Block 99% of iOS Ads with AdGuard and Custom Filters

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.