How to Block YouTube Ads on iPhone, iOS & iPad

Tired of YouTube ads interrupting your videos? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a mid-roll ad in your favorite vlog or a banner popping up during a music video, ads can quickly ruin your YouTube experience, especially on iPhones, where options for ad-blocking are more limited than on desktop. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn the most effective and safe ways to block YouTube ads on iPhone in 2025, including using YouTube ad blockers for iOS like AdLock, changing settings, and more. Let’s dive in.

YouTube is not the only source of irritating commercials – they come from browsers, system apps, games, etc. If you want to know if there’s a way to block all ads on iPhone once and for all, we’ve got you.

Why Are YouTube Ads So Persistent on iPhones?

Apple’s closed ecosystem limits background processes and extensions that are typically used for ad-blocking on other platforms. That’s why many traditional ad blockers either don’t work or work only in Safari. But there are effective workarounds, especially if you’re using the right tools.

YouTube displays ads in various formats:

• Pre-roll ads (before the video)
• Mid-roll ads (during the video)
• Banner ads
• Overlay ads
• YouTube Shorts ads
  

Some of these can be blocked entirely, and others can be reduced using DNS filtering and specialized browsers. If you want to remove ads from YouTube on iPhone, read on.

The Best Ways to Block YouTube Ads on iPhone

1. Use AdLock – The All-in-One YouTube Ad Blocker on iPhone

AdLock is one of the few solutions that combines Safari content blocking, system-wide DNS filtering, and a built-in YouTube player that lets you watch ad-free videos right from the app. It doesn’t require jailbreaking your phone and works on iOS 14+, including the latest iOS 17 and iOS 18 betas.

Features of AdLock:

• Blocks all types of ads in Safari
• DNS filtering that works across apps (including YouTube)
• Built-in YouTube browser/player without ads
• Custom filter lists
• Doesn’t drain battery or slow down your device
  

How to Set Up AdLock on iPhone:

• Download AdLock from the App Store.
• Open the app and follow the on-screen setup to enable Safari content blocking.
• Activate DNS filtering (AdLock will guide you).
• Open the built-in YouTube browser in the app to watch videos without ads.
  

By using AdLock, you can enjoy YouTube without ads on iOS, iPhone, and iPad, with minimal setup and maximum privacy.

Pro tip: If you’re using the Safari YouTube website, you can block banner and overlay ads completely with AdLock.

2. Watch YouTube via Safari + Content Blocker

Using the YouTube mobile website in Safari (instead of the YouTube app) lets you take advantage of Safari content blockers like AdLock.

How to do it:

• Uninstall or avoid using the YouTube app.
• Open Safari and visit m.youtube.com.
• Use AdLock (or a similar content blocker) to remove ads from the page.
  

You won’t need to jailbreak or use external VPNs. This method is great for those looking for a simple YouTube ad blocker for iOS.

Limitations:

• You’ll lose some app-specific features like offline playback or picture-in-picture.
• Mid-roll ads are harder to block using this method alone.
  

Still, this is a practical way to stop YouTube ads on iPhone if you mostly watch via browser.

3. Use a DNS-Based Ad Blocker

DNS filtering blocks requests to ad servers before they even reach your phone. Some ad blockers, including AdLock, offer DNS filtering right within the app. This can help reduce ads in apps that don’t support extensions, like the YouTube app.

How to set it up:

• Install a DNS-filtering app (AdLock supports this).
• Choose a pre-set or custom DNS profile that blocks YouTube ad servers.
  

This is a powerful method to block YouTube ads on iOS system-wide. You can use it as a YouTube ad blocker for iPhone and iPad alike.

Note: While this may reduce some ads in the YouTube app, it may not block all ads. Still, it’s a solid addition to your ad-blocking toolkit.

4. Use YouTube Premium (if you’re okay paying)

YouTube Premium is Google’s official solution to an ad-free experience. For $13.99/month, you get:

• No ads (in-app and web)
• Background play
• Offline downloads
• Access to YouTube Music Premium
  

But many users find this option too expensive, especially when effective YouTube ad blockers for iOS exist. It’s a hassle-free option, but not the most cost-efficient for many.

5. Try a Pi-hole (Advanced)

For tech-savvy users, you can set up a network-wide ad blocker using a Pi-hole on your home Wi-Fi. It filters DNS requests at the router level, blocking known ad domains—including many used by YouTube.

Limitations:

• Won’t work when you’re off Wi-Fi (unless paired with a VPN)
• Setup is complex and not beginner-friendly
• Google often changes ad server domains, which may bypass filters
  

Still, if you’re looking to stop YouTube ads on iPhone and all devices on your home network, Pi-hole is worth exploring.

Why the YouTube App Is Hard to Block Ads On

YouTube’s iOS app loads ads in the same stream as the video, making it harder for blockers to separate them. While DNS filtering helps, the best way to enjoy ad-free YouTube is to use an alternative method like AdLock’s built-in player or the YouTube website in Safari.

If you want a true YouTube ad blocker on iPhone that works without hassle, combining AdLock’s DNS and in-app browser is your best bet.

Is Jailbreaking Still a Solution?

Technically, jailbreaking your iPhone can allow full system-level ad blocking, but it’s extremely risky:

• Voids your warranty
• Can brick your device
• Opens your phone to malware
  

You can remove ads from YouTube on iPhone safely without jailbreaking, thanks to apps like AdLock.

Summary: What’s the Best Way to Block YouTube Ads on iPhone?

For most users, AdLock offers the best balance of privacy, usability, and cost, especially since it combines multiple methods (Safari content blocking, DNS filtering, and its own ad-free player). If you need a YouTube ad blocker for iPad or iPhone, it’s your go-to solution.

Conclusion

Blocking YouTube ads on iPhone is possible without paying for Premium or risking your device. Whether you’re looking for a YouTube ad blocker for iOS, iPad, or iPhone, AdLock is one of the top choices in 2025. With its built-in ad-free player, DNS filtering, and Safari support, you’ll enjoy YouTube without interruptions while maintaining battery life and privacy.

FAQ