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

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.

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

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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

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.

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