Opera Adblocker Not Working on YouTube? Here’s What You Need to Know

Lately, many Opera and Opera GX users have noticed something frustrating: YouTube ads are slipping through the built-in adblocker.

For some, the issue started right after updating the browser. Videos that used to play without interruptions now come with unskippable ads—sometimes even 2–3 minutes long. Oddly enough, some ads play without sound, but they still waste time.

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Why Is This Happening?

The short answer: YouTube is cracking down on adblockers.

Google has been making changes to how YouTube serves ads, specifically to bypass built-in adblockers. Opera’s built-in tool seems to be struggling to keep up. In fact, users have noticed a strange pattern:

• When Opera’s adblocker is on, ads play longer and can’t be skipped.
• When the adblocker is off, the “Skip Ads” button often returns.

It feels almost like YouTube is punishing users for enabling weaker adblock tools.

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How to fix : Opera Adblocker Not Working on YouTube

✅ 1. Switch to a Stronger Adblocker

Most users recommend uBlock Origin over Opera’s built-in blocker. It’s free, open-source, and updated more frequently to keep up with YouTube’s changes. Bonus: It’s also more lightweight and causes less lag compared to Opera GX’s adblocker.

👉 Tip: If you install uBlock Origin, make sure you disable Opera GX’s native adblocker in the browser settings. Otherwise, the two can conflict and YouTube ads may still slip through. With only uBlock running, YouTube ad-blocking works much better.

✅ 2. Manually Block Elements

Opera’s adblocker does offer a “manual zap” tool:

• Click the adblocker icon → choose the dropper tool → select the ad element you want gone.
• Or use the lightning bolt zapper for temporary removal while browsing.
  This works for some visual annoyances but isn’t a reliable fix for video ads.

✅ 3. Wait for Updates

If you prefer sticking with Opera’s built-in blocker, you might just have to wait. Developers often push updates to catch up with YouTube’s ad tricks. Until then, you may still see some ads slip through.

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Bottom Line

Opera’s adblocker is struggling against YouTube’s latest anti-adblock measures. If you want a smoother ad-free experience right now, uBlock Origin is the better option. Just remember to disable Opera GX’s built-in adblocker for best results.

But keep in mind: YouTube will keep changing things, and no adblocker will ever be 100% bulletproof. For now, switching tools seems to be the most reliable fix.