There’s no denying that there are plenty of games available for iPhone that offer hours of fun and excitement. However, if you’ve ever played free games like Crowd City or Helix Jump, you’ve probably encountered an overwhelming number of ads that ruin your gaming experience. While ads in free games are understandable because they help developers generate income, some games go overboard with ads out of sheer greed. If you’re fed up with these intrusive ads and want to enjoy uninterrupted gaming, you might be looking for ways to block ads on your iPhone. Luckily, there’s a simple solution that allows you to do just that while still reaping the rewards. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block ads in iPhone games.
How to Block Ads in Games on iPhone (2022)
While Apple doesn’t provide a built-in ad blocker for your entire device, there are several methods you can use to tame ads and pop-ups. Whether you prefer free or paid options, you have choices that cater to your specific needs.
Use Adguard DNS to Eliminate Ads in iOS Games
The easiest and most effective way to block ads in iPhone games is by using Adguard DNS to route your internet traffic. Adguard DNS is designed specifically to block ads, so it can successfully eliminate ads in almost every game you play. I’ve personally tested Adguard DNS with popular free games like Crowd City and Helix Jump, and it completely removed all the ads. Here’s how you can set it up:
- Open Safari on your iPhone and visit the Adguard DNS public DNS website.
- Click on ‘Method 2’ and select ‘iOS’ to reveal the iOS installation steps.
- Choose the ‘Default server’ and click on ‘Download Profile’.
- Once the profile is downloaded, open Settings, and tap on the banner that says ‘Profile downloaded’.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the profile on your iPhone.
- After the installation, Adguard DNS should be active on your device. To confirm, go to Settings -> General -> VPN, DNS & Device Management.
- Tap on ‘DNS’ and select ‘dns.adguard.com DoH’ as your preferred DNS.
Pro-tip: If you want to switch back to using the regular DNS instead of Adguard, simply go to the DNS settings on your iPhone and choose ‘Automatic’.
Other Methods to Try and Block Ads
While the Adguard DNS method I just mentioned is highly recommended and effectively blocks ads in all the games I’ve tested, there are a few alternative methods you can also explore. Here are some of the best ways to block ads in iPhone games:
1. Use Airplane Mode to Instantly Block Ads
Airplane mode has long been a handy tool for blocking ads in games on both iPhone and iPad. Since most ads rely on an internet connection to display, you can easily thwart them by activating airplane mode. Activating this mode is a breeze thanks to the control center.
Turn on Airplane Mode on iPhone and iPad Without Home Button:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the control center.
- Tap on the airplane icon to turn it on.
Turn on Airplane Mode on iPhone and iPad With Home Button:
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the display to bring up the control center.
- Tap the airplane icon to turn it on.
With no internet connection on your device, ads won’t appear in your games. So, go ahead and play your favorite games in peace, knowing that random ads won’t distract you. Keep in mind that certain games may display blank spaces for ads when played offline, and some features may not work without an internet connection. If you’re willing to accept these limitations, the airplane mode trick is perfect for you.
2. Turn Off Cellular and Wi-Fi from Settings App
Another easy way to block ads on iOS is by disabling cellular and Wi-Fi connections from the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Wi-Fi and Cellular settings and turn off the toggles.
With the internet connection completely disabled, ads won’t appear in your iPhone games, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted gameplay.
3. Turn Off Cellular for Specific Games
iOS gives you the power to manage apps’ access to cellular data, allowing you to allow or disallow specific apps from using cellular data. Instead of cutting off the internet connection for your entire device, you have the flexibility to put only certain apps or games offline. You can utilize this feature to block ads in your iPhone games.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and select Mobile/Cellular.
- Scroll down to find the game you want to block ads in and turn off the toggle next to it.
4. Use Luna Adblocker to Block Ads in Games on iPhone and iPad
While there are numerous adblockers available on the App Store, most of them are designed for Safari. Although some claim to block ads across apps and games on iPhone, they often don’t live up to expectations. However, Luna is a reliable adblocker that stands out from the crowd. Please note that Luna doesn’t offer a full-fledged app but instead requires you to install its adblocking VPN profile via Safari and trust its certificate.
Follow these steps to install Luna adblocker:
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and go to this link (Thumbuddy To Love).
- Enter your birth year and click on the “Adblocking VPN Profile” button.
- Open the Settings app on your device and tap on “Profile Downloaded” below your profile. If there are multiple alerts in the Settings menu, tap on “More for your iPhone/iPad” and then select “Profile Downloaded.”
- Tap “Install” at the upper-right and enter your device passcode to proceed.
- You’ll receive a warning message stating that installing the certificate ‘Adblock Extension Root Certificate Authority’ will add it to the list of trusted certificates on your iPhone/iPad. Tap “Install” at the top-right and then hit “Done.”
- Navigate to Settings -> General -> About.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap on “Certificate Trust Settings.” Ensure that the toggle for “Adblock Extension Root Certification” is turned on.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you can enjoy your favorite games without annoying ads. The Luna adblocker will reliably keep ads at bay.
Enjoy Ad-Free Gaming on Your iPhone and iPad
Now that you know how to block ads in iPhone games, you can have a hassle-free gaming experience. Whether you prefer using Adguard DNS, Luna adblocker, or any other method, you can finally play your favorite games without interruptions from ads. We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below which method worked best for you and which one you’re currently using to block ads on your iPhone. Happy gaming!