How To Block or Allow Pop-Ups in Chrome [Step-by-Step Guide]

Pop-ups can be useful when you’re trying to sign up for a news list, but they can also clutter up your browsing experience. Whether you want to allow or block pop-ups, or if you want to configure special permissions for which sites are allowed pop-ups, we tested out methods for Macs, PCs, Androids, iPhones, and iPads and listed them below.

We found Google’s help pages to be a bit outdated, so we included helpful screenshots for the most up-to-date methods for toggling off and on your pop-up preferences across operating systems. If you want even more protection, consider one of the best ad blockers to protect you from ads and trackers across the web.

How to block or allow pop-ups in Chrome (computer browser)

It’s easy to switch between enabling and disabling pop-ups in your Chrome browser. You need to enter Settings and navigate through a few menu options until you get to the permissions page for pop-ups and redirects.

We noticed that the instructions for toggling between these two options aren’t exactly correct on Google’s help page, so we went and did it ourselves so you can follow along.

Open your Chrome browser

It doesn’t matter what operating system (OS) you use. You can follow these instructions as long as you have access to a Chrome browser. This method for managing Chrome pop-ups works on macOS and Windows computers.

Once you open your browser, look to the top right corner and click the three dots. Then scroll down to the Settings option at the very bottom and click it.

Click Settings

Once you click Settings, you will look at the menu on the left side of the screen and choose Privacy and Security. Then, you’ll choose the Site Settings option on the screen.

Site Settings

Once you get into the Site Settings menu, you’ll scroll to the bottom and click the Pop-ups and Redirect option.

Choose your preference

Once you’re in the Pop-ups and Redirects menu, you’ll see the option to choose between allowing or disabling pop-ups in your Chrome browser. Additionally, you can customize your settings so you allow pop-ups on certain sites and disable them on others. Once you choose your settings, you can exit out of the settings menu and use Chrome normally.

How to block or allow pop-ups in Chrome (mobile)

When we were looking at the instructions online for toggling pop-ups on mobile devices, we noticed those, too, were out of date on Google’s help pages. Below, we take you step by step through the process so you can stop them on your iOS smartphone or tablet.

Disable or enable Chrome pop-ups on iPhone

1. Open your Chrome browser.
2. Tap the three dots in the lower right corner.
3. Scroll over, then tap Settings.
4. Tap Content settings.
5. Tap Block pop-ups to be taken to the toggle option.

Disable or enable Chrome pop-ups on Android

1. Open your Chrome browser.
2. To the right of the address bar, tap the three dots.
3. Scroll down and tap Settings.
4. Tap Safety check.
5. Open the Permissions dropdown.
6. Tap Go to site settings.
7. Scroll down and tap Pop-ups and redirects.
8. Pop-ups are blocked by default. Turn on the slider if you want to see pop-ups.

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FAQs

Bottom line

Sometimes, you need a pop-up to fill in credentials or sign up for a newsletter from a creator you like. Most of the time, however, disabling pop-ups will give you a cleaner online experience. Whatever your choice, you have the option to configure this setting directly from your Chrome browser.

Pop-ups can also contain harmful code that can install malware or trackers on your system. Protect your digital privacy by updating privacy settings like your pop-up blocker. Go a step further by snagging one of the best ad blockers available to stop pop-ups, including targeted ads and trackers, from tracking you online.