Where to find the pop-up blocker setting in Chrome

Google Chrome blocks most pop-ups by default. To turn off this blocking, open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then Site settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. You will see a toggle at the top — click it to turn blocking off entirely.

If you only want to allow pop-ups from specific websites, keep the blocker on and use the "Allow" section instead. Click Add next to "Allow", type the website address, and click Add again. Chrome will then permit pop-ups from that site only.

Key Takeaways

  • The pop-up blocker toggle is in Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects.
  • Turning the toggle off disables blocking for all websites, while adding specific sites to the "Allow" list blocks pop-ups everywhere else.
  • You can change these settings at any time — disabling the blocker does not require restarting Chrome.
  • If a website's pop-ups still do not appear after you allow them, the site may be using a different method that Chrome's blocker does not affect.

Why Chrome blocks pop-ups by default

Pop-ups can slow down your browser, display unwanted advertisements, or in some cases carry malware. Chrome's default blocker stops most of these from opening without your permission. The blocker catches pop-ups that a website tries to open automatically when you land on the page or click a link.

Some websites use pop-ups for legitimate purposes — login windows, file downloads, or forms you need to fill out. If a pop-up does not appear when you expect it, the blocker may be the reason. Turning it off or allowing specific sites gives those websites permission to show you their pop-ups.

Allowing pop-ups from one website without disabling the blocker everywhere

If you only need pop-ups from one or two websites, you do not have to turn off the blocker entirely. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Under the "Allow" section, click Add. Type the website address — for example, example.com — and click Add again.

Chrome will now let pop-ups through from that site while continuing to block them everywhere else. You can add as many sites as you need. To remove a site from the allow list later, click the trash icon next to its name.

What to do if pop-ups still do not appear after you allow them

Some websites use methods to open new windows that Chrome's pop-up blocker does not control. If you have allowed a site but pop-ups still do not show, the website may be using JavaScript or other code that requires a different permission.

Check whether the website has its own settings or preferences. Some sites let you choose how they display content — for example, opening information in a new tab instead of a pop-up window. You can also try using the site in a different browser to see whether the pop-up appears there, which tells you whether Chrome is the issue or the website itself.

How to check which sites you have allowed

Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. The "Allow" section lists every website you have given permission to show pop-ups. If you no longer want a site to display them, click the trash icon next to its name to remove it.

You can also see which sites have tried to show you blocked pop-ups. In the same settings page, look for the "Block (recommended)" section — this shows websites that have attempted to open pop-ups while the blocker was on. If you recognize a site and want to allow it, you can click it and change the setting to "Allow".

Turning the blocker back on

If you turned off the pop-up blocker and want to turn it back on, return to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Click the toggle at the top to switch it back to "Block (recommended)". Any sites you added to the allow list will remain there, so you will not lose those permissions.

You can also remove individual sites from your allow list without turning the blocker back on for everything. This gives you control over which sites can show pop-ups and which cannot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off the pop-up blocker slow down my browser?

Turning off the blocker itself will not slow Chrome down, but allowing all pop-ups to appear may. If many websites open pop-ups automatically, your browser will have to load and display them, which uses memory and processing power. Allowing pop-ups only from specific sites reduces this impact.

Can I block pop-ups on some websites but not others?

Yes. Keep the blocker on and add only the websites you trust to the allow list. Chrome will block pop-ups everywhere except the sites you have added. You can change this list at any time by adding or removing sites.

What is the difference between a pop-up and a pop-under?

A pop-up opens in front of the window you are viewing, while a pop-under opens behind it. Chrome's blocker stops both. If you see a window appear behind your current tab, the blocker did not catch it — it may have been opened by an extension or by code the blocker does not control.

Does disabling the pop-up blocker affect my security?

Turning off the blocker removes one layer of protection against unwanted content, but it does not disable other Chrome security features. Chrome still blocks known malicious websites and warns you about unsafe downloads. However, you will lose protection against pop-ups that might contain scams or unwanted software.