How to Create Custom Blocking Rules in Ad Blocker Pro

Ad Blocker Pro's global filter lists handle the vast majority of ads and trackers automatically. But some websites use unique ad configurations, and some annoying elements aren't technically "ads" at all — floating chat widgets, cookie consent banners that reappear every session, sticky sidebars that cover half your screen on mobile.

Custom rules let you block anything on any website, permanently. Here's how every method works.

Method 1: Custom Rules via the App

The most direct way to create a domain-level custom rule:

1. Open the Ad Blocker Pro app on your iPhone
2. Tap Custom Rules in the main menu
3. Tap the + button (top right)
4. Enter the Target Website — e.g., example.com
5. Choose blocking options for that domain:
   • Block Ads — banner and video ads
   • Block Trackers — analytics and data collection scripts
   • Anti-Adblock Killer — bypass "disable your blocker" popups
   • Hide Elements — social widgets, comments, sticky footers
6. Tap Save

The rule applies to the domain and all its subdomains immediately — no Safari restart needed.

Method 2: The Visual Element Picker

The Visual Element Picker is the most powerful way to block specific page elements with zero technical knowledge. Think of it as a cursor you point at anything on a webpage.

1. Navigate in Safari to the website where you want to block something
2. Tap the Extensions button (puzzle piece icon) in the Safari toolbar
3. Tap Ad Blocker Pro → Element Picker
4. A selection mode overlay appears — tap any element you want to hide
5. The element highlights in red — tap again to confirm the selection
6. Tap Block Element

The selected element is permanently hidden on that website. The custom rule saves automatically and applies every time you visit that site — including on future browser sessions.

What Can You Hide with Element Picker?

Technically, any visible element on a webpage can be targeted:

• Cookie consent banners that reappear on every page
• Floating chat bubbles and live support widgets
• Newsletter subscription popups and slide-ins
• Social media follow and share button clusters
• Comment sections you never scroll through
• Sticky sidebars that obscure content on mobile screens
• Notification permission prompts
• Any specific ad unit that slipped through global filters

Method 3: Allowlist Specific Websites

Some websites you want to support — local news sites, independent blogs, creators whose work you value and who depend on ad revenue. You can whitelist specific domains so Ad Blocker Pro doesn't interfere with them at all.

1. Open the app and go to Custom Rules
2. Tap Allowlist
3. Enter the domain you want to allow (e.g., yourfavoriteblog.com)
4. Tap Add

Ad blocking is paused for that domain only. Your rules and global filters still apply everywhere else.

Managing Your Rules

All custom rules are visible in one organized list inside the app. You can:

• Enable / disable individual rules without deleting them — useful for testing
• Edit rules to change which blocking options apply to a domain
• Delete rules you no longer need
• Search through your rules when you have many domains configured

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Custom Rules

Target subdomains specifically when needed. A rule for ads.example.com only blocks requests to that subdomain, leaving the main site functional. Useful when a publisher serves their ads from a subdomain but you still want the main content to load normally.

Combine all four blocking types for maximum effect. For sites with aggressive ad configurations, enabling Ads + Trackers + Anti-Adblock Killer + Hide Elements simultaneously gives you the most thorough block possible.

Use Hide Elements for non-ad annoyances. The Hide Elements option uses CSS-based element hiding, not network blocking. It's specifically designed for things like chat widgets and sticky bars that aren't served by ad networks but are just in your way.

Custom rules are stored on your device. They are never transmitted to any server. They persist across app updates, iOS updates, and device restores (as long as you restore from the same iCloud backup).

When a Rule Doesn't Seem to Work

If you've created a rule but still see the blocked content, try these steps:

• Confirm the Safari extension is still enabled: Settings → Safari → Extensions → Ad Blocker Pro → On
• Do a hard reload in Safari: tap and hold the refresh button, then tap "Reload Without Content Blockers" once, then enable again
• Clear website data for that domain: Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data, search for the domain and delete
• If an element is served from the main domain (not a subdomain or third party), use the Visual Element Picker instead of a domain-level rule

If you're still stuck, email us at support@adblockpro.site with the website URL and a description of the element — we'll help you write the exact right rule.