Complete uBlock Origin tutorial: step-by-step guide

uBlock Origin has become the essential ad blocker For distraction-free browsing, greater privacy, and reduced security risks. Many people install it simply to remove ads, but the truth is, this extension offers much more: it allows you to control scripts, remove annoying elements from any page, synchronize rules across computers, prevent your ad blocker from being detected, and even fine-tune the behavior of each website almost as if you had a firewall within your browser.

Throughout this guide you will see How to get the most out of uBlock Origin, from the basics to the advanced: installation in different browsers (including the situation with Manifest V3 in Chrome), creation of custom filters, use of dynamic filtering, Tricks For YouTube, it includes extra lists for cookies and anti-adblock, local IP protection with WebRTC, and ways to have the same settings across all your devices. If you already use it, you'll learn features you probably didn't even know existed.

What is uBlock Origin and why is it not just any ad blocker?

uBlock Origin is an open-source extension focused on efficiency.Privacy and total control over what your browser loads. It shouldn't be confused with simply "uBlock" or other extensions with similar names; they are different projects and don't necessarily share the same philosophy.

Its operation is based on filter lists that define which requests to block or allow.: ad servers, trackers, suspicious scripts, third-party iframes, banners, overlays, etc. These lists can be expanded with additional ones or with rules you create yourself, giving it incredible flexibility.

When using a sunscreen independent and without "acceptable advertising" programsThis significantly reduces the risk of conflicts of interest or of having advertising slipped in that's "permitted" through commercial agreements. Furthermore, you can edit blacklists and whitelists, and review at any time what is blocked and what isn't.

The downside is that sometimes some websites stop displaying properly. Or they show you warnings asking you to disable the ad blocker. Later you'll see how to deal with those cases without giving up protection on other sites.

Install uBlock Origin on major browsers

Installing uBlock Origin normally is as simple as adding any other extension. from your browser's official store, but the situation in Chrome has become complicated due to the transition to Manifest V3, so it's best to separate by browser.

Chrome and the transition to Manifest V3

Google announced that Extensions that use the old Manifest V2 standard will stop workingAmong those affected is uBlock Origin as we know it. As a result, Chrome has been disabling these extensions by default, displaying warnings indicating that they no longer comply with the new policies.

Even today there are still ways to Manually reactivate uBlock Origin in ChromeHowever, no one can guarantee how long they will last. They require tweaking internal flags and using the extensions' developer mode.

1. Check your Chrome version coming into chrome://settings/help.
2. If your version starts with 141 or higher, go to chrome://flags/ and active:
   • Temporarily unexpire M138 flags
   • Temporarily unexpire M139 flags
   • Temporarily unexpire M140 flags

   After activating them, restart your browser.

3. Go back to chrome://flags/ and search for “Allow legacy extension manifest versions”Activate it and restart Chrome again.
4. Sign in chrome://extensions/ and activate the developer mode in the upper right corner.
5. Download the uBlock Origin source code from its official repository: https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/releases, choosing the file uBlock.x.xx.chromium.zip more recent.
6. Extract the ZIP and keep the folder uBlock0.chromium in a stable location on your disk.
7. On the extensions page, click on Load unpacked extension and select the folder uBlock0.chromium.

If everything went well, uBlock Origin will reappear as an active extensionHowever, this method depends on Google continuing to allow the Manifest V2 compatibility flags, something that could disappear at any time.

Another option, more makeshift and not at all recommended, is Install an older version of Chrome and block updatesThis exposes you to known vulnerabilities, so it's an insecure solution that's not worthwhile except in very specific cases.

Chrome and uBlock Origin Lite (Manifest V3)

In response to Google's change, uBlock's own developer has released uBlock Origin Lite, a version adapted to Manifest V3. It is still useful, but has more limited locking capabilities and less fine control than the classic version.

If you don't want to deal with developer modes or flagsYou can opt for uBlock Origin Lite directly from the Chrome Web Store, accepting that reduction in features.

Firefox, Brave, Opera, and Edge

If you want to avoid complications, Firefox is the browser where uBlock Origin maintains its full potential.It does not depend on Chromium and retains support for the full version of the extension without the Manifest V3 cutbacks.

In Chromium-based browsers such as Brave and Operathe developers themselves have decided Maintain compatibility with uBlock Originso you can install it from their extension stores without any weird tricks and it will continue to work normally.

With Microsoft Edgealso based on Chromium, for now There is no clear date for the withdrawal of Manifest V2So uBlock Origin can still be installed and used as is from the browser's add-on store.

Lastly, Firefox for Android It allows you to install uBlock Origin without too many problems, although on very basic devices hardware Its performance can leave something to be desired and it can become somewhat tedious.

uBlock Origin basic interface: what each button does

Once installed, uBlock Origin starts blocking ads using its default lists, without you having to do anything.However, it's important to understand the main panel to make the most of it.

Clicking the extension icon in the browser toolbar will display a box with several key elements:

1. Large switch: Enables or disables uBlock Origin only for the current tab or domain.
2. Temporary deletion of itemsThis allows you to temporarily remove HTML elements from the page without creating permanent filters. Useful for "testing" what would happen if you hid something.
3. Dropper selection of elementsIt does the same as the previous one, but also, creates a permanent cosmetic filter so that that element does not reappear.
4. Request log: opens an advanced panel where you can see all requests made by the page, with time, file type, full URL, etc.
5. Control panel accessFrom here you can manage active filters, custom rules, advanced settings, backups, etc.
6. Counter of blocked requests on the current pagewhich gives you an idea of ​​how much "junk" has been cut out.
7. Accumulated counter of blocked requests since you installed uBlock Origin.
8. Domain relationships: indicates how many different domains are involved in site requests and how many are being blocked, a good indicator of crawler exposure.
9. Button to block all pop-up windows (disabled by default).
10. Filter for large multimedia elements (also initially disabled), designed to save bandwidth by blocking very large videos or resources. The threshold is adjusted in Settings under “Block media items larger than xxKB”.
11. Cosmetic filterIt is responsible for removing visual elements such as banners, ad boxes, or annoying sections. It includes a counter of blocks performed on the last load.
12. Remote source control, which indicates and can block fonts downloaded from external servers.
13. Button to completely disable JavaScript on the current site, with a direct impact on privacy and the functioning of the website.
14. List of domains requested in the last upload, with indicators such as +, ++, -, –, +++ or — that show the volume of requests allowed or blocked to each domain.

With just these basic controls, you can decide, site by site, how much freedom you give to each page. to load scripts, multimedia or external content.

Remove annoying elements from a specific page

Many websites have bars, modules, or gigantic blocks that contribute nothing. and they take up a significant portion of the screen: useless side panels, static banners, permanent "subscribe" boxes, etc. A common example is overloaded interfaces like some webmail services.

With uBlock Origin you can to do “spring cleaning” on any page removing those elements that are unnecessary from your view.

To do what:

1. Tap on the uBlock Origin icon.
2. Click on “Enter item selection mode” (the eyedropper icon).
3. Hover your mouse over the page until the block you want to delete is highlighted and click on it.
4. A window will open in the lower right corner with the CSS selector that will identify that element. Double-check that you've selected exactly what you want to remove and click "Create"..

Since then, That block will automatically disappear every time you visit that page.If you repeat the process with all the annoying elements, you can end up with a much cleaner interface, tailored to your liking.

In the control panel, within the tab “My filters”You'll find all the custom cosmetic filters you've created. From there you can edit, export, or delete them. if at any point you regret any of them.

Block or disable JavaScript to improve privacy and remove banners

There are places that They abuse tracking scripts and invasive banners to the extreme. In many cases, much of that junk depends directly on JavaScript, so cutting it off at the root can be very effective.

uBlock Origin lets you Disable JavaScript only on the websites you want., or even globally if you choose to do so in the settings.

In a problematic page:

• Open the uBlock Origin panel.
• Press the icon disable javascript for that site.
• Reload the page and see how many ads, pop-ups, overlays, and tracking scripts disappear.

Please note that disabling JavaScript may cause certain elements to stop working. such as dynamic menus, embedded players, advanced forms, or comments. It's the price to pay for eliminating a large portion of the functionality that depends on JavaScript in one fell swoop.

If you want to go one step further, From the control panel, under the “Settings” tabYou can specify that JavaScript is disabled by default on all sites and then enable it on a case-by-case basis where you really need it.

When and how to disable uBlock Origin on specific websites

Although many people block everything, Some people prefer to leave advertising enabled on certain websites. that it considers useful or that offers content it wants to support (for example, small media outlets, independent blogs, or projects that are only funded by ads).

If you want uBlock Origin It works across the entire network except on one specific page., enough with:

1. Enter the website you wish to "liberate".
2. Click on the extension icon.
3. Press the main switch turn on/off.

Since then, The extension will be deactivated in that domain.But it will continue to work the same on all other sites. It's a simple way to create whitelists of trusted websites.

It is also worth remembering that Advertisements are not always harmless or respectful. with privacy. Many sites integrate advertising networks that aggressively track users or don't thoroughly check the security of third-party scripts, so disabling the ad blocker should be a very selective decision.

Prevent local IP leaks with WebRTC

One of the lesser-known features of uBlock Origin is that It can help you reduce the exposure of your local IP address through WebRTCThis technology, used by video calling and real-time communication applications, can reveal your IP address even when you are browsing with VPN.

To minimize that leak:

1. Open the uBlock Origin control panel.
2. Go to the tab "Configuration".
3. Check the box “Prevent WebRTC from disclosing the local IP address”.

With this, uBlock Origin will put a stop to the leaking of your local IP address.However, some web applications that rely heavily on WebRTC may stop working correctly. If you experience problems with video calls or other real-time services, you can temporarily disable the option.

Add extra blocklists: cookies, anti-adblock, and specific countries

uBlock Origin comes standard. It includes a fairly comprehensive set of static lists These lists cover most common ad networks and trackers. However, you can subscribe to additional lists for specific goals.

Amongst the most frequent uses These extra lists include:

1. Remove cookie notices that flood almost every page with "Accept / Configure" banners.
2. Prevent websites from detecting that you are using an ad blocker using anti-adblock scripts.
3. Expand blocking coverage in specific regions or against specific services that are not well covered by the default lists.

To manage them:

• Go to the control panel and enter the tab “Filter list”.
• There you'll see a collection of lists grouped by categories: ads, trackers, malware, regions, etc.
• Select any additional lists that interest you (for example, country-specific lists, such as those for China if you regularly browse Chinese websites).
• Press on “Implement changes” so that they can be downloaded and activated.

It's not advisable to go crazy marking lists indiscriminately.The more lists and rules uBlock Origin has to evaluate, the more resources the browser will consume when loading each page. For 99% of users, the default lists and rules, plus one or two well-chosen additional ones, are usually more than enough.

If you still want to investigate further, there are repositories such as https://filterlists.com/ or documentation of other blocker lists in help.getadblock.comwhere you can find third-party filters compatible with uBlock Origin in most cases.

Lists against cookie notices and anti-adblock

To remove the cookie banners Since these banners take up half the screen, you can look in uBlock Origin's settings for lists dedicated to consent banners. Several projects automatically hide them using cosmetic filters.

In the case of scripts that detect ad blockers (anti-adblockers)You have two main options:

• Block JavaScript partially or completely on the problematic websites, as you have already seen.
• Or use specific filters like those offered by the old set uBlock Protector / Nano Defender, which added rules to neutralize detection scripts and required combining lists and external resources.

Although Nano Defender as such changed course, The idea remains the same: subscribe to lists specializing in anti-adblockers and, in some cases, activate custom resources from the advanced panel (for example, by adjusting userResourcesLocation to point to external resource lists).

Dynamic filtering: turns uBlock Origin into a mini-firewall

If you like to have everything under control, the uBlock Origin's dynamic filtering is where things get really interesting.Here we're not just talking about static filters, but about request blocking rules that take priority over the rest, as if you were defining firewall rules at the browser level.

Activate advanced mode

To access dynamic filtering, you first need to activate the “I am an advanced user” mode:

1. Click on the uBlock Origin icon and enter the control Panel.
2. Go to the tab "Configuration".
3. Check the box “I am an advanced user”.

Behind this, The extension's main panel will display a table of domains and rule columns., with green, red and gray colors, which represent allowing, blocking or leaving without an explicit rule.

How dynamic rules work

At list of connected domains you'll see:

• Global columns (column 2) and local columns (column 3)The global column applies the rule to all sites, while the local one only affects the current domain you are visiting.
• Status colors at the end of each row: red if all requests to that domain have been blocked, green if none have been blocked, and yellow if only some have been blocked.

The operations you can apply to each domain or type of resource are:

• Block (red): block all requests that match that rule.
• Noop (dark gray): override a more generic rule, acting as a local exception.
• Allow (green): explicitly allow those requests.

In addition to specific domains, You can set rules on generic element categories on the table:

• images: all image requests.
• inline-scripts: scripts embedded directly in the HTML of the page.
• 1st-party scripts: scripts hosted on the same domain as the website you are visiting.
• 3rd-party scripts: scripts hosted on third-party domains.
• 3rd-party frames: iframes that load content from other domains, such as external video players.

Local rules take precedence over global rules.Dynamic rules take precedence over static filters. This allows you, for example, to block all third-party iframes globally and then enable them only on a handful of websites where you actually need them.

Once you have adjusted the table to your liking, Tap the lock icon so that the changes are saved permanently and are not lost when the page is reloaded.

Manually block annoying sources and services

In some places, what's annoying isn't a simple banner, but an automatic video player, a specific third-party widget, or a service like Brightcove which is embedded everywhere. This is where the combination of browser inspection and the advanced domain panel comes into play.

Un typical workflow would:

1. On the problematic page, Place the mouse pointer over the item you want to block. (for example, a video that plays itself).
2. Right-click and try selecting “Inspect” or “Inspect element” to view the associated code and find out the domain or service that provides it (for example, Brightcove, a specific CDN, etc.).
3. Open the uBlock Origin panel and examine the list of domains on the left.
4. Find all entries related to that source. (for example, Brightcove domains).
5. Decide whether you want to block it globally (column 2) or only for that website (column 3) by marking the corresponding cell in red.
6. Block the domain and Secure the changes by pressing the lock button..

After reloading the page, The embedded video or resource should disappearThere may be an empty or black box left, which you can finish cleaning up using the cosmetic element selection mode seen at the beginning.

This technique is especially useful for globally block highly intrusive third-party scripts or frames, keeping only the necessary exceptions where they actually contribute something.

Make uBlock Origin work better on YouTube

YouTube has been waging open war against ad blockers for some time, so It's not uncommon for ads to occasionally slip in. or that the experience might not be as seamless as before. Even so, uBlock Origin remains one of the best defenses you can use.

How uBlock Origin blocks ads on YouTube

When you open a video, uBlock Origin analyzes all requests made by the page.: scripts, images, player requests, calls to ad servers, etc. Each one is compared against its filter lists.

If a request matches a blocking rule, That request is not completed and the resource is not loadedWhether it's a pre-roll ad, a floating banner, or an overlay. At the same time, cosmetic filtering cleans up the gaps that these elements would leave, preventing blank spaces or odd visual markers.

Dynamic filtering also allows, Create specific rules for certain types of scripts or domains involved in loading adsThis allows for reacting to YouTube changes more quickly than simply waiting for public lists to be updated.

Why does YouTube sometimes stop working properly?

If you notice ads starting to appear, it's usually due to one of these reasons:

• YouTube frequently changes its scripts and ad patternsTherefore, filter lists are temporarily left behind.
• You have outdated filter lists because they haven't been refreshed in a long time or because information has been cached.
• The browser accumulates cookies and cache. that interfere with the way filters are applied.
• There are other conflicting extensions.especially VPNs, other blockers, or tools that modify the behavior of the page.
• Poorly defined or outdated custom filters They may be breaking the block or prioritizing unwanted behaviors.
• Some advanced advertising techniquesTechniques such as injecting ads directly into the video stream itself are much harder to reliably block.
• Older versions of uBlock Origin They may lack recent upgrades to adapt to new YouTube tricks.
• Browser limitationsEspecially on mobile devices or browsers with strict restrictions on extensions, they can reduce effectiveness.
• Ads integrated into the creator's own content At the network level (ISP, DNS) they are not distinguishable from normal video and cannot be filtered in the same way.

Tips to improve blocking on YouTube

If you want uBlock Origin return to peak performanceYou can try several measures:

• Go to the control panel, then go to “Filter lists”, press “Purge all caches” & AFTER "Update now" to force the download of the latest rules.
• In the “My filters”It adds specific filters for YouTube that are shared by communities like Reddit or GitHub, as long as they come from reliable sources.
• Make sure that uBlock Origin is updated to the latest version from the extensions store or from your browser's add-ons page.
• Temporarily disable other extensions, especially other blockers and VPNs, to detect possible conflicts, and then reactivate them one by one.
• Active more aggressive blocking options in the settings, such as limiting large multimedia or handling obfuscated scripts more harshly.
• If you're comfortable with advanced mode, create specific dynamic rules for the domains and scripts used by YouTube for the ads.

If even with all this you still don't get what you want, You can consider alternatives like other ad blockers (AdBlock Plus, AdGuard), browsers with built-in ad blockers (Brave, Opera), or simply a jump to YouTube Premium, which completely eliminates ads in exchange for a subscription.

Synchronize configurations and rules across multiple devices

With There, You'll end up accumulating a good collection of lists, custom filters, and dynamic rules.If you use multiple computers or browsers, it makes sense to want the same settings everywhere.

Export and import settings

The most direct way to replicate your environment is back it up and restore it on other computers:

1. Go to the control panel and go to the tab "Configuration".
2. Press on “Back up file…” to download a file with all your settings (lists, filters, rules, adjustments).
3. Take that file to the other computer.
4. On that second computer, open uBlock Origin, go to the “Settings” tab, and press “Restore from archive…”, selecting the backup that you exported.

After a few seconds, The second team will have the same configuration as the first.including your hand-made filters and any changes to the lists.

Synchronization using browser account

Another possibility is to use the built-in synchronization of browsers like Firefox and Chrome, which They can replicate extension data between computers when you log in with the same account.

Must take into account:

• uBlock Origin's rules in Firefox are not the same as those in Chrome. nor vice versa, because they are different ecosystems.
• Synchronization only occurs between devices connected to the same account. of the browser (for example, the same Google account in Chrome or the same Firefox account).
• In uBlock Origin you must enable the option "Enable storage in the cloud” in the “Settings” tab to use that synchronization mechanism.

With this option enabled, Your lists, rules, and settings will travel with your account. and you'll have a more consistent experience across your different computers.

uBlock Origin, properly configured, goes from being a simple "ad blocker" to becoming A very comprehensive tool to control what your browser loads, how it does it, and to what extent you are being tracked.From basic use with static lists to advanced dynamic filtering, WebRTC management, site-specific customization, and cross-platform synchronization, it offers a level of control few plugins can match. Taking the time to understand all these options makes all the difference between simply blocking a few banners and having your own layer of security and convenience on top of any website you visit.