Effective Solutions for Blocking Ads on Streaming Services in 2025

With the rise of streaming services, ads have become a common annoyance, disrupting the viewing experience for many users. Whether you are watching YouTube or Netflix, these interruptions can be frustrating, especially if you are using a mobile device. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to minimize or eliminate these ads. In this guide, I’ll share proven methods to help you enjoy uninterrupted streaming on your iOS and Android devices.

Understanding Streaming Service Ads

Ads on streaming platforms can vary in type and frequency. Some services, like YouTube, rely heavily on ad revenue, while others, like Netflix, have started to introduce ads on their platforms to offer lower subscription prices. Understanding how these ads work is crucial in finding the right blocking solution.

The Different Types of Ads

• Pre-roll Ads: These are the ads that play before your selected content.
• Mid-roll Ads: These appear during the content, often at natural breaks.
• Overlay Ads: These are smaller ads that appear at the bottom of the video.
• Banners: These are displayed prominently on the interface of the app or service.

Understanding these types helps in determining the best approach to block them effectively.

Best Practices for Blocking Ads

1. Use DNS-Based Ad Blocking

One of the most effective methods for blocking ads across various apps, including streaming services, is using a DNS-based ad blocker. Here’s how you can set it up:

How to Set Up DNS Blocking:

• Choose a DNS Service: Options like NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, or Cloudflare can be great choices.
• Configuration on iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap on your network, and configure DNS settings.
• Configuration on Android: Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS and enter the hostname of your chosen DNS service.

With DNS-based blocking, you can enjoy ads-free streaming without the need for additional apps.

2. Configure Pi-hole for Network-Wide Ad Blocking

If you have a home network and want to block ads on all devices, setting up a Pi-hole can be an excellent solution. This software acts as a DNS sinkhole, preventing requests to ad servers.

Steps to Set Up Pi-hole:

• Installation: You'll need a Raspberry Pi or a server. Follow the official Pi-hole installation guide.
• Network Configuration: Set your router's DNS settings to point to the Pi-hole.
• Whitelist Services: Some streaming platforms may require you to whitelist certain domains to ensure functionality.

By implementing Pi-hole, you can block ads on every device connected to your network, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

3. Use Ad Blocking Browser Extensions on Mobile

For users who primarily stream content through browsers on their mobile devices, using ad-blocking browser extensions can be beneficial. While mobile browsers have limited support for extensions, options like Brave Browser integrate ad-blocking features directly.

Recommended Browsers:

• Brave Browser: Built-in ad blocking and privacy features make it a top choice for mobile streaming.
• Samsung Internet + Adblock Plus: This combo allows you to block ads while enjoying a seamless browsing experience.

4. Utilize Dedicated Ad Blocking Apps

There are dedicated apps designed to block ads across various apps and services. These apps can enhance your mobile experience, particularly for ad-heavy platforms like YouTube.

Top Ad Blocking Apps:

• AdGuard: A robust app offering system-wide ad blocking for iOS and Android. It’s user-friendly and effective.
• Blokada: An open-source ad blocker that runs a local VPN to filter ads effectively. Ideal for Android users.

Blocking Ads Specifically on YouTube

YouTube is notorious for its ad interruptions. Here are specific solutions to enhance your viewing experience:

1. YouTube Premium Subscription

While this requires a monthly fee, subscribing to YouTube Premium provides an ad-free experience along with additional features like offline playback and access to YouTube Originals. It’s a straightforward solution for those who frequently use the platform.

2. Use Ad Blocking Extensions or Apps

As mentioned earlier, using ad-blocking applications like AdGuard can help eliminate ads on YouTube. Ensure you have the correct settings configured to block video ads specifically.

3. DNS Filtering

Using a DNS service like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS can help block YouTube ads as well. Make sure to enable the appropriate filtering settings to target ad domains effectively.

Blocking Ads on Netflix

With Netflix’s recent introduction of ads, here are practical methods to combat them:

1. Upgrade to Ad-Free Plans

If you find ads disruptive on Netflix, upgrading to an ad-free plan is the most effective solution. While it requires a higher subscription fee, it guarantees an uninterrupted viewing experience.

2. Use DNS-Based Blocking

Configure a DNS service to block ad domains associated with Netflix. Make sure to whitelist essential domains to allow the service to function properly without interruptions.

3. Consider VPN Solutions

Some VPNs offer ad-blocking features, which can help minimize interruptions while streaming. Services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have integrated ad-blocking options within their apps.

Advanced Techniques for Tech-Savvy Users

If you’re comfortable with technical configurations, there are advanced methods to block ads effectively:

1. Modify Hosts File on Your Device

For advanced users, modifying the hosts file on your mobile device can effectively block ad domains. This requires rooting or jailbreaking your device, which can void warranties or introduce risks. Proceed with caution and ensure you have backups.

2. Use a Firewall App

Firewall apps like NoRoot Firewall can help you manage data access for individual apps, allowing you to block ad servers effectively. This method is more granular and gives you control over which apps can connect to the internet.

Conclusion

By applying these strategies, you can significantly reduce or eliminate ads while streaming on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. Whether you choose a simple DNS change, invest in a subscription, or set up a Pi-hole, the tools are available to create a more enjoyable viewing experience. Start implementing these solutions today and take back control of your streaming sessions. For detailed setup guides, feel free to explore our setup section.