How to Block YouTube Ads: All Methods in 2025

It’s a familiar story: you’re settling in to watch a new video, a tutorial, or your favorite music playlist, and suddenly, you’re hit with an ad. Then another. And another. While I understand that ads support creators and keep the platform free, the sheer volume of them can sometimes disrupt the viewing experience. If you’ve been wondering how to block ads on YouTube, you’re not alone. I’ve looked into all the current methods that work in 2025, and I’m here to share what I’ve found for desktop and mobile devices.

Using Ad Blocker Extensions on Your Computer

One of the most popular and effective ways to block YouTube ads is by using a browser extension. These add-ons are typically easy to install and work in the background to filter out ads not just on YouTube, but across many websites.

Top Ad Blocker Extensions for 2025:

• Total Adblock: This is a highly effective option that specifically targets and eliminates YouTube video ads. During testing, it works seamlessly, making ads disappear and letting you get straight to your video. It often includes features that show you how many ads and trackers it has blocked.
• uBlock Origin: A favorite among tech enthusiasts, uBlock Origin is a lightweight, open-source, and highly customizable ad blocker. It’s known for its efficiency and low resource usage, meaning it won’t slow down your browser. While powerful, it might require a little configuration for those who want to fine-tune its settings. You can get it directly from the Chrome Web Store or Mozilla Add-ons.
• AdGuard: AdGuard offers robust ad-blocking capabilities and also provides protection from trackers and malicious websites. It’s a comprehensive solution that works on all major browsers and can be a great all-in-one tool for a cleaner, safer Browse experience.

It’s important to use only one primary ad blocker at a time. Running multiple ad blockers can cause conflicts and may not improve performance. Also, keep your ad blocker updated, as YouTube frequently changes its methods for delivering ads.

Switching to a Privacy-Focused Browser

Some web browsers are built from the ground up with privacy and ad-blocking in mind. These can be a fantastic, all-in-one solution if you want to avoid the hassle of managing extensions.

Brave Browser

The Brave browser is arguably the most well-known in this category. It has a built-in ad and tracker blocker, called Brave Shields, that is enabled by default. I’ve found that using Brave for YouTube provides a clean, ad-free experience right out of the box. You don’t need to install anything extra; just navigate to YouTube and watch. Brave is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Solutions for Blocking YouTube Ads on Mobile Devices

Watching YouTube on a phone or tablet presents a different set of challenges, as traditional browser extensions don’t always work in the same way. However, there are still several effective methods to block ads on both Android and iOS.

For Android Users

1. Use a Browser with Ad-Blocking: Just like on desktop, browsers like Brave are available on the Google Play Store and will block YouTube ads when you watch through the browser.
2. Private DNS: This is a clever trick for system-wide ad blocking on many Android devices. By changing your Private DNS provider in your network settings, you can filter out ad traffic.
   • Go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings.
   • Tap on Private DNS and select Private DNS provider hostname.
   • Enter a hostname like dns.adguard.com and save. This can block a significant number of ads within apps and browsers.

For iOS Users (iPhone and iPad)

Blocking ads on iOS can be a bit trickier due to Apple’s security policies, but it’s definitely possible.

1. Safari Content Blockers: For those who watch YouTube in the Safari browser, you can install a content blocker from the App Store. Apps like AdGuard or 1Blocker integrate with Safari to filter out ads.
   • Download the blocker from the App Store.
   • Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions and enable the blocker.
2. Use an Ad-Blocking Browser: The Brave browser is also available for iOS and provides an excellent ad-free YouTube experience directly through its app.
3. Dedicated Ad-Blocking Apps: Some apps, like AdLock, offer system-wide filtering through DNS technology and may even include a built-in player for watching YouTube without interruptions.

The Official Method: YouTube Premium

Of course, I have to mention YouTube’s own solution. YouTube Premium is a subscription service that offers a completely ad-free experience across all devices where you’re logged into your account—including the official YouTube app on mobile, desktop, and smart TVs.

Benefits and Cost of YouTube Premium

While it’s not a free method, YouTube Premium offers more than just the removal of ads.

• Ad-Free Viewing: No interruptions on any YouTube video.
• Background Play: You can play a video in the background on your mobile device while using other apps or when your screen is off. This is perfect for listening to music or long-form content.
• Offline Downloads: Download videos to your device to watch later without an internet connection.
• YouTube Music Premium: Full access to YouTube’s music streaming service is included.

As of early 2025, the standard individual plan for YouTube Premium is $13.99 per month. There are also Family ($22.99/month) and Student ($7.99/month) plans available, which can offer better value. You can find more information on their official YouTube Premium page.

A Final Takeaway

Choosing the right method for blocking YouTube ads really comes down to your personal preference and how you watch videos.

For casual desktop users, a simple ad blocker extension like uBlock Origin is often the perfect, set-it-and-forget-it solution. For those seeking a more integrated privacy experience on both desktop and mobile, the Brave browser is a fantastic choice.

If you’re a heavy YouTube user, especially on mobile, and value features like background play and offline downloads, then investing in a YouTube Premium subscription is undoubtedly the most seamless and reliable way to get an uninterrupted experience while still supporting the creators you love.