If you want to block YouTube ads, the right method depends on your device. Desktop has the most powerful options, while phones — especially inside the official YouTube app — are trickier. This is a quick, device-by-device guide to blocking YouTube ads in 2026, free and paid. For a deeper comparison of every approach, see How to Watch YouTube Without Ads.
On desktop (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
The most reliable ad blocking is on a computer:
- Open the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
- Install uBlock Origin (open-source and consistently effective against YouTube's anti-adblock).
- Reload YouTube — ads are gone.
Prefer a browser with blocking built in? Brave blocks YouTube ads by default, no extension needed.
On iPhone
Ad-blocking extensions don't work inside the official YouTube app on iOS, so you have two practical routes:
- A dedicated ad-free app — the simplest option. Tube Browser Pro plays YouTube video and music ad-free with background playback, free and with no subscription. Full walkthrough: How to Block YouTube Ads on iPhone.
- Safari content blocker — install AdGuard or 1Blocker, enable it under Settings → Safari → Extensions, and watch YouTube on
youtube.comin Safari (not the app).
On Android
- Use a browser like Brave or Firefox with uBlock Origin to watch YouTube ad-free on the web.
- Dedicated ad-blocking apps and DNS-based blockers (like AdGuard) can also reduce ads system-wide.
On any device: YouTube Premium
If you'd rather pay for the official route, YouTube Premium removes ads everywhere, including inside the app, and adds background play and downloads. See how much YouTube Premium costs to decide if it's worth it.
A note on YouTube's terms
Blocking ads goes against YouTube's Terms of Service on its own site, and YouTube may prompt you to allow ads or subscribe. Using a separate app or browser is how most people watch ad-free. Remember that ads fund creators — consider supporting channels you rely on.
FAQ
Can you block YouTube ads without paying?
Yes. On desktop, free extensions like uBlock Origin or the Brave browser block ads. On iPhone, a free app like Tube Browser Pro plays YouTube ad-free without a subscription.
How do I block YouTube ads on my iPhone?
Extensions can't touch the official YouTube app, so use a dedicated ad-free app like Tube Browser Pro, or a Safari content blocker for the web version. See our iPhone walkthrough.
How do I permanently block YouTube ads?
There's no single permanent switch, but a dedicated app or a browser with built-in blocking gives you a consistently ad-free experience every time, without per-video setup.
Is blocking YouTube ads legal?
Using an ad blocker or an alternative app to watch public videos is legal, though it goes against YouTube's Terms of Service on its own site. Many people also support creators directly to make up for it.
On an iPhone and want the easiest fix? Get Tube Browser Pro — free, ad-free YouTube with background play. Compare every method in How to Watch YouTube Without Ads or see the best YouTube ad blockers for iPhone.