Ad blockers are powerful tools for improving your online experience. In fact, 43% of internet users are already using ad-blocking apps or browser extensions according to the latest
GlobalWebIndex Ad-Blocking Trends Report. However, they can sometimes block content that you actually want to see. Whitelisting specific websites or pages is the best workaround for that. It can help you support your favorite sites while still keeping unwanted ads at bay.
What is whitelisting?
Whitelisting is a process where you specify certain websites to bypass the blocking rules of your ad blocker. This means that while your ad blocker continues to function, it still allows ads and popups from sites you trust. This is particularly useful for websites that need ads to operate properly or offer their full functionality. Whitelisting also benefits the user by maintaining a seamless browsing experience on chosen sites while keeping other sites ad-free. This strikes a balance between enjoying an ad-free environment and supporting content creators. You can whitelist your favorite news sites, streaming platforms, or blogs to keep your access uninterrupted and hassle-free.
Reasons to whitelist a website
Whitelisting websites while using an ad blocker can improve your browsing experience and support the sites you love. There are several compelling reasons to consider whitelisting certain websites, ranging from functional necessities to supporting content creators:
For proper functionality
Certain websites require ads or popups to function correctly. Government websites, online banking portals, and educational platforms often use these features for essential services. Ad blockers can inadvertently disable these necessary elements, which may lead to:
- Incomplete forms
- Missing information
- Broken navigation menus
Whitelisting these sites allows them to operate as intended. For instance, online banking often uses popups for secure login processes, and blocking these could hinder access to your account.
Support content creators
Advertising revenue is a critical source of income for many websites, especially those providing free content. When you whitelist trusted sites, you support the creators and publishers who invest time and resources into producing valuable content. This helps maintain the quality and availability of articles, videos, and other resources. Many content creators rely on ads to fund their operations. This includes:
- Bloggers
- Journalists
- Video producers
Allowing ads on their sites lets them continue to offer high-quality content without charging users.
Access streaming services
Streaming websites often use popups and ads as part of their content delivery system. These ads might be necessary for accessing videos or live streams. Disabling these ads can disrupt your viewing experience or prevent access to the content altogether. When you whitelist these sites, you’ll be able to enjoy uninterrupted streaming sessions.
Avoid annoying prompts
Many websites detect ad blockers and prompt users to disable them, which can be disruptive. These prompts can appear as popups or overlay messages that block the content until the ad blocker is turned off. Whitelisting these sites prevents such interruptions. Continuous prompts can be frustrating, especially when you’re visiting websites that you frequently use.
How to whitelist websites when using Poper Blocker?
Whitelisting websites with Poper Blocker allows you to block intrusive ads while still supporting your favorite sites. This process is very straightforward and helps maintain a balance between a clean browsing experience and supporting content creators. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off ad blockers for one site or page:
1. Access the Control Panel
First of all, in case you still don’t have Poper Blocker installed, you can do that by installing it on Chrome or Edge. Now, begin by opening your browser and locating the Poper Blocker extension icon, which is found in the top right corner of your browser window. Click on the icon to open the dashboard, scroll down, and then click on “Advanced settings”.
2. Go to Settings
Once inside the Control Panel, look for the Settings tab. This section contains various options to adjust how Poper Blocker handles types of online ads and popups. Here, you can manage whitelists, block lists, and other important configurations.
3. Locate the Whitelist Section
It’s easy to find the section labeled “Whitelist (where you allow popups and distractions)” since this is at the top portion of the screen. This is the area where you will specify which websites you want to exempt from ad-blocking.
4. Enter the URLs
After locating the whitelist section, you will see a field where you can enter the URL of the site you wish to whitelist. Type the complete URL of the website, including the “https://” prefix. This step is important because a small error in the URL can result in the website not being whitelisted correctly.
5. Add the Site to the Whitelist
After entering the URL, click the “Add URL” button. This action will add the specified website to your whitelist, which will then allow ads and popups from this site to bypass Poper Blocker’s restrictions. You will notice the site appearing in your list of whitelisted sites. This confirms that it has been successfully added.
6. Verify the Whitelisting
It’s a good practice to verify that the site has been correctly whitelisted. Visit the website and check if the ads are displaying and all functionalities are working smoothly. If everything is in order, you have successfully whitelisted the site using Poper Blocker.
Whitelist wisely for a better browsing experience
Whitelisting websites while using an ad blocker is a balanced way to enjoy the internet. When you allow ads on trusted sites, you’re not only supporting the creators and services you value, but you’re also helping maintain the free availability of high-quality content. This practice helps your favorite websites continue operating and providing you with valuable information and entertainment. It’s a simple act that goes a long way in supporting the online ecosystem.
When you’re using Poper Blocker, the steps on how to disable your ad blocker for a website are straightforward and easy to follow. Start by identifying the sites you trust and want to support, and then use the tools provided by your ad blocker to add them to your whitelist. This will make your browsing experience more enjoyable, and in addition, you’ll contribute to the sustainability of the websites you love.
FAQs
Can I whitelist only specific pages on a website?
Yes, you can whitelist specific pages rather than the entire website. Adding exceptions to ad blockers allows you to maintain control over which parts of a site can display ads. For example, if you regularly visit a particular section of a news site, you can whitelist just those pages by entering their specific URLs.
Will whitelisting increase the number of ads I see?
Whitelisting a site will only display ads on that specific site. It doesn’t affect your ad-blocking settings on other websites. This means you can enjoy an ad-free experience on most of the internet while allowing ads on sites you trust and want to support.
Is it safe to whitelist websites?
Whitelisting trusted websites is generally safe and helps support their revenue model. In most cases, trusted sites have ads that are non-intrusive and are only relevant to their content. However, it’s still important to be cautious and only whitelist sites you know and trust. Avoid unfamiliar sites as they may have intrusive or malicious ads.
Can I remove a site from the whitelist later?
Yes, you can remove a site from your whitelist in case you change your mind. Most ad blockers have straightforward processes for managing your whitelist. Simply access the settings or preferences of your ad blocker, go to the whitelist section, and remove the sites that you no longer wish to include in this list.
What happens if I don’t whitelist a site that requests it?
You may experience issues with how the site functions. Some sites rely on ads for revenue and may restrict access to their content if you block their embedded ads. You might encounter pop-ups asking you to disable your ad blocker, or some features of the site may not work properly.
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