If you’re an avid YouTube viewer and an Opera GX user, you’ve likely sought a way to enjoy content without the constant interruption of ads. Opera GX, being a gamer-focused browser, comes with built-in features that can enhance the browsing experience—one of them being an integrated ad blocker. However, many users have noticed that YouTube often finds ways to bypass this, resulting in lingering ads even with the ad blocker on. In this guide, we’ll explain how to optimize Opera GX to block YouTube ads properly and consistently.
TL;DR:
Opera GX includes a built-in ad blocker, but YouTube’s dynamic ad systems can evade it. To properly block YouTube ads, users should ensure all features and list filters are updated and active. Supplementing with an additional extension like uBlock Origin can further enhance effectiveness. This article explores these steps in detail and provides solutions to related problems.
Understanding Opera GX’s Ad Blocker
Opera GX comes equipped with a native ad blocker that is meant to remove intrusive advertising on most websites. While it works on many platforms, YouTube can be particularly tricky due to its advanced and frequently updated ad delivery systems.
The primary reason YouTube ads may still show is that its advertisements are often embedded directly into video content or dynamically loaded in ways that bypass traditional blockers.
Steps to Block YouTube Ads Using Opera GX
1. Enable Opera GX’s Native Ad Blocker
The first step is ensuring the native ad blocker is turned on:
- Open Opera GX
- Click on the browser menu (O icon in the top-left corner)
- Go to Settings or press Alt + P
- In the left sidebar, select Privacy & Security
- Under Block ads, toggle the switch to enable ad blocking
You can also click the shield icon in the address bar while on YouTube.com and ensure it’s turned on for that domain.
2. Update Filter Lists Regularly
Opera GX’s ad blocker uses filter lists to determine what to block. These lists aren’t always updated in real-time unless forced manually. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
- Click Manage Lists
- Ensure lists like EasyList and EasyPrivacy are checked
- Click on Update Lists to retrieve the latest definitional updates
This step ensures that the ad blocker has the most current rules available for detection.
3. Add a Third-Party Extension (Recommended)
To effectively block YouTube ads, combining Opera GX’s native blocker with a reliable extension is often the best solution. The most respected in the community is uBlock Origin.
Here’s how to install it:
- Visit the Opera Add-ons Store
- Search for uBlock Origin
- Click Add to Opera
- Allow the permissions and confirm installation
Once installed, uBlock Origin provides more granular filtering tools and can block inline video ads far more effectively than the default system.
4. Set Up Custom Filters in uBlock Origin
In cases where YouTube starts showing ads again, uBlock Origin allows for the addition of custom filters:
- Click on the uBlock Origin icon
- Go to Dashboard
- Navigate to the My Filters tab
- Add these lines to manually block common YouTube ad domains:
||youtube.com^$media,domain=youtube.com ||googlevideo.com^$media,domain=youtube.com - Click Apply Changes
This technique can help when YouTube introduces new ad types that aren’t yet captured by public filter lists.
5. Clear Cache and Cookies
Sometimes cached data from YouTube allows ads to bypass newly enabled blockers. Here’s how to clear your cache:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete
- Select Cookies and Cached Images
- Choose a time range (e.g., All time)
- Click Clear Data
This forces YouTube to reload with your new configurations and filters intact.
6. Disable YouTube’s Redundant Scripts (Advanced)
Opera GX supports customizable JavaScript blocking via extensions like NoScript or via DevTools for advanced users. Blocking certain scripts can stop ads from loading, though it may also affect site functionality.
Only recommended for advanced users who understand script dependencies and don’t mind occasional broken features.
Why YouTube Ads Still Slip Through
YouTube constantly updates its ad methods, including:
- Inserting ads directly into video streams
- Using server-side ad insertion (SSAI)
- Detecting and disabling known ad blockers
This means that even effective tools may encounter gaps in coverage from time to time. Staying updated with filter lists and using multiple blockers can dramatically reduce, though not entirely eliminate, YouTube ads.
Alternative Solutions
1. Use YouTube Premium
While this guide focuses on free solutions, a YouTube Premium subscription removes all ads and supports creators. It’s worth considering if peace of mind is important to you.
2. Switch to a YouTube Frontend
Tools such as Invidious or Piped allow users to watch YouTube content without the tracking and ads:
- These tools fetch YouTube videos through proxy servers
- Ads and tracking scripts are stripped out at the source
Note: availability and speed may vary based on server load and region.
FAQs
Q1: Does Opera GX block all ads on YouTube by default?
A: No, the native blocker targets general ads, but YouTube’s dynamic ad delivery can often bypass it. A stronger blocker like uBlock Origin is recommended for full coverage.
Q2: Will using ad blockers violate YouTube’s terms of service?
A: While ad blockers don’t directly violate YouTube’s TOS, they may lead to features not working as intended. YouTube has started detecting blockers and may limit functionality.
Q3: Can I block YouTube ads on mobile Opera GX?
A: Opera’s mobile browser also includes ad blocking but has fewer customization options. You may not be able to use uBlock Origin or custom filters easily on mobile.
Q4: Will updating filters auto-remove existing YouTube ads?
A: Filter updates improve future detection. To get rid of current ads, clear cached data and reload the page post-update.
Q5: Is there a risk in using multiple ad blockers?
A: Generally, no, but having too many may lead to performance issues or conflicting rules. Stick to one robust blocker like uBlock Origin alongside the native Opera GX blocker.
With a well-configured setup and a few enhancements, Opera GX can offer an ad-free YouTube experience, allowing users to focus on content without interruption.