If you’re tired of YouTube’s new anti-AdBlock pop-ups or restrictions interfering with your viewing experience, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are various tricks to overcome or, for that matter, circumvent this roadblock. In this guide, I’m going to talk about the 10 reliable ways to bypass or disable AdBlock detection on YouTube. Read on…
1. Use a Less Detectable Ad Blocker
YouTube has gotten way smarter and efficient at detecting popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin. Therefore, try switching to a less common but effective blocker like AdGuard or Ghostery. These extensions take advantage of alternative methods that can bypass detection scripts more reliably.
Yeah, you got that right! YouTube usually targets popular ad blockers specifically, so using a less detectable one may reduce interference.
2. Use uBlock Origin in Advanced Mode
If you’re still using uBlock Origin, I’d recommend you activate the Advanced Mode.
- Head over to your browser’s Extensions > uBlock Origin > Dashboard > Settings.
- After that, make sure to check “I am an advanced user.”
- Then, you need to add custom filters like:
||youtube.com^$generichide,youtube.com##+js(set, yt.config_.args.ad3_module, false), or install filter lists like Nano Defender or AdGuard Annoyances. - These advanced filters are able to block YouTube’s ad-serving and detection scripts directly.
3. Update or Downgrade Your Extension
Sometimes, newer versions of ad blockers trigger YouTube’s detection. Hence, it would be better to roll back to an earlier version of uBlock Origin or another extension that worked for you before, or ensure you’re using the latest one with detection workarounds. Version-specific updates can affect how detection scripts interact with the extension.
4. Use a Custom YouTube Front-End
Another reliable way to overcome this barrier is to access YouTube via alternative front-ends like Invidious or Piped. These websites are designed to serve YouTube videos without the tracking and ads, offering a clean interface with no popups or AdBlock warnings. To be more precise, these platforms strip away ads and bypass YouTube’s frontend entirely.
5. Use YouTube with Brave Browser
Brave browser comes with a robust ad-blocking feature that’s less detectable and doesn’t rely on third-party extensions.
- So, simply watch YouTube as usual without ever seeing ads or detection prompts.
- Brave’s native ad-blocker operates at the network level and is harder for YouTube to detect.
6. Edit the Page Script Using Developer Tools
It’s worth pointing out that YouTube often uses specific class names or scripts to trigger anti-adblock behavior, which can be bypassed this way. Thus, I’d suggest you edit the page script with the help of the developer tools.
- To do so, right-click on the YouTube page, click Inspect and choose Console.
- Now, look for scripts or elements related to adblock detection (like
ad-showing,adblock, orytadblock). - Next, be sure to delete or disable them manually.
7. Block Detection Scripts via Hosts File (Advanced)
Notably, you can also block ad and anti-adblock domains by editing your system’s hosts file and pointing them to 127.0.0.1. For example, add 127.0.0.1 googleads.g.doubleclick.net and other ad-related domains.
It allows you to cut off YouTube’s connection to ad servers and some detection services at the system level.
8. Use VPN and Private Browsing Together
Did you know that YouTube also makes use of IP-based behavior tracking to detect blockers? Hence, it would be a good idea to use a VPN combined with Incognito or Private Browsing mode for a fresh session. The reason why I’m suggesting this particular tip is that it limits YouTube’s ability to profile and detect patterns based on previous ad-block usage.
9. Regularly Clear Cookies and Cache
It’s important to mention that YouTube may store scripts and detection preferences in your browser’s cache or cookies. Old data can trigger persistent anti-adblock messages even after you disable detection scripts.
- So, be sure to clear them regularly from your browser settings.
- If you are using Chrome, hit the triple-dot icon at the top-right > Settings > Privacy and security > Delete Browsing Data.
10. Switch to YouTube Premium (Ethical Alternative)
Last but not least, why not switch to YouTube Premium as it’s far more reliable, ethical, and also supports the rigorous efforts of creators?
The premium version supports creators while giving you an ad-free experience. It’s a safe and sustainable way to enjoy uninterrupted YouTube without breaking the terms of service.
Wrapping up…
And there you go! Whether you’re a casual viewer or a power user, these tricks can help you bypass or reduce YouTube’s anti-adblock annoyances. Just remember that creators rely on ad revenue, so consider whitelisting channels you support or subscribing to Premium.
