The most direct way to block ads on YouTube
The YouTube app itself does not have a built-in ad blocker. YouTube's terms of service prohibit blocking ads within the app, and most ad blockers that work in web browsers cannot affect the mobile app. Your main options are to pay for YouTube Premium, use a different video player that downloads YouTube content, or switch to watching YouTube in a mobile web browser where some ad blockers work.
If you want to stop ads without paying, the most reliable method is to watch YouTube through your phone's web browser (Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android) instead of the YouTube app. From there, you can install an ad blocker extension that works on mobile, though this requires extra steps and works differently depending on your phone type.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium removes all ads from the app and costs a monthly fee, but is the only method YouTube officially supports.
- Ad blockers designed for desktop browsers do not work inside the YouTube mobile app due to how the app is built.
- Watching YouTube through your phone's web browser instead of the app allows you to use mobile ad blockers, though performance may be slower.
- Some third-party video apps can download YouTube videos for offline viewing without ads, but this violates YouTube's terms of service.
Why ad blockers do not work in the YouTube app
The YouTube app runs as a standalone program on your phone, separate from your web browser. Ad blockers are browser extensions or add-ons that only work inside browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Because the app does not use your browser, the ad blocker cannot see or block the ads the app displays.
YouTube also actively detects and blocks attempts to circumvent ads. If you try to use a VPN or modified version of the app to skip ads, YouTube will either show you an error message or disable your account. This is why workarounds that worked years ago no longer function.
Using YouTube Premium to remove all ads
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that removes ads from the YouTube app, the YouTube website, and YouTube Music. It costs a monthly fee that varies by country and whether you bundle it with other Google services. You can start a free trial through the YouTube app to test it before committing to payment.
To start a trial, open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, select "Get YouTube Premium," and follow the prompts. YouTube will ask for a payment method but will not charge you during the trial period. After the trial ends, your subscription will renew automatically unless you cancel it in your phone's subscription settings (Settings > Apps > YouTube on Android, or Settings > iTunes & App Store on iPhone).
Watching YouTube in your mobile browser with an ad blocker
Open Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android) and go to youtube.com. The mobile website version will load automatically. From here, you can install an ad blocker extension that works on mobile, though the process differs between iPhone and Android.
On Android: Chrome allows ad blocker extensions. Go to the three-dot menu in Chrome, select "Extensions," then visit the Chrome Web Store to search for and install an ad blocker like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus. Once installed, reload YouTube and the ad blocker should begin working.
On iPhone: Safari does not allow extensions to block ads within websites the way Chrome does on Android. Instead, you can install a content blocker app from the App Store (such as 1Blocker or Adblock), then enable it in Settings > Safari > Content Blockers. This blocks ads across Safari but may slow down page loading and does not work as reliably as browser extensions on Android.
Watching through the browser uses more data and battery than the app, and video playback may stutter on slower connections. The trade-off is that you avoid ads without paying.
Third-party apps that download YouTube videos
Some apps allow you to download videos from YouTube to watch offline without ads. Apps like Snaptube, TubeMate, or NewPipe let you save videos to your phone and play them in a video player that has no ads. However, downloading videos from YouTube violates YouTube's terms of service, and YouTube actively works to block these apps from functioning.
If you use a third-party downloader, YouTube may detect it and temporarily block your account from accessing the service. The app itself may also stop working without warning when YouTube updates its systems. This method is not reliable and carries the risk of account suspension.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Works in app? | Reliability | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | Monthly fee | Yes | Very reliable | Requires payment; no free option |
| Mobile browser + ad blocker | Free | No (browser only) | Reliable on Android; limited on iPhone | Slower performance; uses more battery |
| Third-party downloader apps | Free | No | Unreliable; frequently blocked | Violates terms of service; account risk |
What to do if your ad blocker stops working
YouTube regularly updates its systems to detect and disable ad blockers. If ads suddenly appear again in your mobile browser, the ad blocker extension or content blocker may have been disabled by a YouTube update. Check that your ad blocker is still enabled in your browser settings and that it has been updated to the latest version.
If the ad blocker is enabled but ads still appear, try uninstalling and reinstalling it, or switch to a different ad blocker. Some blockers are updated more frequently than others and may work better depending on your phone and browser combination. You can also try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then reloading YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to block YouTube ads?
No. A VPN only hides your location and internet activity; it does not block ads. YouTube will still show you ads even if you are using a VPN. Some people mistakenly believe a VPN can bypass YouTube's ad detection, but YouTube detects this and may disable your account.
Will YouTube Premium work on all my devices?
Yes. YouTube Premium covers your account across all devices where you are signed in, including the app, the website, and YouTube Music. You do not need a separate subscription for each device.
Is it safe to use third-party YouTube apps?
Third-party apps carry risks. They may contain malware, collect your personal data, or stop working without warning when YouTube blocks them. They also violate YouTube's terms of service, which could result in your account being suspended or permanently banned.
Why does the YouTube app show ads if I have an ad blocker installed on my phone?
Ad blockers only work inside web browsers, not in standalone apps. The YouTube app bypasses your browser entirely, so the ad blocker cannot see or block the ads. To use an ad blocker with YouTube, you must watch through your phone's web browser instead of the app.
Can I block ads on YouTube Kids?
YouTube Kids is designed for children and does not allow ad blockers or extensions. It also does not support YouTube Premium. The app is built to show age-appropriate content with limited customization options for ad control.