How do I permanently stop websites from asking to send notifications on my computer and phone?

Is there a way to turn off all browser push messages on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge without losing important alerts?

Modern web browsing relies heavily on “push notifications.” While originally designed to deliver timely updates—such as email alerts or calendar reminders—this system has deteriorated. Marketing platforms now exploit these channels to deliver unsolicited advertisements, disrupting focus and degrading the user experience.

From a security perspective, notification prompts serve as a common vector for “malvertising.” Users often accidentally allow permissions, granting bad actors direct access to the system tray or lock screen.

To maintain a secure and distraction-free digital environment, adopting a “Deny by Default” policy is advisable. This approach blocks all incoming requests automatically. You then manually whitelist only essential tools, such as your workplace communication platforms or email clients.

The following procedures outline how to enforce this policy across major browsers.

Desktop Configuration

Most modern browsers utilize the Chromium engine, meaning their settings menus function similarly. However, the exact navigation paths vary slightly.

Google Chrome (and Chromium-based browsers)

Chrome handles notifications through its privacy suite. This method effectively silences the “wants to send you notifications” pop-up.

1. Access Settings Direct: Type chrome://settings/content/notifications into your address bar and press Enter.
2. Manual Navigation: Alternatively, select the Three-dot Menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Notifications.
3. Enforce Block: Select the option labeled “Don’t allow sites to send notifications.”
4. Audit Existing Permissions: Review the list under “Allowed to send notifications.” Click the three vertical dots next to any unrecognized site and select Remove.

Note: This workflow applies to Brave and other standard Chromium browsers.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox uses a dedicated permissions manager that distinguishes between blocking the request prompt and blocking the notification itself.

1. Access Privacy Settings: Type about:preferences#privacy in the address bar.
2. Locate Permissions: Scroll to the Permissions section and click the Settings button next to Notifications.
3. Block Requests: Check the box for “Block new requests asking to allow notifications.” This prevents the dialogue box from interrupting your browsing.
4. Clean List: If unwanted sites appear in the list, click Remove All Websites to reset your environment.
5. Confirm: Click Save Changes.

Microsoft Edge

Edge integrates tightly with Windows, but its internal browser controls remain the primary defense line.

1. Access Site Permissions: Type edge://settings/content/notifications in the address bar.
2. Disable Prompts: Toggle the switch labeled “Ask before sending (recommended)” to the Off position.
3. Audit List: Check the “Allow” section. Remove permissions for any site that does not serve a critical productivity function by clicking the three dots and selecting Remove.

Vivaldi

Vivaldi offers granular control but centralizes global permissions effectively.

1. Open Preferences: Click the Vivaldi Menu > Settings.
2. Select Category: Click Privacy and Security in the left panel.
3. Modify Permissions: Scroll to Website Permissions.
4. Global Block: Locate Notifications. Change the dropdown menu from Ask (Default) to Block.

Opera

Opera follows standard Chromium protocols but nests them within its unique interface.

1. Access Settings: Type opera://settings/content/notifications or navigate to Menu > Settings > Privacy & security > Site settings > Notifications.
2. Set Preference: Select “Don’t allow sites to send notifications.”
3. Clean List: Remove any sites listed under the “Allowed” section to revoke their access immediately.

Mobile Configuration

Mobile notifications are particularly intrusive as they occupy limited screen space and trigger device vibration.

Google Chrome (Android/iOS)

1. Tap the Menu (three dots) > Settings.
2. Select Site settings > Notifications.
3. Toggle the main switch to Off. This action prevents all future prompts while browsing.

Mozilla Firefox (Mobile)

1. Tap Menu > Settings.
2. Select Site permissions > Notification.
3. Change the status from “Ask to allow” to “Blocked.”

Microsoft Edge (Mobile)

1. Tap Menu > Settings.
2. Select Privacy and security > Site permissions > Notifications.
3. Toggle Notifications to Off. The switch should turn gray, indicating the feature is disabled.

Vivaldi, Opera, and Brave (Mobile)

These browsers share a unified approach to notification suppression.

1. Open the browser Menu > Settings.
2. Locate Site Settings (sometimes listed strictly as Notifications).
3. Toggle the “Allow notifications” switch to Off.
4. Verify the text confirms that “All notifications are blocked.”

Follow-up Question

Would you like a section added that details how to identify and remove “malvertising” notifications that may have already infected the operating system level (Windows/macOS)?