How to allow pop-ups on a Mac in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox
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Doris Muthuri
A blocked pop-up can make a website seem broken. A sign-in page might not appear, a payment window could fail to open, or a form, document viewer, or live chat may stop working. Your browser could be blocking the new window in the background, even when the website itself is legitimate.
This guide shows you how to allow pop-ups on a Mac in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. You’ll learn how to allow them for one trusted website instead of changing the setting for every site. We’ll also explain what to check if the window remains blocked and how to tell a normal website pop-up from an unexpected ad, redirect, or fake warning.
The safest way to allow pop-ups on a Mac
Before changing the setting, check that you’re on the correct website and recognize the company or service behind it. Then, give that website permission instead of allowing pop-ups from every site. Turning off the blocker globally can expose you to more unwanted ads, redirects, fake warnings, and suspicious download prompts.
If you only need the pop-up for one task, return to your browser settings and remove the permission when you’re finished. The steps differ slightly between Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, so follow the instructions for the browser you use below.
How to allow pop-ups on Safari on Mac
First, open the website that needs to display the pop-up. Keeping the site open lets Safari show it in the list of websites you can manage.
- From the menu bar at the top of the screen, choose Safari > Settings.
- Select the Websites tab at the top of the window, and in the list on the left, scroll down and select Pop-up Windows.
- Find the website you opened. Next to its name, open the menu and select Allow. The change affects only that website.
- Allow: The website can open pop-up windows.
- Block: Safari stops the website from opening pop-ups.
- Block and Notify: Safari blocks the pop-up but shows an icon in the address bar. Select that icon if you want to open the blocked window.
- Close the Settings window, return to the website, and reload the page. Select the button or link again to open the pop-up. If the website doesn’t appear in the list, check that its tab is still open.
The When visiting other websites menu controls pop-ups for all websites that don’t already have their own setting in the list above. If you choose Allow, Safari will let those websites open pop-ups. It’s safer to choose Block or Block and Notify, then allow pop-ups one website at a time using the steps above.
Note: On macOS Monterey and earlier, this menu is named Preferences instead of Settings. The rest of the steps are the same.
How to allow pop-ups in Chrome on Mac
Chrome lets you allow pop-ups for one trusted website without allowing them everywhere. You can add the website through Chrome’s settings or use the pop-up icon that appears when Chrome blocks a window.
Allow a website through Chrome’s settings
- Open Chrome and select the three dots in the top-right corner of the Chrome window, then choose Settings.
- Select Privacy and security from the menu on the left.
- Select Site settings. This opens a list of permissions that websites can request.
- Scroll down to the Content section, then select Pop-ups and redirects.
- Find Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects. Select Add beside it.
- Enter the website address, then select Add again to save it. Return to the website, reload the page, and try opening the pop-up again.
If you need to allow pop-ups from every website, select Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects. This is less safe, so it’s better to leave the blocker on and add trusted websites individually.
Use the blocked pop-up icon
Chrome also gives you a quicker option when it blocks a pop-up:
- Return to the website and select the button or link that should open the pop-up.
- Look at the right side of the address bar for the Pop-up blocked icon. It usually looks like a small window with an X.
- Select the icon, then choose Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [website].
- Select Done, reload the page, and try again.
How to allow pop-ups in Firefox on Mac
Firefox manages trusted websites through an exceptions list. In current versions, open Permissions and data. In some versions, this setting appears under Privacy & Security and may use slightly different wording. Keep the main blocker on and add only the trusted website that needs permission.
- Open Firefox and select the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the Firefox window, then choose Settings.
- Select Permissions and data from the menu on the left.
- Find Block pop-ups and third-party redirects. Make sure the box beside this setting remains selected. This keeps the general pop-up blocker turned on. Select Manage exceptions beside the setting. A new window will open where you can choose which websites can show pop-ups.
- Enter the full address of the trusted website, such as https://example.com, in the box provided. Select Allow, then choose Save Changes.
- Return to the website, reload the page, and try opening the pop-up again.
If you clear the box beside Block pop-ups and third-party redirects or Block pop-up windows, Firefox will allow pop-ups more broadly. Depending on your Firefox version, this may also allow third-party redirects, which can send you from one website to another. For better control, leave the box selected and add only the trusted websites that need pop-ups to the exceptions list.
What to do if pop-ups are still blocked
You usually don’t need to restart your Mac or browser after allowing pop-ups. Reloading the website is normally enough. If the pop-up still doesn’t open, work through these checks:
- Reload the website. Return to the page and select the reload button beside the address bar. Then select the link or button that should open the pop-up again.
- Check the website address you allowed. Make sure you give permission to the correct website. Some services open sign-in, payment, or document windows from a different domain or subdomain. For example, login.example.com and www.example.com may need separate permissions.
- Look for another blocking tool. An ad blocker, privacy extension, or content blocker may stop the window even after you allow it in the browser. Check your extensions and, if you trust the website, pause the relevant extension for that site before trying again.
- Check for a new browser tab. Some websites open their content in a new tab instead of a small pop-up window. Look along the top of the browser to see whether a new tab opened or was blocked.
- Try a private window or another browser. Open the website in a private or incognito window, or try it in a different browser. If the pop-up works there, a setting or extension in your usual browser is likely blocking it.
- Update your browser. An outdated version may have a bug or may not work correctly with the website. Install any available Safari, Chrome, or Firefox updates, then reload the page and try again.
If the pop-up still won’t open in any browser and you don’t notice other unusual behavior, the problem may be with the website itself. Contact its support team or try again later.
Is it safe to allow pop-ups on a Mac?
Yes, it can be safe to allow pop-ups from a website you recognize and trust. Many legitimate websites use them for sign-in pages, payment windows, forms, support chats, and document viewers. Allowing a pop-up doesn’t automatically infect your Mac, but it gives that website permission to open additional windows.
The important thing is to check whether the pop-up matches the action you just took. For example, selecting a payment button may open a separate payment window. However, a sudden warning claiming that your Mac has several viruses isn’t a normal response.
Fake antivirus pop-ups often imitate browser or system alerts and pressure you to act immediately. A website can’t scan your entire Mac through a pop-up, so don’t trust claims that it has found an infection.
Be cautious if a pop-up:
- Claims your Mac has a virus and tells you to act immediately.
- Says you’ve won a prize or must pay an unexpected fee.
- Asks you to install an update or download an unfamiliar file.
- Sends you through several websites or repeatedly opens new windows.
- Continues appearing after you close the original website.
- Asks for your password, payment details, or verification code when you weren’t expecting it.
Scam pop-ups may copy Apple’s logo or imitate a familiar security company to look genuine. They often use threats and pressure or display a phone number to call. A familiar name or logo doesn’t mean the warning is real.
Close the window if anything looks unusual. Don’t select its buttons, call any phone number it displays, download a file, or enter personal information. Even if the website uses HTTPS, that doesn’t mean every message or offer on the page is trustworthy.
Pop-up permissions also don’t stop every scam page, browser notification, or harmful advertisement. Some criminals use malvertising, which means placing harmful or misleading ads on websites. If pop-ups or redirects continue after you close the website, an unwanted browser extension, adware, or another unwanted program may be involved. Review your extensions and remove any you don’t recognize or no longer use. Run a malware scan with a tool like Intego’s antivirus instead of simply allowing more pop-ups.
How to block pop-ups again
If you allow pop-ups only to complete a task, you can remove that permission when you’re finished. Return to the pop-up settings in your browser and find the website in the saved permissions list.
- Safari: Go to Safari > Settings > Websites > Pop-up Windows. Find the website and change its setting to Block or Block and Notify. You can also select the website and choose Remove. Safari will then use the default setting shown beside When visiting other websites.
- Chrome: Go to Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Find the website under Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects. Select the three dots beside it, then choose Block or Remove.
- Firefox: Go to Firefox > Settings > Permissions and data. Beside Block pop-ups and third-party redirects, select Manage exceptions. Choose the website, select Remove Website, then select Save Changes. In some versions, these controls appear under Privacy & Security > Permissions.
Review these lists occasionally and remove websites that you no longer use or recognize. Removing a website from the allowed list doesn’t always mean that pop-ups will be blocked. The browser will apply its default setting, so make sure the general pop-up setting is also set to Block or Block and Notify.
Browser notifications use a separate permission. If website alerts continue appearing in the corner of your screen after you block its pop-ups, they may be browser notifications. You’ll need to remove that website’s notification permission separately.
Browser settings only control pop-ups opened by websites. If a pop-up appears outside your browser or keeps returning after you close it, unwanted software may be involved. Don’t enter your Mac password unless you started an action that normally requires it.
Keep useful pop-ups under control
Pop-up blockers reduce unwanted windows, but they can sometimes stop a website feature you need. Giving one trusted website permission lets you complete the task without changing how your browser handles every other site.
Pay attention to what happens after you allow the pop-up. A normal window should relate to the action you selected, such as signing in or viewing a document. Unexpected warnings, downloads, or windows that keep returning may point to a different problem that needs further attention.
Frequently asked questions
How do I allow pop-ups on Safari for Mac?
Open the website in Safari, then go to Safari > Settings > Websites > Pop-up Windows. Find the website in the list and choose Allow from the menu beside it. Reload the page if the pop-up doesn’t open immediately.
How do I enable pop-ups in Chrome on Mac?
Open Chrome and go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Under Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects, select Add, enter the website address, then select Add again. Reload the website and try opening the pop-up again.
Can I allow pop-ups only for specific websites on Mac?
Yes. Safari, Chrome, and Firefox let you allow pop-ups for individual websites while continuing to block them elsewhere. This is safer than changing the default setting to allow pop-ups from every website.
Do I need to restart the browser after allowing pop-ups?
No, you usually don’t need to restart the browser. Return to the website and reload the page so it can use the new permission. If the pop-up remains blocked, check that you allowed the correct website and that an extension isn’t blocking it.
Is it safe to allow pop-ups on Mac?
Yes, it can be safe if you allow them only on websites you recognize and trust. Close any unexpected pop-up that claims your Mac is infected, pressures you to act quickly, asks you to download a file, or unexpectedly requests passwords or payment details.
