Ad Blocking in 2025: What To Do When Your Ad Blocker Stops Working

I recently stumbled upon a discussion online where someone was expressing frustration that their ad blocking setup had suddenly stopped working in 2025. They were asking for recommendations for alternative apps and solutions. This got me thinking about the various reasons why ad blockers can fail and what steps users can take to troubleshoot and find a solution that works for them.

It's a common problem. Ad blocking is a constant cat-and-mouse game between ad blockers and advertisers. What works today might not work tomorrow. Here’s what I think about this situation and what options are available when your ad blocker stops blocking.

Why Your Ad Blocker Might Not Be Working

Before jumping to a new ad blocker, let's consider why your current one might have stopped working. There are several potential culprits:

1. Outdated Blocklists

• The Problem: Ad networks constantly evolve their techniques to bypass ad blockers. If your ad blocker's blocklists haven't been updated recently, it might be missing the latest ad-serving domains and scripts.
• The Solution: Ensure your ad blocker is set to automatically update its blocklists regularly. Most reputable ad blockers have this feature. If not, manually update the lists. For DNS-based solutions, check the provider's website or app for update instructions. For browser extensions or apps, look for an “Update” button or similar option in the settings.

2. Website Changes

• The Problem: Websites frequently change their code, including how they serve ads. These changes can sometimes circumvent ad blocking rules, especially if the rules are too specific or outdated.
• The Solution: Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Sometimes, outdated website data can interfere with ad blocking. If that doesn't work, try disabling and re-enabling your ad blocker to force it to reload its rules. Also, ensure the website itself isn't broken - try another site to ensure the problem is isolated.

3. Aggressive Anti-Ad Blocking Measures

• The Problem: Some websites actively detect and block ad blockers. They might display a message asking you to disable your ad blocker or prevent you from accessing content altogether.
• The Solution: This is a tough one. Some ad blockers have anti-detection features that attempt to bypass these measures. Try enabling these features in your ad blocker's settings. Alternatively, you can try a different ad blocker or a combination of ad blocking methods (e.g., DNS-based blocking plus a browser extension). You might also consider supporting the website by whitelisting it or subscribing to a premium, ad-free version if available.

4. Interference from Other Apps or Extensions

• The Problem: Conflicts can arise between different apps or browser extensions, especially if they both try to modify network traffic or website content. This can lead to ad blocking failures or even browser instability.
• The Solution: Try disabling other browser extensions or apps one by one to see if any of them are interfering with your ad blocker. If you identify a conflict, you might need to choose between the conflicting apps or find alternative solutions that don't conflict.

5. DNS Server Issues

• The Problem: If you're using a DNS-based ad blocker, issues with the DNS server itself can prevent ad blocking from working correctly. This could be due to server downtime, network congestion, or misconfiguration.
• The Solution: Try switching to a different DNS server. Many free and reliable DNS servers are available, such as AdGuard DNS, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, or Quad9. You can change your DNS settings in your device's network settings or in your router's configuration.

6. Operating System or Browser Updates

• The Problem: Sometimes, operating system or browser updates can introduce changes that affect ad blocking functionality. This could be due to new security features, API changes, or bugs in the update.
• The Solution: Check your ad blocker's website or support forums for information about compatibility with the latest OS or browser version. The developers might release updates to address any compatibility issues. In the meantime, you might need to temporarily disable your ad blocker or revert to an older OS or browser version.

Exploring Alternative Ad Blocking Apps and Solutions

If troubleshooting your existing ad blocker doesn't solve the problem, it might be time to explore alternative options. Here's a breakdown of some of the best ad blocking apps and solutions available in 2025:

DNS-Based Ad Blockers

As I've mentioned before, DNS-based ad blocking is a great option for system-wide protection. Here are some of my top picks:

NextDNS

• Pros: Highly customizable, detailed analytics, multiple device support, free tier available, excellent performance.
• Cons: Free tier has query limits, setup slightly more complex.
• My Take: NextDNS remains a top contender. The level of control and insights it provides is unmatched. If you’re comfortable with a bit of configuration, it’s worth the effort.

AdGuard DNS

• Pros: Very easy setup, good default blocklists, fast servers worldwide, family protection option.
• Cons: Less customizable than NextDNS, basic analytics.
• My Take: For a hassle-free experience, AdGuard DNS is still a solid choice. It’s perfect for users who want ad blocking without the need for extensive configuration.

Quad9

• Pros: Strong focus on security, blocks malware domains, non-profit organization, very fast.
• Cons: Doesn't block as many ads, no customization.
• My Take: If security is your primary concern, Quad9 is a good option. However, for comprehensive ad blocking, you might need to supplement it with another solution.

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1

• Pros: Extremely fast, privacy-focused, great app interface, WARP VPN included.
• Cons: Doesn't block ads by default, limited customization.
• My Take: Cloudflare is excellent for speed and privacy, but you need their “1.1.1.1 for Families” version for blocking, and even then, it’s not as comprehensive as other options.

Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are another popular way to block ads. They work only within the browser, but they offer more customization and control.

uBlock Origin

• Pros: Open source, lightweight, highly customizable, uses minimal resources.
• Cons: Requires some technical knowledge to configure advanced features.
• My Take: uBlock Origin is a powerhouse. It’s my go-to recommendation for browser-based ad blocking. It’s efficient, effective, and respects your privacy.

AdGuard Browser Extension

• Pros: Easy to use, comprehensive blocking, regular updates, available for all major browsers.
• Cons: Can be resource-intensive on some websites.
• My Take: AdGuard’s browser extension is a solid alternative to uBlock Origin. It offers a good balance of ease of use and effectiveness.

Brave Browser

• Pros: Built-in ad blocking, Chromium-based, great for browsing.
• Cons: Limited customization compared to extensions.
• My Take: Brave Browser is an excellent option if you want a browser with built-in ad blocking. It’s convenient and works well out of the box.

VPN-Based Ad Blockers

VPN-based ad blockers route your traffic through a VPN server, which filters out ads before they reach your device. This approach can block ads in apps as well as browsers.

AdGuard VPN

• Pros: Blocks ads system-wide, encrypts your traffic, protects your privacy.
• Cons: Can slow down your internet speed, uses more battery.
• My Take: AdGuard VPN is a good option if you want comprehensive ad blocking and VPN protection. However, be aware of the potential performance impact.

ProtonVPN

• Pros: Strong focus on privacy, no-logs policy, built-in ad blocking, fast servers.
• Cons: Paid subscription required for ad blocking feature.
• My Take: ProtonVPN is a reputable VPN provider with a strong focus on privacy. If you’re already a ProtonVPN user, the built-in ad blocking feature is a convenient addition.

Local VPN Apps

Local VPN apps create a VPN connection on your device to filter traffic locally. This approach doesn't require routing your traffic through an external VPN server, which can improve performance and privacy.

Blokada

• Pros: Open source, no external VPN, highly customizable, free.
• Cons: Requires some technical knowledge to configure advanced features.
• My Take: Blokada is a fantastic free and open-source option for Android users. It’s highly customizable and doesn’t require an external VPN.

AdLock

• Pros: Blocks ads system-wide, customizable filters, whitelisting options, user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Some features require a paid subscription.
• My Take: AdLock is a solid local VPN app with a user-friendly interface. It offers a good balance of features and ease of use.

Tips for Choosing the Right Ad Blocker

With so many options available, choosing the right ad blocker can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

Consider Your Needs

• Do you need system-wide ad blocking, or is browser-based ad blocking sufficient?
• Do you want a simple, easy-to-use solution, or do you prefer more customization and control?
• Are you concerned about privacy and security?
• Are you willing to pay for a premium ad blocker, or do you prefer a free option?

Read Reviews and Comparisons

• Look for independent reviews and comparisons of different ad blockers.
• Pay attention to user feedback and ratings.
• Consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Test Different Options

• Most ad blockers offer free trials or free versions.
• Test different options to see which one works best for you.
• Don't be afraid to switch ad blockers if you're not satisfied with the results.

What About YouTube Ads?

I noticed the original poster was likely frustrated with YouTube ads specifically. This is a particularly tricky area for ad blockers. YouTube is constantly updating its ad-serving technology to circumvent ad blockers. DNS-based ad blocking is generally ineffective against YouTube ads because the ads are served from the same domain as the video content. Browser-based ad blockers are more effective, but YouTube often finds ways to bypass them.

Here are some options for blocking YouTube ads:

Browser Extensions

• uBlock Origin and AdGuard Browser Extension can block YouTube ads, but their effectiveness can vary.

YouTube Premium

• The most reliable way to block YouTube ads is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. This gives you ad-free access to all YouTube content.

Third-Party Apps

• Some third-party apps, like NewPipe (Android), offer ad-free YouTube playback. However, these apps might violate YouTube's terms of service.

Staying Ahead of the Game

Ad blocking is an ongoing battle. Ad networks are constantly developing new ways to serve ads, and ad blockers must adapt to stay ahead. Here are some tips for staying ahead of the game:

Keep Your Ad Blocker Updated

• Ensure your ad blocker is set to automatically update its blocklists and software.

Subscribe to Ad Blocking Newsletters

• Stay informed about the latest ad blocking techniques and solutions.

Participate in Online Communities

• Share your experiences and learn from other ad blocking users.

Be Patient

• Ad blocking is not always perfect. There might be times when ads slip through. Be patient and persistent, and eventually you'll find a solution that works for you.

Ultimately, the best ad blocker is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Start by understanding why your current ad blocker isn’t working, and then explore the alternative options available. With a little research and experimentation, you can get back to an ad-free mobile browsing experience.

Ready to take control of your online experience? Explore the DNS options and browser extensions mentioned above and see what works best for you. Remember, the ad blocking landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed and adaptable is key.