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Fix a popup that will not block

We'll check browser settings, fix the allow list, and adjust site permissions so popups are blocked.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • Computer with the browser installed
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Check browser settings, fix the allow list, and adjust site permissions.

  • Chrome: chrome://settings/content/popups. Firefox: about:preferences#privacy. Edge: edge://settings/content/popups.
  • Good: The popup blocker is on. Proceed to Check the allow list.
  • Bad: The blocker was off—turn it on and test.

Check settings

Goal: Confirm the popup blocker is enabled.

  • Chrome: Blocked (recommended). Firefox: Block pop-up windows. Edge: Blocked.
  • If it was off, turn it on, restart the browser, and test.
  • Good: Blocker is on. Proceed to Allow list.
  • Bad: Still seeing popups—check if the site is on the allow list.

Allow list

Goal: Remove the site from the allow list so popups are blocked.

  • Chrome: chrome://settings/content/popups, scroll to “Allow.” Firefox: about:preferences#privacy, Exceptions. Edge: edge://settings/content/popups.
  • Remove the site if it is listed. Add to Block if there is a block list.
  • Good: Site removed from allow. Test—popups should be blocked.
  • Bad: Site was not on allow list. Proceed to Site permissions.

Site permissions

Goal: Set site permissions to block popups for the site.

  • Click the lock or info icon in the address bar on the site.
  • Chrome/Edge: Site settings, “Pop-ups and redirects,” set to Block.
  • Firefox: Click the shield, adjust permissions.
  • Reload the site.
  • Good: Popups are blocked.
  • Bad: Still showing—may be in-page overlays; use an ad blocker.

When to get help

If popups appear on every site and you have cleared allow lists, reset permissions, and disabled extensions—malware may be the cause. Run a malware scan. If popups are from one site and you need that site to work, whitelist it and use an ad blocker for in-page elements.

Verification

  • Popups (new windows) are blocked on the site.
  • Site permissions show “Pop-ups and redirects” as Block.
  • The site is not on the allow list.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Check blocker is on Confirm popup blocker is enabled in browser settings.
  2. Fix allow list Remove site from allow list; add to block list if needed.
  3. Site permissions Set "Pop-ups and redirects" to Block for the site.
  4. Disable extensions Extensions may override popup blocking.
  5. Get help If popups persist, run malware scan or use ad blocker for in-page elements.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Site URL
  • Whether site is on allow list
  • Extensions installed
  • Steps already tried

Is the popup blocker on?

Chrome: chrome://settings/content/popups. Firefox: about:preferences#privacy. Edge: edge://settings/content/popups.

Check browser settings. Good: blocker is on—check allow list. Bad: blocker was off—turn it on and test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Turn on the popup blocker

Chrome: chrome://settings/content/popups, set to Block. Firefox: about:preferences#privacy, check "Block pop-up windows." Edge: edge://settings/content/popups. Restart the browser and test.

Done

Is the site on the allow list?

Sites on the allow list can show popups. Remove the site to block them.

Chrome: chrome://settings/content/popups, scroll to Allow. Firefox: about:preferences#privacy, Exceptions. Edge: edge://settings/content/popups. Remove the site from Allow. Good: removed—test. Bad: not on allow list—check site permissions.

Yes, removed No

You can change your answer later.

Does the site have permission to show popups?

Click the lock icon, Site settings, Pop-ups and redirects.

Click the lock icon on the site. Set "Pop-ups and redirects" to Block. Reload. Good: popups blocked. Bad: still showing—may be in-page elements; use ad blocker.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is it an in-page popup?

Browser blocker only blocks new windows. In-page overlays need an ad blocker.

If the "popup" is an overlay on the same page, it is not a real popup. Install an ad blocker (uBlock Origin) and enable popup filters. For new windows that still appear, disable extensions that may override blocking.

Done

Popups blocked

The blocker is working. Continue browsing normally.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why are popups still appearing?
The site may be on the allow list, an extension may override the blocker, or the site has permission to show popups. Check browser settings, site permissions, and extensions.
How do I block popups for a specific site?
Chrome: click the lock icon, Site settings, Pop-ups and redirects, set to Block. Firefox: click the shield, turn off permissions for popups. Edge: same as Chrome—Site settings, Pop-ups.
What if it is not a real popup?
Some "popups" are in-page overlays or modals, not new windows. The browser blocker only blocks new windows. Use an ad blocker extension to hide in-page popups.

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