How do I theoretically stop ads in app on iOS?
How to stop ads in apps on iOS
To theoretically stop ads in apps on iOS, you can explore the following system-level or network-level approaches, though each has its limitations:
1. Use Ad-Blocking DNS (System-Wide)
Configure your iPhone to use a DNS service that blocks ad domains across all apps and browsers. This works at the network level.
- Steps:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi → tap the info icon next to your network → Configure DNS → Manual.
- Add DNS servers like:
- AdGuard DNS:
94.140.14.14and94.140.15.15 - NextDNS (customizable)
- Effectiveness: Blocks many in-app ads, but not all—especially those served from the same domain as the app’s content (e.g., YouTube, Instagram) .
2. Install a VPN-Based Ad Blocker
Some ad blockers like Luna or AdGuard Pro use a local VPN profile to filter traffic system-wide, including in apps.
- How:
- Install the app (e.g., Luna) → follow the setup to install a VPN profile and trust its certificate .
- Caveat: These may not work reliably with iOS updates or with apps that use encrypted traffic or serve ads from first-party domains.
3. Use a Privacy-Focused Browser for Web Apps
If the app has a web version (e.g., YouTube in Safari), use browsers like Brave or Firefox Focus, which block ads and trackers .
4. Disconnect from the Internet
For offline-capable apps (especially games), enabling Airplane Mode or disabling Wi-Fi/Cellular for specific apps can prevent ad loading .
- Steps:
- Settings > Cellular → toggle off the app’s access.
5. Limit Ad Tracking & Personalization
While this doesn’t block ads, it reduces targeted advertising:
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising → Turn off Personalized Ads .
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking → Disable Allow Apps to Request to Track.
6. Jailbreaking (Not Recommended)
A jailbroken device could use system-level ad-blocking tweaks like MyBloxxx or Mega UHB, but this voids your warranty and introduces security risks.
7. App Store Limitations
Apple does not allow traditional ad blockers to filter ads inside native apps due to sandboxing restrictions. This is why most solutions (like AdGuard or DNS-based blockers) are partially effective at best .
Summary of Theoretical Approaches:
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| Method | Blocks In-App Ads? | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard DNS | Partially | Medium | Fails if ads share domains with content. |
| VPN Ad Blockers | Partially | Medium | May break with iOS updates. |
| Airplane Mode | Fully (offline apps) | High | Only works offline. |
| Jailbreak Tweaks | Fully | High | Security risks, voids warranty. |
| Privacy Settings | No | Low | Only reduces ad relevance. |
For non-jailbroken devices, DNS-based blocking (AdGuard DNS) and VPN profiles (Luna) are the closest theoretical solutions, but they’re not foolproof against embedded or encrypted ads .