If you’re a uBlock Origin user and haven’t been fortunate enough to avoid YouTube ads, don’t worry; you’re not the only one. There have been a lot of complaints from users who reported that uBlock is now no longer effectively blocking ads on YouTube. It is upsetting, especially for those who depend on the ad blocker for smooth viewing without any disturbances. Here’s an explanation of why this happens and ways to resolve this issue.
Reasons Why uBlock not Working on YouTube
There could be several things messing with it. Fixing them might get your ad blocker
working again. Here’s why it might not be doing its job:
- Manifest V3 restrictions – Google’s update crippled ad blockers, reducing how they interact with web requests. It makes blocking ads tougher.
- Filters out of date – If your filter lists aren’t updated, uBlock won’t catch new ad tricks. Refreshing them often helps.
- Browser cache problems – Old cookies and cached data mess with uBlock, making it glitchy. Clearing them might fix it.
- Other extensions interfering – Some VPNs, extra ad blockers, or security add- ons don’t play nice with uBlock. Try disabling them.
- Bad custom filters – Custom rules that worked before might be outdated. Check and tweak them when needed.
- YouTube’s sneaky ad tricks – Ads stitched straight into videos make them harder to block. uBlock struggles with these.
- Old version of uBlock – If you’re not using the latest update, you’re missing out on fixes for new ad techniques.
- Browser restrictions – Some browsers (Safari, mobile OS, etc.) limit how extensions work. uBlock might not function fully.
- Network-level ads – Some ads come from the ISP or are embedded in content, making them nearly impossible to block.
- Slow filter updates – If the filter lists don’t update often, ad blockers fall behind as YouTube changes tactics.
Getting uBlock Origin to Block YouTube Ads Properly
Luckily, a bunch of fixes that might just do the trick. Try these methods and see which one works for you.
1. Keep Filter Lists Fresh
Filter lists are the backbone of ad blockers. They need updates, or they get outdated fast.
- Click the uBlock Origin icon in your browser.
- Head over to the “Filter Lists” tab.
- Tap “Purge all caches,” then hit “Update now.”
That refreshes the blocklists, making sure they catch newer ads.
2. Add Custom Filters for YouTube
Some ads sneak past normal filters. Custom rules help.
- Go to the “My filters” tab inside uBlock Origin.
- Paste in filters made specifically for YouTube ads.
- Still need help regarding ad blockers that work on YouTube? Check GitHub or Reddit—people share working filters there all the time.
3. Keep uBlock Origin Itself Updated
Old versions might struggle to keep up with new ad tricks.
- Check your browser’s extension store.
- If there’s an update for uBlock Origin, install it.
It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
4. Disable Other Extensions That Interfere
Sometimes, another extension messes things up.
- Open your extensions list and look for anything that might conflict, like another adblocker or a VPN.
- Try disabling them one by one and see if uBlock starts working better.
5. Adjust uBlock’s Settings
There’s hidden power in the settings panel.
- Open the uBlock dashboard.
- Under “Settings,” turn on extra blocking features.
- Play around with different configurations to see if it improves performance.
6. Try Other Ad Blockers
Still having issues? Maybe it’s time for something different.
- AdBlock Plus: Works across multiple browsers and blocks YouTube ads pretty well.
- AdGuard: Goes beyond just browser extensions—it works on entire devices and stops tracking, phishing, and other annoyances. If your main concern is to block YouTube ads on Android, then Adguard may be the best option, as it has system-wide adblocking.
Either of these could be a solid alternative.
7. Switch Browsers
Not all browsers handle uBlock Origin the same way.
- Firefox and Chrome tend to work best.
- Safari? Not so much. If you’re using it, consider switching.
8. Enable Advanced Mode (If You Dare)
For tech-savvy users, this unlocks more control.
- Inside uBlock Origin, check “I am an advanced user.”
- Use the dynamic filtering pane to fine-tune what gets blocked or allowed.
Might take some tweaking, but it can be super effective.
Final Thoughts
Try one, try all—whatever gets the job done. YouTube ads can be persistent, but with the right tweaks, uBlock Origin can still keep your experience ad-free.
