{"id":261,"date":"2025-07-15T01:44:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T01:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adblock-tester.com\/ad-blockers\/?page_id=261"},"modified":"2025-12-17T09:31:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T09:31:41","slug":"block-ads-smart-tv","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/adblock-tester.com\/ad-blockers\/block-ads-smart-tv\/","title":{"rendered":"Block Ads on Any Smart TV for Free (Full Setup Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve been getting ads on cable TV for way too long. Smart TVs were going to change that with on-demand content, which was supposed to eliminate ads. However, platforms like Hulu and Netflix are pushing for ads even for paying users. And then there are other in-app ads. These days, if you screen, it automatically means it\u2019s free real estate for advertisers to serve you ads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can block them in several different ways, and AdGuard has a solution for each. If you\u2019ve read our AdGuard review<\/a>, you\u2019ll know that AdGuard supports a wide range of devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then there are dedicated VPNs with ad-blocking add-ons like Surfshark<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Block Ads on Smart TV using AdGuard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, there are three ways you can block ads on smart TVs using AdGuard. Or maybe four. But let\u2019s talk about the three main ones, first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard App<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The AdGuard TV app is a full-featured, sideloadable app that runs on Android TV, Google TV, and Nvidia Shield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It filters traffic at the system level using a local VPN. Which allows it to block ads inside apps, browsers, and even some streaming services in real-time. Since it\u2019s not allowed on the Google Play Store, you\u2019ll need to install the APK manually. But it\u2019s safe, lightweight, and maintained by AdGuard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use this if you have an Android-based TV or device and want the most accurate, app-level blocking. Especially useful if you\u2019re seeing ads in free streaming apps, games, or third-party browsers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: It does require a paid plan for full access, but it\u2019s a one-time thing if you grab the lifetime license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get 30% off on AdGuard Premium<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard DNS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard DNS is a cloud-based DNS service that filters ad and tracker domains before they ever reach your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you set AdGuard DNS as your primary DNS on your TV, it quietly intercepts and blocks requests to known ad and tracking domains. Think of it like redirecting junk mail before it even gets to your inbox. You don\u2019t install anything, it just works on the network level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should use this if you can\u2019t install an app on your TV (Apple TV, Samsung, LG, Firestick, etc.). Also great for people who want a plug-and-play option without dealing with sideloading or subscriptions. It\u2019s completely free for personal use. If you want stats and custom rules, you can upgrade to a private DNS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know how well it performs, read How Adguard DNS Effectively Blocks Ads Across Android, iOS, Windows & Mac<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard Home<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard Home is self-hosted DNS server that you run on your own hardware (Raspberry Pi, Mac, Linux box, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard Home acts as your personal DNS server. You can configure your router or devices to use it instead of something like Google or Cloudflare. It blocks ads, trackers, malware domains and lets you create custom rules, device-level filters and logs, all locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re comfortable with some DIY setup and want full control over your network this is a great option. It\u2019s great for households with multiple Smart TVs and devices, or if you\u2019re privacy-conscious and don\u2019t want DNS traffic going through a third party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus: AdGuard-Compatible Routers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Some advanced routers come with native support for AdGuard Home or allow you to install it directly. It\u2019s basically the same as AdGuard Home, but built into your router\u2019s firmware. This lets you block ads across your entire network without needing extra hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Block Ads on Android TV with the AdGuard App<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have an Android TV or a device like Google TV or Nvidia Shield, AdGuard\u2019s app is the best way to block ads: across apps, browsers and even inside some streaming services. It\u2019s the only method that gives you real-time, on-device filtering with zero router tweaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you won\u2019t find it on the Play Store. But don\u2019t worry, it takes less than 5 minutes to sideload and you don\u2019t need to be a developer to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how to get it up and running:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. On your Android TV, open Apps<\/strong> and go to Get More Apps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Scroll down to Tools<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Find and install the TV Bro browser<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Open TV Bro<\/strong> and enter this link<\/strong> in the address bar: agrd.io\/tvapk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. It\u2019ll start downloading the AdGuard TV APK<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Once the download\u2019s done, tap the top menu icon<\/strong> and open the Downloads<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Select adguard_tv.apk<\/strong> from the list<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. If you see a warning about unknown sources, go to Settings<\/strong> and allow installs from TV Bro<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Hit Install<\/strong>, and the app should show up in your app list<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Once installed, open the AdGuard app, sign in and activate the ad-blocking service. You\u2019ll need a paid subscription for full functionality, but if you already use AdGuard on other devices, it carries over here too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Block Ads on Smart TV using Surfshark or NordVPN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Surfshark CleanWeb is the easiest way to block ads on a smart TV. It supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Fire OS, tvOS, GoogleTV, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All you need is an active Surfshark plan that comes with the dedicated ad blockers, install the app on your smart TV, and enable the ad blocker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Visit Surfshark<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Use AdGuard DNS to Block Ads on Android TV<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t want to sideload anything? AdGuard DNS is the next best thing. It works across almost every Android-based platform, including Google TV and Nvidia Shield, and it doesn\u2019t require an account or a subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s how to apply AdGuard DNS on your Android TV:<\/p>\n\n\n\n