AVG Antivirus offers strong web protection through tools like Web Shield and Firewall, which are designed to block dangerous or suspicious websites. However, sometimes AVG blocks websites that are actually safe, causing unnecessary frustration and interruptions—especially when you’re trying to access a work portal, email platform, or personal blog you trust.
This is known as a false positive, and while it’s meant to protect you, it can occasionally get in the way. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through what to do when AVG blocks safe websites, how to verify a site is secure, and the right way to whitelist or unblock it in AVG without compromising your system’s safety.
Why Does AVG Block Safe Websites?
AVG uses multiple layers of security to scan and monitor websites you visit. It might block a site if:
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The website’s SSL certificate is invalid or expired
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The URL was flagged for suspicious behavior in the past
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The site is hosted on a server with a bad reputation
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Web Shield settings are overly strict
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A browser plugin or extension interferes with site loading
Even if a website is harmless, AVG may still block it out of caution. That’s why it’s important to verify the site’s safety before bypassing any blocks.
How to Confirm the Website is Actually Safe
Before overriding AVG’s security, double-check the safety of the site:
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Use Google Safe Browsing (transparencyreport.google.com)
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Scan the URL using VirusTotal (virustotal.com)
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Check for HTTPS and a valid security certificate
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Confirm the site owner or publisher
Once you’re confident the site poses no risk, you can proceed to whitelist it in AVG.
Step-by-Step Fix: How to Stop AVG from Blocking a Safe Website
1. Temporarily Disable Web Shield (Not Recommended for Long Use)
If you urgently need access to a site:
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Open AVG Antivirus
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Go to Menu > Settings > Basic Protection > Web Shield
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Toggle off Web Shield
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Visit the site
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Turn Web Shield back on immediately afterward
⚠️ Only use this for a few minutes. Prolonged disabling leaves you vulnerable.
2. Add the Website to AVG’s Exceptions List
This is the best way to permanently allow a safe website.
To whitelist a URL:
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Open AVG Antivirus
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Go to Menu > Settings > General > Exceptions
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Click Add Exception
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Type the full URL (e.g.,
https://www.yoursafewebsite.com) -
Click Add Exception
Now AVG will no longer block or scan this specific site.
3. Turn Off HTTPS Scanning (Optional)
Some secure websites are blocked because AVG’s HTTPS scanner can’t validate the certificate properly.
To disable HTTPS scanning:
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Open AVG
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Navigate to Menu > Settings > Basic Protection > Web Shield
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Uncheck Enable HTTPS Scanning
This can help if the problem occurs across multiple trusted websites. But keep in mind, it weakens protection—use with caution.
4. Check AVG Firewall Rules (For Internet Security Users)
If you have AVG Internet Security, the Firewall might be blocking the site.
To adjust firewall settings:
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Open AVG
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Click Menu > Settings > Full Protection > Enhanced Firewall
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Go to Packet Rules or Application Rules
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Review any blocks related to your browser
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Allow your browser or add custom rules for specific IPs/URLs
5. Clear Browser Cache or Try a Different Browser
Sometimes, cached data or browser extensions cause problems.
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Try visiting the website in Incognito/Private mode
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Use a different browser like Firefox or Edge
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Disable browser extensions one by one
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Clear browser cookies and cache
If AVG is not the issue, it might just be browser-related.
6. Update AVG and Browser
Outdated software can cause false positives or incompatibility:
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Go to AVG > Menu > Settings > Update
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Ensure both Virus Definitions and Program are current
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Also update your web browser to the latest version
This resolves many Web Shield bugs and compatibility issues.
7. Report the False Positive to AVG
If you’re confident the website is safe and AVG still blocks it:
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Visit the AVG Threat Lab: https://www.avg.com/false-positive-file-form
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Submit the URL for review
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AVG’s team may whitelist the domain in future updates
This helps not just you, but other users affected by the same block.
Conclusion
When AVG blocks websites you know are safe, it’s most often due to false positives, expired certificates, or strict Web Shield settings. While it’s frustrating, the situation is manageable with a few careful steps. Always verify the site’s safety first using trusted tools. Then, add it to AVG’s exceptions list or tweak Web Shield settings. Avoid permanently disabling protection features unless absolutely necessary. And don’t forget—you can help improve AVG by reporting safe sites that are wrongly flagged. With the right balance of caution and customization, you can keep your browsing secure without unnecessary blocks.
