safari unblocking pop ups

How to allow pop-ups in Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac

It seems like we put so much effort into blocking things like pop-ups and ads when we’re browsing the web that we forget about sites that actually use pop-ups for good reasons. It could be a shopping site where you get a confirmation, a CMS where you can use tools, or a social site where you log in.

In Safari on iPhone or iPad, you can allow pop-ups globally; and on Mac, you can even allow them just for the specific sites you want. Here’s how to do both.

Allow pop-ups in Safari on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, you cannot currently specify which sites you want to allow pop-ups for. It’s a global setting that you can enable or disable. The best option to allow pop-ups for a particular site is to turn off the setting, visit the website you want to see the pop-ups for, and then turn the setting back on.

Open Settings and select Safari . Turn off the toggle for Block Pop-ups .

When you finish visiting the site whose pop-ups you want to see, you should strongly consider turning the Block Pop-ups setting back on. Otherwise, you could end up inundated with ads or even unsafe pop-ups on your device.

Related: How to increase privacy in Safari on iPhone and iPad

Allow pop-ups in Safari on Mac

You have a couple of ways to allow pop-ups in Safari on Mac for the sites you trust. You can do this in the Preferences or with the site active in Safari. By taking a few moments to configure certain sites, you’ll save some aggravation later, waiting for that pop-up that never comes.

Allow when on the website

Suppose you clicked a link that triggered a new pop-up window. But if you have restricted pop-up windows in Preferences, the pop-up window won’t open and display a message temporarily in the Safari address bar. Besides that, it will show a tiny pop-up icon . Simply click that icon in the address bar, and it will open the blocked pop-up window.

When starting a live chat with Apple Support or downloading booked train tickets, I always use this method to allow the website to open the requested pop-up window.

Allow pop-ups in Preferences

• Open Safari and click Safari > Preferences from the menu bar.
• Select the Websites tab.
• On the left, scroll down to and pick Pop-Up Windows .
• To the right, you have your Currently Open Websites at the top with any Configured Websites at the bottom. Next to each, select the drop-down box and pick Allow for those you want to allow pop-ups.

For any sites that you don’t want to allow or that you want to be notified, select either Block or Block and Notify in that drop-down box.

At the bottom, next to When visiting other websites , you have a drop-down box with those three options as well. This is a global setting that covers all other sites you visit that you have not yet configured.

Allow pop-ups in the Safari window

• Right-click the address bar for the site you’re viewing and select Settings for site name or Settings For This Website .
• In the small window that appears, go down to Pop-up Windows .
• Use the drop-down box to choose Allow to see pop-ups for that website. Obviously, you can choose Block or Block and Notify for those you don’t want to see pop-ups.

When you use this method to adjust pop-ups for particular websites, these sites will then be added to the Configured Websites list in your Preferences, as explained above.

Hopefully, Apple will offer the ability to configure pop-ups for specific sites in Safari on iPhone and iPad at some point, just like on Mac. But in the meantime, you do have a way to allow pop-ups for the sites you want on all your devices.

Which types of websites do you want or need to see pop-ups for? And will you take the time to make sure you can? Let us know!

More Safari tips:

• How to open multiple websites at once on Mac
• 11 tips to customize and personalize Safari on iPhone and iPad
• How to stop name, address, email, and payment autofill suggestions in Safari
• How to safely install and use Safari extensions on iPhone

We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions.

How to Enable or Disable Safari Pop-up Blocker on Mac

Arshmeet has been a tech tinkerer since childhood, but she realized her love for technology and writing about 5 years ago. Since then, she has been honing her skills and helping people figure out how things work, troubleshoot problems, choose the right app and products, and dig deep into the new and old concepts of technology. She is a self-professed Apple Enthusiast who loves debating what’s good and what’s not. It is her passion for finding techniques, hacks, apps, and products that make everyday life simpler.

Like any good browser, Safari comes equipped with a built-in pop-up blocker. While the feature is built to enhance your browsing experience , sometimes you’ll need to allow pop-ups to complete the task. So, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to Enable or Disable Safari Pop-up Blocker on your Mac.

On one hand, pop-up blockers block unwanted advertisements and potentially harmful content from affecting your workflow. On the other hand, certain reliable websites like internet banking portals, payment gateways, online shopping, etc., use these pop-ups to smoothen workflow. Naturally, managing Safari pop-ups is a balancing act, so let us help you through it.

Why Should You Block or Allow Pop-Ups in Safari

When exploring a website (even a trusted one) pop-ups can randomly show up and ask you to do things that you really don’t want to, from clicking on an ad to sharing your email address. Safari’s pop-up ad blocker on iPhone or Mac serves as a defense mechanism against intrusive and potential threats such as malware and phishing scams.

However, there are legitimate scenarios where pop-ups can be beneficial or say necessary. These pop-ups are often used by websites to collect information( such as log-ins, permissions, etc.) or deliver content in a separate web browser window. In those scenarios, you’ll have to turn off the pop-up blocker or allow a pop-up in Safari for that particular website.

In essence, it is essential to understand how to manage pop-ups to optimize your browsing experience.

Block or Unblock Pop-Ups in Safari for One Website

Step 1 : Open Safari on your Mac and launch the Websites.

Step 2 : Next, select Safari → Setting or Preferences from the menu bar.

Step 3 : Go to the Websites tab, scroll down, and select Pop-up Windows from the left sidebar.

Step 4 : Click the drop-down menu for the website and select either of the following,

• Allow – The Safari browser will allow all pop-ups from all websites)
• Block and Notify – macOS Safari will block incoming pop-ups and inform you about the same
• Block – Safari will simply block pop-ups without informing you. Suitable for focused work and reading

Alternatively, you can also allow Safari pop-ups for selected websites while surfing. When the website is active, right-click the website’s address from the address bar and select Settings for (website name).

Next, from the menu, click the drop-down menu next to the Pop-up Widows and select between Block and Notify, Block, or Allow.

Tip : Check out a detailed guide on how to allow pop-ups in Safari for iPhone, iPad, or Mac for more information and clarity.

Completely Turn Off or On Pop-up Blocker on Mac

Step 1 : Open Safari and select Safari → Setting from the top menu.

Step 2 : Go to the Website tab and select Pop-up Windows from the left bar.

Step 3 : Next click the drop-down menu from ‘When visiting other websites’ and select either of the following options:

• Block and Notify

How to Enable Pop-Ups on Safari in Real-Time

Interestingly, even when using a trusted website you don’t really have to allow pop-ups in Safari. The wise plan is to choose Block and Notify, so you can choose whether to allow or block pop-ups on a case basis.

Now when you visit the said website and a pop-up comes up, you’ll get a block notification. If you want to show the pop-up, click the Show pop-up blocker from the address bar.

Bonus: How to Block Pop-ups in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on Mac

If you don’t use Safari as your Mac’s default browser, don’t fret. We have you covered.

Allow or Block Pop-Ups in Chrome

Step 1 : Open Chrome and click Chrome → Settings/preferences from the top menu.

Step 2 : Select ‘Privacy and Security’ from the left menu and click Site settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to click Pop-ups and redirects.

Step 4: Here, select between

• Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects
• Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects

Step 5 : To select a custom setting, click Add next to any one of the following

• Not allowed to send pop-ups or use redirects
• Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects

Turn On or Off Pop-Ups for Firefox on Mac

Step 1 : Open Firefox → Firefox (top menu) → Settings/Preferences.

Step 2 : Click Privacy & Security from the left-hand side.

Step 3 : Scroll down to Permissions.

Step 4 : Here do one of the following,

• To completely unblock pop-ups – Uncheck Block pop-up windows.
• To create exceptions – Click Exceptions and add the website.

Enable or Disable Pop-Ups on Edge Browser

Step 1 : Launch Edge → click Edge from the top menu and select Settings/Preferences.

Step 2 : Select Cookies and Site Permissions from the left.

Step 3 : Scroll down and select Pop-ups and redirects.

• To completely block or unblock all pop-ups – Toggle on or off the switch next to Block.
• To create exceptions – Click Add next to Block or Allow accordingly.

FAQs Regarding Disabling or Enabling Pop-Up Blocker

While macOS security doesn’t easily allow viruses or bloatware to be installed, there are certainly risks involved. Moreover, hackers can use these to collect personal information. So, overall allowing all pop-ups is definitely not safe.

As a general rule, it’s a good practice to block all pop-ups by default. However, you can choose to Allow or Block and Notify them for trusted websites that require pop-ups for essential features.

Safari’s built-in pop-up blocker is generally sufficient for most users. However, if you frequently encounter pop-up issues or want more advanced features, third-party ad-blocker extensions can be used. Although, it is advised to use a blocker from reputable sources to avoid potential security risks.

Happy and Safe Surfing

Enabling or disabling pop-ups in Safari or any other browser on Mac is an essential skill for smooth and safe browsing. So we advise that you not just master the hack but share this article with your friends and colleagues to help them defend against unwanted pop-ups and phishing attempts.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 04 October, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

DID YOU KNOW

Mitch Bartlett

More in mac.

5 Best Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Connected But Not Working

Top 12 Ways to Fix Spotify Not Responding on Windows and Mac

Join the newsletter.

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

• Stream Your Favorite Sports
• Where to Watch WNBA Games

How to Enable the Safari Pop-up Blocker

Block pop-ups on Mac, Windows, and iOS

What to Know

• To enable the pop-up blocker, go to Safari > Preferences > Websites > Pop-up Windows > choose how to handle pop-ups.
• To block pop-ups on iOS, go to Settings > Safari > General > Block Pop-ups .
• Another way to enable or disable pop-up blocker in Safari, select Preferences > Security > Block pop-up windows .

This article explains how to enable or disable the pop-up blocker within Safari. Instructions apply to macOS, iOS, and Windows.

You might need to disable the pop-up blocker for access to some sites. Alternatively, install plug-ins that suppress tracking and pop-ups for individual sites and browsing sessions.

The pop-up blocker for Mac computers is accessible through the Web content section of Safari's settings.

From the menu along the top of the Safari window, choose Safari > Preferences .

The keyboard shortcut to Safari's Preferences page is Command+, .

Select Websites .

Click Pop-up Windows .

Select the desired action for the current website. Block and Notify blocks pop-ups on the site and notifies you when it happens. Block blocks pop-ups without notifying you. Allow allows pop-ups.

To do the same when visiting other websites, select When visiting other websites in the lower-right corner of the window. If this checkbox is selected, Safari's integrated pop-up blocker is enabled.

In older OS X versions, select Windows > Preferences , then check the Block pop-up windows box.

Block Pop-ups on iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod touch)

You can turn the Safari pop-up blocker on and off on an iOS device too.

From the home screen, open Settings .

Scroll down the list and tap Safari .

In the Safari screen, locate the General section.

Tap the Block Pop-ups toggle switch to turn it on or off. It turns green to indicate that Safari is blocking pop-ups.

Another way to enable or disable the pop-up blocker in Safari is to select Preferences > Security > Block pop-up windows .

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• How to Turn Off a Pop-Up Blocker on a Mac
• How to Block Pop-Up Ads in Your Web Browser
• How to Allow Pop-Ups on iPhones and iPads
• How To Disable the Pop-up Blocker in Chrome
• How to Allow Pop-Ups on a Mac
• How to Block Ads in Safari on the iPhone
• How to Use the Pop-Up Blocker in Internet Explorer 11
• How to Pin Sites in Safari and Mac OS
• What Is Safari?
• How to Use Safari Extensions on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
• How to Turn Off AdBlock on Mac
• How to Allow Pop-Ups on Your PC
• How to Remove Adware From Your Mac
• How to Disable JavaScript in the Safari Web Browser
• How to Turn on Location Services on a Mac
• How to Install, Manage, and Delete Safari Extensions

How to allow pop-ups on a Mac computer while using a Safari browser

• Although a Mac's Safari browser blocks pop-ups by default, pop-ups can be useful, so it's good to know how to allow pop-ups on a Mac .
• If you want to allow all pop-ups on your Mac computer's Safari browser, or allow pop-ups on a select few websites, you can do so in Safari's preferences.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Most of the time the default site pop-up blocker on Mac's Safari is useful. It can save you from unwanted advertisements, protect you from potential scams and phishing attempts, or just reduce distractions.

Other times, pop-up blockers have the ability to hinder workflow and various other tasks. Many banks, universities, and retail sites, like Amazon, use pop-ups to open customer service chats, for example.

If you'd like to allow pop-ups on your Mac when using Safari, you can do so by accessing Safari's Preferences menu. Here's how to do it.    

How to allow pop-ups on Mac in a Safari browser

1. Launch Safari.

2. In your menu bar at the top of the screen, click "Safari." Find and click "Preferences" in the drop-down menu.

3. Once in Preferences, click on "Websites" — the icon that looks like a globe.

4. On the left menu, click "Pop-up Windows."

5. Where it says "When visiting other websites:," there will be a dropdown menu with two blue arrows. Click on it.

6. Here you can select "Allow" and it will automatically save this setting. You can also select "Block and Notify" if you'd like to choose to allow or block a pop-up when it appears.

How to change the default settings for pop-ups on individual websites in Safari

To change default settings for individual sites, make sure the website is open in Safari when you access "Preferences."

1. In the menu bar up at the top of the page, select Safari > Preferences.

2. Click "Websites," and find "Pop-up Windows" on the left.

3. Here you'll see the URL of the site you have open in Safari and a drop-down menu with two blue arrows.

4. Select "Allow" to allow pop-ups on this individual website.

Related coverage from   How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to clear the cache on your mac computer to make it run more efficiently, how to clear the cache on a safari browser to make it run more efficiently, how to add a google chrome shortcut icon to your desktop on a mac or pc, how to clear the cache on your iphone to make it run faster.

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

Watch: Apple just launched a $6,000 Mac Pro, available this fall

• Main content

• Editorial Process
• Why Trust Us?
• Affiliate Linking Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Weekly Must-Reads View All

7 things to do if you spilled water on your macbook.

Quick steps to save your MacBook from water damage

How to Boot Your Mac Into Verbose Mode: 4 Best Ways

Boot your Mac into Verbose Mode with this step-by-step guide

How to Fix Your Mac Shutting Down Randomly: 16 Fixes to Try

Troubleshoot random shutdowns on Mac with effective solutions

How Much Space Does macOS Take On Your Mac?

Understand macOS size and analyze your Mac's storage usage

Popular Topics

• What to Do With Your Old MacBook? 13 Useful Ways to Reuse an Old Mac
• What Is the MacBook Flexgate Issue and How to Fix It
• What Is the MacBook Flexgate Issue
• Uninstall Java
• Safely Transfer Files from Mac to Mac
• Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on Mac: 10 Best Ways to Restore Them
• Repairing disk permissions
• Old MacBook

Trending Now View All

• Mac Security and Privacy

How to Allow Pop-Ups on Safari: 3 Quick Methods

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Last updated: September 6, 2023

Expert verified

Pop-ups present a dual nature, with some being advantageous while others pose challenges. Useful pop-ups may offer opportunities to subscribe to informative newsletters, provide relevant discount codes, or initiate secure downloads. However, malicious pop-ups are more prevalent, leading to device congestion through adware.

In addition, some websites reliant on advertising as a revenue source restrict access unless their ads are unblocked. To enhance your browsing experience, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of enabling and disabling pop-ups on Safari. So, let’s learn how to allow pop-ups on Safari on Mac.

Before We Begin

MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner is designed to identify and eliminate advertising software from your computer. With its effective adware scanning capabilities, Adware Cleaner swiftly detects and removes any suspicious applications, offering a hassle-free solution with just two simple clicks.

What Are Safari Pop-Ups?

Pop-ups on Safari refer to the small windows or dialog boxes that appear on the Safari web browser without your permission or request. These pop-ups can be in the form of advertisements, alerts, or notifications that can be distracting and intrusive to your browsing experience. 

While some pop-ups are harmless, others may contain malicious content, such as malware or phishing scams, which can harm your device or compromise your personal information. So, it is important to control which pop-ups are allowed on your Safari browser and which ones are blocked to ensure a safe and seamless browsing experience.

How Do I Know Which Pop-Ups to Allow on Safari?

When deciding which pop-ups on Safari should be allowed, it’s essential to consider the source and content of the pop-up. While some pop-ups on Safari can be legitimate and helpful, others may contain malicious or unwanted content. Here are some guidelines to help you determine which pop-ups to allow:

• 🌐 Pop-up Origin : Check the source of the pop-up. Is it from a reputable website or a source you trust? Pop-ups from well-known websites or established organizations are generally safer than those from unfamiliar or suspicious sources.
• 🖥️ Context : Consider the context in which the pop-up appears. Is it related to the website or content you’re currently viewing? Legitimate pop-ups often provide additional information or relevant offers based on the page you are visiting.
• 📜 Content and Purpose : Read the content of the pop-ups on Safari carefully. Does it offer valuable information, promotions, or updates you find useful? Legitimate pop-ups typically provide relevant content or present optional actions, such as subscribing to a newsletter or accessing additional resources.
• 🎨 Design and Appearance : Pay attention to the design and appearance of the pop-up. Legitimate pop-ups generally have a professional and consistent look with the website’s branding. Pop-ups with poor grammar, excessive ads, flashy colors, or alarming messages are often associated with potentially malicious content.
• 👥 User Reviews and Online Reputation : If you’re unsure about a particular pop-up, search online for reviews or information about it. Other users may have encountered similar pop-ups on Safari and shared their experiences, which can help you make an informed decision.

Remember, it’s generally safer to err on the side of caution and avoid allowing pop-ups that appear suspicious or intrusive. By following these guidelines and using your judgment, you can make more informed decisions about which pop-ups on Safari to allow.

How to Allow Pop-Ups on Safari

Now that you know what Safari pop-ups are and why you may need to allow them, let’s figure out how to allow pop-ups on Safari on Mac. Below, I’ve shared a few methods to allow pop-ups on Safari.

1. Disable Safari’s Pop-Up Blocker Temporarily

This method is only a temporary solution, and you will need to re-enable the pop-up blocker after you have finished accessing the website that required pop-ups. Disabling the pop-up blocker can leave your Mac vulnerable to potentially harmful pop-ups, so using this method for trusted websites is important. 

To disable Safari’s pop-up blocker temporarily, follow these steps:

• Open Safari on your Mac. Click Safari in the top menu bar, and select Settings .

• Click the Websites tab.

• Select Pop-up Windows from the left-hand menu.

• In the bottom right corner, click the drop-down menu next to When visiting other websites and select Allow .
• Safari will now allow all pop-ups for any website you visit.
• Once you have finished accessing the website, return to Safari Settings and re-enable the pop-up blocker by selecting Block next to When visiting other websites .

2. Allow Pop-Ups for Specific Sites on Safari

When using Safari on a Mac, you may encounter situations where you need to allow pop-ups on Safari from specific sites for various purposes, such as online banking, web applications, or educational websites.

However, navigating through the browser’s settings can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with it. Below, I’ve shared the steps on how to allow pop-ups on Safari for specific sites.

• Find the website you want to allow pop-ups from in the list, or enter it in the box at the bottom.

• Next to the website, choose Allow .

Now, when you open this particular website, Safari won’t block pop-ups.

3. Allow Pop-Ups for an Active Website on Safari

When browsing Safari, you may encounter certain websites requiring pop-ups for important features or content. However, you may not want to allow all pop-ups on all websites, as this can lead to unwanted pop-ups and potential security risks.

In this case, you can allow pop-ups on Safari on the active website only using Safari’s built-in pop-up blocker. Here are the steps to allow pop-ups on Safari for an active website:

• Open Safari and navigate to the website you want to allow pop-ups from.
• Right-click the website URL in the middle of the Safari address bar and select Settings for [website name] .

• Here, you’ll see Block next to Pop-up Windows .

• Click the drop-down menu button and select Allow .

• Close the dialog box by clicking anywhere outside of it on the webpage.
• Now, Safari won’t block pop-ups for this active website.

How to Allow Pop-Ups on Other Browsers on Mac

Although most Mac users use Safari to browse the internet, some prefer other browsers, like Google Chrome and Firefox. Most modern web browsers are designed to block pop-ups by default, given their potential misuse for disruptive advertising or even malicious activities. For those moments when you need to enable pop-ups, each browser offers a unique method to do so.

Below, I’ll walk you through the necessary steps to allow pop-ups on different browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, on a Mac.

1. Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome on your Mac.

• Click the three dots at the top right corner of the screen and select Settings .

• On the next window, click Privacy and security in the left pane and select Site Settings on the right.

• In Site Settings, click Pop-ups and redirects . You may have to scroll down.

• Under Default behaviour , select Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects .

• Now, Google Chrome won’t disable pop-ups.

2. Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox on your Mac.

• Click the three lines at the top right corner of the screen and select Settings .

• Select the Privacy & Security tab on the left.

• Scroll down to the Permissions section and uncheck Block pop-up windows .

• Now, Firefox won’t block pop-ups on any website.

Remember to be careful when allowing pop-ups, as they can sometimes contain harmful or misleading content. Always make sure you trust the site you’re allowing pop-ups on.

How to Block Safari Pop-Ups on Mac

Pop-up windows are often intrusive and disruptive, interrupting your workflow and distracting you from the content you’re trying to access. They can also be used for malicious purposes, such as displaying fraudulent ads, promoting scams, or attempting to install malware on your computer.

By blocking pop-ups in Safari, you can maintain a clutter-free browsing environment, improve your online security, and avoid potential risks associated with deceptive or harmful pop-up content.

Follow these steps to disable Safari pop-ups on Mac :

• In the Settings window, click the Websites tab.
• In the bottom right corner, click the drop-down menu next to When visiting other websites and select Block .

• Safari will now block all pop-ups on all websites.
• To block pop-ups from a specific website, click the website’s entry and choose Block from the drop-down menu.

Stop Pop-Ups and Browse Safely With MacKeeper

You can conveniently enable or disable pop-ups on Mac. However, there may be instances where certain pop-ups continue to appear despite your settings. In such cases, you need an adware cleaner, like MacKeeper’s to perform a full system scan and remove suspicious pop-ups from your Mac.

Here’s how to run MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner on Mac:

• Download and install MacKeeper.
• Launch MacKeeper and access the Adware Cleaner option in the left panel.

• At the bottom of the window, click the Open button in blue to open Adware Cleaner.

• Initiate the scanning process by clicking Start Scan .

• Once the scan is finished, a comprehensive list of identified adware items will be displayed.
• To eliminate all the detected adware items, click the Delete button.
• If there’s no adware on your Mac, you’ll get a No items found message. You can click Rescan to start the process again.

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides removing adware on your Mac, MacKeeper can free up RAM on your Mac , remove duplicates , and manage login items . Check out my detailed MacKeeper review to know more about its features.

Let Useful Pop-Ups Pop on Safari

Allowing pop-ups on Safari can be useful for certain websites and applications, but it is important to use pop-ups on Safari with caution.

Now that you know how to allow pop-ups on Safari, here are some more tips related to improving the Safari experience on your Mac:

• Ads are another nuisance that disrupts your workflow on Safari. You can block ads on Mac to make your workflow more efficient.
• If your Safari is crashing or running slow, your browser extensions may be a culprit. You can remove browser extensions on Mac to improve its performance and prevent crashes.
• Regularly clear the browser cache on your Mac to speed up its performance and enhance your browsing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i set safari to allow all pop-ups by default .

Yes, you can set Safari to allow all pop-ups by default. Open Safari , click Safari in the menu bar and select Settings . Click the Websites tab and select Pop-up Windows . In the bottom right corner, click the drop-down menu next to When visiting other websites and select Allow .

How do I know if a pop-up is safe to allow on Safari? 

To know if a pop-up is safe to allow on Safari, consider the source and content of the pop-up. Only allow pop-ups on Safari from trusted websites that you’re familiar with. Avoid clicking suspicious or unexpected pop-ups, especially those offering downloads or asking for personal information.

Why are some pop-ups still appearing even though I blocked them on Safari?

Some pop-ups still appear even though you blocked them on Safari because they bypass Safari’s blocking settings by using different techniques. Running an adware scan or using ad-blocking extensions can effectively identify and block such pop-ups.

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

You May Also Like

How to Delete FaceTime Calls on MacBook: 3 Best Ways

Erase FaceTime history on your MacBook in easy steps

How to Disable Pop-Ups on Safari: 3 Effective Solutions

Written by Hashir Ibrahim Reviewed by Ojash Last updated: September 6, 2023

How to Delete Browser Bookmarks on Mac: Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

Written by Hashir Ibrahim Reviewed by Ojash Last updated: September 13, 2023

How to Turn Off iMessage on iMac: 4 Best Ways

Simple steps and alternatives to disable iMessage on iMac

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Technology Simplified.

How to Allow and Block Pop-ups in Safari Browser

By: Waseem Patwegar | Filed Under: iOS , Mac

Similar to other web browsers, the Safari browser on iPhone and Mac provides the option to block pop-ups, which can be helpful in preventing websites from bothering you with pop-up ads.

However, you need to be aware that blocking pop-ups in Safari browser can sometimes impact the functionality of legitimate websites and prevent you from accessing certain portions of these websites.

For example, many school, college, university and governmental websites can prevent you from downloading forms, submitting assignments and taking online tests, unless the Safari browser on your Mac is setup to allow pop-ups.

Hence, we are providing below the steps to both Allow and block pop-ups in Safari browser and also the steps to Allow or Block pop-ups for specific websites on your Mac and iPhone.

1. Allow or Block Pop-ups for All Websites in Safari on Mac

Follow the steps below to Enable and Disable Pop-ups for all the websites in Safari browser on Mac.

1. Open Safari Browser on your Mac.

2. Click on the Safari tab in the top-menu bar and select Preferences in the drop-down menu.

3. On the Preferences screen, switch to the Websites tab and select Pop-up Windows tab in the left-sidebar menu.

Next, you can use the drop-down arrow next “When visiting other websites” to Allow or Block Pop-ups by selecting any of the following options.

• Block :  Blocks pop-ups on all websites
• Allow: Allows Pop-ups on all websites
• Block and Notify: Blocks Pop-ups and you can allow pop-ups by clicking on the two-windows icon in the address bar.

2. Allow or Block Pop-ups for Specific Websites in Safari browser on Mac

As mentioned above, blocking pop-ups can impact the functionality of educational, governmental and institutional websites. While visiting such websites you can Allow or Block pop-ups by following the steps below.

1. Open the Safari Browser on your Mac and visit the website for which you want to Allow pop-ups.

2. Click on the Safari tab in top-menu bar and select Preferences in the drop-down menu.

3. On the Preferences screen, switch to Websites tab and select Pop-up Windows tab in the left-sidebar menu.

Now, you can Allow or Block pop-ups for this particular website by selecting the Allow or Block option that becomes available next to the website name in Currently Open Websites window.

3. Allow or Block Pop-ups in Safari on iPhone and iPad

You can follow the steps below to Allow or Block Pop-ups in the Safari browser on your iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > scroll down and tap on Safari .

2. On the Safari screen, scroll down a bit and move the toggle next to Block Pop-ups to ON position.

If an educational or governament website requires you to allow pop-ups, you can allow pop-ups by moving the slider to OFF (white) position.

Note: The Safari browser on iPhone does not yet provide the option to Allow or Block Pop-ups for specific websites.

• How to Speed Up Slow Safari Browser on Mac
• How to Stop Safari Browser From Asking to Save Passwords

Easily Block or Allow Pop-Ups in Safari on iPhone

Is the pop-up blocker for Safari stopping pop-ups you actually need? Conversely, if you've been having trouble with pop-ups on your iPhone whenever you try to browse online, you're probably hoping for a way to block pop-ups on Safari. In this tip, we'll show you how to do both. Let's go over how to use the pop-up blocker on iPhone.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

• Temporarily disable your pop-up blocker if a website relies on them to function.
• Block intrusive pop-ups if you are having trouble browsing the web.

How to Turn Off the Pop-Up Blocker on iPhone

System requirements.

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 16 or later. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS .

The Safari pop-up blocker on iPhone is turned on by default, meaning that pop-ups will be blocked in Safari unless you turn your pop-up blocker off. Note that this article doesn't cover how to disable in-app rating pop-ups  on the iPhone; you will need to do that in the App Store settings. If you're looking to learn more about browsing settings on your iPhone or other devices, our free Tip of the Day newsletter can help. If you find that pop-ups you actually want are being blocked, you can simply allow pop-ups in Safari while you browse that site and then switch it back on! Here's how to allow pop-ups on iPhone:

That's how to disable the pop-up blocker on iPhone. For one of Apple's simpler settings, it can make quite a difference in your experience while browsing on Safari. If you want to turn your pop-up blocker back on, you can follow the same steps above. Have you ever come across an image you loved on Safari, but were unsure how to save it properly? If so, you might want to learn these two easy ways to save images from Safari on your iPhone.

Author Details

Rich Hall has written about Handheld and Pocket computers for the last 13 years. He is the Editor of Pocket PC magazine and former editor of The HP Palmtop Paper, the NEC Ultralite Connection and the HP Portable Paper. He began his career as a high school Math and English teacher. Rich lives in Fairfield, Iowa, with his wife, Lucinda, and their children, Robert and Ella. You can contact him at [email protected] .

Article Spotlight

Matias is launching a brand new keyboard based on a classic design.

The Matias Sculpted Ergonomic Keyboard improves on the legacy of the beloved Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard with upgrades that make it more functional and comfortable than ever before! The Matias Sculpted Ergonomic Keyboard stays true to the spirit of the discontinued Microsoft original.

Featured Products

In episode 211, David and Donna cover Apple's "Let Loose" event that went live on May 7th, 2024. This event was all about the new supercharged iPads. From the AI-focused M4 chip to inky-black OLED, tune in to find out if it really is the biggest iPad update since its original release! Listen now and find out !

Most Popular

How to Tell If Someone Blocked Your Number on iPhone

How to Record a Phone Call on an iPhone for Free

How to Tell If a Dead iPhone Is Charging

How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone

10 Simple Tips To Fix iPhone Battery Drain

How To Put Two Pictures Together on iPhone

How To Find My iPhone From Another iPhone

Can iPhones Get Viruses? How to Detect & Remove Malware (iOS 17)

How to Adjust Exposure in the iPhone Camera App

iPhone Notes Disappeared? Recover the App & Lost Notes

How To Get an App Back on Your Home Screen

How to Accept a Shared Album Invite on Your iPhone

Featured articles, why is my iphone battery draining so fast 13 easy fixes.

Identify Mystery Numbers: How to Find No Caller ID on iPhone

Apple ID Not Active? Here’s the Fix!

How to Cast Apple TV to Chromecast for Easy Viewing

Fix Photos Not Uploading to iCloud Once & for All (iOS 17)

There Was an Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server: Fixed

CarPlay Not Working? 4 Ways to Fix Apple CarPlay Today

Check out our sponsors.

• Each email reveals new things you can do with your phone (and other devices) with easy-to-follow screenshots.
• Enter your email to get your first tip immediately!

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. 

Apple iPhone 16 Pro tipped to get this major display upgrade

Apple is reportedly planning iPhone 17 Slim — but I want this instead

Lomachenko vs Kambosos Jr live stream: How to watch boxing online, fight card, start time, odds

Most Popular

• 2 Apple iPhone 16 Pro tipped to get this major display upgrade
• 3 Apple could unveil revamped Siri with generative AI at WWDC — here’s the key upgrades
• 4 Plush queen mattress vs firm queen mattress: Which is best for your budget and sleep?
• 5 How to watch Google I/O 2024: Android 15, Gemini and more

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.

Want to highlight a helpful answer? Upvote!

Did someone help you, or did an answer or User Tip resolve your issue? Upvote by selecting the upvote arrow. Your feedback helps others!  Learn more about when to upvote >

Safari block pop up ads not working after iOS17

Before iOS17, I was using block pop up ads in Safari settings and it worked surprisingly well. But after the update, it doesn't seem to work anymore. Is there a fix to this?

iPhone XR, iOS 15

Posted on Sep 20, 2023 11:46 PM

Posted on Nov 20, 2023 8:37 PM

This is not a real response. They stated they have it on. It cant even block things opening up a new window anymore.

Because of your pointless response and lack of responsibility, the problem will not be shared with developers who want to know if something is wrong. Thats the whole point of having a human support team.

Similar questions

• seeking Ad blocker on Safari for ipad after years of using Safari browser to surf the internet without ads on my ipad, in the last 1-2 months I now get barraged with Google Ads. So intrusive with multiple ad pop-us I cannot view the desired webpage content anymore. How do I change my Safari settings for ipad to block Google Ads?? The ad clutter only appears on my ipad; no ad software has metasasized to my other devices setup of Safari...yet Thanks. 1102 1
• ad blockers not working on safari Hi everyone Recently, ad blockers stopped working on safari. I tried to uninstall and reinstall it, try different ad blockers but no one seems to do anything. can someone help me? 405 4
• Block pop ups how to block pop up ads on my iPad with Safari 554 2

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Nov 20, 2023 8:37 PM in response to J_Johnnyboy

Dec 13, 2023 6:33 AM in response to J_Johnnyboy

i Have my phone set to block pop ups and alert re fraudulent sites. It doesn’t make a difference.

i did not have this problem before the latest update.

Dec 31, 2023 12:53 AM in response to HiddenAccName

I’m having the same problem, also have all of my setting correct, also only having this problem since the last update. Also everyone in my family having this same issue, since the update, despite settings. APPLE: FIX THIS. I literally have to turn my phone off, once the videos start popping up. The second I close out the video, another one pops up, before I can even close out the tab. Turning off my phone is the only thing that stops it.

Jan 28, 2024 9:34 AM in response to HiddenAccName

Having pop up issues with my Mac OS Sonoma. Pop up blocker is on.

Apr 19, 2024 10:25 AM in response to J_Johnnyboy

The above recommendations in Safari for blocking pop-ups do not work since Apple’s update of 17.4.1.

Also having trouble typing on the keyboard as it wants to delete words, change the alphabetical bar to letters during mid-stream of a sentence, mojitos are gone…

Feb 1, 2024 11:18 AM in response to J_Johnnyboy

same as before

Feb 12, 2024 2:17 AM in response to jpaprika

So annoying, I can’t get total ad block to work either.

I have iPhone 11 Pro Max 😥😥😥😥

Mar 10, 2024 7:16 AM in response to J_Johnnyboy

Safari block pop up ads not working on Sonoma 14.3.1 despite following all instructions.

Mar 11, 2024 3:36 PM in response to HiddenAccName

pop Ups not being blocked.

Mar 24, 2024 12:19 PM in response to J_Johnnyboy

Still does not work.

Mar 27, 2024 5:36 AM in response to HiddenAccName

Why aren’t you responding Apple? Brand deteriorating ?

Feb 19, 2024 7:24 PM in response to J_Johnnyboy

This is so frustrating After ALLOWING pop ups we still don't see popups since updating to Sonoma IOS 14.3.1 on my brand new MacBook. I need the pop up to login after VPN connection to work server. It worked prior to the Sonoma IOS update. I have tried setting the pop up to allow the wanted pop up. Still nothing. HELP !!! I can't work remote any longer.

Dec 31, 2023 12:54 AM in response to jpaprika

Sep 25, 2023 4:49 PM in response to HiddenAccName

Hi HiddenAccName,

To block pop-up ads and windows in Safari, we recommend that you try the steps here: Block pop-up ads and windows in Safari - Apple Support

To perform the recommended troubleshooting steps via the link above, complete the steps in the section titled "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.

We recommend the steps above because they will show you how to block pop-up ads and windows in Safari.

Please let us know the outcome after giving the above steps a try.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

May 11, 2024 4:52 PM in response to HiddenAccName

@ Mamayoda4

Apple does not reply here. It's a place for the community to help each other. You're never going to get Apple to engage an individual one-to-one about such a thing. The best we can do is file a bug report.