Introduction
Pop-ups are small windows on your computer that appear on the top of your browser window or underneath it and can interrupt your internet browsing experience. They can range from harmless ads to malicious software downloads, making it important to know how to unblock pop-ups on macs.
Mac users, in particular, face an overwhelming number of pop-ups, which can be a major hindrance to their browsing experience. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to block popups and advertisements on Macs. Follow this guide to learn about the options available to you.
Adjusting the Mac’s Built-In Pop-Up Blocker
The Mac operating system, among many other security features, has a built-in pop-up blocker that you can use to stop pop-ups on your device. It is simple and efficient, and it allows you to block certain websites or all websites completely.
To adjust your pop-up blocker, follow these easy steps:
- Open Safari and click on the ‘Safari’ menu at the top left of your screen.
- Select ‘Preferences.’
- Click on the ‘Security’ tab in the top navigation bar.
- Ensure that the ‘Block pop-up windows’ box is checked.
- For more options, click on ‘Block and Notify’- This option will notify you of any blocked pop-up attempts so you can manually open them.
You may need to refresh the page for the changes to take effect.
Using Safari’s Settings to Block Pop-Ups
Safari offers an additional layer of pop-up blocking mechanisms. You can block all pop-ups or choose to allow them for certain websites. This is extremely helpful when browsing specific sites where pop-ups are necessary, such as for opt-in newsletters.
Blocking Pop-Ups on a Specific Website
To block pop-ups on a specific website, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the website you want to block pop-ups for.
- Click on ‘Safari’ in the top menu bar and select ‘Preferences.’
- Select ‘Websites’ and scroll down to ‘Pop-up Windows.’
- Select ‘Block and Notify.’
- You may need to refresh the page for the changes to take effect.
Blocking Pop-Ups on All Websites
To block pop-ups on all websites, follow these steps:
- Open Safari and click on ‘Safari’ in the top menu bar.
- Select ‘Preferences.’
- Click on the ‘Security’ tab in the top navigation bar.
- Ensure that the ‘Block pop-up windows’ box is checked.
- You may need to refresh the page for the changes to take effect.
Clearing Cookies to Prevent Pop-Ups
Sometimes pop-ups may continue to appear regardless of how many times you block them on your Mac. That’s because certain websites will track you using cookies to track your internet activity and personalize your experience. By clearing these cookies, you can reset the cookies and avoid being bombarded by pop-ups.
Follow these simple steps to clear cookies in Safari:
- Open Safari and click on ‘Safari’ in the top menu bar.
- Select ‘Preferences.’
- Click on ‘Privacy.’
- Select ‘Manage Website Data.’
- Choose ‘Remove All’ to delete all cookies stored in Safari.
You may need to refresh your browser for the changes to take effect.
Downloading and Installing an Ad-Blocker Extension on Safari
Safari extensions are small programs that add new features and functionality to Safari. Ad-blocker extensions prevent pop-ups and advertisements from invading your browsing experience. These extensions are easy to install and there are several popular options for Mac users:
Popular Ad-Blocker Extensions
Pros:
- Ads are blocked in real-time, decreasing the likelihood of pop-ups breaking through.
- Most ad-blockers are set-and-forget and require minimal configuration.
- Most ad-blockers block online trackers, centralizing your browsing experience.
Cons:
- Some ad-blockers may interfere with the normal functioning of certain websites.
- Some websites may refuse to load if an ad-blocker is detected.
- Some ad-blocker services require payment after a free trial period.
Disabling the Pop-Up Blocker Using Terminal
If you’re an experienced Mac user, you might prefer to use the Terminal to disable Safari’s pop-up blocker. Here’s how:
- Open Terminal on your Mac.
- Type in ‘defaults write com.apple.Safari ‘com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2JavaScriptCanOpenWindowsAutomatically’ -bool false’ and hit return.
- Restart Safari for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
Pop-ups can be intrusive and annoying, but they don’t have to be a permanent fixture of your browsing experience. By adjusting your pop-up blocker preferences, removing cookies, and installing ad-blockers, you can take back control of your browsing experience. It is important to keep these settings enabled to reduce the risk of being exposed to spam, malware, and other harmful content.
