How to Bypass YouTube Adblock Detection in Opera GX

  • 11 November 2024
  • 9 mins read

YouTube ads can be annoying, and sometimes, the ad blocker in Opera GX doesn’t block them. This happens because YouTube can easily detect and tell that you are using ad blockers to cut down ads on videos. 

Fortunately, there are a few easy methods you can use to bypass YouTube’s detection and watch videos without ads. In this guide, we’ll show you how to improve your ad-blocking setup in Opera GX to avoid detection.

5 Methods to Bypass YouTube Adblock Detection in Opera GX

Method 1: Use a Different Ad Blocker

Sometimes, the built-in ad blocker in Opera GX isn’t enough to block ads on YouTube because YouTube actively works to detect ad blockers. However, using a different ad blocker can sometimes help bypass this. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Go to the Opera Add-ons Store
  2. Search for uBlock Origin and select it from the results.
  3. Click on Add to Opera to install it.
  4. Once installed, activate it by clicking on the uBlock Origin icon in your browser toolbar and ensuring it’s turned on.

Other Adblockers to Try:

Some users have had success with AdGuard and AdBlock Plus. Follow the same steps as above to install these from the Opera Add-ons Store if uBlock Origin doesn’t work for you. Enable them after installation and see if they successfully block ads on YouTube.

Tip: Make sure only one ad blocker is enabled at a time, as multiple ad blockers can interfere with each other and reduce their effectiveness.

Method 2: Try a Different Browser

If Opera GX is still not able to block YouTube ads effectively, you could try using another browser with better compatibility for ad blockers, like Chrome or Firefox.

  1. Visit Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to download the browser you prefer. 
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your computer.
  3. After installing Chrome or Firefox, go to their respective add-on or extension store: You can visit the Chrome Web Store and Firefox Add-ons.
  4. Search for uBlock Origin or any other adblocker like AdGuard or AdBlock Plus
  5. Install and activate it to block YouTube ads.
  6. Open YouTube on the new browser and check if ads are still appearing. 
  7. If ads are gone, you should prefer using this browser for ad-free YouTube viewing.

Method 3: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN can sometimes hide your IP address, making it harder for YouTube to detect and bypass your ad blocker. However, note that this may not always work as YouTube is constantly updating its ad-detection technology.

  1. Choose a reliable VPN service.
  2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
  3. Open your VPN app and select a server location to connect to.
  4. Once connected, your IP address will be masked.
  5. While connected to the VPN, open YouTube in Opera GX or the browser you’re using. Check to see if ads are now blocked.

Using a VPN may slow down your internet connection, so it may affect your streaming quality on YouTube.

Method 4: Use a Browser Extension Specialized for YouTube Ads

Some browser extensions are designed specifically to target YouTube ads. These extensions work differently from general ad blockers but might still be effective for bypassing YouTube’s adblock detection.

  1. Visit the Opera Add-ons Store or Chrome Web Store (depending on your browser).
  2. Search for keywords like YouTube ad blocker or YouTube ad skipper.
  3. Choose an extension with good reviews and ratings.
  4. Install the extension by clicking Add to Opera or Add to Chrome. Make sure the extension is enabled after installation.
  5. Go to YouTube and see if the extension is effectively blocking ads. If ads still show up, try a different extension or method.

Method 5: Use a User-Agent Switcher

A user-agent switcher is a tool that changes the way your browser identifies itself to websites. Some users find that switching the user agent makes it harder for YouTube to detect the adblocker, as YouTube might think you're using a different device or browser.

  1. Go to the Opera Add-ons Store or Chrome Web Store and search for User-Agent Switcher.
  2. Install the add-on and ensure it’s active.
  3. After installation, click on the User-Agent Switcher icon in the toolbar.
  4. Select a user-agent that is different from your current one (e.g., if you’re on a desktop, choose a mobile device user-agent).
  5. Open YouTube in the same browser with the user-agent changed.
  6. Check if ads are still being blocked or if the new user-agent has made a difference.

YouTube’s adblock detection is constantly improving, so these methods might not always be successful. If none of the options work, you might have to accept that YouTube ads are unavoidable for now or consider using YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.

Get Privacy Settings across all Social Media platforms

With PurePrivacy’s first-ever social media privacy manager, you can auto-scan & fix privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, LinkedIn, Google and YouTube. In just $5.83/month, connect your social accounts with our app & get automatic social privacy settings and recommendations.

More to explore in YouTube guides:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I still use Opera GX’s built-in ad blocker with other ad blockers?

    Plus

    It’s recommended to use only one ad blocker at a time to prevent any conflicts and get better results.

  • Plus

    Yes, using ad blockers is legal, though YouTube discourages it as ads support content creators.

  • Does a VPN completely hide ad blockers from YouTube?

    Plus

    A VPN might make adblock detection harder, but it’s not a guaranteed solution since YouTube often detects ad blockers anyway.

  • What are some reliable ad blockers for Opera GX?

    Plus

    uBlock Origin, AdGuard, and AdBlock Plus are popular ad blockers that many users find effective on various browsers.

  • Will changing the user-agent always block ads on YouTube?

    Plus

    Changing the user-agent can sometimes work, but it’s not a sure fix, as YouTube continually improves its ad-block detection.

In Summary 

Trying out these methods can help in bypassing YouTube’s adblock detection on Opera GX. However, remember that YouTube is constantly updating its detection methods, so results may vary over time.