Block 99% of iOS Ads with AdGuard and Custom Filters

Tutorials & Methods
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Short Introduction

This method helps iOS users block nearly all ads, trackers, and privacy-invasive elements by combining AdGuard with powerful custom filters like OISD and uBlock Origin. It’s a clean, powerful trick that enhances browsing privacy without breaking websites or using risky VPNs.

Simplified One-Line Flowchart

AdGuard DNS Setup ➔ Import OISD & HaGeZi Filters ➔ Add uBlock Filters ➔ Enable Safari Filters = Near 99% Ad Blocking on iOS

Easy Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Add OISD Filter to AdGuard

  • Go to https://oisd.nl
  • Click “Others” under “How do I use it?”
  • Choose AdGuard for iOS, copy the blocklist
  • Open AdGuard → Shield icon → DNS Protection → DNS Filtering → DNS Filters → Add Filter → Paste it

Step 2: Add HaGeZi DNS Filters (7 Total)

  • Search for HaGeZi DNS Blocklist GitHub on Google
  • Use these categories (Medium/Essential only to avoid site breaks):
    • Threat Intelligence Feeds – medium
    • Encrypted DNS/VPN/TOR/Proxy bypass
    • DynDNS
    • Badware Hoster
    • World’s Most Abused TLDs
    • Anti-Piracy
  • Paste each filter one-by-one in AdGuard DNS Filters as done in Step 1

Step 3: Enable Safari Content Blocking Filters

  • AdGuard → Shield icon → Safari Protection → Filters
  • Enable:
    • All 3 under Ad Blocking & Security
    • All Privacy filters except Fanboy’s Anti-Facebook
    • AdGuard Social Media Filter under Social Widgets
    • All Annoyances except Fanboy’s
    • AdGuard DNS and Experimental Filter under Other

Step 4: Add uBlock Origin Filters to AdGuard

  • Go to https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock
  • Click filter lists, pick any list (e.g. annoyances.txt) → click ... → View Raw
  • Copy the raw URL, e.g., https://raw.githubusercontent.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets/master/filters/annoyances.txt
  • In AdGuard → Custom → Add Filter → Paste the URL
  • Repeat for other uBlock filters (up to 20 if needed, each under 40,000 rules)

Step 5: Finalize Setup

  • Go to AdGuard homepage and tap the circular arrows to refresh and update all filters

Quick Tips

  • If WiFi disconnects or VPN gets stuck on “connecting,” one of the filters may be incompatible — disable and re-enable one at a time
  • Skip Fanboy filters if they break websites
  • Stick to max 40K rules per custom list due to iOS 17.4 bug
  • Use filters only from trusted sources

Important Notes

  • This method doesn’t block YouTube in-app ads, pagead.js, or interstitial ads.
  • Works only in Safari and apps using DNS-level filtering.
  • VPN-based alternatives (like Luna or Surfshark) may cause privacy risks, location issues, or app breakage.
  • AdGuard’s DNS and DoH (DNS-over-HTTPS) ensure encrypted privacy and performance across iOS devices.
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