How To Block Twitter (X) Ads in 2026

You can block X (formerly Twitter) ads by tweaking your X privacy settings, using a privacy-focused browser, or employing the best X ad blockers (we recommend Total Adblock). While X relies on advertising to stay afloat, your personal data and privacy don't need to pay the price.

In this article, we'll recommend the best tools to block X ads and guide you through step-by-step privacy settings for a more ad-free X experience.

Featured X ad blockers

1. Download an X ad blocker

An X ad blocker is a powerful tool in the modern user's digital arsenal. Ad blockers can filter out ads in your feed, providing you with a cleaner, faster, and safer browsing experience.

By installing an ad blocker, you can significantly reduce or eliminate X ads. The top ranked ad blocker we tested on X was Total Adblock, which received perfect test scores.

Here’s how to download and use an ad blocker to block X ads:

1. Choose a reputable ad blocker: View our Editors' Choice Awards here.
2. Visit the official website or your web browser's extension store to download the ad blocker. Make sure to download from a trusted source to avoid malicious software.
3. Follow the installation prompts to add the ad blocker extension to your browser or install the mobile app on your device.
4. Once installed, open the ad blocker's interface and ensure it's activated. Some ad blockers require you to enable specific features for optimal performance.
5. Navigate to X through your browser or app. The ad blocker should automatically filter out most ads, including promoted tweets and sidebar promotions.
6. If ads are still appearing, check the ad blocker settings. You may need to update your filter lists or adjust the strictness of the blocking features.

Change your X privacy settings

You can also reduce X ads by adjusting your privacy and ad settings. X allows users to opt out of personalized ads, limiting ad targeting and data collection.

How to opt out of personalized X ads on a desktop:

1. Log in to your X account and click More on the left-hand menu.
2. Select Settings and privacy from the drop-down menu.
3. Select Privacy and safety.
   

   

4. Scroll down and click Ad preferences.
   

   

5. Remove the checkmark next to Personalized ads.
   

   

How to opt out of personalized Twitter ads on a mobile:

1. From the Xapp, tap on your profile icon.
2. Go to Settings and Support, then select Settings and privacy.
   

   

3. Tap Privacy and safety.
   

   

4. Scroll down and click Ad preferences.
5. Disable the toggle for Personalize ads to opt out.

3. Use a privacy browser to block X ads

For users seeking maximum privacy on X, a privacy browser like Brave can be a game changer. Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, making it an excellent option for blocking X ads without extensions.

Using Brave to browse X means ads, trackers, and most sponsored content are filtered automatically, improving page speed, privacy, and overall usability.

4. Limit X ad tracking on an iPhone

Apple has long championed privacy as a fundamental right. This is reflected in the features embedded within its devices.

Apple provides a feature to limit ad tracking, which can be helpful if you use X on an iPhone running iOS 13 or later. This function doesn't block ads entirely but restricts advertisers from using your data to serve targeted ads. By enabling this feature, you can reduce the number of personalized ads you encounter across all apps on your device.

To enhance your privacy and reduce ad tracking, follow these steps:

1. Open the iPhone settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security.
   

   

3. Find and select Apple Advertising.
   

   

4. Toggle off Personalized Ads to prevent advertisers from targeting you.
   

   

5. You can also view and reset your Ad Targeting Information in this section, which can further limit tracking, as it removes the data advertisers have collected about you.

Why should I block X ads?

The reasons to block X ads extend beyond them being annoying. A clutter-free X timeline ensures that the posts you see are from people you choose to follow, not chosen by advertisers. This streamlined experience not only enhances your enjoyment but also improves the platform's usability, making it easier to engage with content that genuinely interests you.

Moreover, blocking Xads serves as a precautionary measure against potential adware and malware, which can sometimes be disguised within or distributed through malicious ads. By preventing these ads from appearing, you significantly reduce the risk of inadvertently compromising your device's security.

Beyond these practical benefits, there's a compelling argument for privacy. Advertisements on X are often tailored to your behavior and preferences through extensive tracking. By blocking ads, you limit the amount of data that advertisers can collect, helping to preserve your anonymity online.

In an era where digital footprints are closely monitored, controlling what you share indirectly through ad interactions is a proactive step toward maintaining your privacy. Check out our social media safety tips for more information.

FAQs

Bottom line

Blocking X ads can dramatically improve your social media experience, privacy, and security. Whether you use an X ad blocker, adjust X privacy settings, or browse with a privacy-first browser, each method helps you regain control.

Looking for an ad-free X mobile experience? Read our curated guides on the best ad blockers for iPhone and the best ad blockers for Android.

Remember, your online space is yours to curate and protect. By understanding and utilizing the tools to block X ads, you're setting the stage for a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable social networking environment.

Featured ad blockers compared