You’re watching your favorite YouTube video on your iPad, and suddenly—boom!—an ad interrupts. Frustrating, right? While ads help creators earn revenue, sometimes you just want uninterrupted, smooth viewing. The good news is that there are multiple ways to enjoy YouTube on your iPad without ads.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to block YouTube ads on iPad, why it matters, and give you step-by-step methods for ad-free YouTube streaming.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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YouTube ads can be blocked on iPad using YouTube Premium, ad blockers, third-party browsers, or DNS filtering.
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The easiest solution is YouTube Premium, but free methods exist too.
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Popular ad blockers like AdGuard and AdBlock Plus work with Safari and apps.
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Using alternative apps (like YouTube Vanced alternatives) can also help.
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Blocking ads enhances your viewing experience but may affect creator revenue.
Why Are There So Many YouTube Ads?
YouTube generates revenue through advertising. Over the years, ad frequency has increased — from occasional banners to mid-roll and non-skippable ads. On iPads, ads appear both in the YouTube app and when watching via Safari or Chrome.
For users who watch frequently, this can be disruptive, especially when binge-watching playlists or educational content.
Is It Legal to Block YouTube Ads?
Yes — it’s legal to block ads for personal use on your device. However:
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YouTube discourages ad-blocking since ads support creators.
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Some third-party apps may violate YouTube’s terms of service.
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Safer options include YouTube Premium or Safari ad blockers from the App Store.
👉 Our guide focuses on safe, legal, and user-friendly solutions.
Methods to Block YouTube Ads on iPad
Let’s explore all the ways you can achieve ad-free YouTube viewing on your iPad.
1. Use YouTube Premium (Official Solution)
The simplest and most reliable way.
Steps:
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Open the YouTube app on your iPad.
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Tap your profile icon > Get YouTube Premium.
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Subscribe using your Apple ID payment method.
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Enjoy ad-free videos, background play, and YouTube Music.
💡 Premium removes ads across all devices linked to your Google account.
2. Block Ads with Safari Content Blockers
iPad’s Safari browser supports ad-blocking extensions.
Popular Apps:
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AdGuard
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AdBlock Plus
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1Blocker
Steps (using AdGuard as an example):
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Download AdGuard from the App Store.
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Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions.
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Enable AdGuard.
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Open YouTube in Safari — ads should be blocked.
3. Use Third-Party Browsers with Built-in Ad Blockers
Some browsers for iPad have built-in ad-blocking features.
Options:
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Brave Browser – blocks YouTube ads automatically.
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Opera Browser – comes with an ad-block toggle.
Steps:
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Download Brave or Opera from the App Store.
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Open YouTube via the browser.
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Enjoy videos without ads.
4. Use DNS Filtering to Block Ads
DNS-based blockers prevent ad domains from loading.
Steps (using AdGuard DNS):
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Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
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Tap your connected network > Configure DNS.
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Select Manual.
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Add AdGuard DNS:
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Primary:
94.140.14.14 -
Secondary:
94.140.15.15
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Save changes.
Now, ads across apps (including YouTube) are reduced.
5. Use YouTube Alternatives (Ad-Free Players)
Third-party apps and websites allow YouTube streaming without ads.
Examples:
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NewPipe (via third-party install)
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Piped (web-based)
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Yattee
⚠️ Note: These may require sideloading and aren’t always App Store-approved, so use with caution.
6. Download Videos for Offline Viewing
Not exactly blocking ads, but effective.
Steps:
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Subscribe to YouTube Premium.
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Tap Download under any video.
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Watch offline without ads.
Great for flights, travel, or when internet is limited.
Comparison: Ways to Block YouTube Ads on iPad
| Method | Cost | Difficulty | Works in App? | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | Paid | Easy | ✅ Yes | Very Low |
| Safari Ad Blockers | Free/Paid | Easy | ❌ No (browser only) | Low |
| Brave/Opera Browsers | Free | Easy | ❌ No (browser only) | Low |
| DNS Filtering | Free | Medium | ✅ Yes (system-wide) | Low |
| Alternative Apps | Free | Hard | ✅ Yes | Medium-High |
Benefits of Blocking YouTube Ads on iPad
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🚀 Faster playback (no waiting for ads).
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🎬 Seamless binge-watching experience.
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🔋 Longer battery life (ads use extra resources).
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📶 Saves mobile data.
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🧘 Stress-free, distraction-free viewing.
Downsides to Consider
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❌ Content creators lose ad revenue.
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❌ Some methods may break after YouTube updates.
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❌ Premium costs money.
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❌ Alternative apps may risk security.
Expert Tips
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If you watch YouTube daily → YouTube Premium is worth it.
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For occasional browsing → try Safari + AdGuard.
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Use Brave Browser when you don’t want to install extra apps.
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Pair ad-blocking with screen time controls for kids’ YouTube usage.
Conclusion
Blocking YouTube ads on your iPad can transform your viewing experience. From the official YouTube Premium subscription to Safari ad blockers, DNS filtering, and third-party browsers, you have plenty of choices.
The best method depends on your needs:
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Want convenience and reliability? → Go Premium.
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Prefer free options? → Use Brave browser or Safari with AdGuard.
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Need system-wide blocking? → Configure DNS filtering.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll enjoy smoother, faster, and ad-free streaming on your iPad.
FAQs: How to Block YouTube Ads on iPad
1. Can I block YouTube ads in the official app without Premium?
Not reliably. Ad blockers mainly work in browsers, not the YouTube app.
2. Is YouTube Premium available worldwide?
Yes, but pricing may vary by region.
3. Do Safari ad blockers work inside the YouTube app?
No. They only work when watching YouTube through Safari.
4. Will DNS filtering block all ads on YouTube?
It reduces most ads, but some may slip through.
5. Which free method works best on iPad?
Brave Browser is the easiest free method for smooth, ad-free YouTube viewing.