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Are you fed up with ads constantly interrupting your smart TV viewing experience? If so, there are solutions.
Your smart TV might display ads that are unsuitable for certain viewers, particularly children. Since smart TVs are devices that cater to families, it is crucial to maintain a child-friendly environment and filter out any content that is beyond your control, such as advertisements. To achieve this, you can activate parental controls on your smart TV or opt for ad-blocking software that filters out any explicit content.
To block ads on your smart TV, here are some things you should know:
Block Ads on Smart TVs
The process may be different depending on the app or platform
YouTube Premium
Are you a smart TV user who frequently uses YouTube? If so, the most effective way to eliminate pesky ads would be to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you can enjoy an ad-free experience while watching content on the platform. What’s more, this paid service offers multiple plans that cater to different user needs.
One of the advantages of YouTube Premium is that you don’t have to fiddle with any settings to block ads. Additionally, your subscription fee directly supports the revenue of content creators.
Starting at $11.99 per month, YouTube Premium is an affordable option. For an extra $6 per month, you can add up to five family members to your plan, making it even more convenient and cost-effective.
Ad Blockers
Installing ad blockers on your smart TV can be a game changer. Certain apps allow you to filter the ads that pop up on your screen, ensuring you have a seamless viewing experience.
However, be wary of the risks associated with ad blockers. Malware and malicious code embedded in the software can cause significant damage to your smart TV.
Before opting for this solution, ensure that you’ve chosen a trustworthy ad blocker that won’t put your smart TV at risk. Here are some popular ad blockers:
Block Ads on a smart TV Using your Internet Router
This method allows you to prevent specific ad URLs from appearing on your TV. You can easily do this by accessing your router directly through your laptop or desktop computer.
Using an actual computer makes the process simpler, as you have a physical keyboard and pointing device to navigate. However, it can be a bit technical, so we have included a separate article on this topic for your reference.
To get started, you need to access the configuration settings of your router via a web browser. The URL for the configuration page depends on the manufacturer, with the most common being 192.168.1.1.
The login credentials for your router will also vary depending on the manufacturer and service provider. You can typically find them in the router’s manual, but if they are not available, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Once you have logged into the control panel of your router, navigate to the Firewall or equivalent setting and then proceed to the Content Filter settings.
Here, you can enter the URLs you want to block. To block ads, you will need to check the ad URLs of your smart TV and paste them into the content filter.
How to Block Ads on Samsung Smart TVs
If you own a Samsung smart TV and are fed up with the ads, there’s a way to block them. You can make use of the router method to achieve this.
To begin, you need to access the control panel on your router. Once there, look for the content filter and block the URLs listed below:
- config.samsungads.com
- gpm.samsungqbe.com
- log-config.samsungacr.com
- samsung.com
- samsungacr.com
- samsungads.com
- samsungotn.net
- www.samsung.net/ads
- ads.samsung.com
Blocking these URLs will effectively filter out the ads on your Samsung TV. This will provide you with a more seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience.
How to Block Ads on LG Smart TVs
The process for blocking ads on your LG smart TV is similar to that of Samsung TV. You can accomplish this by adding specific URLs to your router’s content filter. This way, you’ll be able to filter out the ads that appear in the My Content section of your TV. Here are the URLs you should add to your router’s content filter:
- ngfts.lge.com
- us.ad.lgsmartad.com
- lgad.cjpowercast.com
- edgesuite.net
- us.info.lgsmartad.com
By blocking these URLs, you can effectively get rid of unwanted ads that interrupt your TV viewing experience.
How to Block Ads on SONY Smart TVs
Are you tired of being bombarded with ads while streaming on your Sony Smart TV? Fortunately, Sony offers a unique method for blocking ads that you can easily follow. Here are the steps to block ads on your Sony Smart TV:
Step 1: Access the “Settings” option on your Sony Smart TV and look for “Android TV Core Services.”
Step 2: Roll back all updates. If a warning message pops up, indicating that you are rolling back to the initial version, you can ignore it.
Step 3: Once you have rolled back all updates, head back to your home screen and locate the sponsored channel, then tap the “-” sign on the left side to remove it.
Step 4: Go to “Apps” in the settings and search for “Android TV Core Services.” After locating it, force stop it, and then disable it.
Alternatively, if you are using an Android-based Sony Smart TV, you can download and install the BlockAda App to block ads. However, to install third-party apps, you need to set up your TV to allow their installation.
How to Block Ads on VIZIO Smart TVs
If you are a proud owner of a Vizio smart TV, it is highly recommended to turn off the Smart Interactivity feature. To disable this feature, please follow the steps outlined below:
Firstly, locate and press the Menu button on your remote control. Once you have accessed the Menu, navigate to the “Settings” option.
After you have selected the Settings option, scroll down until you find the “Smart Interactivity” feature. Press the right arrow to access the feature settings and select “Off” to turn off Smart Interactivity.
Alternatively, you can also disable this feature using the “Vizio Plus TV” feature. To do so, press the “Menu” button or access the “HDTV Settings” app on your TV. From there, select “System” and navigate to “Reset and Admin”. Under the Smart Interactivity option, select “Off” and press the right arrow to confirm your selection.
How to Block Hulu Ads on Smart TVs
Are you an avid user of the Hulu streaming platform, but get frustrated with the constant ad interruptions? Worry not, as there are several ways to block those pesky ads on your smart TV.
One effective method is to use browser extensions, apps, or web browsers that have built-in ad blockers. These tools can automatically eliminate unwanted ads, providing you with an uninterrupted streaming experience.
Alternatively, you can try out some unconventional tactics, such as refreshing the TV show you’re watching on Hulu. While this may not entirely eliminate the ad, it could potentially reduce the break time.
If neither of these options works for you, Hulu offers various subscription plans that come without ads. However, bear in mind that the more premium the service you choose, the higher the subscription fee.
Will All Ads Be Blocked From Your Smart TV?
Although it is not guaranteed, there is a possibility that some ads will continue to appear on your smart TV.
Let’s consider the example of YouTube.
Even if you have already blocked ads through your router, it does not necessarily guarantee ad-free viewing on YouTube. In order to prevent ads from appearing on this platform, you may have to install a separate ad-blocker plugin, which may not always be reliable.
If you’re determined to have an ad-free YouTube experience, you might want to consider subscribing to their Premium account. This will provide you with an ad-free viewing experience and other added benefits.
Do These Ad-Blocking Methods Work on Free or Cable TV?
Ad-blocking techniques are only effective for Internet-based services accessed through your smart TV. In other words, if you are streaming content via apps or websites, ad-blockers can help to eliminate ads that interrupt your viewing experience.
However, if you’re watching TV through traditional cable or free-to-air broadcast, these techniques won’t be effective. Advertisements are often integrated into the programming and delivered directly through the channel, which means they cannot be blocked by an ad-blocker.
If you’re looking to avoid ads while watching TV, your best bet may be to invest in a TiVo. TiVo is a digital video recorder that allows you to record your favorite TV shows and fast-forward through the ads when you play them back. It’s a great solution for those who prefer to watch live TV but want to skip over the commercials.
How to Set up Parental Control on Smart TVs
If you have a smart TV, you must set up parental control to protect your kids from accessing inappropriate content. The process may vary slightly depending on the brand of your TV. Below are the steps to set up parental control on different brands of smart TVs.
Samsung
If you own a Samsung smart TV, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” and select “Broadcasting.”
- Click on “Program Rating Lock Settings” and input your PIN code (the default is 0000).
- Activate “Program Rating Lock” and choose “TV Rating” or “Movie Rating”.
- Shows or films with this rating or higher will require a PIN code to proceed.
LG
For LG smart TVs, here’s what you need to do:
- Go to “Safety” and select “TV Program Locks.”
- Choose either TV or Movie Lock and pick a rating to filter content.
- You can also download ratings to block shows with specific ratings on digital TV.
- The Safety menu also allows you to block other TV features for better parental control.
Sony
If you have a Sony smart TV, follow these steps:
- Press the “Home” button and select “Settings”.
- Look for “Parental Lock” and choose the rating.
- All programs with the selected rating and above will require a PIN code to view.
Vizio
For Vizio smart TVs, follow these steps:
- Press the “Menu” button and select “Parental Controls”.
- From here, you can block channels or select TV ratings to restrict.
- Enter your access code to complete the Parental lock.
Setting up parental control on smart TVs is an easy process that can help you ensure your kids are watching appropriate content. With this guide, you can now set up parental control on your TV and have peace of mind when your kids are watching.
Do ad blockers work on smart TV?
Ad blockers, such as AdBlock, are primarily designed to work on web browsers running on computers and mobile devices. They function by detecting and blocking ads from being displayed on websites.
Smart TVs, on the other hand, have built-in applications and operating systems that are different from traditional web browsers. Although some smart TVs may have web browsing capabilities, they typically use specialized apps or interfaces to access online content, including streaming services and websites.
Since ad blockers are not specifically designed to work on smart TV operating systems or apps, they generally do not function on these devices. Even if a smart TV has a web browser, the ad blocker extension would need to be specifically developed and integrated into the TV’s operating system or browser for it to work effectively.
It’s worth noting that smart TVs often have their own mechanisms for displaying ads within apps or content, which are separate from the web browsing experience. These ads are typically integrated into the content itself and are not easily blocked by ad blockers.
If you are looking to minimize ads on your smart TV, you may want to explore other options such as subscribing to ad-free streaming services or using apps that offer ad-free experiences. Additionally, some smart TVs have settings or options that allow you to customize the ad experience to a certain extent, but complete ad-blocking functionality similar to that of web browsers is typically not available.
Do all smart TVs have ads?
Smart TVs, like any other internet-connected device, can have built-in ads and sponsored content, but it’s not a universal feature across all smart TVs. Whether a smart TV has ads or not depends on various factors, including the manufacturer, operating system, and specific model.
Some smart TV manufacturers do include advertisements as part of their user interface or in certain apps or streaming services. These ads can be displayed on the home screen, app menus, or even during content playback. The purpose of these ads is often to promote specific products, services, or content.
However, it’s important to note that not all smart TVs have built-in ads. There are manufacturers and models that prioritize providing an ad-free user experience. Additionally, some smart TVs allow users to disable or customize the display of ads through settings or additional software.
When it comes to the operating systems powering smart TVs, such as Tizen OS, which is used by some Samsung TVs, there might be instances where sponsored content or ads are more prevalent. This can be a result of partnerships between the TV manufacturer and content providers. However, it’s worth mentioning that even within the same operating system, different TV models or software versions may have varying degrees of ad integration.
If you prefer an ad-free experience on your smart TV, it’s advisable to research and choose a model that explicitly promotes an ad-free or minimal ad experience. Reading user reviews and specifications can help you identify smart TVs that align with your preferences in terms of ads and sponsored content.