How to Block Page Redirects in Web Browser

When a page redirect occurs in your browser, you’re taken from one URL to another. This can often result in exposure to spam, viruses, or malware. Fortunately, modern web browsers have built-in features to help you block unwanted page redirects. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to block redirects using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera on both PC and Mac.

Blocking Page Redirects

Google Chrome

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Redirects on Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome Settings:
   • Click the three-dot menu (⋮) located at the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Navigate to Privacy and Security:
   • From the drop-down menu, select “Settings”.
   • In the Settings window, click “Privacy and Security” found in the left panel.
3. Access Site Settings:
   • Click on “Site settings” under the Privacy and Security section.
4. Adjust Pop-ups and Redirects:
   • Scroll down and click on “Pop-ups and redirects”.
   • Ensure the option “Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects” is selected.
5. Restart Chrome:
   • For changes to take effect, restart your Google Chrome browser.
   • Tip: While this built-in setting should block most redirects, some may still slip through. For enhanced protection, consider installing a reputable ad-blocker such as uBlock Origin.

Mozilla Firefox

How to Block Redirects on Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox’s Advanced Configuration:
   • Launch Mozilla Firefox.
   • Type about:config in the address bar and press Enter.
2. Proceed with Caution:
   • Click “Accept the Risk and Continue” to access the advanced configuration settings.
3. Edit Configuration Settings:
   • In the search bar, type Accessibility.blockautorefresh and press Enter.
   • Double-click the “false” value to change it to “true”. This will prompt Firefox to ask for your permission before redirecting you to another page.
4. Adjust Network Redirection Settings (Optional):
   • For further customization, type network.http.redirection-limit in the search bar.
   • Change the default value from “20” to “1” to limit the number of allowable redirects.
   • Tip: If unwanted redirects persist, try installing add-ons like Skip Redirect for additional protection.

Microsoft Edge

Steps to Block Redirects in Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge Settings:
   • Click the three-dot menu (•••) located at the top-right corner of Edge.
2. Navigate to Site Permissions:
   • From the drop-down menu, select “Settings”.
   • In the Settings window, click “Cookies and site permissions” found in the left panel.
3. Block Pop-ups and Redirects:
   • Scroll down and click on “Pop-ups and redirects” under the “All permissions” header.
   • Toggle on the “Block (recommended)” option to prevent redirects.
4. Update Microsoft Edge (If Necessary):
   • If you don’t see the “Cookies and site permissions” option, ensure that your browser is up to date. Click “About Microsoft Edge” in the left panel to check for updates.
   • Tip: For better protection, consider using a reputable ad-blocking add-on like uBlock Origin to block additional redirects.

Safari (Using AdGuard)

Blocking Redirects on Safari with AdGuard:

1. Install AdGuard for Safari:
   • Safari does not provide a built-in option to block redirects, but you can use AdGuard. Download it from the Mac App Store by searching for “AdGuard for Safari” and following the installation instructions.
   • For more comprehensive protection, consider AdGuard for Mac, which offers a 14-day free trial and includes a “Stealth Mode” for blocking nearly all redirects.
2. Enable AdGuard Extensions:
   • Open Safari and go to “Safari” → “Settings” (or “Preferences” on earlier macOS versions).
   • Click the “Extensions” tab and enable all AdGuard extensions.
3. Activate Content Blockers:
   • In the “Websites” tab, select “Content Blockers” in the left panel.
   • Ensure “When visiting other websites” is turned on to enable AdGuard’s protections across all sites.
4. Enable Stealth Mode (AdGuard for Mac only):
   • Open the AdGuard app, click the “Stealth Mode” tab in the left panel, and toggle it on. This feature provides enhanced protection against redirects.
5. Fix the “Too Many Redirects” Error:
   • If you encounter this error on a specific website, clear the site’s saved data:
     • Go to “Safari” → “Settings” → “Privacy” → “Manage Website Data”.
     • Search for the problematic site, select it, and click “Remove”.
     • Refresh the page to clear the error.

Opera

Blocking Page Redirects on Opera:

1. Open Opera Settings:
   • Click the Opera menu button (O) at the top-left corner of the browser.
2. Navigate to Advanced Settings:
   • Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
   • Click “Advanced” in the left panel to expand additional settings.
3. Adjust Pop-ups and Redirects:
   • Scroll down to the “Privacy and Security” section.
   • Click “Site Settings” and then “Pop-ups and redirects”.
   • Ensure that the option “Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects” is selected.
4. Restart Opera:
   • For the changes to take effect, restart your Opera browser.
   • Tip: Consider installing an ad-blocker like uBlock Origin to supplement Opera’s built-in protections.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively block unwanted page redirects across different web browsers, enhancing your browsing experience and protecting your device from potential threats.