YouTube ads can be frustrating, especially when they're long and unskippable. However, there are ways to block them on various devices, including Android smartphones, iPhones, and smart TVs.
One solution is to use a browser with built-in ad-blocking capabilities. For example, Firefox supports extensions, and a single extension like uBlock Origin can change your entire YouTube experience. To install the uBlock Origin add-on, go to Menu > Add-ons > and enable uBlock Origin. This will automatically block all ads on YouTube, providing a seamless viewing experience.
Alternatively, you can use a browser that has a built-in ad-blocker. Brave Browser is a highly regarded privacy browser that also comes with a great ad-block feature. As long as you have the Shields Up feature enabled for YouTube, you won't see ads in your videos anymore. This browser is available on Android, iPhone, and PC.
If you're using an iPhone, you can remove ads using Safari extensions. AdGuard is a good option, as they have a specific feature built-in for removing all YouTube ads. After the extension is set up, go to YouTube.com, tap the Share button, and choose the Block YouTube Ads (by AdGuard) option.
For Android-based smart TVs or streaming boxes, you can install the SmartTube app to act as a YouTube replacement. This app will block all ads, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience. However, please note that Amazon Fire TV devices sold after October 2025 are not supported.
Lastly, if you're tired of watching sponsor segments in videos, you can use the SponsorBlock extension. This browser extension crowdsources data for sponsor segments and lets you automatically skip through those sections. Chances are, if you're watching a remotely popular channel, SponsorBlock will recognize the sponsor segment.
