Advertising on YouTube on Android is becoming more and more annoying: 15-second videos before the video, banners in the middle of viewing, pop-ups with offers to subscribe. It’s especially annoying when ads interrupt an important moment in a movie or stream. Many are looking for ways disable advertising on YouTube on Android without registration and for a fee, but most methods are either outdated or require root access or a subscription to YouTube Premium.

In this article - 5 current ways ad blockers that work in 2026. We will look at both legal workarounds (for example, through alternative clients) and technical solutions (like DNS filters or modified APKs). Important: Some methods may break the rules YouTube or require caution when installing third-party software. All risks are your responsibility.

⚠️ Attention: YouTube actively combats ad blockers. The methods described below may no longer work after updates to the application or service algorithms. Before use, check the relevance of the information in the comments or on specialized forums.

1. Alternative YouTube clients: Vanced, ReVanced and others

The most reliable way to get rid of advertising is to use modified versions YouTube, where advertising is disabled at the code level. Previously it was in the lead YouTube Vanced, but after its closure in 2022, alternatives appeared:

  • 🔹 ReVanced - fork Vanced open source. Supports ad blocking, background playback and the return of the dislike function.
  • 🔹 LibreTube —a client with a focus on privacy. Works through NewPipe or your own proxies, does not require an account Google.
  • 🔹 NewPipe —a lightweight client with support for video downloading, ad blocking and background playback.

To install any of these clients:

  1. Download APK from the official project website (for example, revanced.app or newpipe.net).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Android settings (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  3. Install the APK and log in YouTube (if necessary).

⚠️ Attention: Do not download modified APKs from dubious sites - they may contain malicious code. Use only official sources or verified repositories like F-Droid.

📊 Which alternative YouTube client have you tried?
ReVanced
NewPipe
LibreTube
Other
No

2. Blocking ads via DNS (without root)

If you do not want to install third-party clients, you can block advertising domains YouTube This will not remove ads completely, but will reduce their number. The method works without root access and does not require changing system rights. files.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
  2. Select "Private DNS Host Name" and enter one of the addresses:
    • dns.adguard.com (AdGuard DNS)
    • family.adguard-dns.com (with filtering "18+")
    • doh.liberty.globo.ocs.mg (Alternate DNS)
  • Save the settings and reboot the device.
    • DNS provider Address Effectiveness against YouTube advertising
    AdGuard DNS dns.adguard.com Blocks ~60% of advertising
    NextDNS 45.90.28.167 Blocks ~50%, requires registration
    Control D 76.76.2.0 Blocks ~70%, but may slow down the video

    ⚠️ Attention: DNS filtering may slow down video loading or cause playback errors. If YouTube stopped working, return the default DNS settings (automatic).

    💡

    If after changing DNS videos load slowly, try disabling IPv6 in the Wi-Fi or mobile network settings.

    3. Using a browser with an ad blocker

    If you do not want to install a separate application, you can watch YouTube through a browser with an ad blocking extension. For example, Firefox or Kiwi Browser support installation uBlock Origin.

    Step-by-step guide for Firefox:

    1. Install Firefox from Google Play.
    2. Follow the link https://addons.mozilla.org/ru/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/ and add the extension.
    3. Open youTube.com in a browser and turn on playback.

      4. Advantages of the method:

      • 🔹 Does not require installation of additional APKs.
      • 🔹 Works without registration and root access.
      • 🔹 Can be used on any Android device.

      Disadvantages:

      • 🔸 No background playback (unless used YouTube Premium).
      • 🔸 Video quality may be worse than in the official application.
      • 🔸 Some functions (for example, comments) are unstable.

    Install Firefox or Kiwi Browser|

    Add uBlock Origin|

    Disable "Traffic Saver" in browser settings|

    Enable "Allow audio playback" for YouTube-->

    4. Modified APKs with patches (only for experienced users)

    For those who are willing to take risks, there are patched versions of the official application YouTubewhere advertising is disabled at the code level. For example, the project ReVanced Patches allows you to create your own assembly with the necessary functions.

    How it works:

    1. Download the original APK YouTube from the site apkmirror.com.
    2. Install ReVanced CLI or ReVanced Manager (instructions on revanced.app).
    3. Apply patches to block ads and build a new APK.
    4. Uninstall the official YouTube and install the patched version.

    Important: patched APKs may contain vulnerabilities or stop working after updates YouTubeUse this method only if you understand the risks.

    ⚠️ Attention: Account Google may be blocked for using modified versions YouTubeDo not log into your account if. it is important for you (for example, it is tied to Google Pay or work email).

    What will happen if you use patched YouTube with a Google account?

    According to YouTube rules, using modified clients may lead to account blocking. Risks:

    - Warning about violation of rules.

    - Temporary blocking of functions (comments, video downloading).

    - Complete account deletion (in rare cases).

    It is recommended to use alternative clients without logging into your account or create a separate account for viewing.

    5. "For Kids" mode in YouTube (limited ad blocking)

    Official YouTube has a “For Children” mode, where there is significantly less advertising. It can be enabled without registration and additional applications:

    1. Open the official application YouTube.
    2. Touch the avatar in the upper right corner and select Settings.
    3. Go to General → Mode "For children".
    4. Turn on the mode and select the age category (for example, "7–12 years").

    What this mode gives:

    • 🔹 Removes most advertisements before the video.
    • 🔹 Disables personalized advertising.
    • 🔹 Blocks comments and some “adult” recommendations.

    Restrictions:

    • 🔸 Not all videos are available in this mode.
    • 🔸 Advertising in the middle of the video may remain.
    • 🔸 No background playback.
    💡

    The "For Children" mode is the only legal way to reduce advertising on official YouTube without third-party tools.

    Comparison of methods: which method to choose?

    Each of the described methods has pros and cons. The choice depends on your goals:

    Method Efficiency Complexity Risks Registration required?
    Alternative clients (ReVanced, NewPipe) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Average Account blocking (if used with a login) No
    DNS filtering ⭐⭐⭐ Low Video slowdown, playback errors No
    Browser + uBlock Origin ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low No background playback No
    Patched APK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High Account blocking, security vulnerabilities No
    Mode "For children" ⭐⭐ Low Restricted content No

    For most users, the best option is ReVanced or NewPipe. These clients offer maximum functionality without the risk of account suspension (if you don't log in). If legality is important, try DNS filtering or "For Children" mode.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about watching YouTube without wasting money

    Is it possible to get an account banned for using modified clients?

    Yes, YouTube can block your account for using unofficial clients, especially if you log into it. The risk is higher with active actions (comments, uploading videos). It is recommended to use alternative clients without linking an account or create a separate account for viewing.

    Why do some videos not load after changing DNS?

    Some DNS providers block not only advertising, but also part of the infrastructure YouTubewhich leads to playback errors. Try a different DNS (for example 1.1.1.1 to check) or disable filtering.

    How to update modified YouTube (ReVanced, NewPipe)?

    Official clients are updated via Google Play, and modified ones - manually. Follow the updates on the project websites (revanced.app, newpipe.net) and install new versions of APK in the same way as during the first installation.

    Does ad blocking work on Smart TV with Android?

    Yes, but with limitations. On Android TV you can install NewPipe or SmartTubeNext (for Sony Bravia and other TVs with Android). DNS filtering also works, but may slow down the video. It is not recommended to install patched APKs on TV due to the risk of the system being bricked.

    Is it legal to use ad blockers on YouTube?

    From a legal point of view, the use of ad blockers is not prohibited, but YouTube considers this as a violation of its rules. In most countries you will not be fined for watching without excess water, but your account may be blocked. For legal viewing without unnecessary fuss, fill out YouTube Premium.