Advertising in YouTube on Android has become a real problem for millions of users: 15-second videos before videos, banners in recommendations feed, and sudden interruptions in the middle of viewing. Even a paid subscription YouTube Premium does not always solve the issue - many functions are not available in some regions, and the cost of a subscription is steep. Fortunately, there are legal and semi-legal ways disable advertising without compromising the functionality of the application.

In this article we will look at 5 current methods for 2026that work on most devices running Android 10–15 (including Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Google Pixel and other shells). No root access or dubious APKs - only proven solutions with detailed instructions and warnings about possible risks. Choose a method depending on your technical skills and willingness to experiment!

1. Standard YouTube settings: what you can disable without third-party tools

Before resorting to drastic measures, check the built-in application options. YouTube is gradually expanding customization options, and some advertising can be reduced legally - without violating the rules of the service.

Open the application YouTube, tap on the avatar in the upper right corner and go to Settings → General. There are two key parameters here:

  • 🔄 Resetting search and browsing history: The algorithm shows ads based on your interests. Clearing the history will reduce the relevance of targeted ads (but will not remove them completely).
  • 📵 Disable personalized advertising: In the Privacy → Advertising settings section, deactivate the "Personalized advertising" option. This will reduce the number of banners, but will not affect the videos before the content.

It is also worth looking into Settings → Notifications and disabling notifications from YouTube - they often contain promotional offers. Unfortunately, these measures are of a cosmetic nature: the main types of advertising (pre-rolls, mid-rolls, in-feed banners) will remain. Blocking them will require more serious tools.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting history and turning off personalization may result in less relevant video recommendations. If you frequently use YouTube Music or playlists, this method may worsen the user experience.
📊 How often are you annoyed by advertising on YouTube?
Constantly - interrupts every video
Sometimes - tolerable, but annoying
Almost no advertising (Premium/adblock)
I don’t pay attention

2. Using alternative YouTube clients: Vanced, ReVanced and others

One ​​of the most effective ways is to install a modified version YouTube with blocked advertising. The most popular solutions:

  • 🛡️ YouTube Vanced (outdated, but still works on some devices): Completely removes advertising, adds background playback and blocking of sponsored inserts. Requires installation MicroG for Google account authorization.
  • 🔄 ReVanced (current alternative): Modern fork Vanced with support for the latest versions YouTube. Blocks all types of advertising, including sponsored integrations and in-feed banners.
  • 📱 NewPipe: Lightweight open source client. Does not require an account Google, but has limited functionality (for example, no browsing history).

To install ReVanced (recommended option), follow the instructions:

  1. Download the original APK YouTube from the site apkmirror.com (version must match the supported one ReVanced).
  2. Install ReVanced Manager or ReVanced CLI (for PC).
  3. Select patching options: check the boxes "Block ads","Disable shorts","Background playback".
  4. Collect a modified APK and install it on the device (allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings).
⚠️ Attention: The use of modified clients is violating YouTube terms of use. Your account may be blocked for "atypical activity", especially if you often log in/log out. We recommend using a separate one account.

Download the original YouTube APK (version not older than 3 months)

Install ReVanced Manager from the official GitHub

Disable automatic YouTube updates in the Play Market

Make a backup of the original application data (via Titanium Backup or analogues)

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3. Ad blocking via DNS: AdGuard, NextDNS and other services

If modified clients seem too risky, try blocking at the DNS level. This method intercepts requests to ad servers Google and YouTube, preventing them from loading. Pros:

  • 🌍 Works on all devices on the network (including Smart TV i Android TV).
  • 🔒 Does not require changing system files or installing unofficial APKs.
  • 📱 Compatible with any versions Android (including Android Go).

The most reliable DNS for blocking ads in YouTube:

ServiceDNS address (IPv4)Features
AdGuard DNS176.103.130.130Blocks trackers and advertising, including YouTube. There is an option with protection against phishing.
NextDNS45.90.28.167Flexible settings, the ability to create a white list for some services.
Control D76.76.2.0Optimized for streaming services, minimal false ones. triggered.
CleanBrowsing185.228.168.168Focus on family safety, blocks 18+ content and advertising.

To apply DNS on Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
  2. Select "Private DNS Provider Hostname" and enter the address (for example, dns.adguard.com).
  3. Save the settings and reboot the device.

Efficiency of the method: ~70–80%. Pre-rolls and some banners are blocked, but sponsorship integrations inside videos and some mid-rolls may slip through. For better result, combine DNS with other methods.

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If after changing the DNS some sites no longer open, try another service from the table. Some blockers filter content too aggressively, breaking the operation of legitimate resources.

4. Disabling advertising through the Hosts file (without root)

File hosts in Android is responsible for matching domain names with IP addresses. If you add entries to it that redirect advertising domains YouTube to an "empty" address (127.0.0.1), the system will not be able to load them. The method works without root, but requires the use of special applications.

Instructions:

  1. Install the application Hosts Editor or DNS66 from F-Droid.
  2. Download the current list of domains to block ads (for example, StevenBlack’s hosts).
  3. Import the list into the application and apply the changes.
  4. Restart the device.

List of key domains YouTubethat need to be blocked:

127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net

127.0.0.1 googleads.g.doubleclick.net


127.0.0.1 pagead2.googlesyndication.com


127.0.0.1 pubads.g.doubleclick.net


127.0.0.1 s.ytimg.com


127.0.0.1 www.googleadservices.com

⚠️ Attention: Editing a hostsfile without root does not work on all devices. On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) changes are reset after a reboot. In this case, only root or use Magisk.
Why may the method stop working?

YouTube regularly updates the lists of advertising domains. If after 1-2 months advertising appears again, update the blocking list in Hosts Editor or manually add new domains.

5. YouTube Premium through a family subscription or promotions

If you need 100% ad-free guarantee without the risk of having your account blocked, consider legal ways to get YouTube Premium cheaper:

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family subscription: Cost YouTube Premium for a family (up to 5 people) - ~$18/month. If you divide the costs, it will be ~$3.6 per person. How to apply:
    1. Open YouTube → Profile → Purchases and subscriptions → YouTube Premium.
    2. Select the "Family" plan and add family members via Google Family Group.
  • 🎁 Promo codes and promotions: Google regularly distributes free months Premium through partners. Where to look:
    • Cashback services (ShopBack, LetyShops).
    • Promotions of telecom operators (for example, MTS or Beeline give 1-3 months free when replenishing accounts).
    • Distributions on forums (4PDA, Reddit).
  • 💳 Discounts for students: When confirming student status through UNiDAYS or Student Beans you can get YouTube Premium with a discount of up to 50%.

    • Advantages Premium:

    • ✅ No advertising at all (including sponsorship integrations).
    • ✅ Background playback and downloading videos.
    • ✅ Access to YouTube Music Premium.
    • ✅ Support for authors without viewing ads.
    ⚠️ Attention: When registering for a family subscription, the main account must be linked to the card. If the main payer refuses the subscription, all family members will lose access. Also Google can request confirmation of family connections. (for example, through a common address or devices).

    6. Risks and consequences: what will happen if YouTube detects ad blocking

    Any methods of bypassing advertising (except YouTube Premium) violate rules for using the service. Google actively fights against blockers, and the consequences can be serious:

    • 🚫 Account blocking: Most likely when using modified clients (Vanced/ReVanced) with authorization Usually the blocking is temporary (for 1-7 days), but something else is possible. ban.
    • 🔄 Functional limitation: YouTube may disable the ability to comment, like, or download videos.
    • 📵 Forced update: On some devices Google Play Services automatically updates YouTube, resetting patches ReVanced.
    • ⚠️ Warnings about "atypical activity": Appears with frequent use of VPN or DNS blockers.

      • How to minimize risks:

      • Use a separate account Google for modified clients.
      • Do not log in ReVancedif your channel is monetized or linked to AdSense.
      • Regularly update block lists in hosts or DNS.
      • Avoid mass likes/comments from modified applications.

        • If the account is still blocked:

        1. Submit an appeal via form account recovery.
        2. Remove all modified clients and reset DNS settings.
        3. Wait 24-48 hours before re-authorizing.
      💡

      Google is less likely to block accounts for using the DNS or hosts file than for modified APKs. If it is critical for you to avoid a ban, give preference to the first two methods.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking ads on YouTube on Android

      ❓ Is it possible to remove ads on YouTube without root and without installing third-party apps?

      Yes, but the effectiveness will be limited. The easiest ways:

      • Use DNS blockers (AdGuard DNS, NextDNS).
      • Disable personalized advertising in your Google account settings.
      • Watch video via browser with extension uBlock Origin (works in Kiwi Browser or Firefox for Android).

      These methods will remove some banners and pre-rolls, but do not guarantee 100% results.

      ❓ Why do ads still appear after installing ReVanced?

      Probable reasons:

      • You are using outdated version YouTube or ReVanced. Update both components.
      • Not all patches were applied when building the APK. Check the checkboxes in ReVanced Manager.
      • YouTube updated automatically via Play Market. Disable auto-update for the application.
      • You are logged into an account that was previously blocked for using modified clients.

      Solution: Reinstall ReVanced with the latest patches and do not update YouTube through official channels.

      ❓ Is it legal to use modified YouTube clients?

      From a legal point of view - gray method:

      • 📜 Violation of YouTube rules: Clause 4.C User Agreement prohibits bypassing service restrictions.
      • 🏛️ It is not piracy: You are not stealing content, but only blocking ads. In most countries, this is not punishable by law.
      • ⚖️ Risk for your account: Google It may block access to some functions or completely prohibit the use of the service.

      For personal use, the risks are minimal, but if you monetize content or manage the channel, it is better to avoid such methods.

      ❓ How to remove advertising on YouTube on Android TV or Smart TV?

      For Android TV i Smart TV (based on Android) the same methods are suitable, but with caveats:

      • 📺 DNS blocking: Configure Private DNS in the TV network settings (similar to a smartphone).
      • 🛠️ ReVanced for TV: There are special assemblies YouTube TV with patches. Installed via Send Files to TV or ADB.
      • 🖥️ Proxy server: Configure Pi-hole on the router or use AdGuard Home to filter the traffic of the entire device.

      ⚠️ On Samsung Tizen or LG webOS these methods do not work - you will need an external device (for example, Fire Stick s SmartTubeNext).

      ❓ Why after the change DNS has stopped working on some sites?

      Some DNS blockers (especially aggressive ones, like NextDNS those with maximum settings) filter not only advertising, but also legitimate services. Solutions:

      • Try another DNS from the table in section 3.
      • B NextDNS or AdGuard Home add problematic sites to white list.
      • Disable blocking at the DNS level and use hostsfile or ReVanced.

        • If the problem persists, return the standard DNS (8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) and check the network.