How to block pop-ups in Chrome

Chrome has a pop-up blocker built in, but it only catches some of them. Here's how to turn it on, what it misses, and how to stop the rest.

1. Turn on Chrome's own pop-up blocker

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings.
2. Click Privacy and security, then Site settings.
3. Click Pop-ups and redirects.
4. Choose Don't allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.

2. Why some pop-ups still get through

Chrome allows a new window when you click something, because that's how sign-ins and payment checks work. Ad scripts take advantage of that: your first click anywhere on the page opens an ad tab, or slips one in behind your window (a "pop-under"). And many "pop-ups" aren't windows at all. They're boxes drawn over the page, like newsletter sign-ups, "download our app" prompts and surveys, which Chrome's setting doesn't touch.

3. Block the rest with an extension

Fine Print Guard is a free Chrome extension that handles both kinds:

• Ad tabs and pop-unders: it blocks windows a page opens that you didn't ask for. Anything you clicked on purpose still opens, so logins and card verification keep working.
• Boxes that cover the page: it clears newsletter, app-install and survey boxes. Everything it hides can be brought back, and Alt+Shift+X clears or restores one by hand.
• Sticky clutter: it removes bars stuck to the edge of the screen and floating corner videos.
• It also blocks ads and trackers and rejects cookie banners for you.

If a site ever needs a pop-up, open the extension and allow pop-ups on that site.