1. Got to **Menu > Add-ons > Extensions** 2. **Turn off any ad-blocking extensions** 3. Go to **Settings > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection** 4. Set to **Standard**

1. Click **Menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions** 2. **Toggle off any ad blockers** 3. To allow ads for one site: - Click the **lock icon** in the address bar - Turn off **Tracking prevention**

1. Go to **Settings > Privacy Protection > Block Ads** 2. **Toggle off built-in blocker** 3. Manage third-party extensions from the **Extensions menu**

1. Tap **Menu > Add-ons** 2. **Toggle off any ad blockers** 3. Click **Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection > Standard**

### 1. Click **≡ Menu > Add-ons** 2. **Disable or uninstall ad-blocking add-ons**

1. Go to **Settings > Privacy and Security > Tracking prevention** 2. Select **Basic** or **disable completely** 3. **Remove any ad-block extensions**

Tutorials

How to disable ad blockers on any browser and device

Temporarily access web content without giving up on your privacy

Author: Benjamin Nemeroff

March 31, 20255 mins Read

Ad blockers are great, until they get in your way. Whether you’re trying to support a trusted site or troubleshoot a broken page, sometimes you need to momentarily disable your ad blocker. This guide shows you how to safely turn off ad blockers across browsers and devices without losing control of your privacy.

What is an ad blocker?

An ad blocker stops intrusive ads, trackers, and pop-ups before they even load or connect with your device. Most are browser extensions, but they also live in VPNs, antivirus tools, and even router-level filters.

If you're already using one, you’re privacy-aware. But if you're serious about protecting your metadata and network traffic, that’s not enough.

Why you might need to disable an ad blocker

A site won’t load unless you disable it
You want to support independent publishers
Essential features are broken (e.g., forms, videos)

Not every site is out to track you. Some just want to survive, and some ads might be relevant, ethical, and in support of a platform you like. If you trust the platform, whitelisting or pausing your blocker is a decent move.

Still want protection? Use a privacy-first browser that limits data leaks — even with ads enabled, or which has built-in ad blockers.

Risks vs. benefits of disabling ad blocker

	Risks
Access full content on site	Increased tracking
Support independent creators	More clutter and pop-ups
Restore broken features	Potential fingerprinting

Important note: Don’t drop your guard completely. Disable with intention, not by default.

How to disable ad blockers on desktop browsers

On Chrome (macOS & Windows)

Click Menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions
Toggle off your ad blocker (e.g., uBlock Origin, AdBlock)
Or go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Ads

On Firefox

Got to Menu > Add-ons > Extensions
Turn off any ad-blocking extensions
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection
Set to Standard

On Microsoft Edge

Click Menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions
Toggle off any ad blockers
To allow ads for one site:

Click the lock icon in the address bar
Turn off Tracking prevention

On Safari (macOS + iOS)

On macOS

Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions
Disable any ad-blocking extensions

On iOS

Go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers
Toggle off your content blocker

On Opera

Go to Settings > Privacy Protection > Block Ads
Toggle off built-in blocker
Manage third-party extensions from the Extensions menu

How to disable ad blockers on mobile browsers

On Chrome (Android & iOS)

While Chrome Mobile doesn’t support extensions, ad-blocking VPNs, apps, or custom DNS settings might be active.
Go to Settings > Site Settings > Ads
Click Allow ads or disable filtering apps

On Firefox Mobile

Tap Menu > Add-ons
Toggle off any ad blockers
Click Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection > Standard

On Samsung Internet

Click ≡ Menu > Add-ons
Disable or uninstall ad-blocking add-ons

On Edge (Mobile)

Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Tracking prevention
Select Basic or disable completely
Remove any ad-block extensions

Disable ad blocking in Security & Network Tools

Antivirus software (Norton, Bitdefender, etc.)

Open your antivirus dashboard
Navigate to Web Protection, Privacy, or Ad Block
Toggle off any ad filtering features

VPNs & private browsers

Some VPNs block ads and trackers by default.

In NordVPN, ProtonVPN, etc.: Turn off CyberSec, NetShield, or Threat Protection
In Brave Browser: disable shields per site

Router-level ad blockers (Pi-hole, AdGuard Home)

Log into your network dashboard
Temporarily pause blocking
Or whitelist specific domains

How to allow ads on specific sites (without disabling everything)

Whitelisting trusted sites

Most tools — uBlock Origin, AdGuard, AdBlock Plus — will allow you to approve (or whitelist) certain domains. To do this:

Open your ad blocker’s settings
Add the domain to your allowlist/whitelist
Refresh the page

Private browsing mode

Some ad blockers are inactive in Incognito or Private Mode by default. Open the site privately if you don’t want to change settings.

Troubleshooting ad blocker

Ads still not showing?

Here are some steps to take:

You may have multiple blockers active
Clear your cache and cookies
Disable other privacy or security tools

Site still not working?

Here are some steps to take:

Reset browser site settings
Restart browser
Try another browser session with blockers off

Final thoughts: Don’t trade privacy for convenience

You don’t have to choose between supporting creators and protecting your data.

Whitelist only what you trust
Use privacy-first tools that give you control
Combine ad blockers with NymVPN for true metadata protection — even when ads are visible

Try NymVPN for 80% off today

Remember, a flexible, intentional setup on your browsers and devices makes for a more private and open web. Many different tools are needed.

Disabling ad blocker: FAQs

Why might it be safe to disable ad blockers on certain websites temporarily?

Trusted publishers or essential features—like video playback or forms—may require disabling ad blocking. Whitelisting safe domains allows content access without wholesale privacy loss.

Does whitelisting compromise your privacy compared to disabling the blocker completely?

Whitelisting limits exposure to specific sites, reducing broad fingerprinting risk. You can still block trackers elsewhere, preserving privacy while supporting chosen domains.

How can you disable ad blocking on mobile browsers without losing other protections?

On mobile

Chrome: allow ads via Settings > Site Settings > Ads
Firefox: disable or adjust Enhanced Tracking Protection
Safari: toggle Content Blockers per-site under Settings > Safari

Will disabling antivirus-level ad blocking expose you to more tracking?

Yes—matiaprotectors like CyberSec, NetShield, or router-level filters must be temporarily disabled to allow ads. Always re-enable them afterward and consider pause-only mode.

Can you maintain metadata privacy when ads are allowed?

Yes—using privacy-first browsers or combining NymVPN’s mixnet protection ensures metadata masking even if ads or trackers load—all without compromising your network layer privacy.