Stop Chrome Pop-Ups & Redirects for Good

Stop Chrome Pop-Ups & Redirects for Good

Learn how to enforce Chrome’s built-in pop-up and redirect blocker to regain control, eliminate nuisance ads, and stay productive online.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 3, 2025

Ever clicked a page only to be launched into a torrent of new tabs, ads or redirects?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set Chrome's Pop-up and Redirect blocker.

Chrome has a surprisingly capable blocker built in and tweaking the settings can save you from a day of frustration.

What You'll Gain

▸ A calmer, distraction-free browsing experience

▸ Better control over which sites can open pop-ups or redirect you

▸ Protection from some sketchy redirects that mimic play buttons or hidden overlays

What This Feature Is and Why It Matters

Chrome blocks pop-ups and automatic redirects by default. 

When a site tries to sneak one in, you’ll see “Pop-up blocked” in the address bar. 

This isn’t just about annoyance.

Some redirects carry malware or phishing risks, and many desktop Chrome complaints are tied to manipulative redirection tactics.

By customizing these settings, you sharpen control over what content sites may launch, preserving both productivity and security.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Desktop (Windows/macOS)

1. Open Chrome. 
2. Click the three-dot menu, then Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy and security, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects.
4. Set the main toggle to Blocked (recommended) to block by default.
5. Under Allow and Block sections, click Add to whitelist or blacklist specific sites.
6. When you encounter a blocked popup on a page, click the “Pop-up blocked” icon and select Always allow from this site if trusted.

fig. 1 - Stop Chrome Pop-Ups and Redirects

On Android

1. In Chrome app, tap three-dot menu, then Settings, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects.
2. Toggle the switch to the Off position (this is the default setting) to block pop-ups.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings, then Content settings, then Block pop-ups.
2. Toggle the Block Pop-ups switch to the On position.

fig. 2 - Ensure Pop-Ups are Blocked on Mobile

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Native, no-extension solution with tight integration.
• Blocks both traditional pop-ups and sneaky automatic redirects.
• Granular control allows choosing trusted exceptions.

Cons:

• Some sites with legitimate uses may break (e.g. payment checkout windows).
• Settings don’t stop ad network scripts or overlays.  You may need dedicated ad-blockers.
• On some older or shady sites, Chrome settings may not catch every redirect; users report persistent ones even with block enabled.

Feature Access

This is available to all general public users on Chrome (desktop, Android, iOS). 

Score

Criterion Score (0–10) Justification

Value 8

Eliminates disruptive pop-ups and redirects without extra tools.

Usability 7

Settings are easy to find and change, though mobile navigation differs slightly.

Wow Factor 6

It’s not flashy.  But it quietly restores control and comfort.

Total: 21/30 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users.

Key Takeaways

Chrome’s built-in pop-up and redirect blocker helps you regain a cleaner, safer browsing experience. 

The settings are straightforward and effective but for stubborn or intrusive websites you may still want an ad-blocker.

Try It Yourself

Toggle the blocker today on both desktop and mobile. 

Customize site exceptions to suit trusted sites. 

Share this tip with your colleagues or teams. 

Don’t forget to subscribe for daily tips.

READ MORE

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• How to Set Your Startup Pages in Google Chrome
  
• How to Set a Timer or Stopwatch in Google Chrome
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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