Getting rid of browser notifications

You go to a website to read an interesting article, but before you can read a word, you’re pestered to subscribe to notifications. Some sites can be quite persistent, or even refuse to show content until you sign up. You duly comply, and then the onslaught really begins. In severe cases, the influx of notifications can cause the computer to freeze up. Sound familiar?

The upside of browser push notifications is that they get you information quickly. The downside is that they are another venue for advertising. We explain how to get rid of this headache once and for all.

How to cancel a subscription to browser notifications

If you subscribed to notifications on a website and now regret doing so, you can unsubscribe in your browser settings. Here’s how to do it.

How to remove notifications in Google Chrome

• Click the menu icon (the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser).
• Select Settings.
• Scroll down the page that opens and click Advanced.
• Among the options, go to Site Settings.
• Open Notifications.
• Under Allow, click the three-dot icon next to the address of the website from which you do not want to receive notifications.
• Select Block.

How to remove notifications in Firefox

• Click the menu icon (the three horizontal bars in the upper right corner of the browser).
• Select Options.
• In the menu on the left, click Privacy & Security.
• Scroll down to Permissions.
• Next to Notifications, click the Settings… button.
  • To turn off all notifications, click the Remove All Websites button below the list of resources.
  • To stop receiving notifications from a specific site, click Allow next to its address and select Block from the drop-down list.

How to remove notifications in Safari

• Pull down the Safari menu, and select Preferences.
• Go to Websites.
• Click Notifications.
  • To disable all notifications, press Cmd+A (Ctrl+A if using Windows), and remove them by clicking the button at the bottom of the list.
  • To prevent a specific site from sending you notifications, select it in the list and click Deny.

How to remove notifications in Microsoft Edge

• Click the menu icon (the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser).
• Select Settings.
• Click the View advanced settings icon (with three horizontal lines).
• Click the Manage permissions button under Website Permissions.
  • To turn off all notifications, click Clear all to the right above the list.
  • To prevent a specific site from sending you notifications, select it in the list and deactivate Notifications using the toggle.

How to remove notifications in Opera

• Click the settings icon in the upper right corner of the browser.
• Scroll down the menu and select Go to browser settings.
• In the menu on the left, click Advanced.
• Click the Privacy & Security tab.
• Select Site Settings.
• Open Notifications.
• Under Allow, click the three dots icon next to the address of the website from which you do not want to receive notifications.
• Select Block.

How to completely disable browser notifications

Tired of constantly clicking “No” to reject endless notification sign-up offers? Most browsers make it possible to place a blanket ban. This feature not only permanently blocks pop-up offers to subscribe to news, but also protects you from random subscriptions and scam sites that try to obtain permissions by hook or by crook.

How to block notifications in Chrome

• Click the menu icon (the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser).
• Select Settings.
• Scroll down the page that opens and click Advanced.
• Select Site Settings.
• Open Notifications.
• Deactivate the Ask before sending (recommended) toggle. (Once you do, the name of this menu item changes to Blocked.

How to block notifications in Firefox

• Click the menu icon (the three horizontal bars in the upper right corner of the browser).
• Select Options.
• In the menu on the left, click Privacy & Security.
• Scroll down to Permissions.
• Next to Notifications, click the Settings… button.
• Set the Block new requests asking to allow notifications flag.

How to block notifications in Safari browser

• Pull down the Safari menu, and select Preferences.
• Open the Websites section.
• Click Notifications.
• Deselect Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications.

How to block notifications in Microsoft Edge

Alas, the Edge browser has no such feature. We hope the developers add one soon.

How to block notifications in Opera

• Click the settings icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
• Scroll down and select Go to browser settings.
• In the menu on the left, click Advanced.
• Click the Privacy & Security tab.
• Open Site Settings.
• Select Notifications.
• Deactivate the Ask before sending (recommended) toggle.

Now, you and your computer will be free from annoying notifications. Whether you’re working or gaming, you will no longer be disturbed by sudden pop-up messages from online stores, news portals, and, worst of all, fraudulent sites. Enjoy!