How to Stop Pop-Ups in Safari on Mac

Pop-up windows or ads keep appearing while you browse in Safari on your Mac.

Why: Some pop-ups come from the website’s own pop-up settings, but ones that follow you everywhere are usually adware or a bad extension. Block pop-ups first, then check for the software causing them.

Fix 1: Block pop-up windows

1. Choose Safari > Settings, then click Websites.
2. Click Pop-up Windows on the left.
3. At the bottom, set “When visiting other websites” to Block and Notify (pop-ups are hidden but you can show them) or Block (hidden entirely).
4. To change one site, adjust its entry in the list above.

Fix 2: Turn on the fraud warning

This warns you before you load a known phishing or malicious site — the kind that pushes fake “virus” or “prize” pop-ups.

1. Choose Safari > Settings, then click Security.
2. Turn on “Warn when visiting a fraudulent website.”

Never trust a pop-up claiming you won a prize or that your Mac is infected — those use scare tactics to trick you into installing unwanted software or handing over personal info.

Fix 3: Remove the extension causing pop-ups

If pop-ups continue, you may have installed adware through an extension.

1. Choose Safari > Settings, then click Extensions.
2. Look for anything you don’t recognize or didn’t intend to install.
3. Select it and click Uninstall (or turn it off), then restart Safari.
4. Keep macOS up to date via Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update — updates include fixes that help control pop-ups.

FAQ

I blocked pop-ups but they keep coming — why? Those aren’t browser pop-ups; they’re from adware. Work through Fix 3 to remove the extension behind them.

Is “Block and Notify” or “Block” better? Use Block and Notify if some sites you trust legitimately use pop-ups (like checkout windows); use Block otherwise.

Sources: Apple Support — Block pop-up ads and windows in Safari