YouTube ads have become increasingly aggressive in 2026. Users now face up to 10 unskippable ads per hour, mid-roll interruptions, and even ads on paused screens. Here's every working method to block them across all devices.
Understanding YouTube's Ad Types
- Pre-roll ads: Play before your video starts
- Mid-roll ads: Interrupt videos (on videos 8+ minutes)
- Post-roll ads: Play after videos end
- Banner ads: Appear below videos
- Sponsored segments: Paid promotions by creators (not blocked by most methods)
Desktop/PC Methods
uBlock Origin (Recommended)
The most effective free ad blocker. Works on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Blocks all YouTube ad types including the new anti-adblock measures.
- ✅ Free and open source
- ✅ Blocks all ads
- ✅ Light on resources
- ✅ Also blocks SponsorBlock segments (with extension)
Brave Browser
A privacy-focused browser with built-in ad blocking. YouTube ads are blocked by default.
Android Methods
YouTube Premium Mod APK (Best)
Modified YouTube app with all ads removed. No root required, simple installation.
- ✅ Complete ad removal
- ✅ Background play
- ✅ SponsorBlock included
- ✅ No root needed
NewPipe
Open-source YouTube client. No ads, no tracking, downloads available. Different interface from official app.
Firefox + uBlock Origin
Firefox Mobile supports extensions. Install uBlock Origin and watch YouTube in browser.
iPhone/iOS Methods
Safari + Content Blockers
Use Safari with ad-blocking extensions like AdGuard or 1Blocker. Watch YouTube in browser instead of app.
Brave Browser
Brave for iOS blocks YouTube ads when watching in browser. Free and effective.
Smart TV Methods
SmartTube (Android TV)
For Android TV devices (NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, etc.). Ad-free with SponsorBlock.
Pi-hole / AdGuard Home
Block ads at the network level. Works for all devices but may have inconsistent results with YouTube (Google serves ads from same domains as content).
What About SponsorBlock?
SponsorBlock is a community-powered extension that skips sponsored segments within videos (the "this video is brought to you by..." parts). It's included in many mod APKs and available as a browser extension.