The fastest way to block Twitch ads

You can block most Twitch ads by installing an ad blocker extension in your browser. Popular options include uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and AdGuard. These extensions work by filtering out ad content before it loads on the page. Install one from your browser's extension store, then refresh Twitch and ads should stop appearing in most cases.

Keep in mind that Twitch actively works against ad blockers, so some ads may still slip through depending on which extension you use and how often Twitch updates its systems. If ads return after a few weeks, your ad blocker may need an update, or you may need to switch to a different one.

Another option is Twitch Turbo, a paid subscription that removes ads from channels you watch. This costs $8.99 per month and supports the streamers you follow, since they still receive revenue even though you see no ads.

Key Takeaways

  • Ad blocker extensions like uBlock Origin filter out Twitch ads before they load, and most are free to install from your browser's extension store.
  • Twitch regularly updates its ad system to work around blockers, so you may need to update your extension or switch to a different one if ads return.
  • Twitch Turbo is a paid subscription ($8.99 per month) that removes ads and sends revenue to streamers you watch.
  • Some ad blockers work better than others on Twitch, and effectiveness can change week to week as both Twitch and blockers update their systems.

Installing an ad blocker extension

The process is the same across most browsers. Open your browser's extension store — Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome, Add-ons for Firefox, Extensions for Microsoft Edge, or Extensions for Safari. Search for "uBlock Origin" or another ad blocker you want to try.

Click the extension name, then click the button to add it to your browser (usually labeled "Add to Chrome" or similar). The extension will install in seconds. You should see a small icon appear in your browser's toolbar. Refresh your Twitch tab and the ads should be gone.

If you see ads still playing, the extension may need to be updated. Check your browser's extension settings and look for an update button. If updating doesn't help, try a different ad blocker — some work better on Twitch than others at any given time.

Why ad blockers sometimes stop working on Twitch

Twitch has a financial incentive to show ads, so the company regularly changes how ads are delivered to make them harder for blockers to detect. When Twitch makes these changes, your ad blocker may stop working until the extension developer updates their filter lists to match the new ad format.

This is an ongoing cycle: Twitch updates, ad blockers update, Twitch updates again. Most ad blocker developers respond within days or weeks, but there can be gaps where ads slip through. If this happens, check whether your extension has a pending update in your browser's extension settings.

Some ad blockers are updated more frequently than others. uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus tend to respond quickly to Twitch changes, while smaller or less-maintained extensions may fall behind.

Using Twitch Turbo instead of an ad blocker

Twitch Turbo is a subscription service that removes ads from all channels you watch. It costs $8.99 per month and includes other perks like custom emotes and an ad-free experience on the Twitch website itself. Unlike ad blockers, Twitch Turbo is officially supported by Twitch, so it will never stop working.

When you subscribe to Turbo, streamers still receive revenue from your view, even though you see no ads. This makes it a way to support creators while avoiding ads. You can cancel Turbo at any time from your account settings.

To get Twitch Turbo, go to your account settings on Twitch.tv, find the Turbo section, and follow the prompts to subscribe. You can use a credit card or PayPal.

What to do if ads still appear after installing a blocker

First, check that the extension is actually active. Look for its icon in your browser's toolbar — if it's grayed out or missing, it may be disabled. Click the icon and make sure it's turned on for Twitch.tv.

Next, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then refresh Twitch. Sometimes old data in your browser can interfere with the ad blocker. In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac), select "All time" for the time range, check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files", then click "Clear data".

If ads still appear, try updating the extension. Open your browser's extension settings, find your ad blocker, and look for an update button. If there's no update available, try a different ad blocker — uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus are the most reliable on Twitch right now, but this can change.

Ad blockers that work best on Twitch

uBlock Origin is the most popular choice and usually the first to be updated when Twitch changes its ad system. It's free, lightweight, and works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Adblock Plus is another solid option that also updates frequently.

AdGuard is a paid option ($2.99 per month or $19.99 per year) that offers more features than free blockers, including tracking protection and malware filtering. It works well on Twitch but isn't necessary if you only care about ads.

Avoid very old or unmaintained ad blockers, as they're unlikely to work on Twitch anymore. Stick with extensions that have recent updates in their store listing and active developer communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Twitch ban me for using an ad blocker?

No. Twitch does not ban users for running ad blockers. The company discourages ad blocking and works to make blockers less effective, but using one won't result in account suspension or any penalty.

Can I block ads on Twitch mobile app?

Ad blockers don't work on the official Twitch mobile app the way they do in a browser. Your best option on mobile is Twitch Turbo. Some third-party Twitch apps may have built-in ad blocking, but these are not official Twitch products and may violate Twitch's terms of service.

Do streamers get paid when I use an ad blocker?

No. When you block ads, streamers lose the revenue they would have earned from those ads. If you want to support a streamer and avoid ads, Twitch Turbo is the option that lets you do both.

Why does Twitch keep changing how ads work?

Twitch's parent company Amazon relies on ad revenue. When ad blockers become too effective, it cuts into that revenue, so Twitch updates its ad delivery system to make blocking harder. This is why ad blockers need frequent updates to keep working.

Is it legal to use an ad blocker?

Yes. Using an ad blocker is legal in most countries. Websites can discourage it or try to make it less effective, but they cannot legally prevent you from running one in your browser.