How to Block Pop-Up Ads

Pop-up ads are the most intrusive kind out there. They show up unannounced, interrupt your work, and are often hard to eliminate. We all know how memory-intensive browsers can be. And when pop-up ads open new windows, they become serious resource hogs. Worse, many of these ads can redirect you to malicious sites, risking your privacy and security. 

They need to be eliminated; chances are, that’s precisely why you’re here. Let’s walk through how to block pop-up ads across different browsers and devices.

How to Get Rid of Pop-Up Ads on Chrome

Chrome blocks pop-ups by default, but some still sneak through, especially if a site has been granted notification permissions or if your device is infected with adware. Here’s how to block pop-ups effectively:

  • Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
  • Go to Settings, then select Site Settings.
  • Tap Pop-ups and redirects, and make sure the toggle is off.

Also, review the notifications to see which sites can show you notifications. If pop-ups still appear, consider running a malware scan with tools like TotalAV.

How to Get Rid of Pop-Up Ads on Safari

Most of Apple’s software is built with privacy in mind and Safari is the same. The browser offers native pop-up blocking. Here’s how you can enable it:

  • Open Safari and go to Preferences from the menu bar.
  • Navigate to Websites > Pop-up Windows.
  • Set “When visiting other websites” to Block and Notify.

Safari also supports extensions like 1Blocker and AdGuard for added protection, particularly on macOS.

How to Get Rid of Pop-Up Ads on Edge

Edge is a chromium-based browser with a lot of Microsoft stuff on top. However, that means, a lot of the core features are essentially the same. Here’s how you block pop-up ads on Microsoft Edge:

  • Open Edge and tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
  • Go to Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions.
  • Scroll down and select Pop-ups and redirects.
  • Toggle the switch to block pop-ups.

Edge also supports extensions like Total Adblock and uBlock Origin. Enabling them can manage a lot of these settings for you, including removal of pop-up ads. 

How to Get Rid of Pop-Up Ads on Firefox

Firefox desktop makes it super easy to block pop-up windows, but for some reason the feature is missing on the Android app. Anyway, here’s how you do it on your computer:

  • Open Firefox and tap the three lines in the bottom-right corner.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
  • Scroll to the Permissions section and check the box for Block pop-up windows.

Check our best ad blockers for Firefox article to find an ad blocker that will give you stronger protection against ads. 

Best Ad Blockers to Remove Pop-Up Ads

If you want an ad-free experience across all your browsers and apps, ad blockers are the way to go. Here are the best ones:

1. Total Adblock

Developed by the team behind TotalAV, Total Adblock uses a local VPN to block ads system-wide. It’s great for blocking pop-ups, banner ads, and trackers, and it works seamlessly across browsers and apps. The best part? It bundles with TotalAV for extra security.

2. 1Blocker

Built for Apple devices, 1Blocker offers advanced customization. It lets you block ads, trackers, and pop-ups in Safari. Custom rules and regional filters make it perfect for those who want precision control.

3. AdGuard

AdGuard is a versatile ad blocker that works as a browser extension and a standalone app. Its DNS-based blocking option ensures pop-ups are filtered before they even reach your device, making it a powerful tool for browsers and apps.

4. uBlock Origin

This free and open-source ad blocker is a favorite among advanced users. With its dynamic filtering capabilities, uBlock Origin blocks ads and pop-ups efficiently without slowing down your browser.

Wrapping Up

Pop-up ads are a drain on resources, a risk to your privacy, and a gateway to potentially harmful sites. But at the same time, blocking them is easier than ever. By following this guide you can enjoy a cleaner, faster, and safer online experience. 

If you want detailed guides on how to block ads on Android and iOS devices, refer to our dedicated articles on them.