How to block ads and auto-play on iPhone?

[CFM300]

After a decade of using Android, I bought an iPhone 16.

What are the best browser/extension/settings to block ads AND to block auto-play videos?

I've configured Firefox and Brave so that each effectively blocks most ads, but I can't get either to block auto-plays. With auto-plays, I'm mostly talking about videos that are embedded in news sites, like NYTimes.com, qz.com (Quartz), CNN.com, etc. Using the uBlock Origin extension on a browser in Windows or Android kills 100% of ads AND auto-play videos. But uBlock Origin isn't available in the Apple Store.

I've turned the following off in the iOS settings:

• Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Motion > Auto-Play Animated Images

• Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Motion > Auto-Play Video Previews

Neither had any effect.

I also turned those setting off after adding Firefox and Brave to the Per-App Settings:

• Settings > Accessibility > [General] Per-App Settings

That also had no effect.

I'm not set on Brave or Firefox. I would be happy to use Safari or any other browser. Just looking for a setup that will block both ads and auto-plays.

[PottedPlant]

I use 1Blocker for ad blocking. The paid version allows customization.

[JBTX]

Looks like I have Norton blocker, Adblock pro and ad guard. I have no idea which is doing what. I don’t notice significant problems in safari. Chrome is terrible with ads because none of the ad blockers work on chrome on iOS.

[CFM300]

Thanks for the recs.

Any suggestions about blocking auto-play videos? I'm talking about those on news sites as well as YouTube (viewed through a browser, not the app).

[clip651]

Thanks for the recs.

Any suggestions about blocking auto-play videos? I'm talking about those on news sites as well as YouTube (viewed through a browser, not the app).

I believe YouTube has a setting for it. You might have to be logged in for it to stick.

[ResearchMed]

Thanks for the recs.

Any suggestions about blocking auto-play videos? I'm talking about those on news sites as well as YouTube (viewed through a browser, not the app).

I believe YouTube has a setting for it. You might have to be logged in for it to stick.

I'd love to find out how to keep the videos from auto-playing (also an iPhone, but an older model)!
And it's not just YouTube!

In the past (forgetting when I noticed the change), it was obvious when the link (usually a photo?) was or wasn't a video.
Back then, one simply didn't click on the ones that were showing as "video".

Now? The little photo icon *sometimes* has a label of "video".
Or it might have a little triangle indicating that clicking on that would start a video.
But there are also some photo links that appear to have NONE of that, and then... very quickly after one has touched that, the video starts rolling, complete with AUDIO... which can be heard by anyone nearby, including a sleeping spouse.
Er, a formerly sleeping spouse!

Worst? It is hard to stop it! Maybe I'm just fat-fingering the screen (I do have what might be the smallest size iPhone, so spacing is indeed cramped). But the two parallel vertical bars don't always "stop" the video (AND THE SOUND!). And the "X" doesn't always get rid of that prompt across the video.
(So simply backing up/moving to a different icon? That video might still be playing in the background. )

I am desperately trying *not* to upgrade my iPhone.
First, I don't need a new one (er, or do I!??).
Second, and importantly, it's that little size. Wemen's clothing often has NO pockets.
(Note to self: Resist urge to vent!)

The smaller the iPhone (or anything) is, the more likely it will fit in what might be a tiny/fake/decorative(!??) pocket on some garment.
[Also handy for a Kleenex, a pill, an ID, a bit of $$, a car key, or whatever, but I digress...]

IS there a way to completely stop "Auto play" for video? Or the associated audio?
Without that audio, there's at least more *time* available to stop the dratted video...

Thanks.

RM

[clip651]

Have you tried turning the volume off on your iPhone while browsing in bed? Of course you would need to remember to turn it back on when you’re done each time.

[CFM300]

To clarify...

With auto-plays, I'm mostly talking about videos that are embedded in news sites, like NYTimes.com, qz.com (Quartz), CNN.com, etc.

Using the uBlock Origin extension on a browser in Windows or Android kills 100% of ads AND auto-play videos. But uBlock Origin isn't available in the Apple Store.

[prioritarian]

How to block ads and auto-play on iPhone?

1. Open Safari go to this URL: https://store.google.com/category/phones

2. Purchase a pixel phone using your iPhone as a trade-in.

3. Install Kiwi browser (open source Chromium-based browser), tap on three vertical dots in upper right-hand corner, tap on extensions, and install u-block origin .

4. Enjoy ad-free web browsing that precisely mirrors the experience of using chrome+ublock origin on a desktop/laptop, including ad-free and no autoplay youtube.

PS: Many other browsers also allow desktop extension install but kiwi is my favorite.

[jumbo shrimp]

My post isn't a direct answer to the question.

I use Grayjay that I think is an app only for Android. It blocks ads for YouTube and doesn't let YouTube track me. It can view spotify and other sites too. Videos can be downloaded for offline viewing within the app. I can also turn off my phone screen and the video will continue playing. I think the YouTube app stops playing if the app is minimized or the phone screen is turned off.

I use FreeTube on desktop. It blocks YouTube from tracking what I'm viewing, blocks ads, AND sponser blocks. Sponser blocks are areas where the person in the video, let's say a podcast, will say "Brought to you by...". It skips these sections. You can change settings to skip intros, outros, and other spots. Saves me so much time.

I think FreeTube works on mac. There are equivalent apps to Grayjay for iOS.

[CFM300]

I'm very surprised that there doesn't seem to be a simple way to block auto-play videos on iPhones.

For the past decade, my wife and I have been the only ones among our friends and families using Android, which entailed limitations and challenges communicating with them, which is why we switched to iPhones. Everyone said we'd be amazed at how much better the iPhone experience would be. So far, it's been terrible. Loss of features and jarring web browsing due to ads and auto-plays.

I may end up returning the iPhone and buying a Pixel. Really disappointed and also amazed that so many of our friends and family seem oblivious to the fact that one doesn't have to live with ads and auto-plays -- at least on Android.

[gavinsiu]

Why not install a third party browser like opera. Many of them come with a built in ad blocker. I don’t get ads on the site I browse and YouTube video usually play without ads

[CFM300]

Why not install a third party browser like opera. Many of them come with a built in ad blocker. I don’t get ads on the site I browse and YouTube video usually play without ads

Appreciate the suggestion. As I mentioned in my original post:

"I've configured Firefox and Brave so that each effectively blocks most ads, but I can't get either to block auto-plays."

Any suggestion for blocking auto-play videos?

[InfiniteFrontier]

I use the Wipr extension with Safari and don’t see any ads or auto playing embedded video.

[gavinsiu]

Appreciate the suggestion. As I mentioned in my original post:

"I've configured Firefox and Brave so that each effectively blocks most ads, but I can't get either to block auto-plays."

Any suggestion for blocking auto-play videos?

Can you send me a link to a autoplay page? I haven't encountered autoplay and that might be the browser I am using. Firefox on IOS is way more limited than the other platforms.

[runr]

Closest thing I can think of with Firefox on ios, click the page icon in the omni bar on the right hand side, to change the site to read only. I use NextDNS, and there is an option to add the same type of UBO blockers as well, it's a trial and error as with any add blocker can start breaking sites. Never mind the Android maxi...computers are not a religion.

[PNWHiker]

If you prefer to stay with Safari and not install a third-party browser, check out Magic Lasso Pro. It has a subscription cost, but the features are well worth it. Blocks ads on both web sites and YouTube. The free (non-Pro) version blocks web site ads but not YouTube ads iirc.

[CFM300]

Can you send me a link to a autoplay page?

Both Brave and Firefox block ads, but not autoplays, on the following pages:

qz.com
* scroll down to a heading called "Watch"
* without clicking, the video begins playing

youtube.com
* without clicking, every video begins to play as soon as it's on the screen

cnn.com
* multiple animated imagines play without clicking
* in Brave (not Firefox) video in the middle page autoplays AND starts with an ad

[CFM300]

Closest thing I can think of with Firefox on ios, click the page icon in the omni bar on the right hand side, to change the site to read only.

Appreciate the suggestion, but the page icon either doesn't appear (qz.com) or doesn't have any effect (cnn.com).

[CFM300]

I use NextDNS

I tried the free version, but it didn't seem to change the behavior of any of the browsers I tested (Firefox, Brave, Safari, DuckDuckGo). Maybe the paid version would do something for me?

[Bmac]

I believe YouTube has a setting for it. You might have to be logged in for it to stick.

I'd love to find out how to keep the videos from auto-playing (also an iPhone, but an older model)!
And it's not just YouTube!

In the past (forgetting when I noticed the change), it was obvious when the link (usually a photo?) was or wasn't a video.
Back then, one simply didn't click on the ones that were showing as "video".

Now? The little photo icon *sometimes* has a label of "video".
Or it might have a little triangle indicating that clicking on that would start a video.
But there are also some photo links that appear to have NONE of that, and then... very quickly after one has touched that, the video starts rolling, complete with AUDIO... which can be heard by anyone nearby, including a sleeping spouse.
Er, a formerly sleeping spouse!

Worst? It is hard to stop it! Maybe I'm just fat-fingering the screen (I do have what might be the smallest size iPhone, so spacing is indeed cramped). But the two parallel vertical bars don't always "stop" the video (AND THE SOUND!). And the "X" doesn't always get rid of that prompt across the video.
(So simply backing up/moving to a different icon? That video might still be playing in the background. )

I am desperately trying *not* to upgrade my iPhone.
First, I don't need a new one (er, or do I!??).
Second, and importantly, it's that little size. Wemen's clothing often has NO pockets.
(Note to self: Resist urge to vent!)

The smaller the iPhone (or anything) is, the more likely it will fit in what might be a tiny/fake/decorative(!??) pocket on some garment.
[Also handy for a Kleenex, a pill, an ID, a bit of $$, a car key, or whatever, but I digress...]

IS there a way to completely stop "Auto play" for video? Or the associated audio?
Without that audio, there's at least more *time* available to stop the dratted video...

Thanks.

RM

Unrelated to the auto play issue, if you do want a new iPhone, the 3rd generation SE is the only small one remaining in their lineup . And it still has a home button with fingerprint sensor. My spouse recently “upgraded” to this from an older SE (problem with older model) but insisted in going with the SE for specifically these factors.

[d0gerz]

youtube.com
* without clicking, every video begins to play as soon as it's on the screen

Bottom right, hit 'You' > click gear wheel on top right > click General drop-down > toggle 'Video previews' off

[CFM300]

youtube.com
* without clicking, every video begins to play as soon as it's on the screen

Bottom right, hit 'You' > click gear wheel on top right > click General drop-down > toggle 'Video previews' off

^ Thanks! Pleasantly surprised to see that that works even when not logged into a YouTube account.

Still looking for a general, rather than site-specific, solution though.

[spooky105]

Look at NextDNS. Can try iPhone app for free (good for a certain amount of usage) and then purchase a subscription if it meets your needs.

Been running on all Apple devices for years. I couldn’t tell you what an ad or auto play video on CNN, etc. looks like as I don’t see them.

Vinegar takes care of YouTube ads.

Hush cuts back on cookie / tracking popups.

[CFM300]

NextDNS / Vinegar / Hush

I must be doing something wrong with NextDNS. Turning it on did nothing for me. Just tried it again.

• With NextDNS and Safari (no 1Block or AdGuard), I get adds and autoplays all over CNN.

• With NextDNS and Brave, I get no ads, but do get an autoplay video in the middle of the CNN page (that doesn't, actually, being with an ad).

If you can think of something in particular I should do to make sure it's activated, please let me know.

I couldn’t tell you what an ad or auto play video on CNN, etc. looks like as I don’t see them.

That's the nirvana I'm seeking. What browser are you using? Safari?

[roamingzebra]

What are the best browser/extension/settings to block ads AND to block auto-play videos?

Have you done a web search?

I don't use iPhones, but it appears from the following 2024 article that you can block autoplay globally on an iPhone by goiing under Settings, then General, then Accessibility, then Motion, then Auto-Play Video Previews where you can set autoplay to off.

https://thetechylife.com/how-do-i-turn- ... on-iphone/

Give it a try. Not sure if it's applicable to all iPhones.

[CFM300]

Have you done a web search?

Of course. Hours of web searching.

it appears from the following 2024 article that you can block autoplay globally on an iPhone by goiing under Settings, then General, then Accessibility, then Motion, then Auto-Play Video Previews where you can set autoplay to off.

Give it a try.

I explained in my original post that I had already tried that. Unfortunately, it doesn't work.

[roamingzebra]

Have you done a web search?

Of course. Hours of web searching.

it appears from the following 2024 article that you can block autoplay globally on an iPhone by goiing under Settings, then General, then Accessibility, then Motion, then Auto-Play Video Previews where you can set autoplay to off.

Give it a try.

I explained in my original post that I had already tried that. Unfortunately, it doesn't work.

Oops sorry.

One of those days.

[CFM300]

Oops sorry.
One of those days.

No worries! I appreciate your trying to help.

[runr]

I use NextDNS

I tried the free version, but it didn't seem to change the behavior of any of the browsers I tested (Firefox, Brave, Safari, DuckDuckGo). Maybe the paid version would do something for me?

Only difference with paid is more queries, and in the privacy tab, you can toggle a bunch of ad and privacy blocking stuff.

[CFM300]

Only difference with paid [version of NextDNS] is more queries, and in the privacy tab, you can toggle a bunch of ad and privacy blocking stuff.

I think I've discovered that it works when I'm on cellular, but not when I'm on wifi. Now investigating why that might be and how to fix it.

[gavinsiu]

OK, I was able to verify that on the QZ site, ads are played when I open the website. Unlike the desktop apps, there is no option to turn off the video autoplayback in the any of the browsers. I also check the ad blockers, but none of them have options either.

The accessibility option is listed on a ton of website but just plain doesn't work. I think it's similar to the do not track option in your browser. It tells the site to not play the video, but most site will just play the video any way.

I also examine the safari's advance feature to see if there is a feature flag that might stop the video, but glancing through the list, I do not see a feature associated with video.

One additional attempt was to turn on the low data mode. This restricts data in case you run on a metered wifi or cellular data. It appears to work somewhat. When I load the qz page, it plays for a few seconds and then stop with a play button to continue. Not sure what the side effect of using low data is.

[lakpr]

Why not install a third party browser like opera. Many of them come with a built in ad blocker. I don’t get ads on the site I browse and YouTube video usually play without ads

Appreciate the suggestion. As I mentioned in my original post:

"I've configured Firefox and Brave so that each effectively blocks most ads, but I can't get either to block auto-plays."

Any suggestion for blocking auto-play videos?

I use duckduckgo browser on my iPhone 15 Plus. Auto plays are disabled through General->Settings, and setting permissions to ask everytime for everything (location, camera, popup, etc.)

This does NOT get rid of ads, to be clear, only stops auto plays. It would pop up a window whenever I browse CNN.com, and I always deny or choose "enable only for this session" if I do want to watch the video.

I tried Firefox browser too, but prefer duckduckgo. I even set it as default browser instead of Safari.

Edit: Somewhat of a retraction; I went to that qz.com site from your post, and in duckduckgo browser the video did autoplay, but the sound was turned off. Samething in Safari turned sound on.

[muffins14]

After a decade of using Android, I bought an iPhone 16.

What are the best browser/extension/settings to block ads AND to block auto-play videos?

I've configured Firefox and Brave so that each effectively blocks most ads, but I can't get either to block auto-plays. With auto-plays, I'm mostly talking about videos that are embedded in news sites, like NYTimes.com, qz.com (Quartz), CNN.com, etc. Using the uBlock Origin extension on a browser in Windows or Android kills 100% of ads AND auto-play videos. But uBlock Origin isn't available in the Apple Store.

I've turned the following off in the iOS settings:

• Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Motion > Auto-Play Animated Images

• Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Motion > Auto-Play Video Previews

Neither had any effect.

I also turned those setting off after adding Firefox and Brave to the Per-App Settings:

• Settings > Accessibility > [General] Per-App Settings

That also had no effect.

I'm not set on Brave or Firefox. I would be happy to use Safari or any other browser. Just looking for a setup that will block both ads and auto-plays.

Ad blocking is probably in violation of the terms of service of the websites you are using. So you want their content but do not want to help pay for it? The loss of revenue is why companies deteriorate and fail.

[CFM300]

So you want their content but do not want to help pay for it?

I have subscriptions to NYTimes.com, Google Workspace, etc., but they still show ads. I would gladly pay even more for ad-free subscriptions.

[bwalling]

How to block ads and auto-play on iPhone?

1. Open Safari go to this URL: https://store.google.com/category/phones

2. Purchase a pixel phone using your iPhone as a trade-in.

3. Install Kiwi browser (open source Chromium-based browser), tap on three vertical dots in upper right-hand corner, tap on extensions, and install u-block origin .

4. Enjoy ad-free web browsing that precisely mirrors the experience of using chrome+ublock origin on a desktop/laptop, including ad-free and no autoplay youtube.

PS: Many other browsers also allow desktop extension install but kiwi is my favorite.

So, to minimize ads, you yourself become a product in an ad network? The answer to ad avoidance certainly isn't more stuff from Google. They're nearly as intrusive and aggressive as Meta.

[chinchin]

Ad blocker via ProtonVPN Plus worked for me.

[prioritarian]

1. Open Safari go to this URL: https://store.google.com/category/phones

2. Purchase a pixel phone using your iPhone as a trade-in.

3. Install Kiwi browser (open source Chromium-based browser), tap on three vertical dots in upper right-hand corner, tap on extensions, and install u-block origin .

4. Enjoy ad-free web browsing that precisely mirrors the experience of using chrome+ublock origin on a desktop/laptop, including ad-free and no autoplay youtube.

PS: Many other browsers also allow desktop extension install but kiwi is my favorite.

So, to minimize ads, you yourself become a product in an ad network? The answer to ad avoidance certainly isn't more stuff from Google. They're nearly as intrusive and aggressive as Meta.

Please explain how switching to an open source browser has anything to do with google's "you are the product" profit-making system. I personally hate chrome and never use chrome on desktop or on android. I also use AOSP lineage OS on one of my phones that is also not a google profit-making product.

Heck, if you are really interested in privacy then Android browsing is the only option because there are open source privacy-focused browsers that nuke all tracking, ads, AND have integrated TOR.