uBlock Origin is one of the most popular browser extensions for content filtering and ad-blocking, used by millions worldwide. However, many users have reported that uBlock Origin has stopped working on YouTube, failing to block ads and intrusive pop-ups. If you’re facing the same issue, don’t worry—this article will explain the possible causes and provide effective solutions. Additionally, we’ll also cover the latest updates from Google Chrome, which has introduced significant changes affecting uBlock Origin.
Why Is uBlock Origin Not Working on YouTube?
YouTube frequently updates its platform to deliver ads more efficiently, often outpacing ad-blocking filters. Some of the reasons uBlock Origin may not be working properly include:
- Outdated filter lists in uBlock Origin
- Cached data interfering with the extension’s performance
- Conflicting browser extensions
- Incorrect custom filters
- Google’s Manifest V3 (MV3) update impacting how extensions work in Chrome
New Update: Google’s Crackdown on Ad Blockers
As of 2025, Google has officially disabled extensions that use the Manifest V2 (MV2) framework, including the full version of uBlock Origin. The Chrome Web Store now displays a warning:
“This extension may soon no longer be supported because it doesn’t follow best practices for Chrome extensions.”
Google has implemented the Manifest V3 (MV3) framework, which imposes stricter limitations on what ad-blocking extensions can do. While uBlock Origin Lite (a version adhering to MV3) is available, it’s less powerful and less effective at blocking intrusive ads, especially from websites using anti-adblock tactics.
What Does This Mean for Chrome Users?
- Full version discontinued: The full version of uBlock Origin will no longer function on Google Chrome.
- Lite version available: You can switch to uBlock Origin Lite, but note that its features are limited compared to the original version.
- Alternative browsers: The full version of uBlock Origin still works on Firefox, Brave, and other non-Chromium-based browsers.
Possible reasons for uBlock not working properly
There could be multiple reasons behind the uBlock browser extension not working properly or failing to stop ads on YouTube. It’s very hard to outline any one particular reason. It could be a simple browser compatibility issue or maybe YouTube itself has released a patch that stops the extension from doing its work in a better way. But regardless of the reason affecting it, let’s have a look at all the possible methods to solve the issue and make the uBlock extension work again.
How to solve uBlock origin not working on YouTube?
Several ways are used in which we can fix the issue of uBlock origin not working on the YouTube platform. We are highly confident that the methods mentioned below will do the work for you and once you’re done reading and applying the methods, the extension will start working once again. As mentioned earlier, YouTube keeps updating its platform in regular intervals which sometimes creates problems for the uBlock extension to work properly. So if you face the issue again after a few weeks or so, please repeat the method to patch it again. There’s no other way.
1. Update the uBlock to the latest version
Sometimes, the main reason the uBlock extension does not work properly is because of it getting outdated. The developers update it regularly to make sure it works properly and hence updating it is very important. To fix the issue of it not working on YouTube, you will have to update uBO to the latest version available.
After updating it to the latest version, you will have to make sure that you have disabled all the custom filters and additional lists. Now you are supposed to force update your “Filters list.”
The developers have released a comprehensive guide alongside a video tutorial on how you can update and disable all the custom filters manually. You can get the video tutorial from this Reddit thread.
2. Disable other unnecessary browser extensions
The developers of uBlock origin highly suggest that if uBlock origin is not working properly or is facing some errors in YouTube, then other browser extensions could very well be the reason behind this. Sometimes, we forget to remove unnecessary browser extensions which keep taking up space and may also create problems for other extensions.
So you need to get the list of your installed browser extensions checked and if some unnecessary extensions are of no use, then we suggest you remove them as soon as possible. Once you have removed all the unnecessary stuff, re-check whether the uBlock origin is working again or not.
3. Update all the filters on uBlock origin
Filters are one of the most useful features given on the uBlock origin. They sometimes create unnecessary mess and end up creating problems for the extension itself. For this, you will have to cross-check all the available filters on your extension. Open the menu and start looking for them carefully.
Once you are done reviewing all the available filters, check whether the YouTube website has been added to the ad-block filter or not. Also, if any filters are not in use or you haven’t used them for a long time, consider removing them. Now given that you have removed the unnecessary stuff and added YouTube to the ad-block filter, check whether the extension is working or not. You can do so by playing some random short video on YouTube.
4. Check whether the uBlock extension is Unpaused
uBlock allows the users to pause the extension for a while or any particular website. Once you have paused the browser extension, it will not perform any tasks and will not stop any ads from popping up. Many websites can’t be accessed without turning off the uBlock or any other ad-blocker extension.
There might have been a case where you had visited any such websites in the past and then forgot to unpause the extension again. And because of this, it’s not working properly. So please check once again whether you have unpaused the uBlock browser extension or not. We recommend restarting the browser once you have unpaused the extension to make it work better.
5. Re-install the uBlock origin extension
Last but not least, if you have tried all the methods mentioned above and the extension is still not working for you, then the only option you are left with is to re-install the uBlock origin browser extension. There might have been a case like the browser got updated, or some back-end error that stops it from behaving properly. In any such scenario, you can try to resolve the issue by re-installing the extension.
Re-installing it is fairly easy, Just simply remove the extension from your browser and then search for uBlock origin on Google or go to Chrome Web Store and look for the same. Hit the “add to browser” button and that’s it. You may have to go through some on-screen instructions but that’s pretty simple. This will re-install the extension and it will start working fine once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does YouTube Block Ad Blockers?
YouTube doesn’t explicitly block ad blockers, but it frequently updates its platform to bypass them. This results in more ads slipping through until the ad blocker’s filters are updated.
2. Why Does uBlock Origin Only Work Sometimes?
This issue is likely caused by YouTube updates or cached data. Regularly updating your filter lists and clearing browser data can help resolve this inconsistency.
3. Is There a Way to Bypass Chrome’s Manifest V3 Limitations?
Unfortunately, extensions must now adhere to MV3 rules. However, using non-Chromium browsers (e.g., Firefox or Brave) will allow you to continue using the full version of uBlock Origin.
4. Will Google Eventually Block All Ad Blockers?
While Google’s changes aim to regulate ad blockers, developers can still create MV3-compliant versions. However, these versions are generally less effective than their predecessors.
5. Can I Avoid Ads on YouTube Without uBlock Origin?
Yes, you can consider:
- Subscribing to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
- Using third-party apps or browsers with built-in ad blockers (such as Brave).
Conclusion
In 2025, Google’s Manifest V3 update has significantly impacted how ad-blocking extensions like uBlock Origin function. While Chrome users may experience limited ad-blocking capabilities, alternative browsers like Firefox and Brave continue to support the full version of uBlock Origin. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can improve the extension’s performance or switch to a compatible solution for uninterrupted ad-free browsing on YouTube.
Stay tuned for further updates as developers continue adapting to Chrome’s evolving extension framework.
