How to Install an Ad Blocker#

TL;DR: Use uBlock Origin where possible. On Chrome, use uBlock Origin Lite.
On Safari (macOS/iOS), use 1Blocker or AdGuard for Safari.
Brave and Opera have built-in blockers you can turn on.

IMPORTANT
Do NOT pay for an ad-blocking app or extension. Legitimate blockers like uBlock Origin are always free. Many paid ones use predatory practices or even inject ads themselves.

Quick picks (by browser)#

Chrome (Windows/macOS/Linux): uBlock Origin Lite (MV3)
Note: Google’s MV3 changes limit legacy ad-blockers; full uBlock Origin may be unavailable/disabled on Chrome. See note below.
Firefox (desktop): uBlock Origin
Microsoft Edge (desktop): uBlock Origin
Safari on macOS: AdGuard for Safari or 1Blocker
Safari on iPhone/iPad: AdGuard - iOS or 1Blocker - iOS
Android: Use Firefox for Android + uBlock Origin
Opera (desktop): Turn on Built-in Ad Blocker (see below) or install uBlock Origin for Opera
Brave (desktop/mobile): Turn on Brave Shields (built in)

Step-by-step#

Chrome (Windows/macOS/Linux)#

Open the Chrome Web Store page for uBlock Origin Lite:
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/ublock-origin-lite/ddkjiahejlhfcafbddmgiahcphecmpfh
Click Add to Chrome → Add extension.
Pin the extension (optional): click the puzzle icon → pin uBlock Origin Lite.
(Advanced/optional) If you need full uBlock Origin on Chromium-based browsers that still allow it, you can manually load a release from GitHub via Developer mode. See the project’s release notes for details.

Why Lite on Chrome? Chrome’s Manifest V3 changes limit the classic uBlock Origin version; the “Lite” MV3 version works within Chrome’s current rules. If you want the full feature set, consider Firefox or Edge.

Firefox (desktop)#

Open the add-on page: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/
Click Add to Firefox → Add.
In Extensions & Themes, ensure uBlock Origin is Enabled.

Microsoft Edge (desktop)#

Open the Edge Add-ons page:
https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak
Click Get → Add extension.
Manage via … → Extensions if needed.

Safari on macOS#

Install one of:
- AdGuard for Safari — RECOMMENDED (Mac App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adguard-for-safari/id1440147259?mt=12
- 1Blocker (Mac App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1blocker-adblock/id1365531024
Open Safari → Settings → Extensions.
Check the box to enable the blocker.
Optional: Allow in Private Browsing and adjust site access.

Safari on iPhone/iPad (iOS/iPadOS)#

Install a content blocker:
- AdGuard - iOS — RECOMMENDED: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adguard-adblock-privacy/id1047223162
- 1Blocker - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1blocker-adblock/id1365531024
Go to Settings → Safari → Extensions (or Content Blockers on some versions).
Tap the blocker and Allow Extension.
Optional on iOS 17+: enable Allow in Private Browsing.

Android#

Best path: Install Firefox for Android, then add uBlock Origin from the Firefox Add-ons page:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/android/addon/ublock-origin/

Opera (desktop)#

Built-in blocker: In Opera, click the shield icon by the address bar and toggle Block ads (or turn it on in Settings → Privacy protection).
Extension option: Install uBlock Origin from Opera Add-ons:
https://addons.opera.com/en/extensions/details/ublock/

Brave (desktop & mobile)#

Open Settings → Shields and ensure ad/trackers blocking is On.
You can switch the blocking level and manage filter lists there.

After installing (all browsers)#

Verify it’s working: Visit a news site; the extension/shields icon should show blocked items.
Lists/filters: In the blocker’s settings, keep default lists on; add more only if needed.
Site breaks: Use the extension’s “pause/whitelist this site” control and refresh.
Don’t stack blockers: Multiple ad-blockers can conflict; use one primary blocker.

Optional references & help#

Chrome: Install/manage extensions – https://support.google.com/chrome_webstore/answer/2664769
Firefox: Find/install add-ons – https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/find-and-install-add-ons-add-features-to-firefox
Edge: Add/remove extensions – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/add-turn-off-or-remove-extensions-in-microsoft-edge-9c0ec68c-2fbc-2f2c-9ff0-bdc76f46b026
Safari (macOS): Turn on extensions – open Safari → Settings → Extensions.
Safari (iOS): Settings → Safari → Extensions/Content Blockers, then allow the blocker.