How to Block Ads on Apple TV

Are you frustrated with ads constantly interrupting your favorite shows on Apple TV? If you are looking for ways to minimize these disruptions and enjoy a smoother, ad-free viewing experience, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are multiple strategies you can implement to take control of your Apple TV and reduce the frequency of ads.

Whether modifying your network settings, leveraging ad-blocking apps, or using other smart techniques, this guide will walk you through the steps to help you reclaim your screen time. With these methods, you can transform your Apple TV experience into a more enjoyable and uninterrupted one.

Techniques to Block Ads on Apple TV

Blocking ads on your Apple TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience by reducing interruptions. Here are several methods you can use to block or minimize ads;

Turn Off the Tracking Settings

The activated app tracking settings will track your activity across the apps and websites to provide related recommendations. Follow the below steps to disable this option;

• Boot up your Apple TV and go to the Main Menu.
• Search and select the Settings app.
• Click on the General Settings and scroll down to the Privacy section.
• Select this section, then choose Tracking next to the Location Services.
• Now, click on the Allow Apps Ask to Track option to disable it.

Change the App on Top Shelf

Adjusting the apps displayed on the Top Shelf will reduce your exposure to advertisements, and here is how to do it;

• Begin by selecting an app that either doesn’t show ads or has very few of them, such as premium apps or those with a subscription that removes ads.
• On your Apple TV Home Screen, use the remote to highlight the app you want to move to the Top Shelf.

• Press and hold the Touch surface on the remote until the app starts to wiggle.
• Drag the app to the top row of the Home Screen, placing it in the Top Shelf area.

Set Up SmartDNS

You can change your Apple TV’s DNS settings to use an ad-blocking DNS VPN service like NordVPN.

• First, connect your smartphone or PC to the same network as the Apple TV is connected to.
• Furthermore, enable the SmartDNS in the NordVPN profile.

• Now, turn on your Apple TV and navigate to the Settings menu from the Home Screen.
• Go to Network Settings and select WiFi settings at the top.
• Select “wifiname” and click on Configure DNS.
• Choose Manual and enter the SmartDNS server address provided by your VPN service.

Use AirPlay or Screen Mirroring

If you have an ad-blocker on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can stream content to your Apple TV using AirPlay. This might filter out ads before they reach your Apple TV.

• Make sure your Apple device has an ad-blocker installed and activated.
• After that, connect both devices to a common WiFi network.
• Play any desired content on your transmitting device.
• Use the AirPlay or Screen Mirroring feature to share the screen with the content on your Apple TV.

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