How to disable pop-ups in Safari

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for disabling pop-ups in Safari.

7-10 min read

Expert Verified

Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To disable pop-ups in Safari, navigate to the Safari menu, select Preferences, and then click on the Websites tab. From there, you can manage pop-up settings for individual websites or disable them globally.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before disabling pop-ups in Safari, ensure you have the following:

•A Mac computer running macOS or an iOS device with Safari installed.
•Administrative access to modify Safari settings.
•Updated version of Safari for optimal performance and security.

Method 1: Disabling Pop-ups via Safari Preferences

This method is the primary way to disable pop-ups in Safari and is suitable for most users.

•Step 1: Open Safari by clicking on the Safari icon in your Dock or Applications folder.
•Step 2: In the top menu bar, click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences...' (or press Command + ,).
•Step 3: In the Preferences window, click on the 'Websites' tab.
•Step 4: In the left sidebar, select 'Pop-up Windows'. Here you will see a list of websites and their current pop-up settings.
•Step 5: To disable pop-ups for all sites, select 'Block and Notify' or 'Block'. To manage individual sites, adjust the settings next to each site listed.
•Step 6: Close the Preferences window to save your settings.
•Step 7: To verify it worked, visit a website that previously displayed pop-ups and check if they are blocked.
•Step 8: If pop-ups still appear, ensure that the website is not listed with a different setting in the Pop-up Windows section.

For macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later

The steps remain largely the same, but the interface may have slight visual differences.

•Step 1: Open Safari and go to the 'Safari' menu.
•Step 2: Select 'Preferences...' and follow the same steps as above.

For macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and earlier

The process is similar, but the layout may differ slightly.

•Step 1: Open Safari and navigate to 'Safari' > 'Preferences...'.
•Step 2: Click on 'Websites' and follow the same steps as above.

Method 2: Using Content Blockers

Content blockers can also help in preventing pop-ups and are useful for users who want more control over their browsing experience.

•Step 1: Open the App Store on your Mac or iOS device.
•Step 2: Search for 'Content Blocker' and choose a reputable app (e.g., AdGuard, 1Blocker).
•Step 3: Download and install the content blocker.
•Step 4: For macOS, go to 'System Preferences' > 'Extensions' and enable the content blocker.
•Step 5: For iOS, go to 'Settings' > 'Safari' > 'Content Blockers' and enable the installed blocker.
•Step 6: Verify that the content blocker is functioning by visiting a site that previously displayed pop-ups.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to disable pop-ups, consider the following solutions:

•Error: 'Pop-ups still appear' - Solution: Ensure that the website is not listed with a different setting in the Pop-up Windows section.
•Issue: 'Preferences not saving' - Fix: Check if you have the necessary permissions to modify Safari settings. Restart Safari and try again.
•Problem: 'Content blocker not working' - Workaround: Ensure the content blocker is enabled in Safari settings and check for updates to the app.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some additional tips:

•Keyboard shortcut: Command + Option + I - Opens the Web Inspector for advanced debugging.
•Command line: 'defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeInternalDebugMenu 1' - Enables the internal debug menu for advanced settings.
•Hidden feature: Reader View - Click the Reader button in the address bar to view articles without distractions, including pop-ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results in blocking pop-ups, combine Safari's built-in settings with a reputable content blocker.