How to Block Pop-ups and Ads in Safari
Pop up messages and advertisements can be quite bothersome while surfing the web for Safari users, who prefer Apples popular web browser. These interruptions not disrupt the browsing experience but also raise potential security concerns. Luckily Safari provides users with built in features and options to prevent these unwanted disruptions. This guide aims to assist you in blocking pop ups and ads in Safari ensuring a smoother and safer browsing journey.
Understanding Pop ups and Advertisements
Pop ups are windows that appear on top of or beneath your current browser window often triggered by websites or advertising networks. While they can serve a purpose in situations like login prompts or providing additional information they are commonly utilized for intrusive advertising purposes. On the hand advertisements can be integrated directly into web pages themselves in different formats such as banners, video ads or sidebar promotions.
Both pop ups and ads have the potential to slow down your browsing speed and compromise your privacy. Therefore it is essential to learn how to manage these elements, within Safari.
Incorporated Safari Features
Safari comes equipped with tools designed to block pop ups and minimize the presence of ads you encounter during browsing sessions. Here’s how you can activate these functions:
- Blocking Pop ups: Launch Safari and access Preferences. In the Websites section click on Pop up Windows. From here you have the option to block all pop ups or manage them for sites.
- Preventing Cross Site Tracking: Head to Preferences go to the Privacy tab. Select the checkbox for Prevent site tracking. This helps reduce advertisements.
- Activating Content Blockers: Within the Preferences menu go to the Extensions tab. Turn on any installed content blockers to filter out ads.
Utilizing Third Party Add Ons
If Safaris built in tools are inadequate there are third party add ons that offer extra ad blocking features. Some popular choices include:
- AdGuard: Recognized for its ad blocking capabilities AdGuard provides customizable filters and privacy safeguards.
- uBlock Origin: A lightweight potent ad blocker that efficiently blocks ads without consuming excessive system resources.
- 1Blocker: Provides precise control over which types of content to block such, as trackers and social widgets.
Handling Special Cases
There may be situations where you'll need to permit pop ups or specific ads for websites. To handle exceptions in Safari:
| Feature | How to Enable/Disable |
|---|---|
| Adding an Exception for Pop ups | Go to Preferences > Websites > Pop up Windows. Select the website from the list and set it to 'Allow.' |
| Adding an Exception for Ads | If you're using a third party blocker like AdGuard go to its settings in Safaris Preferences > Extensions tab. Include the website URL in the 'Whitelist.' |
Dealing with Common Problems
If you face issues with blocking pop ups or ads in Safari despite following the steps consider these troubleshooting suggestions:
- Check for Software Updates: Make sure both macOS and Safari are up to date as updates often bring improved security features.
- Restart Your Browser: Sometimes simply restarting Safari can fix glitches.
- Apple Support: Visit Apple Support for detailed guides or further help if problems persist.
Blocking pop ups and ads in Safari can greatly improve your browsing experience by reducing distractions and potential security threats. Using built in features of Safari alongside trusted third party extensions offers protection, against unwanted content.