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How to allow pop-ups in safari on mac.

Sometimes you want browser pop-ups!

By default, Safari on Mac blocks pop-up windows from appearing. If you need to allow pop-ups for certain websites, it's easy to make the change in Safari Preferences. Here's how.

First, open Safari on your Mac and browse to the website that includes the pop-ups that you want to allow. In the menu bar, click "Safari," and select "Preferences" from the menu that appears.

In the preferences window of Safari 14 and up, click the "Websites" tab, and then scroll down to the bottom of the sidebar and select "Pop-up Windows."

In older versions of Safari, open Preferences and click the "Security" tab. Uncheck "Block pop-up windows" here. If you're still using an older version, we recommend updating Safari as soon as possible to keep your Mac safe .

With "Pop-Up Windows" selected, you'll see a box on the right titled "Allow pop-up windows on the websites below." Locate the name of the website that you want to allow pop-ups on in the list. (Remember that the site must currently be open in a Safari browser window.)

Click the drop-down box beside the website name and select "Allow."

Repeat this step with any other sites in the list that you want to allow pop-ups for.

If you want to allow pop-ups on all websites by default (although we strongly advise against it), click the drop-down menu beside "When visiting other websites" and select "Allow."

After that, close Safari Preferences, and your settings will be changed. The next time you visit the site that you allowed pop-ups for, the pop-ups will appear as expected. Happy browsing!

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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.

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Last updated on 04 October, 2023

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How to Disable the Safari Pop-Up Blocker: Quick Step-by-Step Tutorial

Last Updated: November 14, 2023 Fact Checked

Disable for One Website on Mac

Disable for all websites on mac, disable on iphone & ipad.

This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,944 times.

Does Safari keep blocking pop-ups that you really need to see? While pop-ups are usually associated with advertisements and spam, sometimes websites use pop-ups to display important information or ask for your login. Whatever the reason, disabling the pop-up blocker in Safari is a simple process on both Mac and your mobile device, so keep reading to learn more.

Things You Should Know

• To disable the pop-up blocker on a Mac, go to your Safari settings and navigate to the "Websites" section.
• You can either add specific websites you want to allow pop-ups on, or you can opt to allow pop-ups from all sites.
• On your iPhone or iPad, you can disable the pop-up blocker by going to the Safari section of your Settings app and toggling it off.

• Repeat these steps for other sites you want to allow popups on.
• You can also select Block and Notify , which will stop the pop-up from appearing but will notify you that one was blocked so you can show it anyway.

• If you don't see a Configured Websites section, you haven't set any pop-up blocking rules for any websites.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/safari/sfri40696/mac
• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/iphone/iphdc30e3b86/ios
• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/ipad/ipad0669fc3c/ios

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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.

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What to Know

• In Safari: Preferences > Websites > Pop-up Windows > When visiting other websites > Allow
• In Chrome: Preferences > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects > Sites can send...
• In Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Permissions and untick Block pop-up windows

This article teaches you how to turn off the pop-up blocker on popular Mac browsers including Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. It also looks at reasons why you may wish to do so and what it affects.

• How to Allow Pop-Ups on a Mac

If you regularly use Safari on your Mac, you'll have noticed that the pop-up blocker is on by default. Sometimes, this isn't convenient as it can restrict your ability to use certain websites and services. Here's how to allow pop-ups on Safari.

In Safari, click Safari .

Click Preferences .

Click Websites .

Scroll down and click Pop-up Windows .

Click the drop down box next to When visiting other websites .

If you just want to allow pop-up windows for certain sites, follow the next step for the site listed above.

Click Allow .

How to Allow Pop-Ups Using Chrome on Mac

If you're a regular user of Google Chrome on Mac, you need to follow specific steps to allow pop-up windows. Here's how to do so.

On Chrome, click Chrome .

Click Privacy and Security .

Click Site settings.

Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects .

Toggle the default behavior to Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects .

How to Allow Pop-Ups on Mac Using Firefox

If you use Firefox as your main browser on Mac, it's also possible to allow pop-ups on the service. Here's how to allow pop-ups on Mac using Firefox.

In Firefox, click the Firefox menu.

Click Privacy & Security .

Scroll down to Permissions and untick Block pop-up windows .

How to Allow Pop-Ups on Mac Using Edge

An increasing number of Mac owners use Microsoft Edge as their browser. If that's you, here's how to allow pop-ups on Mac using Edge.

On Edge, click Microsoft Edge .

Click Cookies and Site Permissions.

Click Pop-ups and redirects .

You may need to scroll down to find it.

Toggle Block off.

Should I Disable My Pop-up Blocker?

Pop-ups have been a part of the internet for many years which can make it hard to know if they need to be disabled or not. Here's a look at the pros and cons of using a pop-up blocker.

• Blocking pop-ups is less irritating. Having a pop-up blocker enabled means you won't have pop-up windows appearing as you browse. Such windows can be irritating, so being free of them can be beneficial. 
• Pop-ups can be a security risk. Some less reputable websites can use pop-ups to effectively trick you into clicking something that you shouldn't. For safety-conscious users, it can be wiser to keep it enabled.
• Some websites use pop-ups for security purposes to help you log into services more easily. That's why it can be useful to selectively allow websites to disable pop-up windows. 
• Pop-ups can mean more ads. In many cases, ads are provided in pop-up form, so enabling them means you'll see more unwanted content. 

For Safari, go to Settings > Safari and turn off Block Pop-ups . For other browsers, check their settings in the app.

The above instructions will work for desktop or laptop Macs, since they both run the same operating system. Generally, you'll look in the privacy settings of the browser you're using.

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How to Allow or Block Pop-Ups in Safari

Random pop-up windows are annoying, but some pop-ups are actually useful. So, when should you allow or block pop-ups in Safari? Keep reading to learn about the different types of pop-ups, how to block pop-ups on Mac devices, and how to disable the Safari pop-up blocker. Or use AVG Secure Browser to manage and filter pop-up ads automatically.

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How to block Safari pop-ups on Mac

Though sometimes helpful, pop-ups don’t have a great reputation. They can interrupt your work, slow page-load times, or even conceal malicious software. Thankfully, blocking pop-ups in Safari is easy, because the browser features a built-in pop-up blocker to help you manage them.

On Mac devices, Safari’s pop-up blocker lets you block or allow pop-ups for specific websites . This is an important feature in a blocker, because not all pop-ups are spam messages and some help you navigate and use sites more easily.

You can also choose to block or allow pop-ups on specific sites with AVG Secure Browser , a free browser that puts security and privacy at the forefront. You can surf the web anonymously and fully customize your ad blocker to allow only essential pop-ups. Plus, you’ll enjoy a host of additional privacy features.

How to block all pop-ups on Mac

Here’s how to stop all pop-ups on Mac using the Safari pop-up blocker:

Open the Safari browser and click Preferences under the Safari drop-down menu.

Select the Websites tab at the top and click Pop-up Windows on the left menu.

Use the Remove button to clear any site settings displayed in the “Configured Websites” box. Then click the “When visiting other websites” button and select Block .

You’re done — Safari pop-ups blocker is now active for all websites.

Like clearing your search history , deleting cookies , and removing extensions from Safari , blocking pop-ups can streamline and speed up your Mac , because it minimizes spam adverts and reduces other disruptive notifications.

How to disable pop-ups for specific sites on Mac

If Safari is blocking pop-ups that you want or need to see, you can customize your pop-up settings and block pop-ups for certain sites.

Here’s how to turn off pop-ups on specific sites on Mac:

Open Safari and click Preferences under the Safari drop-down menu.

Select the Websites tab and click Pop-up windows in the left menu. Set “When visiting other websites” to Allow to enable pop-ups as the default setting.

The website you’re on will be listed in the Currently Open Websites area. Click the drop-down menu and choose Block .

Pop-ups will now be blocked for the website you’ve chosen, and you can repeat the process for other sites you want to block. If you’re looking for more ways to curate a more minimalist browsing experience, you can also try setting the about:blank page as your browser homepage.

How to block pop-ups for an active website

You can set Mac’s pop-up blocker to disable pop-ups only for the website you’re currently using.

Here’s how to block pop-ups on Mac on the website you’re actively using:

Right click on the address bar of the current website and click Settings for this website .

In the settings window, select Block from the drop-down menu next to Pop-up Windows .

Safari will now block pop-up messages on that site, but your Mac will continue to allow pop-ups from other websites.

How to block Safari pop-ups on iPhone and iPad

Pop-ups also affect mobile devices, but fortunately Safari has a pop-up blocker for iPhone and iPad too.

Here’s how to block pop-ups on iPhones and iPads:

Go to Settings and tap the Safari app.

Scroll to Block Pop-ups and toggle the button on .

Just as computers can slow down over time , iPhones can get weighed down with more than just pop-ups. Take additional steps to clean and speed up your iPhone to keep it running at its best.

If you also use other browsers, you can manage pop-ups in Chrome , prevent pop-ups in Firefox , or get rid of them in Edge or IE . Using a browser cleaner tool will also help to speed up your device .

How to disable the pop-up blocker on Mac

Some pop-up messages are helpful, because they’re designed to improve your user experience by conveying helpful notifications or maintaining site functionality. So if you disable a pop-up blocker on Safari — meaning you allow pop-ups — you might improve your web browsing experience.

Here’s how to enable pop-ups on Mac:

Click the Safari drop-down menu and select Preferences .

Click the Websites tab at the top and select Pop-up windows from the left menu. If there are any individual site settings displayed in the “Configured Websites” box, delete them using the Remove button.

Set the “When visiting other websites” button to Allow .

And there you have it — all pop-ups are now allowed on Safari.

How to allow pop-ups for specific sites on Mac

If you want to unblock pop-ups only for sites you trust, you can customize your Safari preferences on Mac to allow pop-ups on certain sites, while leaving the pop-up blocker active for others.

Here’s how to enable pop-ups on Mac for specific sites:

Select the Websites tab and click Pop-up windows . The website you’re on will be listed in the Currently Open Websites area. Click the drop down menu and choose Allow .

Once you know how to turn off a pop-up blocker for specific websites, you can further customize your Macbook pop-up blocker by selecting “Block and Notify.” This will allow blocked pop-up windows to be manually displayed if you click the notification in the address bar.

How to allow pop-ups for an active website

Here’s how to disable the pop-up blocker on Mac for the website you’re actively using:

Right click the address bar of the website you’re actively using and select Settings for This Website .

In the settings window, find Pop-up Windows , and select Allow from the drop-down menu.

The Safari pop-up blocker will now allow pop-ups from the site you’re currently on — and any other websites that you’ve also unblocked. But Safari’s pop-up blocker will continue to eliminate pop-ups from all other sites.

How to disable the pop-up blocker on iPhone and iPad

On iOS, it’s not possible to make an exception to enable pop-ups from specific sites. If you want any pop-ups at all, you have to completely turn off the pop-up blocker on your iPhone or iPad.

Here’s how to allow pop-ups on iPhone and how to disable the pop-up blocker on iPad:

Go to Settings and choose the Safari app.

Scroll to Block Pop-ups and toggle the button off .

Are pop-ups in Safari dangerous?

Most Safari pop-ups aren’t dangerous and actually help you interact with the websites you visit more easily. Pop-ups can help you interact with a site, let you select preferences, display marketing messages, or show cookie consent forms. If you allow a site to display pop-ups in your browser, you can always clear your cache and disable cookies later to get rid of them.

But there are more dubious and even dangerous pop-ups that can contain false close buttons that actually run unexpected actions rather than close the window. A hover ad or an in-page pop-up appears as a layer in front of a browser screen, falsely presenting itself as the webpage. If pop-ups cause you to inadvertently install unwanted software, you can use a bloatware removal tool to get rid of any unnecessary apps .

The most dangerous pop-ups can harm your system and bombard your browser with an adware attack . Other suspicious pop-ups can function as malvertising ploys , riddling your system with all kinds of malware . Staying informed about Mac cybersecurity threats is essential to keep you and your system safe. If you think you may have already downloaded malware onto your system through a pop-up, remove the malware from your Mac immediately.

Pop-ups are one of the main reasons to get an ad blocker . But there are downsides to a blocker snuffing out pop-up windows completely. Some pop-ups are necessary to the proper functioning of a website. Other pop-ups contain important information or let you access deeper features of a website — for example, an installer for an application.

Another reason to be careful when using ad blockers is that they can sometimes block ads for products and services that are genuinely useful, like newsletter signup forms. With an ad blocker, you might also miss out on pop-up discounts or limited-time offers, so it may be better to selectively stop pop-ups in Safari.

How do I know which pop-ups to block?

Since some pop-ups are irritating and others are useful — there’s no comprehensive solution to the issue of how to remove pop-up ads on Mac. Consider allowing pop-ups on websites you know and trust, and blocking pop-ups if you’re unsure of a site’s safety . Always practice safe browsing habits and definitely block sites with suspicious pop-ups.

Stop pop-ups and browse safely with AVG Secure Browser

Pop-ups are a mixed-bag — some are annoying or even dangerous, but others are helpful and necessary. You can manage pop-ups easily and block the risky ones by using AVG Secure Browser, one of the best browsers for security and privacy .

The free AVG Secure Browser can automatically block all ads. Or, you can set your preferences between Light, Basic, and Strict blocking. Plus, you can easily adjust all your privacy settings through one simple dashboard.

As cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting pop-ups and other web features, AVG Secure Browser — designed specifically with privacy and security at the forefront — will keep you safe. Get security and speed in one lightning-fast and buttery smooth browser.

Manage Pop-Ups Automatically

Download free AVG Secure Browser to easily manage pop-ups, block ads, and avoid web tracking.

Install free AVG Secure Browser to easily manage pop-ups, block ads, and avoid web tracking.

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How To Block or Allow Pop-Ups On Your Mac

This article explains how you can block or allow pop-up window ads on your Mac. Generally, pop-ups are forms of advertising. The good news is that you can easily configure your Safari browser to allow or block pop-up windows.

How to block pop-ups in Safari

Pop-ups are annoying. They are unwanted. Sometimes they may slow down your computer . Some pop-ups may use phishing methods . Some may attempt to trick you into downloading and installing  dangerous software on your Mac . Some pop-ups are just annoying because they may interrupt what you are doing.

Here is how to block them

• Open Safari
• From the Safari menu, choose Preferences
• Click the Websites tab
• Click Pop-up Windows on the left sidebar. In here you can see the “currently open websites”. You can adjust your settings for these individual websites.

• If you select Block and Notify , then you will be notified an a popup is blocked. When a pop-up is blocked in Safari, Safari will briefly say: “Pop-up Window Blocked” in the search field. Also, the address bar will indicate this. You can also decide to allow pop-ups, if you click the small window icon. If you select the Block option, then Safari will block popups without letting you know.

Please note that if you still get pop-ups after blocking them, then your computer could have malware .

It is a good idea to turn on Fraudulent Website Warning in Safari security settings by going to Safari > Preferences > Security.

How to allow pop-ups in Safari

You may want to allow pop-ups for variety of reasons. Sometimes, certain websites may require you to disable pop-up blockers in order for them to work correctly. It is obvious that some legitimate websites may have web content in pop-up windows. Not all pop-up windows are malicious, dangerous or invasive. Please note that you can allow pop-ups from a specific site. In fact, we recommend this. To do this, open the website where a pop-up is blocked. In the search field (address bar) click the window icon (see the image above).

Here is how turn off pop-ups completely for all sites:

• Click Safari > Preferences
• Select the Websites tab
• Click “Pop-Up Windows” from the left side menu

Please note that by default, Safari disables pop-ups automatically in the browser, unless you configure differently.

See also: Safari Says: Not Secure. What Does It Mean?

Dr. Serhat Kurt worked as a Senior Technology Director specializing in Apple solutions for small and medium-sized educational institutions. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He is a former faculty member. Here is his LinkedIn profile and Google Scholar profile . Email Serhat Kurt .

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I hope that this will eliminate the pop-ups that appear to be generated from GOOGLE for various services. It fills the whole right-side of my screen on my desktop. Very annoying especially when I am on a ‘ZOOM’ conference.

I followed these exact instructions and allowed pop-ups on my computer so I could finish a final exam for my online class. However, even though I have successfully allowed the pops ups in the preferences/websites tab…pop-ups are STILL blocked when I go to take my final exam. I click on the tab I need to start the recording of my computer screen and it says the whole ‘oops! you must enable pop-ups in your setting’…I’ve redone it multiple times and refreshed the page, logged off and back on. But to no avail. Any help or direction?

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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