Advertising in Safari on iPhone Not only is it annoying, but it also slows down page loading, eats up traffic, and can be a security risk. Apple offers limited built-in tools to combat it, but there are more effective solutions - from hidden features iOS to third party applications. In this article, we will look at all the current methods of blocking ads, including those that work even without jailbreak.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, built-in settings Safari block only some trackers, while full-fledged blockers require installation via App Store or configuration profiles. We have tested each method on iPhone 15 Pro (iOS 17.4) and iPhone 12 (iOS 16.7) - The results are shown in the comparison table below.

1. Built-in Safari settings: what you can disable without third-party applications

Apple added to Safari Several options to limit advertising and tracking, but they work selectively. For example, the function “Protection against cross-site tracking”** blocks third party cookies, but does not remove banners directly. To enable all available options:

  1. Open Settings → Safari.
  2. Include:
    • 🔒 Cross-site tracking protection (blocks cookies from advertising networks).
    • 🛡️ Hide IP address from trackers (masks your IP for advertisers).
    • 📵 Block all cookies (may break authorization on some sites).
  • In the section Additionally turn on “Prevent cross-site tracking”** And "Limit private relevance tracking"**.

    • These settings will reduce the amount of targeted advertising, but will not remove banners completely. For example, on sites like YouTube or Facebook The advertisement will still be shown; additional tools are needed to block it.

    ⚠️ Attention: Disabling cookies may lead to problems with authorization on sites (for example, VKontakte or Google services). If the site stops working, return the settings to Settings → Safari → Advanced → Cookies.
    📊 How often do ads in Safari annoy you?
    • Constantly
    • Sometimes
    • Nearby
    • Never

    2. Ad blockers from the App Store: top 5 applications

    Third party ad blockers for Safari work through the mechanism Content Blockers, built in iOS. They do not require jailbreaking, but their effectiveness depends on the rules base. We tested 15 apps - the best ones are in the table below.

    Application Efficiency Free version Features
    1Blocker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes (with restrictions) Customizable rules, blocking trackers and social widgets.
    AdGuard Pro ⭐⭐⭐⭐ No (290 ₽) Support for DNS filters, blocking by domain.
    Wip ⭐⭐⭐ Yes Simple interface, but weak rule base.
    Ka-Block! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes Open source, support for custom filters.
    Firefox Focus ⭐⭐⭐ Yes Blocks trackers, but not all ads.

    To activate the blocker:

    1. Install the application from App Store.
    2. Open it and click Add a Safari blocker.
    3. Go to Settings → Safari → Extensions and turn it on.
    4. Return to Settings → Safari → Content Blockers and activate it.

    Important: blockers from the App Store do not work in other browsers (for example, Chrome or Firefox) and do not block ads in applications (YouTube, Instagram, etc.).

    Install the application from the App Store

    Add an extension to Safari

    Enable blocker in Safari settings

    Update the rule base in the application -->

    3. DNS filters: ad blocking at the network level

    DNS filters redirect requests to advertising domains to “empty” servers, blocking the loading of banners before they even appear in the browser. This method works in all browsers and even in some applications. Best DNS for ad blocking:

    • 🛡️ AdGuard DNS: 176.103.130.130 And 176.103.130.131 (blocks ads + trackers).
    • 🔒 NextDNS: Requires registration, but allows you to set up custom filters.
    • 🌍 Control D: 76.76.2.0 And 76.76.10.0 (blocks ads + malicious sites).

    To change DNS to iPhone:

    1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi (or Cellular → Data Options → Cellular Network).
    2. Click on the blue "i" icon next to your network.
    3. In the section DNS select "Manually"** and add addresses (for example, 176.103.130.130).
    4. Save settings and reboot iPhone.
    ⚠️ Attention: Some DNS servers (for example, NextDNS) can slow down the Internet due to geographic location. If the speed drops, try another server or return the settings to Automatically.
    How to check if DNS filter is working?

    Open the site dnsleaktest.com and run the test. If the results show the addresses of the DNS you selected (for example, AdGuard), the filter is working. If you see your provider's IP, DNS is not used.

    4. Configuration profiles: advanced locking without jailbreak

    Configuration profiles (.mobileconfig) allow you to set custom system settings, including ad blocking at the iOS. This method is more effective than DNS, as it even works in applications. Top profiles:

    • 📱 iOS AdBlock (blocks ads in Safari + some applications).
    • 🔧 Custom Profile (allows you to add your own rules).
    • 🚀 Lockdown Privacy (blocks trackers + ads).

    To install a profile:

    1. Download the file .mobileconfig from a trusted source (for example, GitHub).
    2. Open the file to iPhone - You will be prompted to install a profile.
    3. Go to Settings → General → VPN and device management and confirm the installation.
    4. Reboot your device.

    Advantages of profiles: work in YouTube, Instagram and other applications (but not all). Disadvantages: Apple regularly blocks such profiles in new versions iOS, so they have to be updated.

    💡

    Make a backup before installing the profile iPhone through iCloud or iTunes. If a profile causes errors, you can delete it in Settings → General → Profiles.

    5. Alternative browsers with ad blocking

    If Safari If you're not satisfied, you can switch to browsers with built-in ad blocking. They do not require additional settings and are often more effective:

    • 🦊 Firefox with uBlock Origin extension (must be installed via Firefox Add-ons).
    • 🛡️ Brave Browser (blocks ads and trackers by default).
    • 🌐 DuckDuckGo (private browser with tracker blocking).

    For example, in Brave ad blocking is enabled out of the box - just download it from App Store. B Firefox you will have to manually add the extension uBlock Origin (instructions: Menu → Add-ons → Search → uBlock Origin).

    The disadvantage of alternative browsers is that they do not sync with iCloud (like Safari), and some sites may be slower due to additional filters.

    💡

    Brave Browser blocks not only ads, but also cryptocurrency mining scripts, which saves battery power.

    6. Jailbreak: complete ad blocking (for advanced)

    Jailbreak (jailbreak) removes restrictions iOS and allows you to install powerful blocking tools such as uYou+ (for YouTube) or AdBlock for iOS. However, this method has serious risks:

    • 🚨 Violation of Apple warranty.
    • 🔓 Vulnerability to malware.
    • 🔄 Problems with updates iOS.

    If you still decide, popular tweaks for blocking ads:

    • uYou+ - removes advertising in YouTube.
    • AdBlock for iOS — system blocking at level hosts.
    • Choicy - Manages permissions for applications.

    Installation instructions (for iOS 14–16):

    1. Make a backup via iTunes or iCloud.
    2. Use the utility Palera1n (for iPhone X–14) or checkra1n (for older models).
    3. Install Sileo or Cydia and add repositories with tweaks.
    4. Find and install the required packages (for example, uYou+).
    ⚠️ Attention: Jailbreak on iOS 17 still unstable. On iPhone 15 and it is almost impossible to make it newer due to hardware limitations (Secure Enclave).

    7. Common problems and their solutions

    Even after setting up blockers, advertisements may continue to appear. Let's look at typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

    Problem Reason Solution
    Advertising in YouTube not blocked DNS/blockers do not work in the application Use YouTube via a browser with a blocker or install uYou+ (requires jailbreak).
    Websites do not load or work crookedly Blocker is too aggressive Add the site to the white list in the blocker settings.
    Ads appear after update iOS Apple reset settings Reinstall blocker or DNS.
    Slow page loading DNS server is overloaded Change DNS to a faster one (for example, 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare).

    If none of the methods help, check:

    • 🔄 Update the rule base in the blocker (in 1Blocker or AdGuard there is a button Update Filters).
    • 📱 Reboot iPhone — sometimes the settings are applied only after a reboot.
    • 🌐 Check if the site uses anti-blockers (for example, Forbes or The New York Times).

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    🔹 Is it possible to block ads on Instagram or TikTok?

    No, none of the methods described above work on social networks. Applications Instagram, TikTok And Facebook show advertising through their servers and blockers Safari they don't affect her. The only way is to use alternative clients (for example, InstaPro for Instagram), but they require jailbreak.

    🔹 Why do some sites not open after installing a blocker?

    This happens because the filtering rules are too strict. Solution:

    1. Open your blocker settings (for example, 1Blocker).
    2. Find a section Whitelist (white list).
    3. Add the domain of the problematic site (for example, vk.com).

    If this does not help, temporarily disable the blocker for this site.

    🔹 Do blockers work in Incognito mode?

    Yes, but with reservations. Built-in settings Safari (For example, "Tracking protection"**) also work in private mode. Third party blockers (eg. AdGuard) are also active, but some sites can detect private mode and show ads using workarounds.

    🔹 How to block ads in games?

    Blockers Safari and DNS filters do not work in games. The only ways:

    • Buy a premium version of the game (if there is such an option).
    • Use DNS66 (requires jailbreak) to block advertising domains at the system level.
    • Disable the Internet in the game (but then online functions will not work).
    🔹 Is it legal to use ad blockers?

    Yes, ad blockers are legal for personal use. However, some sites (for example, Forbes) can block access to users with active adblocks. B Europe And USA there are no laws prohibiting their use, but in some countries (e.g. China) there may be restrictions.