Browser Policys breaks down the settings and habits that shape how safely you browse from your phone. Pop-up control, cookie behaviour, download rules, and site permissions are all adjustable — but most people never look at them. This site walks you through what each one means and how to set it sensibly.
Good browser policies are mostly one-time decisions. Set them once, review them every few months, and let the browser do its job quietly.
Your browser's built-in pop-up blocker prevents most unsolicited new windows or tabs from opening. It is usually on by default, but it can get disabled by certain sites that ask you to "allow" in order to access their content.
Check it periodically: Settings → Site settings → Pop-ups and redirects → Blocked.
If you ever allowed a site and now see pop-ups you did not intend, revisit that setting and remove the exception.
A redirect sends you to a different URL without you tapping a link. Some are harmless (moving a page to a new address), but others are used to route you through ad or tracking networks before your destination.
Browser notifications are a common misuse vector: a site asks to send notifications, you tap "allow" to dismiss the prompt, and now it has standing permission to send alerts indefinitely.
Browser notification permission is one of the most over-granted on phones. A quick review often uncovers 5–10 sites that no longer deserve it.
Your browser downloads files when a link points to a document, image, or package. The moment a download begins is a decision point.
A good rule: if you did not ask for it, do not open it.
Every browser has a Site Settings panel where you can see and control what each site can do. Common permissions include:
Chrome and most modern browsers include built-in safe-browsing checks that flag known dangerous sites before you land on them. This runs quietly in the background.
These are mostly set-and-forget decisions. A 10-minute review every couple of months is enough to keep your browser working for you instead of against you.
Does blocking pop-ups break legitimate sites? Occasionally, a site opens something in a new tab on purpose — like a payment page. If that fails, you can temporarily allow pop-ups for just that site, then block again afterward.
Is Incognito mode enough for private browsing? It prevents local history saving, but your internet provider and the websites you visit still see your activity. For sensitive tasks, consider a VPN in addition to private mode — though neither is perfect.
Should I accept cookies on every site? You need to accept some cookies for sites to work (login, basket). Rejecting non-essential tracking cookies is reasonable and supported by most EU-facing sites. When a cookie banner offers "Reject all," use it.
Do browser extensions help? Some do — particularly those that block trackers or manage permissions. Only install extensions from developers you recognise, and use as few as you need; every extension adds a layer of access to your browser.