Block pop-up ads and windows in Safari
How to block pop-up windows and handle persistent ads on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Pop-ups can be ads, notices, offers or alerts that open in your current browser window, in a new window or in another tab. Some pop-ups are third-party ads that use phishing tactics, such as warnings or prizes, to trick you into believing they’re from Apple or another trusted company, so that you’ll share personal or financial information. Or they might claim to offer free downloads, software updates or plug-ins to try to trick you into installing unwanted software.
Block or allow pop-ups in Safari
These Safari settings can help you manage pop-ups and other unwanted interruptions. If you get pop-ups that just won’t go away despite these settings, continue to avoid interacting with them. You should also update your software and find out more about adware and other unwanted software.
On iPhone or iPad
Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.
Turn Block Pop-ups on or off.
Turn Fraudulent Website Warning on or off.
On Mac
Open Safari.
Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences) from the menu bar.
In the Websites tab, you can configure options to allow or block some or all pop-ups.
In the Security tab, turn on the setting to warn when visiting a fraudulent website.
Avoid interacting with pop-ups
Unless you’re confident that they are legitimate ads, avoid interacting with pop-ups or webpages that seem to take over your screen.
If you see an annoying pop-up ad in Safari, you can go to the Search field and enter a new URL or search term to browse to a new site. If you can’t see the Search field on your iPhone or iPad, tap the top of the screen to make it appear.
Some pop-ups and ads have fake buttons that resemble a close button, so use caution if you try to close a pop-up or ad. If you're not sure, avoid interacting with it and close the Safari window or tab.
On your Mac, you can quit Safari, then press and hold the Shift key while opening Safari. This prevents Safari from automatically reopening any windows or tabs that were open.
Update your software
Always install the latest software updates for all of your Apple products. Many updates have important security improvements, including improvements that can help control pop-ups. Learn how to update your iPhone or iPad or update your Mac.
The safest way to download apps is from the App Store. If you need software that isn’t available from the App Store, get it directly from the developer or another reliable source, rather than through an ad or link.
Find out more about adware or other unwanted software on Mac
If you see pop-ups on your Mac that just won’t go away, you might have unintentionally downloaded and installed adware (advertising-supported software) or other unwanted software. Certain third-party download sites might include software that you don’t want along with the software that you do. If you think that you may have adware or malware on your Mac:
Update to the latest version of macOS. If your Mac is already using the latest version, restart your Mac. macOS includes a built-in tool that removes known malware when restarting.
Check your Applications folder to see if you have any apps that you don’t expect. You can uninstall those apps.
Check the Extensions tab in Safari settings to see if you’ve installed any unnecessary extensions. You can turn off or uninstall extensions.
If you continue to see advertising or other unwanted apps on your Mac, contact Apple Support.
Find out more
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
