How to stop website notification pop-ups in your browser

Before you start

• Note which browser you use: Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
• Note the name of the website shown on one of the alerts, if you can see it. It is often in small text near the top.
• Do not click anything inside the alerts while you work through this guide.

0 of 3 done. Ticking just helps you keep track; nothing is saved or sent.

Steps

Menu names vary by version, so look for similar wording if yours is slightly different.

1. 1

   Chrome on Windows or Mac

   Click the three dots at the top right, then Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. Under Allowed to send notifications, click the three dots next to any site you do not recognise and choose Remove or Block.

2. 2

   Microsoft Edge

   Click the three dots, then Settings > Cookies and site permissions (or Privacy, search and services in some versions) > Notifications. Under Allow, remove any site you do not recognise.

3. 3

   Safari on a Mac

   Open Safari, then choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences on older Macs) > Websites > Notifications. Select unfamiliar websites and choose Deny or Remove.

4. 4

   Firefox

   Open the menu (three lines), then Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll to Permissions and click Settings next to Notifications. Select unfamiliar websites and click Remove Website, then Save Changes.

5. 5

   Chrome on Android

   Open Chrome, tap the three dots, then Settings > Site settings > Notifications. Tap any website you do not recognise and turn off notifications or choose Block. You can also long-press a notification on your phone to see which website sent it.

6. 6

   Stop sites asking in future (optional)

   Most browsers let you turn off notification requests altogether, or show them more quietly. Look for a setting such as Don't allow sites to send notifications or Use quieter messaging on the same Notifications page. You can still allow trusted sites one at a time later.

If this happens, try this

• If alerts continue after removing the sites

  Check whether you use more than one browser, and repeat the steps in each one.

• If a website you trust is in the list

  You can leave it allowed. Removing it only stops its alerts.

• If your browser's home page or search engine has also changed

  An unwanted extension may be installed. Check your browser's Extensions or Add-ons page and remove anything you do not recognise.

• If the alerts come from an app rather than a website

  Check your device's own notification settings for that app instead.

Things to be careful about

• Never call a phone number or install software because a notification told you to.

• Do not enter passwords or card details on a page you reached by clicking an alert.

• Removing notification permissions does not delete your bookmarks, history or passwords.

• If you have already given someone remote access to your computer, or entered bank details, contact your bank straight away using the number on your card.