AdGuard on iPhone: What the Big Update Changes

Yes, AdGuard on iPhones just got notably better with a major update that brings a more powerful Safari content blocker, a redesigned in-app setup flow, and improved DNS protection controls. The update, rolled out in late 2024, makes it easier for non-technical users to block ads, trackers, and annoying elements directly in Safari, while giving advanced users finer control over filtering rules.

What’s New in the Latest AdGuard iOS Update

The headline change is the full rewrite of AdGuard’s Safari extension, which now uses the latest Safari content blocking API. This means:

• Faster page loads because fewer resources are blocked before rendering.
• More precise cosmetic filtering (hiding empty spaces left by removed ads).
• Support for advanced rules like scriptlets and CSS injections, previously only available in the full desktop app.
• A new “Setup Wizard” that walks you through enabling all required extensions in one go, reducing the usual multi-step configuration.

The update also improves the DNS protection module, making it simpler to switch between AdGuard’s own DNS servers and custom ones, and adds a “Low-level settings” section for tweaking how the VPN-like local network filter behaves.

How AdGuard Works on iOS: The Technical Side

Unlike on Android, iOS doesn’t allow apps to intercept all network traffic. AdGuard works in two separate ways:

1. Safari content blocking: The app installs a Safari extension that uses Apple’s content blocking API to filter ads and trackers before the page loads. This is the same mechanism used by other iOS ad blockers.
2. DNS filtering: AdGuard can set up a local VPN (using the Network Extension framework) to filter DNS queries. This blocks ads and trackers at the domain level, even in apps that don’t use Safari. It also protects against phishing and malicious domains.

The recent update improved the Safari extension’s performance by reducing the number of rules that need to be evaluated on each page load. It also introduced a “dynamic” mode where the extension can load additional rules based on the website you visit, which keeps the initial filter list small.

Setting Up AdGuard on Your iPhone: Step-by-Step

After updating, you’ll see a new setup screen. Here’s how to configure it properly:

1. Open AdGuard and tap “Get Started” to launch the Setup Wizard.
2. Allow the app to add a VPN configuration when prompted (this is for DNS protection).
3. Go to Settings → Safari → Extensions and enable all AdGuard extensions (AdGuard, AdGuard – Advanced Protection, and AdGuard – Privacy).
4. Return to the AdGuard app and tap “Enable” next to Safari protection.
5. Choose your DNS server: “AdGuard DNS” is the default and works well for most users.
6. Optionally, enable “Advanced Protection” in the Safari extension settings to allow more complex filtering rules.

If you’re upgrading from an older version, the wizard will detect your previous settings and migrate them automatically.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Some users report that after the update, ads still appear in Safari. This is usually because the Safari extensions are not enabled. Check that all three AdGuard extensions are toggled on in Settings → Safari → Extensions. If they are, try toggling them off and on again, then restart Safari.

Another issue: DNS protection stops working after a while. This is often due to iOS suspending the VPN connection. In AdGuard’s settings, enable “Always-on” under DNS protection to keep it active. If you use a custom DNS server, make sure the address is correct and that the server supports DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS.

If the app itself crashes or the interface feels laggy, delete the app and reinstall it. Your filters and settings are stored in iCloud (if you enabled sync), so you won’t lose them.

AdGuard vs. Other iOS Ad Blockers

AdGuard’s main competitors on iOS are 1Blocker, Wipr, and Adblock Pro. Here’s how they compare:

• 1Blocker: Offers a similar feature set but with a more complex rules system. It also has a one-time purchase price, while AdGuard uses a freemium model.
• Wipr: Simpler and cheaper, but it doesn’t include DNS filtering or a custom rules editor.
• Adblock Pro: Free and includes a VPN-based ad blocker, but it lacks the advanced cosmetic filtering that AdGuard now has.

AdGuard stands out because it combines both Safari filtering and DNS protection in one app, and the recent update makes its Safari filtering as powerful as desktop extensions.

Cost and Subscription Details

AdGuard for iOS is free to use with basic Safari blocking and DNS protection. The free version includes a decent filter list and lets you enable “AdGuard DNS” as your DNS server. However, advanced features like custom filter lists, the “Advanced Protection” mode, and the ability to add your own rules require a premium subscription (about $2.99/month or $19.99/year).

The premium tier also unlocks the full DNS filtering interface, allowing you to see detailed logs and create custom blocking rules. If you already have an AdGuard license for Windows or Mac, it includes iOS premium, so check your account before subscribing.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

AdGuard is open-source, and its iOS app has been audited by third-party security researchers. The DNS filtering uses a local VPN that only routes DNS queries – it does not see your traffic content. AdGuard’s privacy policy states that they do not log your browsing history or sell data.

One thing to note: because AdGuard uses a VPN profile, it will appear in your VPN settings. This does not mean your traffic is encrypted – it’s just how iOS allows local filtering. If you use a real VPN for privacy, you can use both simultaneously if your VPN supports “split tunneling” or if you set AdGuard’s DNS to use the VPN’s DNS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AdGuard slow down my iPhone? No. The Safari extension uses Apple’s native content blocking API, which is very efficient. DNS filtering adds a tiny overhead (milliseconds) to each DNS query, but most users won’t notice a difference. In fact, blocking trackers often makes pages load faster.

Does AdGuard work with YouTube or other apps? AdGuard’s Safari extension only works in Safari. For in-app ads (like YouTube), you need DNS filtering, which blocks the ad domains. However, YouTube serves ads from the same domain as the video, so DNS filtering won’t remove them. For that, you’d need a separate solution like a YouTube Premium subscription.

Can I use AdGuard with a VPN? Yes, but you need to configure it properly. If your VPN app supports “split tunneling,” you can exclude AdGuard from the VPN tunnel. Otherwise, you can set AdGuard’s DNS to the VPN’s DNS server (if provided) and use only the VPN for encryption.

Why do some ads still appear after enabling AdGuard? Some websites use obfuscated scripts that hide ads from content blockers. AdGuard’s “Advanced Protection” mode helps with these, but it’s not perfect. Also, make sure you’ve enabled all three Safari extensions and that you’re using the latest filter lists (update them in the app).

Is AdGuard safe to use with banking apps? Yes, DNS filtering only blocks known malicious domains and ad trackers. It does not intercept or modify your banking app’s traffic. However, if you’re concerned, you can disable DNS protection for specific apps in the AdGuard settings.

How do I uninstall AdGuard completely? Delete the app from your home screen. Then go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and remove the AdGuard VPN profile. Also check Settings → Safari → Extensions and disable any remaining AdGuard extensions.

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