The “Lite” version of uBlock Origin (uBOL) works differently than the classic version because it has to follow Google’s stricter “Manifest V3” rules. This limits how quickly it can adapt to YouTube’s anti-adblock updates.
However, you can usually fix this by changing the filtering mode, which is set to “Basic” by default.
Here is how to fix it, ranked by effectiveness:
1. Switch to “Complete” Mode (The #1 Fix)
By default, uBlock Origin Lite runs in a restricted mode that doesn’t have permission to modify complex site data (like YouTube’s ad scripts).
Go to YouTube.com.
Click the uBlock Origin Lite icon (the shield) in your browser toolbar.
You will see a slider. It is likely on “Basic” or “Optimal.”
Drag the slider all the way to the right to “Complete”.
Crucial Step: The browser will pop up a warning asking for permission to “Read and change data on all websites” (or specifically youtube.com). You MUST click Allow/Grant.
Without this permission, the extension cannot legally touch the ad scripts.
Refresh the page.
2. Check the “Ruleset” Updates
Unlike the classic uBlock Origin, the “Lite” version cannot download new filters instantly; it relies on the extension itself being updated via the Chrome/Edge Store.
Force an Update: Go to
chrome://extensions, turn on Developer Mode (top right), and click “Update”.This forces your browser to fetch the latest version of uBOL, which contains the newest pre-compiled ad-blocking rules.
3. The “Cache Flush”
If you recently switched modes but ads are still playing, YouTube might be serving you a “cached” version of the site from when the blocker was failing.
Close the YouTube tab.
Clear your browser’s Cached Images and Files (Ctrl+Shift+Delete).
Open YouTube again.
4. The “MV3” Limitation (What to Expect)
Because uBlock Origin Lite is forced to use the “Manifest V3” engine:
You might see a black screen: Sometimes the ad is blocked, but the “slot” where the ad was supposed to be remains as a black screen for 5–10 seconds. This is a known limitation of the “Lite” version that the developer cannot easily fix.
If you need it perfect: The only way to get “perfect” blocking right now is to switch to the Firefox browser and install the original uBlock Origin (not Lite).
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