How to Block Website Notifications in Chrome: Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever permitted a website to send you notifications by clicking ‘Allow’? You may now be receiving unwanted notifications on your computer or mobile device.
These can be very annoying.
The good news is that there are ways to block unwanted website notifications in Google Chrome. You can block individual websites from sending you notifications. You can also prevent new websites from asking for permission. You can also check to see if the suspicious alerts are coming from elsewhere.
Below we’ll show you how to block unwanted website notifications on Chrome. We’ll also give you some tips to help you troubleshoot.
What Are Website Notifications in Chrome?
Website notifications are messages sent by a website after you have allowed them. This will happen in your browser. You may receive these even if the website is not open.
Legitimate websites will use these to let you know of useful updates. However, some websites will abuse this feature to show you too many ads, misleading security alerts and links to suspicious sites.
Examples of Suspicious Website Notifications
You may receive alerts that claim:
Your device has a virus.
You’ve won a prize or gift card.
There is an exclusive offer that is about to end.
You need to click on a link to fix a security issue.
There is a new update from an unknown website.
Please note: Just because you receive a notification in Chrome doesn’t mean you have a virus on your device. It could just be a notification permission that you gave to the website.
Method 1 – Block Website Notifications on Windows or Mac
The easiest way to block website notifications is to go into the Chrome settings and block the websites.
Step 1 – Open Chrome Settings
Open up Google Chrome.
Click the three dots in the top right corner and click ‘Settings’.
Step 2 – Open Site Settings
Click ‘Privacy and security’ and then ‘Site settings’.
Scroll down to ‘Permissions’ and click ‘Notifications’.
Alternatively, you can type this into the address bar:
chrome://settings/content/notifications
Hit enter.
Step 3 – Block Unwanted Websites in Chrome
Find the section that shows which websites are allowed to send you notifications.
Find the website you want to block and click the drop down. Choose ‘Block’ or ‘Remove’.
Blocking will stop the website from sending you any notifications. Removing will remove the saved permission and the website may ask again in the future.
If you don’t want the website to ever send you notifications, choose ‘Block’.
Step 4 – Review Other Websites With Notification Permissions
Check all the websites that are allowed to send you notifications. Remove or block any unknown domains or websites you no longer use.
You don’t have to block every single website. Only block those you don’t want to receive notifications from. You can leave the ones you trust to send you useful updates.
Close the tab and your changes should now take effect. You don’t need to reinstall Chrome.
Method 2 – Block All Website Notification Requests in Chrome
If you don’t want any websites to ask you for permission to send notifications, you can change Chrome’s default settings.
How to Stop Websites From Asking to Send Notifications
Open Chrome.
Type chrome://settings/content/notifications into the address bar.
Find the default setting section.
Choose the option to stop websites from sending notifications or asking for permission. This will depend on your Chrome version.
Chrome can sometimes change the wording and options depending on your version. However, going into the notification settings is the main place to block new requests.
This is useful if you often visit unknown websites and don’t want to be prompted for notifications.
Note: This won’t necessarily remove any permissions you have given to individual websites.
Method 3 – Block Website Notifications on Android
If you are receiving unwanted website notifications on your Android device, you can block them using Chrome.
Step 1 – Open Chrome on Android
Open up Chrome on your Android device.
Step 2 – Open Chrome Settings
Click the three dots and open up Settings.
Step 3 – Open Site Notification Settings
Find ‘Site settings’ and open up Notifications. Depending on your Chrome version, you may have notification settings within Settings.
Step 4 – Block Unwanted Websites on Android
Find the list of websites that are allowed to send you notifications.
Choose an unknown or unwanted website and turn off the notification permission. Alternatively, set this to ‘Block’.
If you don’t want any websites to ask for permission, change the default notification setting.
The menu may look slightly different depending on your Android version and Chrome version.
Method 4 – Stop Chrome Notifications Using Android Settings
Sometimes it can be easier to manage your notifications using your Android device settings.
How to Turn Off Chrome Notifications on Your Android Phone
Open up your device settings.
Click ‘Apps’ or ‘Apps management’.
Click Chrome.
Click ‘Notifications’.
Turn off Chrome notifications.
This will stop Chrome notifications. However, this may stop you from receiving useful notifications. If you only want to block one website, use the site settings in Chrome.
Some devices allow you to long press the notification to open up notification settings. This will depend on your phone manufacturer and Android version.
Method 5 – Block Notifications on iPhone or iPad
Chrome on iPhone and iPad will behave differently to Chrome on Android and desktop. You may not be able to control website notifications. This will depend on your operating system and type of web app.
How to Check Chrome Notification Settings on iPhone or iPad
If you are receiving unwanted notifications on your iPhone or iPad:
Open up your device settings.
Click ‘Notifications’.
Find Chrome in the list.
Check what notification permissions are available.
For web apps added to your home screen, you may not find notification settings for Chrome. Instead, you may find them for the web app or system settings.
If you can’t find a specific website in Chrome settings, check if the notification is from Chrome, a web app or another app.
How to Identify if a Notification Is From a Website
Not all unwanted pop-ups are from website notifications. It is important to know what the cause is so you can find the correct solution.
Common Types of Unwanted Notifications and Their Causes
Alert shows website name or icon Website notification permission Block the website in Chrome settings.
Website asks to send notifications Notification permission Don’t allow.
Fake virus alert within webpage Misleading website content or advertisement Close the page. Don’t click on the alert.
Pop ups appear on unrelated websites Browser extension or adware Check your extensions and scan your device.
Notifications continue to show even after disabling Chrome notifications Another app or system notification Check your system notification settings to find out what is causing it.
Note: Blocking website notifications won’t stop pop ups that are embedded within web pages.
How to Remove Suspicious Website Notification Permissions
If you are receiving notifications from a suspicious website, take a few extra steps.
1. Don’t Click on Suspicious Notifications
Don’t click on any links in messages that claim your computer has a virus, your account is locked or you’ve won a prize.
Instead, go directly to Chrome settings and remove the permission.
2. Block the Website Sending Notifications
Go to notification settings and block the domain.
If you have given permission to multiple suspicious websites, check for similar unknown domains.
3. Check Chrome Extensions for Suspicious Activity
On your computer, type:
chrome://extensions
Check what extensions you have installed. Remove any you don’t recognise or no longer need. If you recently installed an extension, this could be the cause.
Only install extensions from trusted sources. Check what permissions they require.
4. Check for Unwanted Apps and Adware
If you are still receiving suspicious pop ups after blocking website notifications and checking your extensions, check what apps you have recently installed. Run a security scan using your trusted security tools.
Don’t download any software that the suspicious notification is promoting to remove a virus.
5. Reset Chrome Settings if the Problem Continues
If Chrome is still acting strangely, you can reset Chrome. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
This will reset Chrome and return many settings to default. However, this won’t replace removing suspicious apps or scanning your device for malware. Read the confirmation screen.
How to Avoid Unwanted Website Notifications in the Future
By following a few simple steps you can avoid most unwanted website notifications.
Don’t allow unnecessary permissions. If the website doesn’t really need to send you updates, choose ‘Block’ or ‘Don’t allow’.
Be cautious with unknown websites. Don’t allow permissions just because the page says you need to allow them to watch a video, download something or prove you’re human.
Check permissions regularly. Go to Chrome settings > Site settings and remove permission from websites you no longer trust.
Don’t be tricked by fake buttons. Some pages will have fake download buttons or misleading instructions to trick you into clicking ‘Allow’.
Keep Chrome up to date. This can help improve security.
Use trusted security software. If you think your device has been infected, use trusted security software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Do I Block All Website Notifications in Chrome?
Go to chrome://settings/content/notifications on your computer. Choose the option to stop websites from sending notifications or asking for permission. Check the list of websites with permissions and block any unwanted websites.
2. Why Am I Receiving Notifications From Websites I Don’t Visit?
You may have given permission to a website in the past. This could be a page you only visited once. Some websites will continue to send you notifications. Check your Chrome notification permissions and block any unknown domains.
3. Can Website Notifications Contain Viruses?
A notification itself won’t usually contain a virus. However, they can contain misleading links that will take you to phishing pages, scams or malicious downloads. Don’t click on any suspicious notifications or install any software they suggest.
4. How Do I Stop Chrome Notifications Without Uninstalling Chrome?
On your computer, change the default notification settings in Chrome site settings. On Android, you can block individual website permissions or turn off Chrome notifications using your device settings.
5. Will Blocking Website Notifications Affect My Browsing?
No. Blocking website notifications shouldn’t stop you from opening websites. However, some websites will have optional features that require notifications.
6. Why Am I Still Seeing Pop-Ups After Blocking Notifications?
These could be ads embedded in web pages, messages from browser extensions or from another application. Check your Chrome extensions, find out what the notification is from and scan your device if you think you have unwanted software.
7. Should I Clear My Chrome History to Stop Website Notifications?
Usually no. Clearing your Chrome history won’t reliably remove website notification permissions. Instead, go to Site settings and block or remove the website.
Final Thoughts: Keep Unwanted Chrome Notifications Under Control
Unwanted website notifications can be annoying but can usually be stopped in a few minutes.
On your computer, go to chrome://settings/content/notifications and block any websites you don’t trust. On Android, go to Chrome site settings and block individual websites. Or go to your notification settings to turn off Chrome notifications.
If you are still receiving suspicious alerts, check your browser extensions and installed apps.
The best way to avoid unwanted notifications in the long run is to only allow trusted websites to send you notifications. If you are receiving unwanted alerts, check your permissions.
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