How can I detect if a browser is blocking a popup?

Detailed inspection

Engage with users

Notify users when a popup is blocked. Direct them on how to disable the blockers or whitelist your site since understanding always trumps confusion.

Proactive Measures

Tie your popup code to a user-triggered event, like a button click. This helps avoid auto-blocking from happening, to begin with.

Sly Delay

Impose a timeout delay:

setTimeout(function() {
    var popup = window.open(url);
    if (!popup) {
        // Here be dragons!
    }
}, 1000);


This setTimeout sneakily side-steps the blocker—you sly fox—but be warned: it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Test (and Test Again)

Make sure your code works across different browsers because we're dealing with a moving target here, folks. Always be the first to adapt to changes!

Gracefully Handle Popup Blockers

Use Sparingly

Remember, excessive popups are as welcome as a skunk at a garden party. Use them wisely and purposefully to enhance the user experience.

Adapt to Browsers

Different strokes for different folks—or in this case, browsers. Adapt to the unique behavioral patterns of every browser. Consider it a sign of respect for the vast biodiversity of the Internet.

Softly Guide Users

Instead of coercing users to disable their blockers—the equivalent of asking someone to cut off their arm—offer safer alternatives: direct links or whitelisting guidance.

Try Alternatives

Consider different ways to display content, such as modals or inline expandable sections. If you can avoid the whole popup kerfuffle by going down another route, isn’t that a journey worth taking?