The Blocker Add-On in Shift helps keep your browsing experience faster and safer by blocking ads, trackers, and unwanted scripts. However, some websites rely on these same elements to load or function properly. When that happens, a page may appear broken, or certain features might stop working.
Why some sites may be affected by Blocker
When Blocker is turned on, it removes ads, trackers, and third-party scripts that can slow down your browsing or collect data without consent.
Some websites rely on these same elements to load videos, login pop-ups, or interactive features — so blocking them can sometimes cause parts of a site not to work as expected.
You might notice:
- Embedded media not loading
- Buttons or forms that don’t respond or are missing
- Login or checkout pop-ups missing
If this happens, try temporarily disabling Blocker for that site (see steps below) and refresh the page.
How to temporarily disable Blocker on a page or site
If a site isn’t loading or working properly, you can pause Blocker for that page to test if it’s the cause.
To disable Blocker temporarily:
- Open the site that isn’t working.
- Click the Blocker icon in the Shift toolbar.
- Toggle one of the following options:
- This website - turns Blocker off for the entire site
- This page - turns Blocker off only for the current page
- Refresh the page.
When you’re done, toggle Blocker back on. Shift will remember your preference for that site.
Troubleshooting steps
If disabling Blocker doesn’t fix the issue, try these steps:
- Clear your cache and cookies for the affected site.
- Make sure no other ad-blocking or privacy extensions are installed.
- Try the same site in Incognito Mode — if it works there, another extension is likely the cause.
- Restart Shift Browser after adjusting the Blocker settings.
Reporting broken sites
If you find a site that consistently breaks with Blocker enabled, please report it to our team so we can investigate and improve compatibility.
When reporting, include:
- The website URL
- A description of what’s not working (e.g., “video won’t play,” “login pop-up missing”)
- Any screenshots or error messages you can share
You can submit this information through Shift Support.
Tip: Blocker is designed to give you control — adjust its mode or disable it per site to find the right balance between privacy, performance, and usability
Related Articles
- All about Shift's Blocker Add-on
- Blocker add-on: Allowlisting
- Blocker add-on: Basics
- Blocker add-on: Fingerprinting and cross-site cookies
Encounter a new issue or have a question you can’t find the answer to? Click to access our request form and get in touch with our Support team.