Internet advertising has become so intrusive that even owners iPhone with their closed ecosystem iOS looking for ways to block it. Safari, the standard browser on iPhones, supports ad blocking extensions, but installing and configuring them has nuances that few people know about. Unlike Android, where you can simply download an APK, on iPhone everything works through App Store and Apple restrictions.

In this article we will look at all working methods to install AdBlock in Safari on iPhone (relevant for iOS 15–17), compare the best ad blockers, explain why some methods no longer work, and show you how to get around Apple's restrictions. You will find out which extensions actually remove ads, and which ones simply replace them with “acceptable” ones. We will also reveal hidden trick with DNS filtering, which works even without installing additional applications.

Why is it difficult to install AdBlock in Safari on iPhone?

Apple strictly controls the ecosystem iOS, and this even applies to ad blockers. Unlike Chrome or Firefox on Android, where you can install the extension directly from the store, in Safari everything works through Content Blockers - a special type of application that is integrated into the browser. Here are the main reasons for the difficulties:

  • 🔒 App Store Limitations: Apple blocks apps that completely remove ads in other apps (like YouTube). Blockers for Safari can only remove ads in the browser itself.
  • 📱 Lack of extension support: Safari on iPhone does not support classic extensions (as in desktop browsers), only Content Blockers with limited functionality.
  • 🔄 iOS updates: After each major update (for example, transition from iOS 16 on iOS 17) some blockers stop working until developers adapt them.
  • 💰 Subscriptions: Many effective blockers (e.g. 1Blocker or Wipr) require a paid subscription for full functionality.

Another problem - DNS filtering. Previously, it was possible to use public DNS like 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare) to block ads at the network level, but with iOS 14 Apple has limited this feature. Filtered DNS servers now only work in Safari, not all apps.

⚠️ Attention: Some "hacks" for installing AdBlock via Sideloading (for example, via AltStore) can lead to Apple ID blocking or resetting certificates. We do not recommend using unofficial methods unless you are willing to take the risks.

Top 5 ad blockers for Safari on iPhone (2026)

We have tested dozens of applications from App Store and selected those that really work for iOS 15–17. The table below shows a comparison of key parameters:

Application Free version Blocks YouTube Subscription (rub/month) Features
1Blocker Yes (limited) No 149 The most flexible (you can customize your own filters), but not free
AdGuard Pro No (7-day trial) Yes (partially) 299 Best for blocking trackers, works with DNS
Wipr Yes (basic) No 99 Simple interface, few settings
BlockBear Yes No Free Minimalistic but weak blocking
NextDNS Yes (50k requests/month) Yes (via DNS) Free* Works at the network level, but requires configuration

*NextDNS is only free for 50,000 requests per month. For full use, you need a subscription from 249 rubles/month.

If you need maximum control above the blocking, choose 1Blocker or AdGuard Pro. For simple removal of banners in Safari, a free one is enough BlockBear. And if you want to block ads in all applications (including YouTube), you will have to combine NextDNS with Content Blocker.

📊 Which ad blocker do you use on iPhone?
  • 1Blocker
  • AdGuard
  • Wipr
  • NextDNS
  • Other/Don't use

Step-by-step instructions: how to install AdBlock in Safari

Let's look at the installation using an example 1Blocker (one of the most reliable options). Instructions are suitable for iPhone 8 and newer from iOS 15–17.

  1. Download 1Blocker from the App Store

    Open App Store, find 1Blocker and install the application. It's free, but a subscription is required to unlock all features.

  2. Activate Content Blocker in Safari

    Go to Settings → Safari → Extensions. Find 1Blocker and turn on the switch. Then click on the application name and activate all available filters (we recommend enabling EasyList, EasyPrivacy And Anti-Circuit).

  3. Set up blocking rules

    Open the application 1Blocker, go to the tab My Rules and add the domains you want to block (for example, doubleclick.net for Google advertising). You can also create a whitelist for trusted sites.

  4. Check your work

    Open Safari and go to a site with advertising (for example, forbes.com or kinopoisk.ru). Banners and pop-ups should disappear. If the ads remain, update the filters in the settings 1Blocker.

☑️ Checking AdBlock operation

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: If after installing AdBlock sites begin to load more slowly, disable unnecessary filters in the blocker settings. Some rules (eg Fanboy’s Annoyance List) may conflict with JavaScript on websites.

For AdGuard Pro or Wipr The installation process is similar, but with some nuances:

  • 🔧 B AdGuard Pro can be additionally enabled DNS filtering in the application settings (section Protection → DNS Settings).
  • 📊 B Wipr there is no manual adjustment of filters - everything works out of the box, but there is less flexibility.

How to block ads in Safari without installing applications (DNS method)

If you do not want to install additional programs, you can use DNS filtering. This method blocks ads at the network level, but only works in Safari (does not affect other applications). Here's how to do it:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi settings

    Open Settings → Wi-Fi, click the ⓘ icon next to your network.

  2. Set up DNS

    Scroll down to section DNS Settings and select Manually. Remove the current servers and add one of these addresses:

    1.1.1.3 — Cloudflare (блокирует вредоносные сайты и рекламу)
    

    94.140.14.14 — AdGuard DNS

    45.90.28.167 — NextDNS (нужна регистрация)

  3. Save and reboot your iPhone

    After changing DNS, you may need to restart your device or reconnect to Wi-Fi.

This method does not block all ads, but significantly reduces the number of banners and trackers. The main plus is that you don’t need to install additional applications, but the minus is that it only works in Safari and only when connected to Wi-Fi (DNS does not change on the mobile network).

How to check if DNS filtering is working?

Open a page in Safari dnsleaktest.com or browserleaks.com/dns. If the results show the IP address of your chosen DNS (for example, Cloudflare or AdGuard), then filtering is working.

What to do if AdBlock doesn't work in Safari?

Sometimes blockers stop functioning after updating iOS or due to conflicts with other extensions. Here list of reasons and solutions:

  • 🔄 iOS update: After a new version of the system is released (for example, iOS 17.4) some blockers require updating. Check for updates in the App Store.
  • 🚫 Extension conflict: If multiple Content Blockers are installed, they may interfere with each other. Disable all but one and check operation.
  • 📵 Site restrictions: Some resources (for example, vk.com or ok.ru) block access when AdBlock is detected. Try disabling the blocker for these sites manually.
  • 🔒 Private Relay (iCloud+): If you have enabled Private Relay in iCloud settings, it may conflict with DNS filtering. Disable it in Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay.

If the problem persists, try reset Safari settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Safari → Advanced → Websites → Website Data.
  2. Click Delete all website data (this will clear the cache and cookies).
  3. Restart your iPhone and check if AdBlock is working again.
💡

If the blocker stops working after updating iOS, try deleting it and installing it again. Often this helps to reset the settings to factory settings.

Is it possible to block YouTube ads on iPhone?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Unfortunately, It is impossible to completely remove YouTube ads on iPhone using legal methods.. Here's why:

  • 📱 Apple Limitations: The App Store prevents apps from blocking ads in other apps (including YouTube).
  • 🔗 YouTube Premium: The only official way is to subscribe for 599 rubles/month.
  • 🌐 Web version of YouTube: If you open YouTube through Safari (rather than through the app), some blockers (for example, AdGuard Pro) may remove some advertising.

There are workarounds, but they violate App Store rules and can lead to account blocking:

  • 🔧Usage Sideloading (installation via AltStore or TrollStore) to install a modified YouTube (for example, uYou+).
  • 🖥️ Proxy servers or VPNs with ad filtering (for example, Proton VPN with AdBlock enabled).
⚠️ Attention: Installing modified versions of YouTube (for example, via TrollStore) can lead to Google account banned for violation of the terms of use. We do not recommend this method if your channel or account is important to you.

Alternative ways to block ads on iPhone

If AdBlock in Safari doesn't suit you, consider these options:

  • 🌍 Browsers with built-in AdBlock:
    • Brave — blocks ads and trackers by default, supports Tor.
    • Firefox Focus — minimalistic browser with ad blocking.
    • DuckDuckGo — a private browser with built-in protection against trackers.
  • 🔒 VPN with ad blocking:
    • Proton VPN (free with restrictions).
    • Windscribe (10 GB of traffic per month for free).
    • AdGuard VPN (paid, but with good filtering).
  • 📡 Router with AdBlock:

    If you have a router that supports DD-WRT or OpenWRT, can be installed on it Pi-hole - this will block ads on all devices on the network, including iPhone.

The easiest way is to go to Brave. This browser not only blocks ads, but also speeds up page loading by disabling trackers. Minus - some sites may not work correctly (for example, online banking).

💡

Browsers like Brave or Firefox Focus block ads more effectively than Safari extensions, but not all sites work correctly in them.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about AdBlock on iPhone

Is it possible to install AdBlock Plus on iPhone?

Yes, AdBlock Plus is available in the App Store, but it only works as a Content Blocker for Safari (does not block ads in other applications). Its efficiency is lower than that of 1Blocker or AdGuard Pro, since it uses less aggressive filters.

Why do some sites not open after installing AdBlock?

This happens due to too strict filters that block not only advertising, but also important site scripts. Solution:

  1. Open your blocker settings (for example, 1Blocker).
  2. Find a section Whitelist (white list).
  3. Add the domain of the problematic site (for example, vk.com).

Does AdBlock work in incognito mode in Safari?

Yes, Content Blockers (eg. 1Blocker or Wipr) work both in normal mode and in Private access Safari. However, if you use DNS filtering, it may not work in private mode due to the way it processes requests.

How to block ads in games on iPhone?

Blocking ads in games on iPhone practically impossible without jailbreak. Apple prohibits apps from interfering with other programs. The only option is to use DNS filtering (for example, via NextDNS), but this will only block part of the ad networks (for example, Unity Ads or AppLovin). Most built-in banners in games are loaded directly from the developer's servers, and blocking them requires modification of the application itself.

Is it legal to use AdBlock on iPhone?

Yes, using AdBlock in Safari is completely legal. Apple officially supports Content Blockers as part of the ecosystem iOS. However, bypassing ad blockers in other applications (for example, through Sideloading) may violate:

  • Rules App Store (risk of account ban).
  • Terms of use of some services (for example, YouTube may block an account for using modified clients).