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How to fix: No intrusive mobile interstitials

Why this matters

Google penalises 'intrusive interstitials' as a mobile UX ranking factor. Full-screen popups, modals, or overlays that cover the primary content on first paint reduce rankings. Cookie consent banners are exempt where legally required.

Background

Google penalises full-screen popups that obscure mobile content on first paint. Cookie consent banners are exempt where legally required.

References

Google · Intrusive interstitials penalty (2017)

How to fix

Code snippet for each stack we cover. Pick the one matching your server / framework.

nginx 
No server config.
apache 
Same.
cloudflare 
Same.
wordpress 
Replace 'enter your email' lightboxes with inline forms or slide-in panels. OptinMonster + others support compliant slide-in modes.
flask 
Same — template-level decision.
express 
Same.
rails 
Same.

Verify it's working

Open the page on a real mobile device. The first screen should show main content, not a popup overlay.

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