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Exit-intent trigger

This article covers exit-intent triggers, how they work on desktop and mobile, and when to use them

Updated over a week ago

Exit-intent is a display trigger that shows a widget when a visitor is likely to leave the site. This gives you one last opportunity to deliver a message or offer.

How it works on a desktop

On desktop, exit-intent works by tracking mouse activity. When the cursor moves toward the top of the browser — for example, near the tab bar or close button — the system triggers the widget automatically.

Simply select ‘Exit intent’ as a trigger in a widget display rules, it will automatically work for desktop users.

How it works on mobile devices

Exit-intent works on desktop, but doesn’t work on mobile devices.

On desktop, it’s triggered when the system detects the cursor moving toward the browser’s close button. Since mobile devices don’t have a cursor, this detection isn’t possible. The good news? You can still reach mobile visitors at the right moment by using behavioral triggers.

We recommend creating two separate widgets:

  1. Desktop widget — with the ‘Exit intent’ condition enabled.

  2. Mobile widget — a copy of the desktop widget, but with exit intent replaced by alternative triggers:

  • Spent on the website (time delay).

  • Read the page by X% (scroll depth).

To use them effectively, review your website analytics — look at the average session duration and scroll depth, then set your triggers to activate slightly earlier than when users typically leave. This helps display the widget at the right moment without being too late.

Plus, you can target the pop-up to mobile users:

This approach lets you control the experience for each device type and ensures that your popup displays at the right time for all users.

How to make exit-intent popups more targeted

Exit-intent works, but it’s not always enough on its own. If you add another trigger — like time on page or scroll — you can control things better. It means fewer popups shown at the wrong time. People see them when they’re more likely to care.

Note

  • Use When all conditions are met (AND logic) when you want to show the popup only to qualified leads.

  • Use When any condition is met (OR logic) if you want to increase visibility across different behaviors (for example, ‘exit intent + inactive 60 seconds’).

Timing and scroll depth + Exit intent

Adding a minimum time condition helps ensure the visitor has had a chance to look around your site, while scroll percentage shows how far they’ve engaged with your content. Combining this with exit intent helps display the widget only to more qualified visitors.

Example use

Only show exit-intent popups to users who have spent more than 30 seconds on the page. This filters out accidental visits and low-quality traffic. Or you can trigger a popup when the user has scrolled at least 50% and shows signs of exit. This ensures the offer reaches those who were actively reading but still thinking of leaving.

Page URL + Exit intent

You can limit the popup to specific pages where user dropout has the highest cost (such as cart, checkout, or pricing pages). Skip the homepage or blog, where exit intent may not be as relevant.

Example use

Show exit-intent only on the checkout page to prevent abandonment. In the On pages section, click Add condition, then select from the drop-down: URL > equals > [specify your link].

Visitor type (new vs. returning) + Exit intent

New and returning users may need different offers. Combining visitor type with exit intent lets you tailor messaging.

Example use

  • First-time visitor: show a ‘10% off your first order’ popup.

  • Returning visitor: offer loyalty rewards.

Inactivity (idle time) + Exit intent

If a user hasn’t interacted with the page for a set time and starts to leave, this might indicate hesitation — a perfect moment to re-engage.

Example use

If a user is inactive for 60+ seconds and then exits, show a message offering help or a downloadable guide.

If you're unsure how to choose the right conditions, we're here to help. Reach out to our support team via chat or email.

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