Decoding the Mysterious iOS Ad Bypass Shortcut: What Was It?

I recently came across a fascinating query online: someone was trying to recall a specific iOS setup they had years ago that allowed them to bypass ads and quickly access the core content of articles. They described tapping a button (or perhaps a shortcut) within a browser, which then presented options to view the article through services like 11ft, Wayback Machine, or other archive sites. This shortcut effectively stripped away the ads and presented a clean, readable version of the content. This got me thinking about the various ways users can achieve similar ad-free experiences on their mobile devices today, and the potential origins of this intriguing shortcut.

Let’s delve into what this mysterious shortcut might have been, and how you can achieve similar results on your iOS or Android device in 2025.

Possible Origins of the Ad-Bypassing Shortcut

Several possibilities could explain the functionality described. It’s likely a combination of readily available tools and clever configuration.

1. Custom iOS Shortcut

Apple's Shortcuts app allows users to create custom workflows that automate tasks. It’s possible the user had created a shortcut that:

• Detected the URL of the current page: Shortcuts can grab the URL from Safari or other browsers.
• Presented a menu of options: The shortcut could then offer a list of services, like 11ft, Archive.org, or a reader mode extension.
• Opened the URL in the selected service: Based on the user's choice, the shortcut would open the URL in the corresponding service to bypass ads.

This is the most plausible explanation, as it aligns with the description of a button press leading to a menu of options.

2. Browser Extension (Discontinued or Forgotten)

While iOS Safari extensions are more limited than desktop browser extensions, it's possible the user was using an older extension that provided this functionality. Perhaps the extension has been discontinued, updated, or simply forgotten.

3. User Script with a Browser

Some iOS browsers support user scripts, which are small pieces of JavaScript code that can modify the behavior of websites. A user script could have been installed to detect articles and provide a button to bypass ads using the methods described.

4. A Combination of Tools

It's also possible the user was employing a combination of different tools and settings to achieve the desired ad-free experience. This might have involved a content blocker, a reader mode extension, and a custom bookmarklet.

Recreating the Ad-Bypassing Functionality in 2025

Regardless of the original shortcut's exact nature, you can recreate similar functionality on your iOS or Android device today. Here’s how:

1. Using iOS Shortcuts

Apple's Shortcuts app is the key to creating a custom ad-bypassing workflow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Create a new shortcut.
3. Add the "Get Current Webpage URL" action: This action retrieves the URL of the currently open webpage in Safari.
4. Add a "Choose from Menu" action: This action presents a list of options to the user.
5. Add the following menu items:
   • "View in 11ft"
   • "View in Archive.org"
   • "Open in Reader Mode" (Safari's built-in feature)
6. For each menu item, add a "Open URLs" action:
   • "View in 11ft": The URL should be https://11ft.io/proxy?q={URL}. Replace {URL} with the "Get Current Webpage URL" output.
   • "View in Archive.org": The URL should be https://web.archive.org/save/{URL}. Replace {URL} with the "Get Current Webpage URL" output.
   • "Open in Reader Mode": This requires a bit more complexity. You'll need to use JavaScript to trigger Safari's reader mode. (More on this below).
7. Name and save the shortcut.

To trigger the shortcut, you can add it to the share sheet in Safari. Now, when you're on a webpage, you can tap the share button, select your shortcut, and choose how you want to view the article.

Triggering Reader Mode with JavaScript:

Unfortunately, there isn't a direct action in Shortcuts to trigger Safari's Reader Mode. However, you can use a JavaScript workaround.

1. Add a "Run JavaScript on Web Page" action to the "Open in Reader Mode" menu item.
2. Enter the following JavaScript code:

window.location.href = 'x-apple-system://read';

This code uses a URL scheme to trigger Reader Mode in Safari. Note that this might not work reliably in all cases, as Apple could change the URL scheme in future iOS updates.

2. Leveraging Reader Mode Extensions and Apps

Several iOS apps and Safari extensions offer reader mode functionality. These tools strip away ads and distractions, presenting a clean, readable version of the content.

• Safari Reader Mode: Safari has a built-in Reader Mode. Simply tap the "aA" icon in the address bar to activate it. While not as customizable as some third-party options, it's a convenient and free way to remove ads and clutter.
• 1Blocker: This popular content blocker also includes a reader mode feature. You can customize the appearance of the reader view, including font size, colors, and margins.
• Pocket: While primarily a read-later service, Pocket also offers excellent reader mode functionality. You can save articles to Pocket and then read them in a clean, ad-free environment.

3. Utilizing DNS-Based Ad Blocking

As we’ve discussed before, DNS-based ad blocking is a system-wide solution that works across all apps and browsers. By configuring your device to use a DNS server that blocks ad domains, you can effectively eliminate a significant portion of ads.

• NextDNS: NextDNS offers highly customizable blocklists and detailed analytics, giving you fine-grained control over what gets blocked.
• AdGuard DNS: AdGuard DNS is a simpler option that provides good default blocklists and easy setup.
• Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families: Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 app includes a "Families" option that blocks malware and adult content, providing an additional layer of security.

To set up DNS-based ad blocking on iOS:

1. Download the configuration profile from your chosen provider (e.g., NextDNS, AdGuard).
2. Install the profile in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

4. Employing Content Blockers

Content blockers are Safari extensions that block ads, trackers, and other unwanted content. These extensions work by filtering content before it's loaded in the browser, resulting in faster page loading and a cleaner browsing experience.

• AdGuard for Safari: AdGuard offers a comprehensive content blocker for Safari that blocks ads, trackers, and annoyances.
• 1Blocker: 1Blocker is another popular content blocker that allows you to customize your blocking rules.

To enable content blockers in Safari:

1. Install a content blocker app from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.
3. Enable the content blocker.

5. Browser-Based Ad Blocking

Using a browser with built-in ad-blocking capabilities is another effective way to eliminate ads. Brave Browser is a popular option that blocks ads and trackers by default.

• Brave Browser: Brave Browser blocks ads and trackers by default, providing a clean and private browsing experience.

Choosing the Right Approach

The best approach for bypassing ads depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here's a summary of the different options:

• Custom iOS Shortcut: Offers the most flexibility and customization, allowing you to create a workflow that perfectly suits your needs.
• Reader Mode Extensions and Apps: Provide a clean and readable view of articles, but may not block all ads.
• DNS-Based Ad Blocking: A system-wide solution that blocks ads across all apps and browsers, but may require some technical knowledge to set up.
• Content Blockers: Effective at blocking ads in Safari, but may not work in other apps.
• Browser-Based Ad Blocking: A simple and convenient way to block ads, but limits you to using a specific browser.

Why Bypassing Ads Matters

Ad blocking and ad bypassing are becoming increasingly important for several reasons:

• Improved Browsing Experience: Ads can be distracting and disruptive, making it difficult to focus on the content you're trying to read. Bypassing ads creates a cleaner, more enjoyable browsing experience.
• Faster Page Loading: Ads can significantly slow down page loading times. By blocking ads, you can speed up your browsing and save data.
• Enhanced Privacy: Many ads track your browsing activity, collecting data about your interests and habits. Bypassing ads can help protect your privacy.
• Reduced Data Usage: Ads can consume a significant amount of data, especially on mobile devices. Blocking ads can help you save data and avoid overage charges.
• Battery Life: Displaying ads consumes battery power. Blocking ads can help extend your device's battery life.

The Future of Ad Blocking on Mobile

As mobile devices become increasingly central to our lives, ad blocking will likely become even more important. We can expect to see continued innovation in ad blocking technologies, with new tools and techniques emerging to help users control their browsing experience.

One potential trend is the integration of ad blocking functionality directly into operating systems and browsers. This would make ad blocking more accessible to mainstream users and eliminate the need to install third-party apps or extensions.

Another trend is the development of more sophisticated ad blocking techniques that can bypass anti-ad blocking measures. As websites and advertisers become more adept at detecting and circumventing ad blockers, ad blocking tools will need to evolve to stay ahead.

Ultimately, the future of ad blocking will depend on the ongoing interplay between users, advertisers, and technology developers. As users become more aware of the benefits of ad blocking, they will demand more control over their browsing experience. Advertisers will need to find new ways to reach users without being intrusive or annoying. And technology developers will need to create tools that balance the needs of both users and advertisers.

It’s clear that the desire for a clean, ad-free mobile browsing experience is only going to grow. Whether through custom shortcuts, DNS configurations, or specialized browsers, users are actively seeking ways to reclaim control over their online experience.