Advertising in YouTube has become a real test for users: 15-second videos before the video, banners in the middle of viewing, pop-ups with offers to subscribe. On Android devices the situation is aggravated by restrictions Google Play and policies YouTube Premiumthat block most workarounds. But there is a way out - at least 7 proven ways to reduce or completely remove advertising without violating (or minimally violating) the rules of the service.

In this guide we will look at legal and semi-legal methods - from the official subscription to alternative clients, modified APKs and tricks with DNS. Important: some solutions require root access or installing applications from unverified sources, which is always fraught with risks. We will honestly warn you about the pitfalls of each option so that you can choose the optimal balance between convenience and security.

Spoiler: the most reliable way without risks is a combination YouTube Vanced (for older versions of Android) and blocking advertising domains via Private DNS. But if you have a new smartphone on Android 13+, you will have to consider alternatives. Let's start with the simplest.

1. Official method: YouTube Premium

The most obvious and the only one completely legal method is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. It not only removes all advertising, but also gives access to background playback, video downloading and exclusive content. (₽) YouTube Music.

Subscription cost in 2026:

Rate Price per month (₽) Features
Individual 399–499 1 account, without excess water on all devices
Family (up to 5 people) 799–999 Saving up to 50% on person
Student 199–249 Requires confirmation of student status

How to apply:

  • 📱 Open the application YouTube on Android.
  • 👤 Tap by avatar in the upper right corner → Get YouTube Premium.
  • 💳 Select a tariff and pay via Google Pay or a bank card.
⚠️ Attention: When paying via Google Play commission can reach 30%. To save, link the card directly to your account Google (via the web version).

Pros:

  • ✅ 100% legal, without the risk of account blocking.
  • ✅ Works on all devices (smartphone, TV, computer).
  • ✅ Additional functions: video downloading, background playback.

Cons:

  • ❌ Paid (from 200 ₽/month).
  • ❌ Linking to account Google —if they block it, you will lose access.
📊 How do you feel about YouTube Premium?
Willing to pay for no advertising
I use free workarounds
I tried it, but gave up
I don’t see the point in paying

2. Alternative clients: YouTube Vanced and its analogs

YouTube Vanced has long been the gold standard for watching YouTube without unnecessary water on Android. This is a modified application with a built-in ad blocker, background playback and other features. However, in March 2022 the project officially closed due to pressure Google.

Nevertheless, there are ways to install it:

Download the APK from a trusted source (for example, vancedapp.com)

Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security

Install MicroG for authorization in your Google account

Run YouTube Vanced and log into your account

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Where download Vanced in 2026:

  • 🔗 Official archive: vancedapp.com (versions up to 17.43.36).
  • 🔗 ReVanced — fork with support for new versions YouTube (requires APK patching).
  • 🔗 Vanilla Music - an alternative for listening to music.
⚠️ Attention: Installing modified APKs can lead to blocking a Google account (rarely, but it happens Do not use Vanced on the main one). account, if it is linked to important services (for example, Google Pay).

Pros Vanced:

  • ✅ Completely removes advertising (including banners and pop-ups).
  • ✅ Background playback and blocking of sponsorships inserts.
  • ✅ Does not require root.

Cons:

  • ❌ Not updated (latest version - 2022).
  • ❌ May stop working if the API changes YouTube.
  • ❌ The risk of account blocking (minimal, but there is).
What to do if Vanced stops working?

If YouTube Vanced it gives the error "Unable to connect to the server", try:

1. Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications → YouTube Vanced → Memory.

2. Disable VPN (if you use it).

3. Install an older version of the APK (for example, 17.30.34).

4. Go to ReVanced (requires patching the original APK via ReVanced Manager).

3. Ad blocking via Private DNS (without root)

One of the safest ways is to redirect advertising domains YouTube to "nowhere" using Private DNS. This method does not require root and works on Android 9+.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
  2. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
  3. Enter one of the addresses:
    • dns.adguard.com (blocks ads and trackers).
    • doh.centraleu.pi-dns.com (specialized for YouTube).
  • Save and reboot the device.

    • How it works:

    • 🔄 The DNS server filters requests to advertising domains YouTube (for example, googleads.g.doubleclick.net).
    • 🚫 Instead of showing advertising, the video simply skips it or shows black screen for 1-2 seconds.
    ⚠️ Attention: Some DNS servers may slow down video loadingIf you notice lags, return the standard DNS or try another host.

    Pros method:

    • ✅ Does not require installation of additional applications.
    • ✅ Works systemically (blocks ads in the browser as well).
    • ✅ Without the risk of account blocking.

    Cons:

    • ❌ Doesn't block sponsored inserts inside videos.
    • ❌ May not work on some operators (if they intercept DNS).
    💡

    To check if Private DNS works, open it in your browser https://dnsleaktest.com. If the results show the DNS you selected (for example, AdGuard), everything is configured correctly.

    4. Applications with built-in ad blocking

    If YouTube Vanced is not suitable, you can use alternative clients that support ad blocking. Here are the top 3 tested applications:

    Application Features Requires root?
    NewPipe Open source, video downloading, background playback ❌ No
    SkyTube Minimalistic interface, blocking ads and trackers ❌ No
    LibreTube Works without a Google account, blocks sponsored segments ❌ No

    How install NewPipe (the most popular option):

    1. Download APK from the official website: newpipe.net.
    2. Allow installation from unknown sources.
    3. Launch the application and log in to your account (optional).
    4. In settings turn on Ad blocking and Background playback.

    Advantages of alternative clients:

    • ✅ Completely free and without unnecessary water.
    • ✅ Does not require root or system modification.
    • ✅ Additional functions: video downloading, playlists without an account.

    Cons:

    • ❌ The interface may seem inconvenient after official YouTube.
    • ❌ Some functions are missing (for example, YouTube Shorts v NewPipe works crookedly).
    • ❌ Risk of account blocking with frequent use (rarely).
    💡

    If anonymity is important to you, LibreTube is the best choice: it works through Tor and does not require authorization in Google.

    5. Ad blocking via AdGuard or Blokada

    Ad blocking applications (AdGuard, Blokada) can filter traffic YouTube at the network level. They create a local VPN that intercepts and blocks advertising requests.

    Instructions for AdGuard:

    1. Download AdGuard from Google Play or from the official website.
    2. Run the application and enable protection (button at the bottom of the screen).
    3. Go to Settings → Filters → Advertising and activate:
      • 🛡️ AdGuard Base filter
      • 🛡️ AdGuard YouTube filter (especially for YouTube)
  • Restart YouTube.

    • Advantages of blockers:

    • ✅ They work systematically (block ads in the browser and other applications).
    • ✅ Regular filter updates.
    • ✅ No need c root.

    Cons:

    • ❌ Consumes additional battery power (due to VPN operation).
    • ❌ May conflict with other VPN applications.
    • ❌ Free version AdGuard has restrictions (for example, traffic limit).
    ⚠️ Attention: Some banks block access to their applications if an active VPN is detected. If you use mobile banking, add it to the exceptions AdGuard.

    6. YouTube modification via ReVanced (for advanced) is a project that allows you to patch the original APK by adding functions to it (ad blocking, background playback, etc.). Unlike

    ReVanced is a project that allows you to patch the original APK YouTube, adding functions to it Vanced (ad blocking, background playback, etc.). Unlike YouTube Vanced, it supports the latest versions of the application.

    What you will need:

    • 📱 Android device (without root, but with an unlocked bootloader for some methods).
    • 💻 Computer with Java i Python (or terminal on Android).
    • 🔧 ReVanced Manager or ReVanced CLI.

    Brief instructions:

    1. Download the original APK YouTube s site apkmirror.com.
    2. Install ReVanced Manager (available on GitHub).
    3. Select the downloaded APK and apply the patches:
      • 🔧 Hide ads
      • 🔧 Background playback
      • 🔧 Override max resolution (if you need 4K)
  • Install the patched APK on device.

    • Pros ReVanced:

    • ✅ Supports the latest versions YouTube.
    • ✅ Flexible setup (you can select only the patches you need).
    • ✅ No risk of account blocking (if you do not use patches to bypass restrictions).

    Cons:

    • ❌ Difficult to set up for a beginner.
    • ❌ When updating YouTube you need to patch the APK again.
    • ❌ Some patches may not work on new ones versions.
    Where to download ReVanced Manager?

    Official repository on GitHub: https://github.com/revanced/revanced-manager. Download only from trusted sources - there are many fake versions with viruses on the Internet.

    7. data-i="249">If you view

    If you're watching YouTube through a browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox), you can use extensions to block ads. On Android, this works through browsers that support addons, for example, Kiwi Browser or Firefox.

    Instructions for Kiwi Browser:

    1. Install Kiwi Browser from Google Play.
    2. Open kiwibrowser://extensions in the address bar.
    3. Install extensions:
      • 🛡️ uBlock Origin (blocks ads).
      • 🎵 Enhancer for YouTube (adds features like blocking sponsored segments).
  • Open m.youtube.com and enjoy watching without unnecessary water.

    • Advantages of the browser method:

    • ✅ Does not require installation of modified APKs.
    • ✅ Works on any device (including Android Go).
    • ✅ Can be used together with Private DNS for double protection.

    Cons:

    • ❌ Less convenient compared to the application (no gestures, notifications).
    • ❌ Some functions (for example, YouTube Shorts) work worse.
    ⚠️ Attention: Extensions like uBlock Origin may conflict with tracking protection in Firefox. If advertising is not blocked, disable Enhanced protection in your browser settings.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions

    ❓ Is it possible to get an account banned for blocking ads?

    Theoretically, yes, but in practice Google accounts are blocked extremely rarely. The main risk is when using modified clients (Vanced, ReVanced) If you do not log into your account, the chances of blocking are minimal. — Private DNS or YouTube Premium.

    ❓ Why did advertising return after updating YouTube?

    The official application YouTube is regularly updated, and old blocking methods (for example, patches in ReVanced) may stop working. Solutions:

    • Disable automatic updating YouTube in Google Play.
    • Use alternative clients (NewPipe, SkyTube).
    • Update filters in AdGuard or change Private DNS.

    ❓ Does ad blocking work on Smart TV with Android?

    On Android TV most methods (for example, Vanced or ReVanced) do not work due to platform limitations. Alternatives:

    • Use SmartTubeNext (requires root or ADB).
    • Configure Private DNS on the router (will affect all devices on the network).
    • Connect Fire TV Stick with installed NewPipe.

    ❓ How to block sponsorship inserts inside a video?

    Sponsored segments (when the blogger says “Now advertising!”) are blocked only by specialized tools:

    • B NewPipe or LibreTube enable the option Skip sponsorships (uses the database SponsorBlock).
    • In the browser, install the extension SponsorBlock for YouTube.
    • B ReVanced apply the patch SponsorBlock.

    ❓Is it legal to use modified YouTube clients?

    From a legal point of view, the use of YouTube Vanced or ReVanced falls into a gray area:

    • 🔹 Does not violate the law, since you do not distribute pirated content.
    • 🔹 Violates YouTube terms of use (clause 4.C), which may lead to account blocking.
    • 🔹 Google not sues users, but can remove modified applications from Play Market.

    For complete legality, use YouTube Premium or Private DNS.