How to disable ad blockers on any browser and device

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

Benefits

✔ Access full content on site

✔ Support independent creators

✔ Restore broken features

Risks

✘ Increased tracking

✘ More clutter and pop-ups

✘ Potential fingerprinting

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

How to disable ad blockers on desktop browsers

Chrome (macOS & Windows)

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

Firefox

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

Microsoft Edge

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

Safari (macOS + iOS)

On macOS

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

On iOS

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

Opera

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

How to disable ad blockers on mobile browsers

Chrome (Android & iOS)

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

Firefox Mobile

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

Samsung Internet

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

Edge (Mobile)

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

Disable ad blocking in Security & Network Tools

Antivirus software (Norton, Bitdefender, etc.)

1. Open your antivirus dashboard
2. Navigate to Web Protection, Privacy, or Ad Block
3. 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)

1. Log into your network dashboard
2. Temporarily pause blocking
3. 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:

1. Open your ad blocker’s settings
2. Add the domain to your allowlist/whitelist
3. 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

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