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How to enable system-wide filtering in AdGuard for iOS

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This article covers AdGuard for iOS, a multifunctional ad blocker that protects your device at the system level. To see how it works firsthand, download the AdGuard app.

About system-wide filtering​

System-wide filtering lets you block ads and trackers not just in Safari, but across other apps and browsers on your iOS device. iOS is a fairly closed operating system, and Apple provides limited options for blocking ads outside Safari. The only way to block ads and trackers system-wide is through DNS filtering. This article explains how to enable it.

How DNS filtering works

The first thing you need to do is enable DNS protection:

  1. Open AdGuard.
  2. Tap the Protection icon (shield icon in the bottom menu bar).
  3. Turn on DNS protection.

DNS protection screen *mobile_border

Once DNS protection is on, you have three options:

  • Use AdGuard DNS filter. To enable it, go to Protection → DNS protection → DNS filtering → DNS filters → AdGuard DNS filter. With this option, you’re not tied to a specific blocking server — the filter does all the blocking.
  • Use a blocking DNS server. Go to Protection → DNS protection → DNS server and select AdGuard DNS or another blocking server to your liking.
  • Add a custom DNS filter or hosts file. You can add multiple DNS filters and hosts files. Be aware that using too many may slow down AdGuard.

How to add custom DNS filter and hosts file​

For example, let’s add the OISD Blocklist Big.

  1. Copy the OISD Blocklist Big link: https://big.oisd.nl
  2. Open Protection → DNS protection → DNS filtering → DNS filters.
  3. Tap Add a filter.
  4. Paste the link into the filter URL field.
  5. Tap Next → Add.

Adding a DNS filter screen *mobile_border

Add any number of DNS filters by repeating step 4 with a different URL. You can find various filter lists and their links at filterlists.com.