Website pop-ups, such as annoying ads, fake security warnings, and shady offers, are irritating. Some are even set up to trick people into giving away personal or financial information. That’s why the default browser in iPhone®—Safari®—comes with a pop-up blocker already switched on.
However, some legitimate sites actually require pop-ups for actions like logging in, making payments, or streaming content. In such cases, you’ll have to disable the blocker.
At Asurion, we provide tech help and advice to resolve customers' iPhone issues every day. Whether you need to set up your new iPhone or wondering if your iPhone can get a virus, we’ve got you covered. This guide will show you how to turn off the pop-up blocker on iPhone in both Safari and Chrome™.
Find the pop-up blocker setting in Safari
If your browser is Safari, here’s how to turn the pop-up blocker off on iPhone:
- Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > Safari.
- Under the General section, find Block Pop-ups and switch it off.
- To re-enable the blocker in Safari, follow the same procedure and switch it on next to Block Pop-ups.
Note: The steps above are for Safari only. If you use Chrome on your iPhone, check the next section for instructions.
Disable pop-up blocker in Chrome on iPhone
Just like Safari, Chrome’s default setting is to block pop-ups on your screen as you surf the internet. If Chrome is your browser, here’s how to turn off the pop-up blocker on iPhone:
- Open the Chrome app on your phone.
- Tap the three dots at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Go to Settings by swiping left on the horizontal menu that appears.
- Locate and tap Content Settings > Block Pop-ups.
- Turn off Block Pop-ups.
If you turn off the pop-up blocker in Chrome or Safari and still can’t get a site feature to work, the issue isn’t browser-related. In other words, not every pop-up is controlled by the browser—some are built into websites or app functions.
Risks of turning off the pop-up blocker
Disabling the pop-up blocker on iPhone comes with serious security risks:
1. More spammy or malicious pop-ups from risky sites
When the pop-up blocker is off, you’ll probably see more fake pop-ups, such as those that warn your phone is infected or claim you’ve won a prize.
If you accidentally tap them, you could install adware that floods your screen with nonstop ads. You may also end up on sketchy sites that claim to offer free downloads and software updates, trying to trick you into installing malicious software.
2. Increased risk of phishing attempts
Phishing is when an online thief impersonates someone or a company you trust to try to steal your personal or financial information.
Fake pop-ups can lead to websites pretending to be legitimate companies that already exist. Unsuspecting users may inadvertently reveal sensitive credentials, which scammers can then steal.
TIP: If a site needs pop-ups, temporarily disable the blocker in Chrome or Safari and switch it back on after using the website. Chrome users have an additional workaround. Instead of turning on pop-ups for every website, you can allow them only on the sites you trust.
How to allow pop-ups for a specific site in Chrome on iPhone
If you’re trying to access a site that’s being blocked by Chrome’s pop-up settings, here’s how to make an exception for just that site—without turning off pop-up blocking completely.
- Open Chrome on your iPhone.
- Go to the specific webpage where pop-ups are blocked.
- Look for the Pop-ups blocked message at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Always show to enable pop-ups for that specific site.
Troubleshooting if pop-ups are still blocked
Still having trouble even after turning off the pop-up blocker on your iPhone? Try these quick fixes:
- Clear Safari’s cache: Old website data stored in the browser can interfere with pop-up settings. To clear it out, go to your phone’s Settings. Tap Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- Update your iPhone: The latest version of iOS® comes with improvements that can help control pop-ups. To update your phone, open Settings, then tap General > Software Update.
- Restart your phone: Switching your phone on and off can help fix glitches that interfere with pop-up settings.
- Check Screen Time settings: If the Block Pop-ups switch is greyed out, head to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and adjust it.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
FAQ
Why do some websites require pop-ups to be enabled?
Some sites use pop-ups for legit processes, such as logging in, processing payments, and streaming video. Learning how to turn off the pop-up blocker on iPhone 14 and other models enables you to use those websites.
Can I manage pop-up settings in Screen Time or Restrictions?
Yes, you can manage pop-ups under Screen Time in Settings.
Do iOS updates ever reset my pop-up blocker settings?
Updates can restore your phone’s default settings, which include blocking pop-ups. Always double-check after installing a new iOS version.
