How to stop adblock detection – Bypass anti-adblock on websites

Is your adblocker failing on some websites due to anti-adblock measures? Many websites implement anti-adblock technologies designed to detect ad blockers. These anti-adblock measures force ads to load even when using the best adblockers like AdBlock Plus and uBlock Origin. So, what can you do to stop adblock detection?

We understand your pain! Like you, we want a clean, ad-free browsing experience. The good news is that you can bypass anti-adblock measures on most websites. This guide explains how to bypass adblock detection and enjoy an ad-free experience.

Keep scrolling to discover the best adblocker tools, clever techniques, and additional privacy apps you can use to bolster your ad, tracker, and third-party script blocking. By the end of this guide, you will know everything you need to avoid adblock detection and get a smoother browsing experience.

How does ad blocker detection work?

Websites want to serve you ads. Their ability to stay afloat depends on their visitors seeing the ads served on their pages. When you use an adblocker you are dipping into the website’s revenue, which can put strain on that business.

Each website’s need to display ads depends on its revenue model. Websites that use a subscription model may serve fewer or even no ads. However, when you access websites for free, you will either see ads – or a paywall message that instructs you to pay.

The websites you visit understand that you don’t want to see ads. However, they need to pay for server space, staff writers, and other employees. This creates a tug-of-war between visitors who use ad blockers and website administrators – who will stop at nothing to detect ad blockers.

Below, we have listed the main tactics used by websites to detect and obstruct ad blockers:

• Detecting missing elements: Websites can check whether ad-related scripts and page elements are missing. If important ad-related content is missing when a page loads, the website knows you are using an ad blocker. This will lead to a message that tells you to disable your ad blocker.
• Behavioral detection techniques: Websites can use on-page monitoring to see how users interact with web pages. If a user behaves abnormally (not needing to skip ads, for example), this could indicate that they are using an ad blocker. Websites can also spot ad blockers by monitoring page loading for anything usual.
• Bait elements: Some websites use hidden “bait”  to detect ad blockers. These bait elements are added to pages on purpose so that ad blockers will remove them. The website’s automated systems know that if a bait element is blocked, the visitor has an ad blocker enabled.
• Advanced ad block detection: Some sites use advanced ad block detection scripts and techniques. These include server-side detection and browser-based detection that aims to identify ad blockers.

Read on to find out how to bypass these common adblocker detection methods.

How to stop ad block detection

There are a variety of methods and techniques you can use to stop adblock detection measures. Below, we have included a checklist of tips and tricks we recommend to get your ad blocker working, even on stubborn sites that know how to detect ad blockers.

Follow these steps to get back to browsing without ads, popups, and other unwanted interruptions:

1. Use a standalone ad blocker app

Standalone ad blockers work independently of your web browser. This means you need to install the ad blocker directly onto your computer or phone. Because standalone adblockers work outside of your browser, it is harder for websites to detect them.

The important thing to remember is that ad blocker browser extensions only block ads in your browser. This means that browser-based cookies and identification techniques may be able to stop your ad blocker from working.

Standalone ad blockers, like AdLock, work across all your apps, giving you better ad prevention capabilities that are immune to cookies and other advanced ad block detection techniques.

Here is a list of the best standalone ad blocker apps:

• VPN ad blocking: Some market-leading VPNs now provide DNS-based ad blocking within their standalone apps. This type of ad blocking removes ads at the VPN server level, which means they don’t even travel to your computer. This can be an excellent additional layer of ad blocking to use alongside browser-based ad blockers or other standalone ad-blocking apps like the ones below.
• AdLock: A standalone ad blocker that works on Windows, Android, and iOS. Blocks ads across multiple popular browsers (including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and other apps, keeping your device ad-free. Works well to stop adblock detection.
• AdGuard: Available for multiple platforms, including macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows. Offers advanced settings to customize blocking ads across all your apps – not just in your browser.
• AdAway: An Android-only app that blocks ads at the host file level. It works by preventing your device from connecting to known ad servers using a blacklist. Helps stop adblock detection.
• NextDNS: A DNS-based blocker that works on most devices. It provides system-wide ad and tracker blocking. You can configure it to filter out specific domains or types of content. It can work well to stop adblock detection when combined with other tools.

These standalone apps provide a more robust way to stop ads from appearing across your entire device, ensuring your experience remains uninterrupted by unwanted ads.

2. Setup DNS-based ad blocking

You can alter the DNS settings on your device to automatically provide system-wide ad blocking. This type of ad blocking uses a list of known ad servers and domains to block ads at the DNS level. This prevents ad scripts from loading. To set up this type of ad blocking, simply access your DNS settings and change them to point to custom DNS servers that include ad blocking.

We have included some options to stop adblock detection below:

3. Disable JavaScript

JavaScript is used to make websites interactive. It controls many website elements, including pop-ups and autoplay videos. Some websites leverage JavaScript to detect ad blockers, which means that disabling JavaScript can help your ad blocker to keep working.

Unfortunately, this method comes with pretty serious caveats. If you disable JavaScript, some important website features will likely stop working. You may no longer be able to use website menus or watch videos.

For this reason, it is generally only worthwhile if you want to read website content, such as news stories, without distractions. If this is the case, and you can afford to lose some site functionality, disabling JavaScipt might be an option.

Can I disable JavaScript for just one specific website?

Yes. You can manage JavaScript settings in most popular browsers. This includes Chrome and Firefox. This means you can set block lists for JavaScript across different websites.

The advantage of blocking JavaScript only on specific websites (such as those that detect your ad blocker) is that you can continue to use all other websites normally. 

How to disable JavaScript on Chrome:

• Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner to access the menu.
• Go to Settings > Privacy and Security> Site settings.
• Scroll down and click on JavaScript.
• Click on Add next to Not allowed to use JavaScript.
• Enter the URL for the website you want to disable JavaScript on and click Add.

How to disable JavaScript on Firefox:

• Open Firefox and type “about:config” in the address bar, then press Enter.
• Click Accept the Risk and Continue if a warning message appears.
• In the search bar, type “javascript.enabled”.
• Double-click the javascript.enabled preference to toggle it to false. This will disable JavaScript globally.
• To disable JavaScript for specific websites, you may want to install an extension like NoScript. This extension lets you control JavaScript on a per-site basis.

4. Install a User Script Manager

A user script is a program you can set to block certain website elements. One benefit of user scripts is that they can be set up to block pop-ups and ads. Alternatively, you can use them to modify a website’s features, such as disabling or bypassing adblock detection systems.

Extensions like Tampermonkey and Greasemonkey are designed to make setting up user scripts easier (hence the name User Script Manager).

Once you have a User Script Manager extension installed, you can use it to customize your browser to ignore annoying scripts (website elements such as adverts and popups). You can find anti-adblock scripts online that will handle everything for you with minimal setup required.

5. Manually edit scripts with DevTools

All popular browsers come with a built-in Developer Tools (DevTools) feature. This allows you to analyze the code behind a website. If you are technically able, you can use DevTools to locate the code that checks for ad blockers.

Once you have found the nuisance code, you can modify or disable it. This will stop the site from disabling your ad blocker. However, this process is technical and requires a keen eye, knowledge of coding (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), and a certain amount of trial and error.

Just bear in mind that when you use DevTools to modify or disable nuisance website code, this is temporary. The modifications will revert back when you refresh a page unless it is automated through an extension or script. This is why people use extensions to set up their ad-blocking scripts.

If you aren’t too technically minded, you could search for help online. Someone might have done the hard work for you. Some forums and communities share solutions to bypass ad blockers. You can use these resources to get help with blocking any website code designed to disable your ad blocker.

Alternatively, you can use a specialist extension like Anti-Adblock Killer to manage the scripts for you.

6. Browse in Incognito/Private Mode

Many websites use cookies to detect ad blockers. Cookies can be used to track your browsing behavior, which may help websites to detect your ad blocker. To avoid these cookies and trackers, you can either clear your cookies and cache each session – or open Incognito browsing.

When you use Incognito (Chrome) or Private Mode (Firefox) you get a completely fresh instance of the browser that is sandboxed from your regular browser (and any cookies it has acquired). This ensures that none of the cookies stored in your browser during past sessions affect your current browsing session.

Using Incognito bypasses the cookies, making it much harder for websites to enforce ad-blocking rules. It’s a quick and easy trick that often helps bypass adblock detection, so it is definitely worth testing alongside your ad blocker, script-blocking extension, and a VPN.

7. Use Reading Mode

Reading Mode simplifies webpages by removing ads, pop-ups, extra graphics, videos, and other distracting elements. You can access reading mode in the settings of most popular browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Reading Mode helps you focus on the text content of a webpage. It can also help to disable code used to detect ad blockers. This makes it an effective way to load websites without annoying ads.

However, Reading Mode is designed to help you read text more easily. This means it might not be suitable for all websites and services. Moreover, how well it works to avoid ads will vary depending on which website you are using.

8. Custom filters in uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a massively popular extension that you can use to block ads and set up custom filters. These rules fine-tune how ads are blocked in your browser. For example, you can set uBlock Origin to ignore scripts that check for ad blockers.

You can easily find and add ready-made filters and script blockers for popular sites like YouTube. This makes customizing uBlock Origin simple without needing extensive technical knowledge.

To implement custom filters in uBlock Origin, follow these steps:

1. Open the Dashboard: Click on the uBlock Origin icon in your browser toolbar and select the Dashboard (gear icon).
2. Navigate to Filter lists: In the dashboard, navigate to the Filter lists tab.
3. Add the custom filter: Scroll to Custom and click Import… Now, add the URL of the filter list you want to use.
4. Apply changes: After adding the filter, click Apply changes.

9. CSS manipulation

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) control how websites appear visually, managing elements like colors, layouts, and fonts. Unfortunately, some websites use CSS to display pop-ups or messages if they detect your ad blocker.

By using custom CSS rules, you can instruct your browser to hide these pop-up messages without turning off your ad blocker. This lets you view the webpage without disabling your ad blocker.

You can use browser extensions like Stylus to add and manage custom CSS rules more easily. Just bear in mind that some websites update their CSS frequently. This means you may need to adjust your custom rules fairly regularly to stay a step ahead.

What is Manifest V2 deprecation, and what does it mean for extensions like Ublock Origin and Stylus?

Manifest V2 deprecation means that older browser extensions built under Manifest V2 rules must transition to Manifest V3 (MV3), which introduces stricter limitations aimed at improving security and performance.

This can impact extensions like uBlock Origin and Stylus, which must be updated if they want to remain available to users on Chrome. If a useful extension does not transition to MV3, you may need to switch from Chrome to an alternative browser like Firefox.

Using a VPN to block ads

A VPN with built-in ad-blocking can give you an extra layer of privacy while keeping annoying ads out of sight. VPNs like NordVPN and CyberGhost block ads, pop-ups, and trackers. These features help you avoid ad detection while securing your internet connection.

Do VPNs actually block Ads?

Not all VPNs are designed to block ads. DNS-based ad blocking that uses blacklists of domains known to serve ads is an extra that each VPN provider must install at the server level. This means you have to pick a VPN provider with ad-blocking.

As long as you stick to a VPN that implements ad blocking on its servers, you will get this extra layer of protection. The benefit of VPN ad blocking is that it stops ads before they even get a chance to travel to your machine.

This takes pressure off system resources and helps with page load times (meaning that you not only see fewer ads but also get a faster browsing experience).

The best VPNs with adblockers

If you want a VPN that comes with reliable DNS-based ad blocking, we recommend the services below. Our picks offer apps for all popular devices with robust encryption and privacy features. This makes them completely reliable not only for bypassing ads but also for gaining watertight online privacy and security.

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for ad blocking. Comes with Threat Protection a powerful feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Has a no-logs policy and robust encryption. Fast speeds for streaming and works with popular services like Netflix US. 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.
2. Surfshark: Best low-cost VPN that can help stop adblock detection. Offers CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and phishing attempts across all your devices. Fast speeds and a choice of servers in 100 countries. Plus, you can compare it to our top-pick risk fee thanks to its 30-day refund policy.
3. IPVanish: Fast speeds and blocks adware, tracking cookies, and other online threats. No logs policy has been fully audited. Has apps for all popular platforms, and it allows unlimited connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Features Threat Manager, a tool that prevents third-party trackers and ads from loading on websites. Comes with a choice of protocols, reliable encryption, and a no-logs policy.
5. CyberGhost: Excellent ad-block VPN for beginners. Comes with Content Blocker, which blocks malicious websites, ads, and online trackers. Servers in over 100 countries and is highly compatible with international streaming platforms.
6. ProtonVPN: A highly advanced VPN based in Switzerland. Offers Secure Core servers and NetShield, a DNS filtering feature that blocks ads, malware, and trackers. It is ideal for torrenting thanks to its port forwarding feature.

Want more information? Read our full article on the best VPNs with adblock.

How to bypass YouTube adblock detection

YouTube relies on ads to generate revenue and pay content creators. If nobody watched ads, the whole platform would fall apart, and creators wouldn’t get paid. This is why YouTube has stepped up its game to detect adblockers and now has stricter anti-adblocking measures than most other platforms. This makes it harder – but not impossible – to enjoy ad-free videos.

Some people still bypass YouTube adblock detection by using uBlock Origin with custom filters designed for YouTube. You can also use Tampermonkey scripts to block YouTube’s adblock detection mechanisms (this will remove the ‘disable adblock’ message).

Due to YouTube’s increasingly stringent efforts to disable ad blockers, you may decide to use a third-party YouTube app like ReVanced Extended, DTube, Skytube, PeerTube, or Newpipe.

These apps provide access to YouTube without ads. Some of them even let you log in to get all your usual video suggestions, subscriptions, and libraries.

The best third-party YouTube apps to avoid apps and improve privacy

Below, we have listed our favorite third-party YouTube applications that work to avoid ads:

• ReVanced Extended: A modified version of the YouTube app offering an ad-free experience, background playback, and extensive customization options.
• NewPipe: An open-source YouTube client that emphasizes privacy and provides features like background playback and offline viewing without relying on Google services.
• LibreTube: A YouTube client built with privacy in mind, offering an ad-free experience and support for subscriptions without a Google account.
• SkyTube: An open-source YouTube app for Android that allows ad-free viewing and offers features like video downloading and bookmarking.
• PeerTube: A decentralized video hosting network that can serve as an alternative to YouTube, though content availability may vary.

It is important to note that using third-party apps to access YouTube is technically against the terms of service. This means that using an adblocker or a third-party app could potentially lead to account complications (including account suspension).

If you have an important YouTube account that you use to post content regularly (especially if it is an important source of advertising revenue), we would recommend setting up a secondary account you can use to watch YouTube videos without ads.

How to block ads on Twitch

Blocking ads on Twitch is tricky because Twitch works hard to prevent ad blocking. The good news is that there are still some ad block methods for Twitch that work to block ads without seeing the purple screen error. You can follow the link for a full rundown of the best ways to block ads on Twitch (including the best apps that stop adblock detection).

Options to block ads on Twitch include using uBlock Origin with Twitch-specific filters. Alternatively, there are a few standalone ad blockers for Twitch that are designed to get you past ads without the purple screen.

How to bypass adblock detection on Firefox and Chrome

Firefox makes it easy to customize your browser settings to stop adblock detection. You can use extensions like uBlock Origin, NoScript, and Tampermonkey to set up filters or block scripts that keep your ad block working without errors or messages that ask you to switch the ad blocker off.

The best way to stop adblock detection on Chrome is to use uBlock Origin combined with Tampermonkey. This will give you advanced bypassing of adblock detection. Combining a standalone ad blocker with script-blocking extensions and a VPN will offer the best all-around coverage for successfully blocking ads in Chrome.

Bypass adblock detection: FAQs