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Tired of paying $13.99/month for YouTube Premium? Getting interrupted by ads while watching your favorite videos?

As an IT security professional, I’ve tested and verified the most effective methods to block YouTube ads legally. No shady apps or risky workarounds—just proven solutions that work in 2026.

 

 

01. Why YouTube Ad Blocking Became Harder

Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand what we’re up against.

Since May 2023, YouTube has been displaying warnings to users with ad blockers: “Ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service.” In June 2024, they escalated further by implementing server-side ad insertion, embedding ads directly into the video stream.

However, effective solutions still exist. The cat-and-mouse game between YouTube and ad blocker developers continues, with certain tools maintaining consistent effectiveness through regular updates.

 

 

02. Best Methods for PC (Windows/Mac)

Method 1: uBlock Origin – Most Powerful Browser Extension

uBlock Origin remains the most effective ad blocker for YouTube as of January 2026. It consistently bypasses YouTube’s detection systems better than alternatives.

Installation (Chrome/Edge)

  1. Visit the uBlock Origin Chrome Web Store page
  2. Click “Add to Chrome”
  3. Ads will be blocked automatically after installation

Firefox Users

When Ads Reappear

If YouTube updates their detection system and ads return:

  1. Click the uBlock Origin icon
  2. Click the settings gear icon (⚙️)
  3. Go to “Filter lists” tab
  4. Find “uBlock filters – Quick fixes”
  5. Click the clock icon (⏰) to purge caches
  6. Click “Update now”

This refreshes the filters to block the latest ad detection methods.

Method 2: Brave Browser – Zero Configuration Required

For those who prefer simplicity, Brave Browser offers built-in ad blocking without any extensions or configuration.

Key Advantages

  • Native ad blocking (no extensions needed)
  • Blocks all YouTube ads by default
  • Chromium-based (compatible with Chrome extensions and bookmarks)
  • Enhanced privacy protection
  • Mobile version supports background playback

Installation

  1. Download from Brave’s official website
  2. Install for your OS (Windows/Mac/Linux supported)
  3. Visit YouTube—ads are blocked automatically

User Experience

Brave displays real-time statistics showing blocked ads and trackers on every new tab. Users typically see hundreds of blocked items daily.

Comparison: uBlock Origin vs Brave

Feature uBlock Origin Brave Browser
Setup Difficulty ★★☆☆☆ (Extension install) ★☆☆☆☆ (Browser only)
Ad Blocking Power ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
Update Requirement Occasional (every 1-2 months) Automatic
Keep Existing Browser ✅ Yes ❌ New browser
Additional Features Highly customizable Privacy-focused

 

 

03. Mobile Solutions

Mobile is more restrictive than desktop, but options still exist.

Android Users

Method 1: Firefox + uBlock Origin (Most Reliable)

Android Firefox supports extensions, making it the best mobile option.

  1. Install “Firefox Browser” from Google Play
  2. Open Firefox → Menu (☰) → “Add-ons”
  3. Search for and install uBlock Origin
  4. Access YouTube through Firefox

Method 2: Brave Browser (Easiest)

  • Install Brave from Google Play
  • Access YouTube website (not the app)
  • Includes background playback support

Method 3: Alternative Browsers with Built-in Blocking

  • Kiwi Browser (supports Chrome extensions)
  • Yandex Browser (built-in ad blocking)

iPhone (iOS) Users

iOS is more restrictive due to Apple’s security policies, but Safari workarounds exist.

Safari + Content Blockers

  1. Install “AdGuard” or “1Blocker” from App Store
  2. Go to Settings → Safari → Extensions
  3. Enable your ad blocker
  4. Access YouTube through Safari browser

Important Notes

  • iOS 15 or later required for best results
  • Must use Safari browser, not YouTube app
  • Some ads may still appear due to iOS limitations

 

 

04. Critical Things to Know

⚠️ These Methods Don’t Work in YouTube Apps

All methods described work only through web browsers. The official YouTube mobile app cannot be ad-blocked using these techniques.

⚠️ Periodic Updates Required

YouTube continuously updates their ad systems. When ads reappear, simply update your ad blocker filters or clear browser cache.

⚠️ Supporting Content Creators

YouTube ads are creators’ primary revenue source. Consider supporting your favorite channels through:

  • Channel memberships
  • Super Chat/donations
  • Official merchandise purchases
  • Patreon or similar platforms

 

 

05. The Official Solution: YouTube Premium

The most reliable and comprehensive solution remains YouTube Premium.

Benefits

  • Complete ad removal (all devices, including apps)
  • Background playback
  • Offline downloads
  • YouTube Music Premium included

Pricing (2026)

  • Individual: $13.99/month
  • Family Plan: $22.99/month (up to 6 members)
  • Student: $7.99/month

Splitting a Family Plan among 4-5 people reduces costs to ~$5/person monthly.

 

 

06. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is ad blocking illegal? A. Ad blockers themselves are legal. However, using them may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service, which could result in playback restrictions—but not criminal penalties.

Q. Are these ad blockers safe? A. uBlock Origin and Brave are open-source projects used by millions. Stick to official sources and avoid sketchy “ad blocker” apps from unknown developers.

Q. How long will these methods work? A. The ongoing battle between YouTube and ad blockers means solutions evolve constantly. uBlock Origin’s active community typically releases updates within days when YouTube implements new detection.

Q. Can I really not block ads in the YouTube mobile app? A. Correct. The official YouTube app makes ad blocking technically infeasible. Use mobile browsers or subscribe to Premium for app-based ad-free viewing.

 

 

Final Recommendations

Here’s my recommended approach:

✅ Desktop: uBlock Origin or Brave Browser
✅ Android: Firefox + uBlock Origin or Brave mobile
✅ iPhone: Safari + AdGuard
✅ Most Reliable: YouTube Premium subscription

Personally, I use uBlock Origin on desktop and Brave on mobile. However, if you frequently watch YouTube and can afford it, Premium is genuinely worth the investment—especially when split through a Family Plan.

 

 

Useful Links

 

 

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