Whether you’re browsing the web, playing games, or using your favorite apps, encountering ads on your iPhone can be frustrating. From pop-ups and banners to video ads and trackers, these interruptions not only ruin the user experience but also drain your battery and consume mobile data. Fortunately, there are effective ways to block ads on iPhone and take back control over your device.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to stop ads on iPhone, including built-in settings, browser solutions, and third-party ad blockers for iPhone options. Whether you want to turn off ads on iPhone in Safari, get rid of in-app ads, or enjoy smoother browsing without distractions, this article has you covered.
Why You Should Block Ads on iPhone
Before diving into how to block ads on iPhone, it’s important to understand why ad blocking matters in 2025.
- Improved Privacy. Many ads include hidden trackers that monitor your behavior across websites and apps.
- Faster Browsing. Ads slow down page loading and waste mobile data.
- Fewer Distractions. Enjoy a cleaner, ad-free interface for reading, gaming, and browsing.
- Enhanced Battery Life. Blocking ads can reduce background activity and extend battery life.
Method 1: Use Safari Content Blockers
Apple allows third-party apps to integrate with Safari and block unwanted content, including ads.
How It Works
Safari content blockers work by filtering content at the browser level. They can remove ads, disable trackers, and even block scripts.
Steps to Enable Content Blockers in Safari:
- Download a content blocker from the App Store (like AdLock, AdGuard, or 1Blocker).
- Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions (or Content Blockers).
- Enable the installed blocker.
- Relaunch Safari and start browsing ad-free.
These tools are highly effective for ad blocking on iPhone while using Safari, Apple’s default browser.
Method 2: Use an Ad Blocker App (System-Wide Protection)
For a more comprehensive solution, install a dedicated ad blocker for iPhone that blocks ads across the entire device, including apps, games, and even YouTube.
One excellent option is AdLock. It offers powerful, system-level ad blocking that goes beyond Safari. Unlike browser-only solutions, AdLock protects you while using various apps and prevents pop-ups, banners, and trackers from ever loading.
Key Benefits of AdLock:
- Blocks ads in Safari and other apps
- Offers phishing and tracking protection
- Improves device speed and battery life
- Easy to configure DNS-based filtering
- Doesn’t collect user data
By using a trusted ad blocker for iPhone, you can remove ads from iPhone completely, not just in the browser, but system-wide.
Method 3: Adjust Settings to Limit Personalized Ads
While this method doesn’t block ads on iPhone entirely, it helps reduce targeted and intrusive advertising by limiting Apple’s ad tracking.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising
- Toggle off Personalized Ads
This helps you turn off ads on your iPhone that are based on your behavior and personal data. While you’ll still see ads, they’ll be less invasive and less tailored.
Method 4: Block Pop-ups in Safari
Pop-ups are among the most annoying types of ads. Luckily, Safari has a built-in setting to block them.
How to Enable Pop-Up Blocking:
- Open Settings
- Go to Safari
- Scroll down and toggle on Block Pop-ups
This is a basic yet effective way to stop ads on iPhone, particularly when browsing websites that trigger unwanted pop-ups or redirections.
Method 5: Use Private Browsing and Reader Mode
Safari’s private browsing and Reader Mode can help you minimize ad exposure.
- Private Browsing prevents websites from saving cookies and history, which reduces tracking.
- Reader Mode removes most ads and distractions from articles and blog posts.
How to Enable Reader Mode:
- Open an article in Safari.
- Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar.
- Select “Show Reader”
This is a simple trick to get rid of ads on iPhone when reading long-form content.
Method 6: Set Up a DNS-based Ad Blocker
Another advanced method of blocking ads on iPhone is to use custom DNS settings. DNS-level ad blockers work by redirecting ad traffic before it reaches your device.
Popular DNS providers that block ads:
- NextDNS
- AdGuard DNS
- Control D
How to Set Up DNS Blocking:
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the “i” icon next to your network
- Scroll to Configure DNS
- Select Manual and add your preferred DNS servers
This method offers device-wide ad blocking on iPhone, including in third-party apps, games, and even streaming platforms.
Method 7: Use Screen Time to Restrict Ad-Heavy Apps
Some free apps are notorious for displaying frequent ads. If you’re serious about reducing distractions, consider limiting your screen time on these apps.
How to Set Screen Time Limits:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time
- Tap App Limits
- Set daily limits for apps known for excessive ads
While this won’t remove ads from your iPhone, it can help reduce exposure and keep your focus where it matters.
Bonus: Tips to Maintain an Ad-Free Experience
- Avoid Free Versions of Apps: Many free apps rely heavily on ads. Opt for premium versions when possible.
- Update Your iOS Regularly: Apple continues to enhance privacy and security features.
- Clear Safari Data: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove trackers.
- Review App Permissions: Deny unnecessary tracking permissions in Settings > Privacy.
What to Avoid When Trying to Block Ads on iPhone
- Installing Unverified VPNs: Some shady VPN apps claim to block ads but compromise your privacy.
- Using Unsupported Ad Blockers: Not all ad blockers are optimized for iOS. Use trusted solutions like AdLock, AdGuard, or 1Blocker.
- Jailbreaking Your Device: While jailbreaking may allow more control, it exposes your iPhone to malware and voids your warranty.
Final Thoughts
In a world where ads are increasingly aggressive and data-driven, having a solid plan to block ads on iPhone is crucial. Whether you’re aiming to improve speed, save data, protect privacy, or simply enjoy a cleaner interface, there are multiple strategies to consider.
For the best all-around experience, we recommend using a dedicated ad blocker for iPhone like AdLock, which provides system-wide protection with robust filtering and tracking prevention. Combined with Safari content blockers, privacy settings, and optional DNS filters, you can effectively get rid of ads on iPhone in almost every scenario.
Take a few minutes to set up your preferred method, and enjoy a faster, safer, and more private mobile experience.