The only reliable way to get rid of ads on YouTube mobile is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. No free in-app setting exists to turn off ads within the YouTube mobile app, and YouTube’s official documentation confirms that the membership is the documented method for an ad-free experience.
The only reliable way to get rid of ads on YouTube mobile
YouTube’s official mobile fix for ads is YouTube Premium. This membership provides ad-free video on the YouTube mobile app and ad-free music on the YouTube Music app when you’re signed in with the membership account. The documented mobile benefits also include background play and offline downloads, but those benefits depend on the subscription tier and app.
Understanding YouTube Ads on Mobile
Types of ads on YouTube mobile include pre-roll, mid-roll, banner, overlay, skippable and non-skippable ads.
What YouTube Premium gives you on mobile
When your membership is active, YouTube Premium gives these mobile benefits on the YouTube app and YouTube Music app: ad-free watching and listening, background play, and offline downloads. These benefits depend on being signed in with the membership account and using the latest version of the app.
How to check your Premium membership is active
On Android, tap your profile picture, then tap Purchases and memberships to verify the active membership. On iPhone and iPad, tap your profile photo, then tap Settings > Purchases and memberships. If the membership is active but ads still appear, make sure you have the latest version of the YouTube app and are signed in with the Premium account.
Setting up background play on your phone
Background play is available on YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids mobile apps, if available in your location, when signed in with a YouTube Premium membership account. The documented YouTube app path to manage it is Settings > Background Play under Background & Downloads. The settings are:
- Always on: videos always play in the background, which is the default.
- Off: videos never play in the background.
- Headphones or external speakers: videos play in the background only when connected to headphones, speakers, or another external audio output.
Background play is not available on the YouTube Shorts player. For more YouTube mobile tips, remember that offline and background play are only available on the YouTube, YouTube Kids, and YouTube Music mobile apps.
Using an Ad Blocker App
Ad blocker apps can provide data and battery savings by blocking ad content that consumes data and battery life. Ad blocker apps can enhance privacy and security by blocking potentially intrusive or malicious ads. Many ad blocker apps offer customizable settings to fine-tune ad-blocking preferences.
Sharing Premium with a family plan
A family plan lets you share a YouTube paid membership with up to 5 other members of your household. On Android, the family-plan sign-up flow is: in the YouTube app tap your profile picture > Purchases and memberships > Get family plan > Get family plan again > Buy. You set up a Google family group during the process. If you are already the family manager of an existing Google family group, you can select Continue to share YouTube Premium with members of that group.
Providing Feedback to YouTube
Users can provide feedback to YouTube through the official app or website via settings/help or 'Send feedback' option. When providing feedback, users should articulate specific concerns like ad frequency, relevance, or impact on viewing experience. Users can propose collaborative solutions in feedback, such as more user-friendly mobile ad formats or ad personalization controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still see ads if I have YouTube Premium?
You may still see ads if you are not signed in, if the membership is on a different account, or if you are using a version of the app that does not support the benefit. YouTube Music Premium members may still see ads on podcasts.
Does any free method exist to remove ads on YouTube mobile?
No documented free method exists.
Can I use YouTube Premium on multiple devices?
Yes, Premium and Music Premium benefits are available across all devices with access to YouTube. On mobile devices, the benefits are available in the YouTube mobile app and the YouTube Music app.
What happens if I don’t update the YouTube app?
For mobile use, you need the latest version of the YouTube app and to be signed in with the Premium account. The support page does not give a specific minimum iPhone or Android OS version, but using an outdated app may prevent benefits from working.
Does the family plan work with YouTube Music Premium?
Yes, the family plan is available for both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium. The sign-up flow on Android is the same for either membership.
Can I block ads on YouTube mobile without using an ad blocker?
YouTube Premium subscription allows ad-free videos, offline viewing, and background play.
How can I support content creators on YouTube mobile if I want to avoid ads?
Subscribe to channels, engage with content, use Super Chat, or purchase merchandise.
