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How to Block Ads in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Use Safari’s built-in settings to block pop-up windows, then choose a content blocker or extension when you want to target ads within webpages.
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To block pop-up windows in Safari on iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Apps > Safari and turn on Block Pop-ups. On Mac, use Safari > Settings > Websites to set pop-up behavior for individual sites or other sites. These settings handle pop-ups—not every ad embedded in a webpage. For page content, use a content blocker or a Safari extension that blocks content.

Block pop-ups on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps, then Safari.
  3. Turn on Block Pop-ups.

Apple lists Fraudulent Website Warning on the same screen, but it is a separate safety warning, not an ad filter. Blocking pop-ups also does not remove ordinary advertisements displayed within a page. Apple’s pop-up guidance explains the setting and how to handle suspicious windows.

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Control pop-ups and content on Mac

Set pop-up behavior

In Safari, choose Safari > Settings > Websites, then select Pop-up Windows in the sidebar. Choose the behavior for a listed website or set the default for other websites. If a legitimate site feature stops working, allow pop-ups for that site rather than changing the setting for every site. Apple notes that some websites use pop-ups for essential content. See Apple’s Mac instructions for blocking pop-ups.

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Use Content Blockers

In the same Websites settings, select Content Blockers. Apple describes the On setting as stopping ads and other unwanted content from appearing on that site. This is a separate control from Pop-up Windows; it is the relevant built-in Mac option for blocking page content, rather than just pop-up windows. The setting is managed by site in Safari’s Websites preferences.

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Use a Safari extension on iPhone or iPad

Apple supports Safari extensions on iPhone that can block web content. To find extensions, open Safari, tap Page Menu > Manage Extensions, and browse the App Store. To enable an installed extension, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions, select it, and turn on Allow Extension. You can also manage extensions for an individual site. Check what an extension does and which permissions it requests before allowing it. Apple’s iPhone guide to Safari extensions has the setup details.

Know what tracking protection and Distraction Control do

Prevent cross-site tracking

On Mac, Safari > Settings > Privacy contains Prevent cross-site tracking. Apple says third-party cookies and website data are deleted unless you visit and interact with that provider as a first-party website. This is a privacy measure against cross-site tracking; it does not guarantee that visible ads disappear. Read Apple’s explanation of cross-site tracking prevention.

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Hide a selected item with Distraction Control

Distraction Control can hide selected items on a webpage on iPhone and iPad with iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, and on Mac with macOS Sequoia or later. It is not a permanent ad filter: Apple says it works best for items that do not change regularly and does not permanently hide frequently updated ads. On Mac, Apple notes that a content-blocking extension may work best when Content Blockers are enabled for the site. Apple’s Distraction Control instructions cover the feature.

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Stay safe when a pop-up appears

  • Do not interact with suspicious pop-ups that imitate trusted companies or use urgent warnings, offers, or download prompts to request personal or financial information. A fake close button can look like the real one.
  • If a pop-up is taking over a page, enter a new URL or search term in Safari’s Search field instead of clicking the window.
  • On Mac, if Safari keeps reopening a troublesome page, quit Safari and reopen it while holding Shift to prevent previously open windows or tabs from reopening.

Apple also notes that websites designed to send notifications about new or updated content ask for permission. A website notification request is distinct from a pop-up ad and should be allowed only if you want those updates.

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If unwanted pop-ups keep appearing on Mac

Persistent unwanted pop-ups can be a sign that adware or other unwanted software was installed. Apple recommends updating macOS and restarting, checking Applications for unfamiliar apps, and reviewing Safari extensions for ones you do not recognize or need. If unwanted advertising or programs continue, contact Apple. Apple’s pop-up and unwanted-software guidance includes these steps; its Safari guide also describes managing extensions.

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Choose the control that matches the problem

Control What it targets Device and scope
Block Pop-ups Pop-up windows iPhone and iPad: one Safari setting. Mac: configurable by website or for other websites.
Content Blockers Ads and other unwanted page content Mac: managed per site in Safari > Settings > Websites.
Safari extension Depends on the extension; some block web content iPhone: install from the App Store, then allow it in Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions.
Prevent cross-site tracking Third-party cookies and website data used for cross-site tracking Mac: Safari > Settings > Privacy; not an ad-removal switch.
Distraction Control Selected visible webpage items iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia and later; frequently updated ads are not permanently hidden.

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