How to enable pop-ups in Chrome

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To enable pop-ups in Chrome, navigate to the settings menu, select 'Privacy and security', and then adjust the pop-up settings under 'Site settings'. This allows you to allow pop-ups for specific sites or all sites as needed.

Easy7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before enabling pop-ups in Chrome, ensure that you have the following:
  • A computer or device with Chrome installed (version 90 or later recommended).
  • Administrator access to modify browser settings.
  • A stable internet connection.
  • No active browser extensions that may override pop-up settings.

Method 1: Using Chrome Settings

This method is the most straightforward and is recommended for most users. It allows you to enable or disable pop-ups globally or for specific sites.
  • Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper right corner to open the menu.
  • Step 2: Select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu.
  • Step 3: In the left sidebar, click on 'Privacy and security'.
  • Step 4: Click on 'Site settings'.
  • Step 5: Scroll down and find 'Pop-ups and redirects'. Click on it.
  • Step 6: Toggle the switch to 'Allowed' to enable pop-ups for all sites or add specific sites under 'Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects'.
  • Step 7: To verify it worked, visit a site that uses pop-ups and check if they appear.
  • Step 8: If it doesn't work, ensure that no extensions are blocking pop-ups or try clearing your browser cache.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users will follow the same steps as above, but the interface may look slightly different due to the updated design.
  • Step 1: Click on the Start menu and type 'Chrome' to open the browser.
  • Step 2: Follow the steps outlined in Method 1 as the settings layout remains consistent.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users will also follow the same steps as outlined in Method 1.
  • Step 1: Open Chrome from the taskbar or Start menu.
  • Step 2: Follow the steps outlined in Method 1, as the settings layout is similar.

Method 2: Using the Address Bar

This alternative method is useful for quickly allowing pop-ups for a specific site without navigating through settings.
  • Step 1: Visit the website that you want to allow pop-ups for.
  • Step 2: Look for a small icon in the address bar (a lock or an info icon). Click on it.
  • Step 3: In the dropdown menu, find 'Site settings'. Click on it.
  • Step 4: In the new tab that opens, locate 'Pop-ups and redirects' and set it to 'Allow'.
  • Step 5: Refresh the page to see if the pop-ups are now enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to enable pop-ups, consider the following solutions:
  • Error: 'Pop-ups are blocked' - Solution: Check if the pop-up blocker is enabled in Chrome settings and adjust accordingly.
  • Issue: 'Site settings not saving' - Fix: Ensure you are not in Incognito mode, as changes won't be saved.
  • Problem: 'Pop-ups still not appearing' - Workaround: Disable any ad-blocking extensions temporarily to see if they are causing the issue.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some additional tips and shortcuts:
  • Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) - Opens a new Incognito window where pop-ups may behave differently.
  • Command line: chrome://settings/content/popups - Directly access the pop-up settings page.
  • Hidden feature: Use Chrome flags (chrome://flags) to experiment with experimental features that may affect pop-up behavior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best experience, regularly review your pop-up settings and be cautious of sites that request pop-ups.