How to block pop-up ads in Google Chrome

Do you want to block pop-up ads in Google Chrome browser?

The only thing that internet users will all agree with is this: pop-up ads are annoying.

When you are trying to access your favorite news site, stream video content, or conduct research on the job or in school, then chances are, you might get annoyed by those irritating pop-up windows that might just ruin the moment.

These pop-ups are not only annoying but also potentially malicious, as they may conceal malware, phishing scams, or adult material. However, most of the legitimate websites do not use these types of ads. But still the internet is full of these types of websites that show pop-up ads.

Thankfully, Google Chrome comes with built-in tools and features that let you take control of these annoying pop-up ads. But the inbuilt option might not work well for all pop-up ads. But there are other ways also available to get rid of this problem.

So, in this article, I’ll show you how to block pop-up ads in Google Chrome.

Why do you need to block pop-up ads?

Almost all websites rely on advertising income to support their operations. That’s why websites show ads to generate revenue.

However, some websites show pop-up ads for several reasons, such as higher conversion rates than normal ads.

Pop-up ads are annoying for users because they appear suddenly in a new browser window or as an overlay on the current page you’re viewing.

Well, pop-ups are hard to ignore. They interrupt the user experience, which increases the chances of a click, signup, or action. These ads are designed to grab the user’s attention immediately and block the content underneath until the user closes them or interacts with them.

The pop-up ads are not always bad because pop-ups are used for:

• Email newsletter sign-ups
• Discount codes or coupon offers
• Reminders to complete purchases
• Surveys or feedback forms
• Third-party advertisements

Unfortunately, not all pop-ups are created with good intentions. Some are designed to:

• Redirect users to phishing pages
• Install malware or adware
• Trick users into clicking unsafe buttons disguised as legitimate controls

Such pop-ups are usually found on non-trusted or pirated sites, and they are actually a threat to your security.

So, pop-up ads can be harmful, misleading, and dangerous. So, blocking them is important for your safety, privacy, productivity, and overall browsing experience.

How to Block Pop-up Ads in Google Chrome

There are several ways to block pop-up ads in the Google Chrome browser. The Google Chrome browser also provides a built-in pop-up blocker feature. But still, you need to use other methods because some websites bypass Chrome’s default protection.

Method 1. Use Built-In Popup Blocker

The built-in pop-up blocker is sufficient for most situations, but note that some websites bypass this protection. The steps are given below to enable Chrome’s pop-up blocker.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser and click on the three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
2. Select the Settings option from the list of options.
3. Click on the Privacy and Security option from the left pane and select the Site Settings option from the right side.
4. Scroll down and click on Pop-ups and redirects from under Content.
5. Enable or select the “Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects” option.
6. That’s it.

You can also use the “Customised behaviours” option for specific sites. You can add sites that will not allow sending pop-ups or use redirects, and those that will allow sending pop-ups and use redirects.

Method 2: Use an Ad Blocker Chrome Extension to Block Pop-Ups and Ads

Well, Chrome’s built-in pop-up blocker is not that foolproof. You’ll still see some pop-up ads after enabling the built-in pop-up blocker because of aggressive scripts, overlays, or shady ad networks.

So, you need to use ad blocker extensions that provide an extra shield, giving you stronger and more customizable protection against ads, trackers, and malicious pop-ups.

Ad blocker extensions are designed to:

• Block pop-up windows, overlays, and redirection scripts.
• Hide or remove banner ads, video ads, and sponsored content.
• Prevent malicious or deceptive pop-ups.
• Stop auto-playing video or audio ads.
• Block cookie tracking scripts that target your data.

Top 3 Best Chrome Extensions to Block Pop-Ups and Ads

1. uBlock Origin – Lightweight and Powerful

• Blocks pop-ups, trackers, and malware domains.
• Low memory usage, highly customizable.
• Open-source and trusted by privacy advocates.
• Free forever.

🔗Install: uBlock Origin – Chrome Web Store

2. Adblock Plus

• Blocks pop-ups and all types of ads.
• Simple to use, with default settings ready to go.
• Allows non-intrusive ads by default (optional).
• Can whitelist your favorite sites.

🔗Install: Adblock Plus – Chrome Web Store

3. AdGuard AdBlocker

• Filters ads, pop-ups, and malicious URLs.
• Blocks video ads on YouTube, Facebook, etc.
• Advanced anti-tracking and phishing protection.
• Frequent updates and easy configuration.

🔗Install: AdGuard – Chrome Web Store

To install the extension, just open the link and click on the “Add to Chrome” option. After that, select the “Add extension” button from the pop-up.

Method 3: Use the Pop-up Blocker Chrome extension

You may also install a dedicated pop-up blocker extension to the Google Chrome browser designed specifically to help get rid of pop-up ads, pop-unders, overlays, cookie banners, and site notifications.

Unlike general ad blockers, it focuses on interruptive visual elements, providing a distraction-free browsing experience.

For Google Chrome, “Poper Blocker” is one of the most used and popular extensions.

The link is given below to install Poper Blocker from Google Chrome Web Store.

🔗Install: Poper Blocker – Chrome Web Store

Key Features of Poper Blocker

• Blocks All Pop-ups & Pop-unders: Effectively stops new windows, hidden tabs, and other intrusive ads by remembering what’s blocked and preventing them from returning.
• Removes Overlay Ads: Detects network-layer overlays that dim your content (like modal pop-ups) and removes them entirely, not just hides them behind the scenes.
• Suppresses Cookie Notices & Notifications: Blocks cookie consent banners and site notification prompts that can linger on-screen.
• Social Media Content Filter: Removes sponsored posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram based on custom keywords.
• Whitelisting & History Features: You can whitelist trusted sites and review your blocked content history anytime.
• Minimal Performance Overhead: Lightweight (2.4 MiB) and regularly updated; designed to complement other ad blockers without slowing down your browser.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very effective at eliminating pop-ups and overlays.
• Small and lightweight.
• Works alongside full-featured ad blockers.
• Intuitive interface with easy whitelisting.

Cons

• Doesn’t block ads/banners or trackers in the free version.
• Pro tier needed for cookie notification blocking.
• Some users report occasional failed blocks, especially on streaming or video sites.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article helped you learn how to block pop-up ads in Google Chrome browser. Blocking pop-up ads in Google Chrome provides a safe and enhanced web surfing experience.

By using Chrome’s built-in pop-up blocker, installing a trusted ad blocker, avoiding shady websites, and keeping your browser updated, you can eliminate 99% of pop-ups and enjoy a much smoother browsing experience.

If you still experience intrusive pop-ups even after trying the solutions provided above? Then you should scan your system for malware or reset Chrome to its default settings.

Nowadays, you can find anything through your browser. Make it pop-up free, clean, and secure.