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.

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

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

    Safari on a Mac with the Preferences menu item highlighted
  2. Select Websites.

    Safari preferences with the Websites tab highlighted
  3. Click Pop-up Windows.

    Safari preferences with the Pop-up Blocker section highlighted
  4. 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.

    Pop-up settings in Safari
  5. 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.

    Safari preferences with the "pop-ups for other websites" option highlighted

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.

  1. From the home screen, open Settings.

  2. Scroll down the list and tap Safari.

  3. In the Safari screen, locate the General section.

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

    Three iOS screens showing Settings icon, Safari button, and Block Pop-ups toggle set to ON

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

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