Ad blocker not working — troubleshooting and fixes

Why is my ad blocker not working?

Is your ad blocker enabled, but annoying ads keep popping up? It might take some time and technical know-how to get to the root of the problem, so we’ve made a list of the most common reasons why your ad blocker is not blocking ads:

• Your ad blocker is outdated. To keep your ad blocker effective, you must update it regularly. If you haven’t updated your ad blocker for a while, it might not be able to recognize or block the newest ads.
• The website you’re visiting has an ad blocker detector. Some websites use hidden baits designed to be detected by ad blockers. If these baits get blocked, the website can identify your ad blocker and make it ineffective.
• Cache and cookies issue. Stored cache and cookies sometimes interfere with ad blockers and cause functionality disruptions.
• Your computer is infected with malware. If your computer is infected with malware displaying ads on your computer, no ad blocker will be able to hide them.

What should I do if my ad blocker has stopped working?

Sometimes a simple browser refresh can get your ad blocker back to blocking ads, but if you’re struggling to fix it, try these tips:

Clear cookies and browser cache

Outdated or corrupted cache files and cookies can disrupt ad blocker functions by overriding its filters. Go to your browser settings and clear both the cache and cookies. This will remove the old website data that triggers your ad blocker and keep it running like it used to.

Check for incompatible extensions

Sometimes privacy tools conflict and interfere with each other’s functions. If you use more than one security extension, try switching them off one by one to see how your ad blocker performs. Once you pinpoint the problematic one, simply disable it and enjoy an ad-free internet.

Reset your ad blocker

Let’s say you tweak your ad blocker settings and it suddenly stops working. If this happens, find a reset button in your ad blocker app and restore its default settings. A reset will clear out any custom options, which might solve the issue and bring your ad blocker back to work.

Reinstall and update your ad blocker

If none of the previous tips helped, uninstall and reinstall your ad blocker. First, remove the ad blocker extension from your browser. Then, head to your ad blocker’s official page and download the latest version directly from there. This way, you’ll be sure that the extension is up to date and secure.

Is your ad blocker still not working?

Tried every possible trick to fix your ad blocker, but it still doesn’t work? We’ve got you covered. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ has a trustworthy ad blocker alternative up its sleeve with every feature you’d expect from a regular ad blocker. It blocks excessive pop-ups, banners, video ads, and other dangerous distractions — all to protect you from intrusive marketing and potential threats that could lead to stolen credentials, financial loss, or exposure to malware.

Why should you use an ad blocker?

Using an ad blocker keeps your online experience clean and enjoyable. This simple browser extension reduces page clutter by blocking flashy ads that can be distracting or even malicious. One careless click on an infected banner could put your personal data, money, or reputation at risk. Ad blocking is an easy way to avoid such interruptions.