How To Watch YouTube Without Ads on Android

In the digital age, ads have become ubiquitous, especially on platforms like YouTube. While these ads can be a source of revenue for content creators, they can also disrupt the viewing experience. Blocking YouTube ads on Android devices is a common desire among users who seek uninterrupted content consumption. 

This article explores various methods to block YouTube ads on Android, including the best YouTube ad blockers for Android, and other different methods, their benefits, risks, and best practices. Additionally, we will look at the changes in 2024 that have impacted ad-blocking solutions.

Also, if you want to find out ways of blocking YouTube ads on iPhone, look no further. We’ve got the most relevant tips and tricks!

If you want to find out ways of blocking YouTube ads on iPhone, look no further. We’ve got the most relevant tips and tricks!

Use A Free AdLock Player to Watch YouTube Without Ads

AdLock has a unique feature that makes it a perfect ad blocker for YouTube on Android. As it’s still impossible for third-party applications to block ads in the native YouTube app, we decided to try a different angle here. And our solution is a laconic YouTube player that cuts off everything unnecessary, including advertising. The best part is that you don’t need to download additional apps; one AdLock application has all the functionality. Observe:

  1. Download AdLock for Android and follow the installation instructions.
  2. Open AdLock, tap the menu icon and go to Settings.
  3. Check for and install any available updates.
  4. In the AdLock tab, tap “INSTALL CERTIFICATE” to filter HTTPS.
  5. Verify your identity when prompted.
  6. Return to the menu, select “Buy Now,” choose your preferred subscription plan, and tap “Start free week.” If you don’t enjoy ad-free internet, we’ll give you back the money, no questions asked.
  7. Now, the best part: open the YouTube app and choose the video to watch.
  8. Tap the “Share” button under the video;
  9. Select AdLock in the list of options;
  10. The ad-free video will start in the AdLock player, and you can select the desired quality.

The best function of the AdLock player, apart from blocking YouTube ads on Android, is picture-in-picture viewing. Now, you don’t need Premium to play and watch YouTube videos simultaneously.

Another option is to enjoy YouTube videos without ads directly in your favorite Android web browser, like Chrome or Opera. Get AdLock up and running, and it will do all the work. Another hint: you can add an icon for the YouTube browser version to your main screen for quick access. Just open YouTube in your browser, tap Options, and go with the option Add to Home Screen.open YouTube in your browser, tap Options, and go with the option Add to Home Screen

No worries — you won’t confuse the two icons. Here’s what they look like:

Top Alternative Android YouTube Ad Blockers

We’ve got a comparative table for you to choose the best solution to block ads on YouTube on Android. Table residents are compiled objectively by considering their performance, privacy, and quality-to-price ratio.

Ad BlockerFeaturesPlatformsPrice
AdLockOutstanding adblocking; Top-tier privacy security; Anti-malware module.◾ Android;◾ macOS;◾ iOS;◾ Windows.From $2/mo
Adblock PlusNeat adblocking (Acceptable ads); Malware protection;Blocks YouTube ads only in the browser.◾ Most browsers;◾ Android;Free/Premium from $4/mo
Proton VPNGood adblocking; Anti-tracking; Anti-phishing; VPN.◾ Android;◾ iOS;◾ macOS;◾ WindowsFrom $4,49,/mo
TotalAdblockGood adblocking; Tracking protection; Annoyances and social media filters.◾ Android;◾ iOS;◾ Browsers.Free plan;$1.99/month

Please note that the majority of ad-blocking solutions for Android won’t be available through Google Play. Moreover, there’s no way of blocking adverts on the native app (at least yet) so this is also important to keep in mind. If you wish for a good YouTube adblock for Android, you should try out AdLock as it has a lot to offer.

Upgrade Your YouTube Account to Premium

YouTube has increased its advertising to boost revenue and encourage Premium subscriptions. This strategy affects users who can’t or don’t want to pay for the service. Here’s an overview of YouTube Premium and how it compares to ad blockers:

YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) offers:

  1. Ad-free viewing
  2. Offline video downloads
  3. Background playback
  4. YouTube Music subscription
  5. Access to YouTube Originals

Pros compared to an adblocker for Android YouTube streaming:

  • Legal and supported by YouTube
  • Additional features beyond ad blocking
  • Works across all devices and platforms

Cons compared to ad blockers:

  • High monthly cost
  • Limited to YouTube only
  • May not block all ads (some users report issues)

Ultimately, the choice between YouTube Premium and ad blockers depends on individual needs, budget, and viewing habits. Subscribe to YouTube Premium if it wins your heart.

Use an Ad-free Browser for Android

Ad-free browsers offer a unique solution for watching YouTube without ads on Android devices for those seeking alternatives to YouTube Premium or traditional ad blockers. This method balances cost and functionality.

Popular options (with global rank):

  1. Brave Browser (#193 in Global Rank)
  2. Avast Secure Browser (4,859 in Global Rank) (видалила аваст з таблиці ад блокерів)
  3. AVG Browser (#10,799 in Global Rank)
  4. Tor Browser (#17,006 in Global Rank)
  5. Ghostery Privacy Browser (#199,994 in Global Rank).

Common features:

  • Ad blocker
  • Tracker blocker
  • Built-in VPN
  • Incognito mode

Pros:

  • Free
  • Effective alternatives to adblock for YouTube app
  • Additional privacy features

Cons:

  • Only works in the browser, not in the YouTube app
  • Requires switching from your usual browser
  • Limited customization compared to conventional browsers

Comparative table of the most popular ad-free browsers

BrowsersBenefitsDrawbacks
Avast Secure BrowserA very popular browser that’s private, fast, and completely encryptedPin-lock or fingerprint-lock feature for extra protectionFree unlimited VPN, adblocking, tracking protectionIt was once published, that Avast was selling user data via Jumpshot. To stop rumbling around concerns, Jumpshot was shut down.
Brave BrowserBrowser that is praised by big players like Cnet, Wired, and The VergeReliable anti-trackingNice ad blockingPrivate surfing via TorCrypto rewards for web surfingLack of variety in extensions
Tor BrowserThe strongest user privacy in the worldBlocks trackers and prevents surveillanceFully encrypted right off the batNice and fast VPNTakes some time to loadSomewhat slow performanceUsers can’t down/upload large files through the Tor network
GhosteryOnline anonymityTracking protection, auto-switch to HTTPSSupports Firefox add-onsFast in actionTakes time to adapt to a new searchConstantly pops up ads forcing their iOS products

While ad-free browsers aren’t a perfect solution, they offer a practical compromise for users who want to avoid YouTube ads without paying for Premium. Consider your priorities – convenience, privacy, and functionality – when deciding if this method suits your needs. Remember that you can always switch back to your regular browser for other online activities.

Use a VPN to Block YouTube Ads 

While some VPNs offer ad-blocking features, they’re not ideal for use as a ​​YouTube adblocker for Android.

Limitations:

  • Ad-blocking is a secondary feature, not a primary one
  • Few VPN Android apps include ad-blocking
  • VPNs may slow down internet connection
  • Can affect YouTube recommendations based on server location
  • Free VPNs may compromise privacy or security

Recommended VPN options (if considering):

  1. Private Internet Access: Customizable, €51.74/2 years
  2. CyberGhost: One-click solution, €29.99/year
  3. TopGuard VPN: Fastest, from €9.99/month
  4. NordVPN: Popular, $78.96/2 years
  5. Surfshark: User-friendly, €59.76/2 years

Comparative table of the most popular VPN solutions

VPN ServicePrice (Lowest)Ad BlockingSpeedEase of UseServer LocationsNotable Feature
Private Internet Access€11.69/monthYesGoodModerate84 countriesHigh customization
CyberGhost€11.99/monthYesGoodHigh91 countriesOne-click solution
TopGuard VPN$12.99/monthLimitedExcellentModerateNot specifiedFastest speeds
NordVPN$13.99/monthYesVery GoodHigh59 countriesMost popular
Surfshark€15.45/monthYesVery GoodVery High65 countriesMost user-friendly

Consider VPNs primarily for privacy and security rather than ad-blocking on YouTube. Other methods like ad-free browsers may be more effective for this specific purpose.

Use Modded YouTube Apps

Note: Using third-party adblock for YouTube mobile streaming may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service and could potentially compromise your account security or privacy. Use at your own discretion.

Popular alternative clients compared to the official YouTube app:

FeatureNewPipeLibreTubeSkyTubeOfficial YouTube App
Ad-freeYesYesYesNo (unless Premium)
Open SourceYesYesYesNo
Account RequiredNoNoNoYes
Background PlayYesYesYesPremium only
DownloadsYesYesYesPremium only
Live StreamsYesYesLimitedYes
CommentsRead-onlyYesRead-onlyFull support
SubscriptionsLocal onlyYesLocal onlyFull support
API UsedCustomPipedYouTube/InvidiousOfficial
UpdatesF-Droid/GitHubF-Droid/GitHubF-Droid/GitHubGoogle Play
Privacy FocusHighVery HighHighLow
User InterfaceBasicCustomizableBasicFull-featured
StabilityGoodGoodGoodExcellent

How to watch YouTube without ads on Android using an alternative client:

  1. Enable “Install from unknown sources” in Android settings
  2. Download the APK from the project’s official GitHub or F-Droid
  3. Install the APK
  4. Open the app and start using it (some may require initial setup).

Remember:

  • These apps may lack some features of the official YouTube app
  • They may break due to YouTube API changes
  • Regular updates are crucial for security and functionality

Consider using ad blockers with the official YouTube app as a potentially safer alternative for ad-free viewing.

Download YouTube Videos without Ads

Warning: Using third-party websites or apps to download videos to skip YouTube ads on Android may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service. These services can also pose significant risks to your privacy and device security. They may contain malware, track your data, or compromise your personal information. Use at your own risk.

If you still choose to proceed, here are some options:

Websites for downloading YouTube videos

Best for occasional downloads:

  • y2mate.com
  • keepvid.com

How to use: 

  1. Copy the YouTube video URL 
  2. Paste it into the website’s search bar 
  3. Select the desired format and quality 
  4. Click download

Apps for downloading YouTube videos

Best for frequent downloads: Note: These are not available on Google Play Store and require manual APK installation.

  • Videoder
  • Snaptube
  • InsTube
  • VidMate

How to use these apps to download videos and stop YouTube ads on Android: 

  1. Install the APK (enable “Install from unknown sources” in settings)
  2. Open the app and paste the YouTube video URL
  3. Choose format and quality
  4. Download

Remember: The safest and legal way to download YouTube videos is through YouTube Premium. Consider using ad blockers as a safer alternative to enjoy ad-free viewing without compromising security.

Always prioritize your security and personal data protection over convenience when using third-party services.

Difficulties blocking ads on YouTube on Android

A task to remove YouTube ads on Android feels like trying to eat soup with a fork – it takes lots of time and causes frustration. The main difficulties include:

  1. Official app resistance
  2. Legal and security risks
  3. Feature limitations in alternatives
  4. Constant YouTube updates

Luckily, AdLock addresses all of these challenges. With AdLock you get:

  • Built-in ad-free YouTube player
  • Easy, safe, and legal use
  • Regular updates
  • Comprehensive protection

Give it a try, it’s free after all. 

Conclusion

When you get rid of YouTube ads on Android, you significantly enhance your viewing experience by eliminating interruptions, reducing data usage, and preserving battery life. However, it’s important to consider the security risks, potential legal issues, and the impact on content creators. By choosing reliable ad-blocking tools and balancing ad-blocking with supporting creators, users can enjoy an ad-free experience while still contributing to the content they love.

FAQ

How to block ads on YouTube Music on Android?

The solutions for ad-free YouTube Music are the same as for ad-free YouTube videos:

  • YouTube Premium
  • AdLock (it has a feature dedicated for YouTube Music)
  • Third-party YouTube ad blocker app for Android
  • Third-party clients
  • Third-party downloaders

How to block YouTube Ads on Android TV?

We’re yet to discover how to block YouTube ads on Android TV. And though, we’re working really hard on the solution, until we release our product, you have two options for ad-blocking: subscribing to Premium or using a third-party client. There’s no ad blocker for the YouTube app on Android TV yet. The most popular YouTube app without ads is Smart YouTube TV. Users swear by it. It’s an open-source app. The video player is almost identical to the conventional one. It supports 8K viewing and has a multilingual search bar. With Smart YouTube TV, you can also log into your account.

Is it possible to block YouTube Ads with built-in Android settings?

No. While your phone model can have settings for blocking pop-ups, it won’t be sufficient to block ads on the YouTube app, neither in the web version nor the app. Google won’t cut the branch on which it sits. This means you should stick with a dedicated mobile ad blocker for YouTube. As one of the best options for an adblock for the YouTube app, we’d suggest AdLock as it has a custom player that streams all your videos and playlists without any ads.

Why is AdLock for YouTube not in the Play Market?

AdLock is not in the Play Store because:

  • Google, as an advertising company, has a conflict of interest in hosting ad-blocking apps
  • Effective ad blockers often require system-level changes, which Google restricts.
AdLock, available outside the Play Store, can offer more comprehensive ad-blocking for YouTube and other apps and Google is clearly not a fan of this.

Why does the YouTube ad blocker not work?

YouTube ad blocker for Android doesn’t work in the official YouTube app because:

  • The app is a closed system designed to resist ad-blocking
  • Ads are deeply integrated into the app’s code
  • HTTPS encryption makes filtering ad content difficult
  • Frequent updates counteract blocking methods
  • Lack of root access limits app modification

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Anton Minaev

Anton Minaev

UI/UX designer, Fullstack developer, Nerdy-beardy guy loved by everyone

Anton codes, creates outstanding product designs, builds servers, deploys services, assembles pilot dash panels, and writes technical articles for the AdLock blog.