Can You Install an AdBlocker on Roku? The Best Options to Minimize Ads

PDF download Download Article
See fewer ads on your Roku TV with this handy guide
PDF download Download Article

Are you tired of seeing ads on your Roku TV or streaming device? While you can install an ad-blocker on a computer, you won't be able to do so on a Roku device. However, you can adjust the Roku's settings to reduce the kinds of ads you see. Additionally, you can upgrade to premium versions of subscription services to get rid of ads on those apps. This wikiHow will show you how to reduce the ads you see on a Roku TV, Streaming Stick, Express, or Ultra.

Things You Should Know

  • To disable pop-ups, go to "Settings" → "Privacy" → "Smart TV experience" and remove both checkmarks.
  • To limit ad tracking, go to "Settings" → "Privacy" → "Advertising" → check the box for "Limit ad tracking".
  • If you're a Linux user, you can install Pi-Hole, a tool that blocks Roku ads (and other ads) on your entire network.
Section 1 of 4:

Can you install an ad blocker on Roku?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Devices with Roku OS, including Roku TVs, don't allow you to install ad-blocking apps. However, you can still reduce the number of ads you see by adjusting your Roku privacy settings. You can also upgrade the subscriptions of your streaming services, such as YouTube or HBO Max , to prevent ads.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Disabling Pop-up Ads

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don't want to see pop-up ads for certain Roku apps (like Netflix or Hulu) or the "More Ways to Watch" screens, you can disable the "Smart TV experience" option. Start by selecting Settings on your Roku's Home screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Additional options will appear.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now you'll see a few checkboxes.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The two options on this screen may cause ads (including streaming apps) to appear when watching movies or TV shows on cable, satellite, or other streaming apps.
    • Use the arrows to select the checkmark next to "Use info from TV inputs," then press OK to remove the checkmark. This ensures you won't see ads from Roku apps when watching cable or satellite.
    • Select the checkmark next to "Enable auto notifications" and press OK . Disabling this feature prevents you from seeing the "More Ways to Watch" notification and other relevant Roku pop-ups. [1]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Limiting Ad Tracking

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Power on your Roku device and use the remote to open the menu. Scroll up and find Settings about the Home tab.
    • While this method won't turn off ads completely, it will prevent Roku from using your viewing history and personal details to show you ads. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be below Legal notices .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be the first tab.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This prevents Roku from using your data to show personalized ads on your device.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Turn off your device and turn it on again. Once restarted, the changes will take effect. [3]
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Using Pi-Hole for Linux

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're a Linux user , you can block ads on your entire Wi-Fi network (including on your Roku TV), by installing Pi-Hole and using the Linux machine as your router's DNS server. This makes it so Roku ads cannot be shown on your Roku TV as long as the Linux machine is up and running. [4] To install Pi-Hole, run the command curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net in your Linux Terminal. [5]
    • This method works best if you're already well-versed in Linux and have the ability leave your Linux system online at all times. If you're not already running Linux or have a Raspberry Pi machine, this method won't be ideal.
    • You will need admin access access to your router to change its DNS server and assign your Pi-Hole system a static IP address.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your system uses dhcpd, use the command static domain_name_servers=127.0.0.1 to ensure that the DNS server for Linux is set to Pi-Hole. [6]
    • You can verify and change Pi-Hole settings in your web browser by visiting https://pi-hole.net/ . By default, OpenDNS will be set as your upstream DNS servers, but you can opt for Google, Norton, or other providers instead.
    • Roku ads are blocked by Pi-Hole by default, so you won't have to add any domains manually.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once Pi-Hole is installed, you'll need to log into your router and make the following changes:
    • Adjust the internal DHCP settings to assign the Linux machine running Pi-Hole a static IP address.
    • Once the IP address is assigned, edit the router's DNS server configuration to use that static IP address as its only DNS server. You'll usually find this in the "DHCP Settings" or "Network Address Server Settings" area of your router's admin panel. [7]
    • Be sure to set the static IP address of your Pi-Hole server as the only DNS server on your router.
    • You may need to restart your router for the changes to take effect.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Install-Adblockers-on-Roku-TV-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now that you've blocked Roku ads at the router level, you can enjoy your Roku TV without intrusive ads.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Access Your Roku's Secret Menus: 11 Working Codes
      The Easiest Way to Clear the Cache on Your Roku Device
      How to
      Sync a Roku Replacement Remote
      How to
      Set Up Your Roku Player and Connect it to a TV
      5 Simple Ways to Power On Your Roku TV without a Remote
      Roku Voice Narration: How to Make Your Roku Stop Talking
      4 Ways to Find a Roku Remote With and Without the App
      How to
      Get YouTube on Roku: Complete Beginner's Guide
      How to
      Contact Roku: The Best Ways to Get Help Now
      How to
      Watch YouTube on Roku
      How To Connect a Roku Stick or TV to Wi-Fi Without a Remote
      3 Easy Ways to Add Channels & Apps to Your Roku Player or TV
      How to
      Turn Off Roku
      How to
      Connect a Roku to Internet with Ethernet or Wi-Fi
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288
      2. ↑ https://storage.bestbuy.com/usweb/html/4822001/user-manual/english/content/ns-24er310_32dr310_48dr510na17/limiting-ad-tracking.htm
      3. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/208757008
      4. ↑ https://pi-hole.net/
      5. ↑ https://github.com/pi-hole/pi-hole/#one-step-automated-install
      6. ↑ https://docs.pi-hole.net/main/post-install/
      7. ↑ https://discourse.pi-hole.net/t/how-do-i-configure-my-devices-to-use-pi-hole-as-their-dns-server/245

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,605 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement