The YouTube app does not let you block ads the way a browser extension does
The YouTube app on your phone or tablet does not support ad blockers. Unlike a web browser, where extensions like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus can intercept ads before they load, the app communicates directly with YouTube's servers in a way that blocks third-party filtering. You cannot install extensions in the YouTube app, and you cannot route its traffic through a proxy or VPN that strips ads.
This means your options are narrower than they are on a desktop browser. You can pay for YouTube Premium, use the mobile web version of YouTube instead of the app, or switch to a different app that plays YouTube videos without ads. Each route has tradeoffs in convenience, cost, and features.
Key Takeaways
- The YouTube app itself cannot be modified to block ads, because it does not support extensions or filtering tools.
- YouTube Premium removes ads from the app and costs $11.99 per month, or $119.99 per year if paid annually.
- Using YouTube through your phone's web browser instead of the app lets you use ad blockers, but playback is less smooth and you lose picture-in-picture and offline features.
- Third-party apps like NewPipe and Vanced (no longer updated) can play YouTube videos without ads, but they violate YouTube's terms of service and may stop working without warning.
- VPNs and DNS-based ad blockers do not work on the YouTube app because the app uses encrypted connections that bypass those tools.
YouTube Premium removes all ads for a monthly or yearly fee
YouTube Premium is the official way to remove ads from the YouTube app. It costs $11.99 per month if you pay monthly, or $119.99 per year if you pay annually (which works out to about $10 per month). The subscription removes ads from videos, shorts, and search results across all your devices where you are signed in.
Premium also includes YouTube Music ad-free, the ability to read videos to watch offline, and picture-in-picture mode so you can keep a video playing in a small window while you use other apps. If you already pay for YouTube Music separately, Premium is often cheaper than both subscriptions combined.
You can cancel anytime, and YouTube offers a free trial period (usually one month) when you first sign up. The price varies slightly by country and may increase over time.
Using YouTube in your mobile browser lets you explore ad blockers
You can visit youtube.com in your phone's web browser instead of using the app. Once you do, you can install an ad blocker extension if your browser supports them. On Android, Firefox and Brave both allow extensions; on iPhone, no browser allows extensions because Apple restricts them system-wide.
The tradeoff is that the web version plays videos less smoothly than the app does, especially on slower connections. You also lose features like picture-in-picture, offline downloads, and the ability to cast to a TV. The interface is also smaller and less touch-friendly than the app.
If you use Android with Firefox, install uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus from the Firefox add-ons store, then open youtube.com in Firefox. Ads will be blocked the same way they are on desktop. On iPhone, Brave browser has built-in ad blocking, so ads will not appear without installing anything extra.
Third-party YouTube apps exist but carry risks
Apps like NewPipe (Android only) and the now-discontinued YouTube Vanced can play YouTube videos without ads. NewPipe is free and open-source, meaning anyone can see and modify its code. It does not require a Google account and lets you read videos.
The risk is that these apps violate YouTube's terms of service. YouTube can block them at any time by changing how its servers work, and when that happens, the app stops functioning with no warning. NewPipe has survived longer than most alternatives, but there is no may provide it will continue to work. Google has also sent cease-and-desist letters to developers of similar apps.
If you choose to use a third-party app, understand that you are using it at your own risk and that it may stop working without notice. You also will not support creators through YouTube's ad revenue system.
VPNs and DNS blockers do not work on the YouTube app
Some people try to use a VPN or a DNS-based ad blocker (like Pi-hole or Nextdns) to block ads on the YouTube app. This does not work because the YouTube app uses encrypted HTTPS connections that bypass DNS filtering. A VPN can hide your location and encrypt your traffic, but it cannot intercept and block ads the way a browser extension does.
The app also detects when you are using certain VPNs and may refuse to play videos or show a warning. If you want to use a VPN for privacy reasons, it will not help you remove ads from YouTube.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Cost | Works on YouTube App | Removes All Ads | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | $11.99/month or $119.99/year | Yes | Yes | Ongoing subscription cost |
| Mobile web browser + ad blocker | Free (on Android with Firefox or Brave) | No | Yes | Slower playback, fewer features, iPhone cannot use extensions |
| Third-party apps (NewPipe) | Free | No (different app) | Yes | Violates terms of service, may stop working, Android only |
| VPN or DNS blocker | Free to $10+/month | No | No | Does not block YouTube ads |
What usually works best for different situations
If you watch YouTube daily and want the full app experience with no ads, YouTube Premium is the most reliable option. The cost is fixed, it works on all devices, and you support creators through the revenue share.
If you watch occasionally and do not mind a slower experience, using Firefox on Android with uBlock Origin is free and effective. You lose some convenience, but you keep full control and pay nothing.
If you are on iPhone and want to avoid ads without paying, your realistic options are limited. The web browser route with Brave is the best free option, though it is slower than the app. YouTube Premium is the only way to get the full app experience ad-free.
Third-party apps are tempting because they are free, but the risk that they stop working without warning makes them unreliable for regular use. Use them only if you understand that risk and accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ad blocker on the YouTube app if I sideload it?
No. Sideloading an app (installing it from outside the official store) does not change how the app communicates with YouTube's servers. The app still cannot be modified to block ads, and YouTube's servers still will not send ads through a filter you control. Sideloading does not bypass this limitation.
Will YouTube Premium work on all my devices?
Yes, if you are signed into the same Google account on each device. YouTube Premium removes ads from the app on phones, tablets, and the web, as well as on smart TVs and other devices where you are signed in. You do not need a separate subscription for each device.
If I use an ad blocker on the web version, will creators still get paid?
No. When you block ads, creators do not receive the revenue from those ads. This is one reason why many creators ask viewers to use YouTube Premium or turn off ad blockers. If you want to support a creator while avoiding ads, YouTube Premium is the option that pays them.
Does YouTube ever ban accounts for using ad blockers?
YouTube has not widely banned accounts for using ad blockers on the web version, but it has shown warnings to users and has stated that ad blockers violate its terms of service. Using an ad blocker on the web is technically against the rules, though enforcement is inconsistent. Using third-party apps like NewPipe is a clearer violation and carries higher risk.
Is there a free way to remove ads from the YouTube app on iPhone?
Not reliably. iPhone does not allow ad blocker extensions in any browser, and third-party YouTube apps are not available on the App Store. Your free options are limited to the web version with Brave browser (which has built-in ad blocking), but this is slower and less convenient than the app. YouTube Premium is the practical paid option for iPhone users.