Every browser on a Mac blocks pop-up windows by default, which is usually what you want. But some sites need them for sign-in windows, payment pages, bank statements, or downloads. The safest approach is to allow pop-ups only for the specific sites that need them. Here’s how in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Quick answer
In Safari, open Safari > Settings > Websites > Pop-up Windows, find the site in the list, and change it from Block and Notify to Allow. The site needs to be open in a tab to appear in the list.
Allow pop-ups in Safari
- Open the website that needs pop-ups in Safari.
- In the menu bar, choose Safari > Settings (called Preferences on macOS Monterey and earlier).
- Select the Websites tab, then Pop-up Windows in the sidebar.
- Next to the site under Currently Open Websites, choose Allow.
- Close the window and reload the page.
The drop-down at the bottom, When visiting other websites, sets the default for every other site. Leave it on Block and Notify so you can still allow pop-ups when a site needs them.
Safari’s pop-up options
| Setting | What happens |
|---|---|
| Block and Notify | The pop-up is blocked, but you can choose to show it by clicking in the Smart Search field (address bar) |
| Block | Pop-ups are blocked silently |
| Allow | Pop-ups open normally |
With Block and Notify, you can click in Safari’s Smart Search field when a pop-up is blocked and choose to show it, without changing any settings. Apple’s guide to allowing or blocking pop-ups in Safari has more detail. If Pop-up Windows isn’t visible in the sidebar, scroll to the bottom of the list.
Allow pop-ups in Google Chrome on Mac
- When Chrome blocks a pop-up, click the blocked pop-up icon at the right end of the address bar.
- Choose Always allow pop-ups and redirects from the site, then Done.
- To manage the list, go to Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and add the site under Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects.
Allow pop-ups in Firefox on Mac
- Choose Firefox > Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Scroll to Permissions. Next to Block pop-up windows, select Exceptions.
- Type the site address, choose Allow, and Save Changes.
Allow pop-ups in Microsoft Edge on Mac
Go to Edge > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, then select Add next to Allow and enter the site.
Stay safe with pop-ups
- Allow only sites you trust, such as your bank, school portal, or a payment page you started yourself.
- A pop-up that says your Mac is infected, or asks you to call a support number, is a scam. Close the tab and don’t call.
- If pop-ups appear even with the blocker on, check Safari > Settings > Extensions and remove anything you don’t recognize.
- Remove sites from the Allow list when you no longer need them.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see the website in Safari’s Pop-up Windows list?
Only sites that are open in a tab appear under Currently Open Websites. Open the site first, then return to Settings.
Should I turn off the pop-up blocker completely?
No. Allowing pop-ups for every site exposes you to ads and scams. Allow them per site instead.
How do I allow pop-ups on my iPhone?
The steps are different on iOS. See allowing pop-ups on iPhone.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.