How to Allow Pop-Ups on Specific Websites in Safari

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to allow pop-up windows for a single, trusted domain in the Safari web browser on a Mac while keeping the global pop-up blocker active for all other websites. By utilizing Safari's site-specific preferences, you can permit essential pop-ups—such as login portals, payment gateways, or downloadable statements—on trusted platforms without exposing yourself to unwanted advertisements across the rest of the web.

Method 1: Using Safari Settings

To permanently whitelist a specific domain while maintaining your global blocker, configure the Websites menu in Safari.

  1. Open the Safari browser and navigate to the trusted website where you want to allow pop-ups.
  2. Click Safari in the top-left menu bar on your screen.
  3. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions of macOS) from the drop-down menu.
  4. Click on the Websites tab at the top of the settings window.
  5. In the left-hand sidebar, scroll down to the bottom and click on Pop-up Windows.
  6. Look at the main panel under the Currently Open Websites section to find the domain you have open.
  7. Click the drop-down menu next to the trusted website and change its setting to Allow.
  8. Look at the bottom-right corner of the window for the When visiting other websites option. Ensure this is set to Block and Notify or Block to keep your global pop-up blocker active.
  9. Close the Settings window and refresh the webpage for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Using the Address Bar Shortcut

You can also adjust the pop-up permissions directly from the webpage you are currently viewing without opening the main Settings menu.

  1. Go to the trusted website in Safari.
  2. Move your cursor to the Smart Search field (the address bar) at the top of the browser.
  3. Right-click (or hold the Control key and click) directly on the website's URL.
  4. Select Settings for [Website Name]... from the context menu. A small pop-up menu will appear below the address bar.
  5. Locate the Pop-up Windows option in this menu.
  6. Click the drop-down menu next to it and select Allow.
  7. Click anywhere outside the menu to close it, then reload the page.

Allowing a Blocked Pop-Up Once

If you do not want to permanently whitelist a domain, you can allow a blocked pop-up on a case-by-case basis, provided your global setting is configured to "Block and Notify."

  1. Trigger the action on the website that attempts to open a pop-up window.
  2. Look at the right side of the Safari address bar for the blocked pop-up icon (it looks like two overlapping squares).
  3. Click the icon to immediately open the blocked pop-up window for that specific instance without changing your permanent domain settings.