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How to Block Pop-ups in Safari on Mac
Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
SafariMacSecurityPrivacyBrowserSettingsAdsOnline SafetyProtectionInternet
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Pop-ups can be quite annoying when browsing the Internet. They can interrupt your reading experience, run unwanted ads, or even redirect you to unwanted pages. Fortunately, if you are using a Mac and browsing with Safari, you have the option to effectively block these pop-ups. Blocking pop-ups can not only improve your browsing experience but also make it safer by preventing malicious sites from exploiting them. In this guide, we will explain the detailed steps to block pop-ups in Safari on Mac.
Understanding pop-ups
Pop-ups are windows that appear automatically without your consent. They can appear as entire browser windows or as small boxes or notifications on the main window. While many pop-ups are for advertising, not all are harmful. Some websites use pop-ups for legitimate reasons, such as to log in, sign up, or display additional information.
Still, the rise of intrusive and unwanted pop-ups has made it necessary for most modern browsers to include pop-up blockers. Safari makes this feature easily accessible, allowing you to customize which sites can show pop-ups and which cannot.
Steps to block pop-ups in Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences
Launch the Safari browser on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the Safari icon in the Dock or by finding it in your Applications folder. Once open, navigate to the menu bar at the top of your screen and click on “Safari.” In the dropdown menu that appears, click on “Preferences.” This can also be quickly accessed using the shortcut Command + , (comma).
Step 2: Go to the Website tab
In the Preferences window, you will see several icons at the top. Click on the “Websites” icon. This will display a list of different website settings on the left side of the panel.
Step 3: Select the pop-up window
On the left, you'll see a section called "Pop-up windows." Clicking on it will show a list of all the websites currently open, as well as options to allow or block pop-ups. There's also a section for websites you may have previously configured pop-up settings for.
Step 4: Set your priorities
Under "When visiting other websites," you can choose from three options:
- Allow: This option will allow all pop-ups from any website. This is not recommended unless necessary.
- Block and notify: This option will block the pop-up but notify you that the pop-up has been blocked. This is useful when you need to see what is being blocked.
- Block: This will block all pop-ups without notification. This is generally the most recommended setting for everyday use.
You can also set individual preferences for the currently open websites. Next to each site name, there will be a dropdown menu where you can choose any of the three options mentioned above.
Step 5: Close the Preferences window
After setting your preferences, close the preferences window. The settings are automatically saved, and you can continue browsing without those annoying pop-ups interrupting your experience.
Advanced suggestions
Allow pop-ups for specific sites
While it’s generally appropriate to block most pop-ups, there may be certain sites where you prefer them to appear, perhaps for functionality reasons. In such cases, visit the specific site, go back to Safari Preferences > Websites > Pop-up Window, and change the setting for that particular site to “Allow”. This will enable pop-ups only for the specified site without affecting your global settings.
Update Safari
Keeping Safari updated ensures that you have the latest pop-up blocking mechanism as well as other security updates. To ensure that your Safari is up-to-date, periodically check for updates in the App Store under the Updates tab.
Turn on fraudulent website warnings
Apart from blocking pop-ups, Safari also provides an option to warn you about fraudulent websites. This can be enabled by going to Safari Preferences > Security > Warn about fraudulent sites. Enabling this option adds an extra layer of security while surfing the Internet.
Why are pop-ups blocked by default?
Many browsers, including Safari, have a default setting to block pop-ups because they are not only distracting but can also pose a security risk. Pop-ups can sometimes be used by malicious websites to download malware onto your system or trick you into giving away sensitive information. Even so-called legitimate ad networks have been known to unknowingly distribute malware via infected pop-ups.
In addition, pop-ups can significantly reduce your system performance by consuming extra resources. This can slow down your browsing experience, requiring more active resource management.
Potential harms of pop-up blocking
Blocking pop-ups generally provides a smoother and safer experience, but it can also have some disadvantages. Some websites take advantage of pop-ups for legitimate purposes. For example, online banks may use pop-ups for secure sign-in or experimentation platforms may use them to collect feedback or for genuinely useful notifications.
In such cases, you will not be able to use these features effectively if the pop-ups are blocked. This is where allowing pop-ups for specific trusted sites becomes a beneficial option. As an extra precaution, always make sure you trust the website before allowing pop-ups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing and blocking pop-ups is an important part of making your browsing experience on Safari safe and efficient. By understanding how Safari's pop-up blocker works and knowing how to configure it to suit your needs, you can prevent unnecessary interruptions and protect yourself from potential online threats. Be sure to stay aware of your browsing habits, be cautious about the websites you allow pop-ups from, and continue to enjoy a more pleasant browsing experience without unwanted disruptions.
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