Pop-up windows can be annoying when they come from untrusted sites or advertising scripts, which is why most browsers block them by default. However, there are times when pop-ups are actually helpful. For example, banking websites login pages or document downloads may rely on pop-up windows to function correctly. If you are using a MacBook and notice a page not loading as expected it may be because your browser is blocking a legitimate pop-up.
Unblocking pop-up windows on a MacBook is easy and can be done through the browser’s settings. This guide will explain how to allow pop-ups in Safari and Google Chrome which are the two most commonly used browsers on macOS.
How to Unblock Pop-Ups in Safari
Safari is the default browser on MacBook so many users rely on it daily. To allow pop-ups in Safari open the app and go to the site where you need to allow them. Then follow these steps.
Click Safari in the top left corner of your screen and choose Settings. Then go to the Websites tab. In the sidebar select Pop-up Windows. You will see a list of websites you have visited and a drop-down menu beside each one.
Find the website you want to allow pop-ups for and change the setting from Block and Notify or Block to Allow. If you want to allow pop-ups for all websites by default scroll down to When visiting other websites and set it to Allow.
Close the settings window and refresh the page. Pop-ups should now work as expected.
How to Unblock Pop-Ups in Google Chrome
If you prefer using Chrome on your MacBook you can also control pop-up settings from within the browser. Open Chrome and go to the website that requires pop-ups. Then do the following.
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left-hand side click Privacy and security then choose Site Settings. Scroll down and select Pop-ups and redirects.
Under the Default behaviour section choose Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects to enable them for all websites. Alternatively, under the Customised behaviours section you can click Add next to Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects and enter the URL of the specific website.
After updating the settings return to the website and reload the page. The pop-up should now appear without being blocked.
Allow Pop-Ups Temporarily
If you do not want to change your browser settings permanently you can also allow pop-ups temporarily. In Safari if a pop-up is blocked you will usually see a small notification in the address bar. Clicking on this icon gives you the option to allow the pop-up for that one session.
Chrome will also show a small icon on the right side of the address bar when a pop-up is blocked. Click it to allow the pop-up or to manage the settings more permanently if needed.
Keep Safety in Mind
While some pop-ups are essential for website functionality others may be harmful or disruptive. Only allow pop-ups on sites you trust and avoid enabling them for unknown pages. This helps reduce the risk of malware unwanted downloads or phishing attempts.
If you are unsure about a website test it in a private browser window first or check reviews before enabling pop-ups. Both Safari and Chrome offer built-in protection to warn you if a site seems unsafe.
Final Thoughts
Unblocking pop-up windows on a MacBook is a quick task once you know where to look. Whether you are using Safari or Chrome you can allow pop-ups on trusted sites to ensure certain features work correctly. Just remember to keep pop-ups restricted on unknown or unverified websites to maintain your online security.