How to Get Rid of Pop-Up Ads
Pop-up ads can be frustrating and annoying, especially when they appear repeatedly while you are browsing the internet. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of them. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get rid of those pesky pop-up ads.
1. Install an Ad Blocker
An ad blocker is a software that prevents ads from appearing on a webpage. It can be added to your web browser as an extension or a plug-in. There are many ad blockers available in the market, some of which are free and some that require a one-time payment. Once installed, the ad blocker will block all ads from appearing on your screen.
1.1 How to Install an Ad Blocker
- Open your web browser
- Go to the extension or plug-in store
- Search for ad blocker
- Select the ad blocker you want to install
- Click on the install button
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation
2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies
Pop-up ads can also be caused by cookies and cache stored in your web browser. Clearing them can help get rid of those ads. Here’s how to clear your browser’s cache and cookies:
2.1 How to Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies in Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “More Tools” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Clear browsing data”
- Select the time range you want to clear
- Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”
- Click on the “Clear data” button
2.2 How to Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies in Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left-hand menu
- Scroll down to the “Cookies and Site Data” section
- Click on “Clear Data…”
- Check the boxes for “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content”
- Click on the “Clear” button
2.3 How to Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies in Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Privacy, search, and services” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “Choose what to clear” under the “Clear browsing data” section
- Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”
- Click on the “Clear now” button
3. Use a Pop-Up Blocker
A pop-up blocker is a software that specifically targets pop-up ads. It can be added to your web browser as an extension or a plug-in. Once installed, the pop-up blocker will block all pop-up ads from appearing on your screen.
3.1 How to Install a Pop-Up Blocker
- Open your web browser
- Go to the extension or plug-in store
- Search for pop-up blocker
- Select the pop-up blocker you want to install
- Click on the install button
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation
4. Update Your Web Browser
Pop-up ads can also appear because of outdated web browsers. Updating your web browser can help get rid of those ads. Here’s how to update your web browser:
4.1 How to Update Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Help” from the drop-down menu
- Select “About Google Chrome”
- Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them
4.2 How to Update Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Help” from the drop-down menu
- Select “About Firefox”
- Firefox will automatically check for updates and install them
4.3 How to Update Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Select “About Microsoft Edge” in the left-hand menu
- Edge will automatically check for updates and install them
5. Don’t Click on Pop-Up Ads
One of the easiest ways to get rid of pop-up ads is to not click on them. Pop-up ads are usually designed to trick you into clicking on them. Don’t fall for their tactics. If you accidentally click on a pop-up ad, close it immediately.
5.1 What to Do If You Click on a Pop-Up Ad
If you accidentally click on a pop-up ad, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Close the pop-up ad immediately
- Run a virus scan on your computer
- Change your passwords for all your accounts
6. Avoid Suspicious Websites
Pop-up ads are often found on suspicious websites. Avoid visiting those websites to prevent pop-up ads from appearing on your screen. Stick to well-known and reputable websites.
6.1 What Are Suspicious Websites
Suspicious websites are those that:
- Are poorly designed or look unprofessional
- Offer unrealistic deals or promotions
- Ask for personal information, such as your credit card details, without a valid reason
- Have poor user reviews or ratings
- Have a lot of pop-up ads or other annoying features
7. Disable JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that allows websites to display dynamic content. It can also be used to display pop-up ads. Disabling JavaScript can help get rid of those ads. Here’s how to disable JavaScript:
7.1 How to Disable JavaScript in Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the page
- Click on “Content settings” under the “Privacy and security” section
- Click on “JavaScript”
- Toggle the switch to “Blocked”
7.2 How to Disable JavaScript in Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left-hand menu
- Scroll down to the “Permissions” section
- Click on “Settings” next to “Block pop-up windows”
- Select “Custom” from the “Blocking Pop-ups” drop-down menu
- Uncheck the box for “Allow pop-ups”
7.3 How to Disable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Select “Cookies and site permissions” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “JavaScript”
- Toggle the switch to “Blocked”
8. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. It can help protect your online privacy and security and prevent pop-up ads from appearing on your screen. Here’s how to use a VPN:
8.1 How to Use a VPN in Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the page
- Click on “Open proxy settings”
- Click on “Connections”
- Click on “Add VPN”
- Follow the instructions to set up your VPN
8.2 How to Use a VPN in Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “General” in the left-hand menu
- Scroll down to the “Network Settings” section
- Click on “Settings…”
- Click on “Manual proxy configuration”
- Follow the instructions to set up your VPN
8.3 How to Use a VPN in Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Select “Network and Internet” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “VPN”
- Click on “Add a VPN connection”
- Follow the instructions to set up your VPN
9. Use a Malware Scanner
Pop-up ads can also be caused by malware or viruses on your computer. Using a malware scanner can help detect and remove those threats. Here are some popular malware scanners:
9.1 Popular Malware Scanners
- Malwarebytes
- Norton Security
- McAfee Total Protection
- Kaspersky Internet Security
- Avast Antivirus
10. Use a Firewall
A firewall is a hardware or software that acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet. It can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer and block pop-up ads. Here’s how to use a firewall:
10.1 How to Use a Firewall in Windows 10
- Open the Windows Security app
- Click on “Firewall & network protection”
- Toggle the switch to “On” next to “Microsoft Defender Firewall”
10.2 How to Use a Firewall in Mac OS X
- Open System Preferences
- Click on “Security & Privacy”
- Click on “Firewall”
- Click on the lock icon in the lower left-hand corner of the window
- Enter your password
- Toggle the switch to “On”
11. Adjust Your Pop-Up Blocker Settings
Pop-up blockers can sometimes block important pop-ups, such as those that appear when you click on a link. Adjusting your pop-up blocker settings can help prevent those important pop-ups from being blocked. Here’s how to adjust your pop-up blocker settings:
11.1 How to Adjust Your Pop-Up Blocker Settings in Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the page
- Click on “Content settings” under the “Privacy and security” section
- Click on “Popups”
- Add the websites you want to allow pop-ups from
11.2 How to Adjust Your Pop-Up Blocker Settings in Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left-hand menu
- Scroll down to the “Permissions” section
- Click on “Settings” next to “Block pop-up windows”
- Click on “Exceptions…”
- Add the websites you want to allow pop-ups from
11.3 How to Adjust Your Pop-Up Blocker Settings in Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
- Select “Cookies and site permissions” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “Pop-ups and redirects”
- Toggle the switch to “On” next to “Block”
- Add the websites you want to allow pop-ups from
12. Don’t Download Suspicious Software
Pop-up ads can sometimes ask you to download software. Don’t download anything that seems suspicious, especially if it is from an unknown source. Only download software from reputable websites or trusted sources.
12.1 What Is Suspicious Software?
Suspicious software is software that:
- Is from an unknown or untrustworthy source
- Requires you to provide personal information to download it
- Promises unrealistic benefits or features
- Is flagged as potential malware or virus by your antivirus software
13. Disable Automatic Downloads
Pop-up ads can sometimes trigger automatic downloads. Disabling automatic downloads can help prevent those downloads from happening. Here’s how to disable