AdBlock Help Center

About the Acceptable Ads program and "non-intrusive" ads

What are Acceptable Ads?

With AdBlock's default settings enabled, you will see occasional non-intrusive ads. That's because AdBlock participates in the Acceptable Ads program. The Acceptable Ads program defines strict guidelines to identify non-intrusive ads, which AdBlock shows by default. You can opt out of this setting at any time.

Why should I agree to see Acceptable Ads?

Allowing Acceptable Ads to display lets site owners know you understand that ads let them provide free content. It tells them that you will accept a few small, non-intrusive ads, but you will not tolerate large, distracting, or invasive ads that keep you from focusing on the content you’ve come to enjoy. Showing Acceptable Ads also helps prevent sites from using all-or-nothing ultimatums, such as anti-adblocking warnings, that force you to disable your ad blocker to access their sites. It tells site owners, ad blockers, and advertisers you support an internet that’s fair for everyone.

Did AdBlock start the Acceptable Ads program?

No, eyeo GmbH created the Acceptable Ads program. In 2017, eyeo moved control of the Acceptable Ads program to a third-party review board. In 2021, AdBlock joined Adblock Plus (owned by eyeo GmbH).

Can I turn Acceptable Ads off?

Yes. We believe users should control what they see on the web. That, after all, is what AdBlock is all about. You can easily opt out of the Acceptable Ads program using the steps below.

Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
  1. Click on the AdBlock icon on your browser toolbar.

  2. Click on the gear icon on the pop-up menu.

  3. Click on the Filter lists tab.

  4. Deselect the Acceptable Ads option. 

  5. Reload the page where you were seeing ads.

Safari (Mac)
  1. Open the AdBlock for Safari Mac app.

  2. On the AdBlock window click on the Ad blocking tab.

  3. Under "Change what AdBlock hides and shows" click on Manage.

  4. Toggle the option Allow some non-intrusive ads off.

  5. Reload the page where you were seeing ads.

Safari (iOS)
  1. Open the AdBlock for Mobile app.

  2. Tap Settings.

  3. On the Settings screen, toggle the option Allow some non-intrusive ads to OFF.

  4. Reload the page where you were seeing ads.

Samsung Internet (Android)
  1. Open the AdBlock for Samsung Internet app.

  2. Deselect the option Allow some non-intrusive ads.

  3. Reload the page where you were seeing ads.