How to close Elementor Popup with the Esc button or by clicking outside?

Updated onApril 22, 2026By

Key Takeaways

  • Elementor popups capture leads effectively with the Popup Builder widget in The Plus Addons for Elementor.
  • The Plus Addons for Elementor allows toggling on Esc Button Close Content for easy dismissal of popups by pressing the Esc key.
  • Outer Click Close Content can be enabled to let users close popups by clicking outside the popup area.
Table Of Content

Elementor popups are effective for capturing leads, and the Popup Builder widget in The Plus Addons for Elementor lets you give visitors multiple ways to close them. You can enable Esc key dismissal and outside-click close from the Extra Options tab so users can exit the popup without searching for a close button.

To check the complete feature overview documentation of The Plus Addons for Elementor Popup Builder, click here.

Best Used For:

  • Exit-intent popups on landing pages where low-friction dismissal keeps the experience positive
  • Newsletter and lead capture popups where forcing interaction reduces conversions
  • Full-screen overlay popups where clicking outside the popup is the most natural close action

Requirement  – This widget is a part of The Plus Addons for Elementor, make sure its installed & activated to enjoy all its powers.

LIVE WIDGET LINK

To enable these close options, add the Popup Builder widget to the page and follow the steps –

1. Open the Elementor editor and select the Popup Builder widget on the page.

2. Go to the Content tab and open the Extra Options section.

3. Toggle on Esc Button Close Content to let visitors close the popup by pressing the Esc key. Use this for popups that appear on page load or after a time delay, since desktop users can press Esc to dismiss without moving the cursor to a close button.

Popup builder esc new how to close elementor popup with the esc button or by clicking outside? From the plus addons for elementor

Suggested reading, how to open popup on exit Intent in Elementor.

4. Toggle on Outer Click Close Content to let visitors close the popup by clicking anywhere outside the popup area. This helps when you have a full-screen or center-modal popup with a visible backdrop, so clicking the background works as a natural exit.

Popup builder outer click new how to close elementor popup with the esc button or by clicking outside? From the plus addons for elementor

5. Click Update to save your changes.

Both options can be active at the same time. If you want to close the popup using a button or link element instead, see How to Add Advanced Buttons in Elementor? to configure a button that triggers the close action on click.

Note: If Esc or outside-click close is not working, confirm both toggles are on under Extra Options and reload the Elementor editor after saving.

Learn how to show a popup once per session.

About the Author

Photo of Aditya Sharma CMO of The Plus Addons for Elementor
CMO · The Plus Addons for Elementor · 7 years experience

He has spent years in the WordPress ecosystem building, breaking, and optimizing sites until they actually perform. He works at the intersection of speed, growth, and usability, helping creators ship websites that load fast and convert. An active WordPress community contributor sharing through tools, tutorials, and direct collaboration. Tested practice, not theory.

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Related Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the Esc button doesn't close the Elementor popup?

If the Esc button isn't closing your Elementor popup, ensure that you have enabled the feature in the Extra Options. Navigate to Extra Options > Esc Button Close Content and toggle it on. This setting is crucial for allowing users to easily exit the popup using their keyboard, enhancing user experience.

What are the best practices for using popups in Elementor?

Best practices for using popups in Elementor include ensuring easy exit options, like enabling the Esc key and outer click close features. This prevents negative user experiences. Additionally, consider using popups strategically, such as for exit intent, to engage users without being intrusive. For more on this, check out how to open a popup on exit Intent in Elementor.

Does the Popup Builder from The Plus Addons for Elementor support multiple closing options?

The Popup Builder from The Plus Addons for Elementor allows you to enable multiple closing options. You can turn on both the Esc button and outer click close features, giving users flexibility in how they exit the popup. This can improve user satisfaction and engagement.

How can I ensure my popup only shows once per session in Elementor?

To ensure your popup only shows once per session in Elementor, you can implement specific settings that limit its visibility. This approach can prevent annoyance for repeat visitors and improve engagement. For detailed instructions, refer to the guide on how to show a popup once per session.

Last reviewed: April 22, 2026

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