how you can enable Safari’s reader mode on iPhone:

• Open the Safari browser on your iOS device (iPhone or iPad).
• Navigate to the web page where you want to block ads.
• Click on “ aA ” in the address bar which is located at the bottom. You will see a pop-up menu with several options.

It is also possible to set Safari browser to automatically enable reader mode for a website. To do this, open the website and click on “aA” in the address bar at the bottom. After that, go to Website Settings and enable the toggle button that says Use Reader Automatically .

2. Block pop-up ads in Safari on iPhone

Pop-up ads can be really annoying, especially on a small screen like an iPhone. They make browsing a very unpleasant experience, making it hard to focus on what you’re trying to read or watch. Luckily, it is possible to disable pop-up ads in Safari. This can be done from the Settings app. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Find and click on Safari .

• There is another feature in Safari settings named Fraudulent Website Warning . Make sure that it’s enabled.

Some websites use deceptive tactics to make you click on their pop-up ads, often leading you to malicious websites or downloading malicious software that can put your data and your personal information at risk.

It’s important to be aware of these tactics and stay vigilant to protect yourself and your data. When in doubt, don’t click on any links and instead search on Google. Safari’s pop-up blocker does a pretty good job at blocking annoying pop-ups ads.

3. Use ad blocker extension in Safari on iPhone

Ad blockers are an increasingly popular tool for internet users looking to avoid annoying ads when browsing the web. They have been in the existence since the early days of the browsers. However, they are mainly limited to desktop.

For those of you who don’t know, ad blockers are basically extensions that can be added to your web browser to prevent ads from being displayed. They work by blocking requests to ad servers, preventing ads from being downloaded and displayed on websites.

Now Safari also has built-in support for ad blockers. This means that you can install an ad blocker extension and it will automatically block all kinds of ads from any website that you visit. These are third-party extensions that you can install on your Safari from the App Store.

There are both free and paid extensions available but the free ones are sufficient to get the job done. To name a few, BlockBear, RoadBlock, and Ka-Block! are the best free extensions. As an example here, we will show you how to block ads on Safari using BlockBear extension:

• Download and install the BlockBear app on your iPhone.
• Go to Settings > Safari .

• Open the Safari browser and visit any website where you previously saw ads. You will no longer see those annoying ads now. If you ever need to disable the BlockBear extension for a while, click on aA in the address bar and then select Turn off Content Blockers .

4. Use an alternative browser

There are many alternative browsers to Safari that offer native ad blocker and tracking protection. Some popular options include Brave Browser , Opera , and DuckDuckGo. These browsers offer a variety of privacy features that Safari does not.

DuckDuckGo also has a private browsing feature that prevents your search history from being tracked. If you’re concerned about your online privacy and looking for an alternative to Safari, you can consider any of these browsers as per your choice.

Frequently asked questions

No, Safari does not have a built-in AdBlocker. While it has the ability to block pop-ups, it is not much effective in blocking ads.

Yes, third-party ad blockers are secure and safe to install. They are available as extensions for Safari on the official App Store.

You can simply uninstall the ad blocker app from your iPhone/iPad. Tap and hold the app icon on the home screen and select Remove App option. After that, click on Delete App in the pop-up box. If you want to disable the ad blocker extension temporarily, go to Settings > Safari > Extensions and switch it off.

Reader mode doesn’t work on all websites. There must be sufficient text content on the web page for the reader mode to work such as on articles, blogs, and news-based websites.

Browse the web ad-free in Safari on iPhone

So these were some methods that you can use to block ads in Safari browser on your iPhone or iPad. Now you can finally browse the web without all those pesky ads getting in the way – just like it should be!

In addition to using Safari’s Reader mode and pop-up blocker, adding an ad blocker extension can greatly improve your browsing experience. Let us know which methods you are going to use. If you want to ask any question, feel free to share it in the comments below.

Read other similar articles:

• How to Delete History in Safari on iPhone or Mac
• How to Copy Link from Safari Browser
• Fix Safari Playing Videos Instead of Downloading
• How to Align AdSense Ads in the Center
• How to Add Margin Space Around AdSense Ads

Vivek Chaudhary

Related Posts

How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone: 6 Ways

How to Change App Store Country on iPhone

How to Fix Flickering in iPhone Slow-Motion Videos

10 Ways to Fix Incoming Call Busy Problem [Solved]

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to block pop-ups on iPhone

Be gone, pesky pop-ups.

• Block pop-ups on Safari
• Block pop-ups on Google Chrome

Pop-ups can be the most annoying thing on the internet as they bombard your attempts to browse the web. iOS 16 does an excellent job of blocking pop-ups out of the gate, but sometimes you need to ensure the settings are correct to block pop-ups rather than allow them .

Luckily, it's easy to block pop-ups on iPhone in just a few simple steps, regardless of what web browser you choose to use on your device. 

How to block pop-ups on iPhone with Safari

Safari is currently the fastest way to browse the internet on your iPhone, and luckily it's super easy to allow pop-ups with just a few simple steps.

1. Open Settings

2. Tap Safari

3. Scroll down and toggle On Block Pop-ups under the General section

Just like that, you won't have any pop-ups on your iPhone using Apple's first-party web browser. It's an easy toggle to find, so you can decide on the fly if you want to block or allow pop-ups while browsing the web on your iPhone. 

How to block pop-ups on iPhone with Google Chrome

If you use Google Chrome on iPhone, the world's most used web browser with over 3.3 billion users, then blocking pop-ups isn't any more difficult. You can allow block pop-ups on your iPhone with just a couple of simple steps. 

• Open Chrome

• Tap the three dots icon in the bottom right corner

• Swipe on the menu bar at the top and select Settings

• Tap Content Settings

• Toggle On Block Pop-Ups

Pop-ups be gone!

I hate pop-ups. They cause my web browsing to feel like a chore, and they're just plain annoying. Luckily iOS 16 blocks pop-ups straight out the gate, but you might need to double-check your settings occasionally if you're noticing a lot of annoying pop-ups on your iPhone.

If you own the best iPhone at the moment, the iPhone 14 Pro, you don't want pop-ups slowing down your browsing experience, so make sure they're blocked and out of sight. 

If, for whatever reason, you want to allow pop-ups, we have a How to guide that will help you out . You can always switch between both options depending on your scenario.

Master your iPhone in minutes

iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!

John-Anthony Disotto is the How To Editor of iMore, ensuring you can get the most from your Apple products and helping fix things when your technology isn’t behaving itself. Living in Scotland, where he worked for Apple as a technician focused on iOS and iPhone repairs at the Genius Bar, John-Anthony has used the Apple ecosystem for over a decade and prides himself in his ability to complete his Apple Watch activity rings. John-Anthony has previously worked in editorial for collectable TCG websites and graduated from The University of Strathclyde where he won the Scottish Student Journalism Award for Website of the Year as Editor-in-Chief of his university paper. He is also an avid film geek, having previously written film reviews and received the Edinburgh International Film Festival Student Critics award in 2019.  John-Anthony also loves to tinker with other non-Apple technology and enjoys playing around with game emulation and Linux on his Steam Deck.

In his spare time, John-Anthony can be found watching any sport under the sun from football to darts, taking the term “Lego house” far too literally as he runs out of space to display any more plastic bricks, or chilling on the couch with his French Bulldog, Kermit. 

Apple boss says it has "advantages that will differentiate" its AI push

Apple celebrates May 4th with fun new Star Wars ad for 'Find Your Friends'

iOS 18 might add AI-powered Messages summary feature for your friends who text too much

Most Popular

• 2 Apple boss says it has "advantages that will differentiate" its AI push
• 3 Apple celebrates May 4th with fun new Star Wars ad for 'Find Your Friends'
• 4 Apple's May 7 iPad Pro and Air event won't include the rumored AI announcement, and nor should it
• 5 New iOS 18 leak hints at AI improvements to Siri and Spotlight ahead of expected WWDC debut

Three Ways to Block Ads on Safari

Why ads are often dangerous

Everyone knows that ads and pop-ups are annoying. However, they don’t only take up space on web pages, they’re often capable of causing real harm. When clicked on, many ads and pop-ups will lead you to phishing sites where your confidential and financial information could potentially be stolen. Some ads are also capable of tampering with your web browser’s homepage and redirecting you to unwanted websites. Although what is most concerning about some ads is the fact that they contain malware that can be secretly downloaded onto your Mac. To combat everything mentioned, it’s necessary to block ads and pop-ups on websites.

How to block ads and pop-ups

1. hide ads in reader view on safari.

Safari provides Reader View for users to enjoy an ad-free reading experience.

2. Block pop-ups in Safari

Safari can block pop-ups, offering an extra barrier against malicious websites. To turn on the function, go to Safari > Preferences > Websites.

Scroll down and find “Pop-up Windows”. Here, you can customize how Safari handles pop-ups.

If you want to allow pop-ups on a specific website, you can visit the website in Safari, and select “Allow” from the drop-down menu. 

If you want to block pop-ups on all websites, then select “Block and Notify” or “Block” from the drop-down menus of both “Currently Open Websites” and “When visiting other websites”. The drop-down menu has three choices: “Block and Notify”, “Block” and “Allow”. “Block and Notify” means a site’s pop-ups won’t appear but you can display them by clicking an icon in the Smart Search field. “Block” means pop-ups are totally blocked. However, sometimes pop-ups are a necessary part of a site, so for most people, we would recommend choosing “Block and Notify”.

Allow Safari to warn you about fraudulent sites

To enable this function, please go to Safari > Preferences > Security. Tick the box next to “Warn when visiting a fraudulent website”.

3. Use browser AdBlocker to block ads and pop-ups: AdBlock One

AdBlock One is a free and easy-to-use tool that lets you gain an ad-free browsing experience. After downloading AdBlock One, please turn on the AdBlock One Dashboard and the AdBlock One Engine . The former shows you the current status of AdBlock One and lets you customize hidden website elements within Safari. The latter blocks pop-up ads and banners on the websites you visit.

After turning them on, please go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions and tick the boxes next to AdBlock One Dashboard and AdBlock One Engine. After that, you’re all set!

AdBlock One also blocks trackers to protect your privacy.

It’s best to not take the risk

Nowadays, ads are everywhere. With many of them being malicious, it’s better to be safe than sorry and block them. By following the tips above, your Mac will be much safer!

Share this article:

Was this article helpful?

Your email address won't be shown publicly.

Other Topics

You Might Also Be Interested In...

How to Update Safari on Mac

The Best Ad Blocker for Twitch — How to Block Ads on Twitch

How to Block Ads & Pop-Ups on iPhone and iPad

How to Block Ads on YouTube

How to Clear Caches and Delete Cookies on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge and I.E.

Stay updated.

Get all the latest cybersecurity news

• a. Send us an email
• b. Anonymous form
• Buyer's Guide
• Upcoming Products
• Tips / Contact Us
• Podcast Instagram Facebook Twitter Mastodon YouTube Notifications RSS Newsletter

New iOS App Blocks Those Annoying 'Open in App' Pop-Ups in Safari

You've probably experienced visiting a website like Reddit or LinkedIn on your iPhone only to be greeted with an annoying, almost full-screen pop-up urging you to view the content in their app instead of on the website.

Thankfully, there is a new way to block these pop-ups within Safari on ‌iPhone‌ and iPad . Developer Alex Zamoshchin has created a new Safari extension called "Banish" (via Daring Fireball ) that can run on iOS and iPadOS and is designed to specifically get rid of those pop-ups. The app, which costs $2, helps eliminate a majority of those pop-ups in popular web versions of apps, but it doesn’t get rid of similar banners that show up at the top of Safari to recommend opening the current page in an installed app.

The banner at the top of Safari is built into Safari and WebKit itself, so to get rid of those, you'll have to uninstall the respective app from your device. Banish, instead, gets rid of pop-ups implemented in the websites themselves.

To use Banish, download it from the App Store and follow the on-screen instructions to give the app the needed permission within Settings, Safari, and Extensions. You can learn more about Banish here .

Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox.

Top Rated Comments

Apple needs to forbid splash ad screens in app. There are more and more apps show these annoying ad splash screens on startup, switch or even return from control center.

Popular Stories

iOS 18 Rumored to Add New Features to These 16 Apps on Your iPhone

Check Out This Apple Watch iPad Demo Unit From 2014

Will the New iPad Pro Really Have the M4 Chip?

Report Examines GM's Controversial Move to Abandon Apple CarPlay

Kuo: Apple Watch Ultra to Get 'Almost No' Hardware Upgrades This Year

Apple Announces 'Let Loose' Event on May 7 Amid Rumors of New iPads

Next article.

Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.

App Store changes for the EU, new emoji, Podcasts transcripts, and more.

Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.

A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.

Revamped models with OLED displays, M3 or M4 chip, and redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory.

Updated 10.9-inch model and new 12.9-inch model, M2 chip expected.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off with a keynote on June 10.

Expected to see new AI-focused features and more. Preview coming at WWDC in June with public release in September.

Other Stories

1 day ago by Tim Hardwick

4 days ago by Tim Hardwick

1 week ago by Joe Rossignol

1 week ago by MacRumors Staff

Hi there! We use cookies to give you the best site experience.

Privacy Preferences Center

We use cookies along with other tools to help the Clario website load faster. Our cookie files never contain personal data. This means information like your location, email, or IP address always remain unknown to us.

Help us improve your website experience by accepting the use of cookies. You can change your privacy settings whenever you like.

Manage consent

All cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for enabling basic website functionality (including page navigation, form submission, language detection, post commenting), downloading and purchasing software. The website might malfunction without these cookies.

We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us

Table of contents

• How to block ads in Safari preferences

How to remove ads from Safari with the Reader mode

How to remove ads on safari with an ad-blocker, instantly block ads on ios with clario ad-blocker, instantly block ads on mac with clario ad-blocker, how to stop safari ads on your mac and iphone.

Few ads deserve your attention and even fewer should command it while browsing the web. The bad news is, Safari gives far too much spotlight to ads by default. The good news is that's about to change. Before we dive into Safari's settings, consider using Clario's ad blocker. It protects your Mac and iPhone, blocking ads, trackers, and malicious scripts in real-time.

Get it for iOS , Android

To infuse some tranquility into your browsing experience, let’s see how to block ads on Safari. Follow us on a journey to an ad-free browsing experience or jump straight to a preferred solution below: 

How to block ads in Safari for Mac

How to block ads in safari for ios, how to block ads in safari preferences  .

You can get rid of ads by customizing the Safari preferences for pop-up windows on your Mac or iPhone. Even though this method helps remove the overwhelming majority of pop-ups, some ads manage to sneak through the cracks. If you don’t mind closing an occasional pop-up, here’s how to adjust your Safari ad settings.  

To stop seeing annoying pop-ups on your Mac, follow these steps:

• Open Safari
• In the Safari menu, select Preferences  
• In the Websites tab, click Pop-up Windows
• If you have websites in the list, select all of them and click Remove
• Set the option called When visiting other websites to Block and Notify.

Now Safari not only blocks pop-ups but also notifies you every time it does so. You can avoid Safari notifications by simply setting the option called When visiting other websites to Block . However, it’s good to know when Safari blocks something since not all pop-ups are ads. Read on to find out how to block ads exclusively on Safari.

If a website is not working correctly, unblocking it in Safari might help rectify the issue.  

Safari on iOS has a similar option allowing you to block pop-ups on websites while browsing from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

Here’s how to block Safari ads on iPhone:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone
• Select Safari from the list
• Toggle the Block Pop-ups option.

That’s it. Safari on your iOS device should now block all pop-ups.

Safari’s Reader mode is a built-in setting for destruction-free browsing. In addition to stopping ads, the mode also removes other visual distractions, allowing you to focus on the contents of a webpage.  

To remove ads with the Reader mode, do the following:

• Go to a website
• In the Safari menu, select Settings for this Website
• Tick two boxes: Use Reader when available and Enable content blockers.

From now on, Safari will show you the barebone pages of the preferred website. You can either turn on the Reader mode for individual websites or activate it for all websites at once. Here’s how to do it:

• Launch Safari
• In the Safari menu, select Preferences
• In the Reader tab, enable the When visiting other websites option.

After trying to remove ads with the native Safari settings, you might still notice occasional banners and redirections. Using the native iOS feature helps you eliminate all kinds of pop-ups, even the ones you might expect. To completely get rid of ads, install a third-party ad-blocker.

Here are some of the most popular and reliable ad-blockers to help you stop pesky ads once and for all:

An ad-blocker for Mac and iPhone that runs in Safari to stop pop-ups, blocks harmful links and checks website scripts for malware.  

• Adblock Plus

A simple app for removing ads from websites and social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.  

A subscription-based app that filters apps in websites and iPhone games. The app has parental controls for restricting access to age-inappropriate content.  

Available for both macOS and iOS, this app can help you browse the web without annoying pop-ups.  

An ad-blocker for Safari with an intuitive interface that also helps stop web trackers to maintain your privacy.  

Pop-up ads is not the only kind of online advertisement that is waiting for you out there. Search campaigns, display ads, pop-ups, etc. — you can get rid of them all with Clario ad-clocker.

Installing an ad-blocker is a simple task:  

• Download and install Clario for iOS
• Launch the app and tap toggle Ad blocker on
• Tap Got it and follow the onscreen instructions
• Toggle Clario on under Allow These Content Blockers
• Go back to Clario and tap Done.

That’s it. You can now enjoy an ad-free browsing experience. When Clario’s instant ad blocker is active, it prevents all pop-ups, search result advertising, and any other ads you haven’t authorized. The Safari extension gives you complete control, which means you can grant your favorite sites a free pass to show ads whenever you want. See the difference in the before and after pictures below.  

Fewer ads means a less cluttered, distracting, and hazardous browsing experience that enables you to make your decision based on unbiased information. Clario can also help create an ad-free experience on your Mac.

• Download and install Clario for Mac
• Launch the app and click Browsing  

     3. Click the Three dots (...) button under Ads and pop-ups  

     4. Click Continue under Ad blocker  

     5. Select your browser — Safari or Chrome — and follow the on-screen instructions.  

With the Safari or Chrome extension installed, Clario will automatically block any advertising a website tries to present. Also, you can adjust preferences at any time by clicking the Clario icon in the Safari menu bar or in the extensions menu in Chrome. From here, you can easily switch the instant ad blocker off when you want to view advertising on trusted sites. See the difference in the before and after pictures below.

Safari with ads:

Safari ad-free:

Try Clario , so you can secure your device and prevent unwanted advertising immediately. And, naturally, the app doesn't contain any of that pesky adware you want to avoid. Clario is one of the simplest solutions for protecting your online privacy and safeguarding your device.

• How to Remove Adware from Mac
• How to Block Google Ads

By Andriy Slynchuk

Senior content manager at Clario, cybersecurity and house music enthusiast

Keep reading

Ads & Adware

Digital Wellness

Most Macs work just fine as long as they’re kept safe.

Apple’s new iOS 18 Web Eraser might let you pick which parts of a website to block

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

The main attraction of WWDC 2024 will be iOS 18 , and all the AI features that Apple is building into the iPhone’s operating system. The Safari browser will certainly be part of that upgrade. We’ve already seen some leaks indicating that new AI features are coming to Apple’s browser.

Safari 18’s purported AI capabilities and ad-blocking features are currently in testing, according to Apple Insider .

The blog details some of Safari’s upcoming AI features. For example, Apple is working on an Intelligent Search tool that could use on-device AI to identify topics and phrases. From there, the feature could summarize web content. If it sounds familiar, that’s because other GenAI products can offer web summarization. The big difference here is that Apple might process data on the iPhone and Mac rather than sending everything to the cloud.

Tech. Entertainment. Science. Your inbox.

Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there.

By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and have reviewed the Privacy Notice.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on a Visual Lookup feature for Safari that will offer information about the contents of images. However, it might not be ready until 2025.

The upcoming Safari ad-blocker feature might be more interesting to some people than any AI tool. It’s reportedly called Web Eraser in the Safari 18 version that Apple is testing. It will reportedly let you block specific parts of a web page. The tool will basically let you erase ads and any other content you deem necessary.

Apple Insider says Apple might have copied the functionality from the third-party app 1Blocker, which lets users tap ads to make them disappear.

You won’t have to navigate to the Settings app to change the text size, access zoom, use extensions, or access the new Intelligent Search and Web Eraser tool. It’s certainly a welcome UI change that could make it easier to customize your Safari experience on a Mac.

This article talks about:

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.

• As a longtime iPhone owner, I need a better mobile hotspot
• Ben Affleck would be a great addition to the MCU, especially as a villain
• Apple's new CTF rules protect more small developers from the iPhone sideloading tax

Former Apple employee shares 7 iPhone tips they should tell you when you buy the phone

YouTube’s new AI tool helps creators come up with video ideas

This AI app clones your dead family members, and people are horrified

What if the groundbreaking ‘iPhone AI’ is just a regular old phone? 

Latest news.

Scientists may have found a way to make a universal donor blood

The biggest TV shows this week dominating Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video & more

Summer heatwaves in Europe will be worse than predicted, and cleaner air is to blame

NASA calls new report on Artemis II redundant and ultimately unhelpful

Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there.

Block pop-up ads and windows in Safari

Find out how to block pop-up windows and handle persistent ads on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Pop-ups can be ads, notices, offers or alerts that open in your current browser window, in a new window or in another tab. Some pop-ups are third-party ads that use phishing tactics, such as warnings or prizes, to trick you into believing they’re from Apple or another trusted company, so that you’ll share personal or financial information. Or they might claim to offer free downloads, software updates or plug-ins to try to trick you into installing unwanted software.

Use these tips to help manage pop-ups and other unwanted interruptions.

Avoid interacting with pop-ups

Unless you’re confident that they are a legitimate ad, avoid interacting with pop-ups or web pages that seem to take over your screen.

• If you see an annoying pop-up ad in Safari, you can go to the Search field and enter a new URL or search term to browse to a new site. If you can’t see the Search field on your iPhone or iPad, tap the top of the screen to make it appear.
• Some pop-ups and ads have fake buttons that resemble a close button, so use caution if you try to close a pop-up or ad. If you're not sure, avoid interacting with it and close the Safari window or tab.
• On your Mac, you can quit Safari, then press and hold the Shift key while opening Safari. This prevents Safari from automatically reopening any windows or tabs that were open. 

Update your software

Always  install the latest software updates  for all of your Apple products. Many software releases have important security updates and may include improvements that help to control pop-ups.

The safest way to download apps for your Mac is from the App Store. If you need software that isn’t available from the App Store, get it directly from the developer or another reliable source, rather than through an ad or link.

Check Safari settings

On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari.

• Turn on Block Pop-ups.
• Turn on Fraudulent Website Warning.

On your Mac, open Safari and choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences) from the menu bar.

• In the Websites tab , you can configure options to  allow or block some or all pop-ups .
• In the Security tab , turn on the setting to warn when visiting a fraudulent website.

If adware or other unwanted software is installed on Mac

If you see pop-ups on your Mac that just won’t go away, you might have unintentionally downloaded and installed adware (advertising-supported software) or other unwanted software. Certain third-party download sites might include software that you don’t want along with the software that you do.

If you think that you might have malware or adware on your Mac:

• Update to the latest version of macOS. If your Mac is already using the latest version, restart your Mac. macOS includes a built-in tool that removes known malware when restarting.
• Check your Applications folder to see if you have any apps that you don't expect. You can  uninstall those apps .
• Check the Extensions tab in Safari settings to see if you installed any unnecessary extensions. You can  turn extensions off .

If you continue to see advertising or other unwanted programs on your Mac, contact Apple.

• How to safely open software on your Mac
• How to recognise and avoid phishing and other scams

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.