How to Block Ads on iPhone: The Complete Guide (2025 Edition)

Hey friends! 👋 I’m Jessica, and if you’re anything like me, you love browsing, streaming, and reading on your iPhone — but hate those pesky ads that pop up everywhere. From banner ads interrupting your favorite websites to YouTube ads breaking your music flow, it can get super frustrating.

I remember when I first noticed how cluttered Safari pages looked compared to my MacBook — it made me wonder, “Can I block ads on my iPhone like I do on my laptop?”

Good news: Yes, you can! 🙌
In this guide, I’ll show you how to block ads on your iPhone effectively using Safari settings, third-party blockers, and smart browsing habits — all while keeping your phone secure and fast.

Let’s dive in! 🍎

🔍 Why You Should Block Ads on iPhone

Before we start blocking ads, let’s talk about why it’s worth doing.

1. Faster Browsing Experience

Ads use bandwidth and take time to load, which slows down your pages — especially on ad-heavy sites. Blocking them makes your Safari experience noticeably faster.

2. Improved Privacy

Many ads track your browsing habits using cookies and hidden scripts. By blocking them, you reduce how much data advertisers collect about you.

3. Cleaner Screen

Let’s face it — fewer pop-ups and auto-play videos make for a more peaceful reading or viewing experience.

4. Battery & Data Savings

Ads (especially video ones) can drain your battery faster and eat up mobile data. Blocking them helps your iPhone stay charged longer and use less data.

🧠 How iPhone Handles Ads by Default

Apple takes privacy seriously, and iPhones already include some built-in tools to minimize tracking.

Here’s what’s already in your device:

• Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention: Blocks cross-site tracking by default.
• Hide IP Address from Trackers: Prevents websites from linking your IP to your identity.
• Private Relay (for iCloud+ users): Encrypts your browsing data and hides your online activity.

However, while these features reduce tracking, they don’t completely block ads. You’ll still see banners, pop-ups, and video ads — unless you take extra steps.

So let’s fix that.

🧭 Method 1: Block Ads Using Safari’s Settings

Safari is the main browser on iPhones, and it supports content blockers — small apps or extensions that stop ads from loading.

Here’s how you can enable them:

Step 1: Download an Ad Blocker

Go to the App Store and search for one of these popular ad blockers:

• 1Blocker (Free with premium version)
• AdGuard (Free and reliable)
• Wipr (One-time purchase)
• Purify (Simple and lightweight)

I personally use 1Blocker, and it works great for both Safari and general browsing.

Step 2: Enable Content Blocking in Safari

Once you’ve installed the ad blocker, do this:

1. Open Settings → scroll down and tap Safari.
2. Under “General,” tap Extensions or Content Blockers.
3. Toggle ON the ad blocker you installed (for example, 1Blocker or AdGuard).

Now Safari will automatically filter out unwanted ads when you browse! 🚀

Step 3: Manage Privacy Settings

While you’re still in Safari settings, scroll down and turn ON these options:

• Prevent Cross-Site Tracking
• Block All Cookies (optional, may affect logins)
• Hide IP Address → From Trackers

That’s it! You’ll notice your favorite websites loading cleaner, faster, and without constant interruptions.

📱 Method 2: Use Reader Mode in Safari

If you don’t want to use third-party blockers, Safari’s Reader Mode can give you an ad-free reading experience — perfect for news and blogs.

Here’s how:

1. Open a webpage in Safari.
2. Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar.
3. Choose Show Reader.

Safari instantly removes ads, sidebars, and other distractions, leaving only the main article text and images.

To make it automatic:

• Tap “aA” → Website Settings → Turn ON Use Reader Automatically.

Now, every time you visit that site, it’ll automatically open in ad-free mode.

🧩 Method 3: Block Pop-Ups and Redirects

Pop-ups are the worst — sometimes they even redirect you to scammy pages. Luckily, Safari lets you block them natively.

To do this:

1. Go to Settings → Safari.
2. Scroll to “General.”
3. Turn ON Block Pop-ups.

You can also disable Fraudulent Website Warning for extra safety, which alerts you when Safari detects malicious links or trackers.

⚙️ Method 4: Use a Private DNS or Ad-Blocking VPN

If you want to block ads system-wide (not just in Safari), consider using a Private DNS or VPN with ad-blocking.

✅ VPN Options with Ad-Blocking Features:

• AdGuard VPN
• NordVPN’s Threat Protection
• Proton VPN Plus

These services block ad domains before they even reach your device, meaning you’ll have a cleaner experience in all apps — YouTube, games, and even free apps that show ads.

To enable:

1. Download your chosen VPN from the App Store.
2. Sign in and activate the ad-blocking feature.
3. Allow VPN permissions when prompted.

That’s it — now your iPhone filters out ads on the network level.

🎥 What About YouTube Ads on iPhone?

This one’s tricky. The YouTube app doesn’t allow ad blockers, so if you’re watching videos in the app, ads will still appear.

Here are some workarounds:

• Watch YouTube in Safari with Reader Mode or an ad-blocking extension.
• Subscribe to YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) for an ad-free experience and offline downloads.
• Use alternative clients like YouTube Vanced (not officially supported by Apple).

As someone who streams a lot of playlists while working out, I found that paying for YouTube Premium was worth it — no interruptions and background play!

🛡️ Method 5: Limit Personalized Ads from Apple

Apple itself shows some ads across the App Store and News. You can limit how much of your data they use for ad targeting.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising.
2. Turn OFF Personalized Ads.

This doesn’t completely remove Apple ads, but it ensures they’re generic — not based on your behavior or purchases.

🧹 Bonus Tip: Clear Safari Data Regularly

Even after blocking ads, some cookies and trackers may linger. Clearing them helps maintain privacy and speed.

Go to Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data.

I do this once every couple of weeks — it makes Safari feel faster and more responsive.

🧭 My Favorite Setup (Jessica’s Recommendation)

If you want a smooth and ad-free iPhone experience, here’s my personal combo:

• 1Blocker for Safari ads
• AdGuard VPN for system-wide ad blocking
• Reader Mode for long articles
• YouTube Premium for uninterrupted video streaming

This setup keeps my browsing experience clean, fast, and private — whether I’m reading travel blogs, shopping online, or researching for my next tech post.

🌙 Final Thoughts

Blocking ads on your iPhone isn’t just about comfort — it’s about control, privacy, and performance. Apple already gives you great tools, but combining them with third-party blockers makes your experience even better.

Once you try it, you’ll notice how peaceful your screen feels — no more flashing banners or pop-ups. Just you, your content, and your iPhone running smoothly.

So go ahead and give it a try — your future self (and your battery) will thank you! 🔋💖

Author Bio:
Hey friends, I’m Jessica, a tech lover and digital lifestyle blogger from the USA. I share honest Apple guides, MacBook tips, and fun tech discoveries to make your digital life easier and smarter. Stay tuned for more iPhone hacks and how-tos!