Mac computers are known for their exceptional performance and user-friendliness. However, the internet is rife with advertisements, pop-ups, and unwanted notifications that can ruin your browsing experience. Pop-up blockers are designed to stop these nuisances and provide you a more enjoyable browsing experience. In this blog post, we will discuss how to add a pop-up blocker on Mac computers, and why you need to do it.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add a Pop-up Blocker on Mac?
Pop-up ads are annoying, and they can appear anywhere at any time when you’re browsing the internet. They can trigger automatically, and close them can be tricky. Pop-ups can slow down your browsing speed and even slow down your computer’s performance. They can also be deceptive, leading you to malicious websites or prompting fake virus alerts.
Adding a pop-up blocker to your browser helps to eliminate these nuisances. By blocking pop-ups, you save time, avoid unwanted distractions and protect your computer from malicious sites.
Method 1: Using Safari Built-in Pop-up Blocker
Safari is the default browser on Mac computers, and it comes with a built-in pop-up blocker. By default, it blocks most pop-ups, but there are times when certain sites may allow them. Here’s how to enable or disable the Safari pop-up blocker:
1. Open the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Click on "Safari" from the menu bar then click "Preferences."
3. Click on the "Security" tab from the top of the Preferences window.
4. Check the box next to "Block pop-up windows" to enable Safari pop-up blocker. Uncheck the box to disable pop-up blocker.
5. You can also select the “Block and Notify” option, which will block all pop-ups and notify you through a notification.
Pros:
– It’s a built-in feature of Safari, so it’s free and easy to use.
– You can choose to Block and Notify if you want to know when a pop-up was blocked.
– No need to download or install third-party applications.
Cons:
– It doesn’t block all pop-ups, and some can still sneak through.
– It can sometimes block legitimate pop-ups.
Method 2: Using Chrome Pop-up Blocker
Google Chrome is another popular browser on Mac computers, which comes with a robust pop-up blocker. Here’s how to enable/disable the Chrome pop-up blocker:
1. Open the Chrome browser on your Mac.
2. Click on the three-dot menu located in the upper right corner of the browser window and select "Settings."
3. Scroll down the settings page and click on "Privacy and Security."
4. Click on "Site Settings" and then click on "Pop-ups and redirects."
5. Turn on the switch next to "Blocked" to activate the pop-up blocker. Turn off the switch to disable it.
6. You can also add an exception by clicking "Add" to allow pop-ups from particular sites.
Pros:
– It is highly customizable and can be tweaked to suit individual preferences.
– It can block the vast majority of pop-ups, including those that can bypass Safari’s pop-up blocker.
Cons:
– Chrome can consume more memory than Safari, which can slow down your computer.
Method 3: Using a Third-party Pop-up Blocker
While the built-in Mac browsers come with pop-up blockers, they may not be enough to block all pop-ups. Using a third-party app can provide you with an extra layer of protection. Here are some of the popular third-party pop-up blockers that you can try:
1. AdBlock: AdBlock is a popular browser extension that blocks pop-ups, banners, and video ads. It works on most popular browsers, including Safari and Chrome.
2. Ghostery: Ghostery is another popular browser extension that can block pop-ups while giving you insights into the trackers and scripts running on a particular website.
3. StopTheMadness: StopTheMadness is a Mac app that blocks pop-ups, site notifications, and other annoying web-page elements.
Pros:
– Third-party apps provide an extra layer of protection that is not available in built-in pop-up blockers.
– They offer advanced features such as tracking protection that can help protect your privacy.
Cons:
– Third-party apps can be a little more complicated to set up and use compared to built-in pop-up blockers.
What to Do If You Can’t Add Pop-Up Blocker on Mac?
There are times when you can’t add pop-up blockers to your browser. You may be unable to activate the built-in blocker because of an outdated browser version. In such cases, you can try these fixes:
1. Update your browser: Make sure that your browser is up to date. Most browsers can automatically update themselves, but you can manually check for updates.
2. Clear cache and history: Clearing the browser’s cache and history can help address issues that could be preventing pop-up blockers from working correctly.
3. Use an anti-malware app: Install an anti-malware application that can protect your computer against malicious sites and ads.
Bonus Tip: Enable Pop-up Blocker on Mac Mail
Not only can you block pop-ups on your browser, but you can also do it on your Mac Mail app. Here’s how to enable pop-up blockers on Mac Mail:
1. Open the Mail app on your Mac.
2. Click on "Mail" in the top menu bar and select "Preferences."
3. Click on the "Viewing" tab.
4. Check the box next to "Enable plug-ins" and "Block pop-up windows."
Pros:
– You can also block pop-ups on your email client app.
Cons:
– This feature is only available on the Mac Mail app. Other email client apps may not provide this feature.
5 FAQs About Pop-up Blockers on Mac
Q1: How do I know if a pop-up blocker has blocked a pop-up?
A: Most pop-up blockers will provide notifications when they block pop-ups. You may also notice that the pop-up blocker icon appears in the address bar.
Q2: Can pop-up blockers block all types of pop-ups?
A: No. While pop-up blockers can block almost all pop-ups, some types of pop-ups, such as those generated by plug-ins like Flash, may still appear.
Q3: Do pop-up blockers stop all forms of advertising?
A: No. Pop-up blockers are designed to block pop-ups only. They won’t block ads displayed on the page.
Q4: Can pop-up blockers affect my browsing speed?
A: No. Pop-up blockers don’t affect your browsing speed. If you notice any changes in your browsing speed, there may be another issue responsible.
Q5: Are pop-up blockers only available on Mac computers?
A: No. Pop-up blockers are available on most devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Final Thoughts
A pop-up blocker is an essential tool that enhances your browsing experience and protects your computer from malicious sites. Adding a pop-up blocker to your Mac browser is easy and straightforward and should be one of the primary steps you take when setting up your new computer. Choose the method that works best for you, and enjoy a more pleasant and hassle-free browsing experience.