Manage warnings about unsafe sites

You may get a warning if the site you try to visit is unsafe. These sites are often called phishing or malware sites.

Get warnings about unsafe sites

Phishing and malware detection is turned on by default in Chrome. When you encounter phishing, malware, unwanted software, or social engineering sites, you may get a red warning that says "Dangerous site." If you see this warning, we recommend that you don't visit the site.

To protect you from unsafe websites, Google Safe Browsing maintains a list of websites that might put you at risk for malware, abusive extensions, phishing, malicious and intrusive ads, and social engineering attacks.

To detect and warn you about known and new unsafe sites in real time, you can also turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing. Learn about Safe Browsing protection level in Chrome.

Tip: Download with caution. Some sites may tell you that you have a virus to get you to download harmful software. Be careful not to download any harmful software.

What warnings about unsafe sites mean

Unsafe sites are usually websites that trick you to do something dangerous online, like try to make you give away your passwords or personal information. They can harm your device or cause problems when you browse online.

These sites may be:

• Phishing
• Social engineering
• Trying to install malware or unwanted software on your computer

Manage warnings about unsafe sites

If you don't want to be warned about unsafe sites, you can turn off Safe Browsing in Chrome. This also turns off download warnings.

Important: We do not recommend turning off Safe Browsing.

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, click More Settings.
3. Click Privacy and security  Security.
4. Under "Safe Browsing," choose No protection (not recommended).

Tip: If you use Chrome at work or school, your network admin may set up phishing and malware protection for you and you can’t change this setting yourself.

When you visit an unsafe site

If you understand the risks to your security, you can visit a page that shows a warning. This isn't recommended.

Visit an unsafe page

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. On the page where you get a warning, select Details  Visit this unsafe site.
3. The page will load.

Download an unsafe file

You can download a file that shows a warning. This isn't recommended.

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, click More Downloads.
3. Find the file you want to download.
4. Click More Download dangerous file.

Did you mean [site name]?

If you get this message, Chrome thinks that the web address may be for a different site than the one you expected.

The message may also say “Is this the right site?” or “Fake site ahead.”

You get this message when the site you try to visit:

• Appears similar to a safe site you usually visit.
• Tries to trick you with a URL that is slightly changed from a known safe site.
• Has a URL that is slightly different from a URL in your browsing history.

If you think a page was flagged in error and you want to proceed to the site, select Yes, continue.

My site or software is marked dangerous or suspicious

• Site owner:
  • If you own a site marked as dangerous: Follow the instructions to fix the problem and request a review.
  • If you own a site that has been marked with a “Did you mean,” “Is this the right site, ” or “Fake site ahead” warning: Follow the instructions to fix the problem and request a review.
• Software owner:
  • If you're a software publisher and Chrome flags your downloads: Learn how to resolve malware issues with your downloads.

Related resources

• Remove unwanted ads, pop-ups & malware
• Check if a site's connection is secure
• Manage Chrome safety and security