How to Block Ads and Tracking on Smart TVs
By [FILL IN], [FILL IN] · Last updated
Smart TVs collect viewing data and show ads you cannot remove with an app. Learn how DNS blocking stops TV tracking network-wide.
Your TV is watching you
Many smart TVs use automatic content recognition (ACR) to report what is on screen, plus telemetry and ad domains for home-screen advertising.
Why ad blocker apps do not work
TV platforms do not allow system-wide ad blockers. DNS is the one layer you control, because the TV must look up tracking domains before it can send data.
Setup
Point your router at a DNS firewall with ad and tracker blocking enabled. Alternatively, set the DNS server manually in the TV network settings.
- Enable ads & trackers blocking
- Check the log for the TV vendor's telemetry domains
- Allowlist any domain needed for streaming apps that break
What to expect
Tracking and many home-screen ads disappear. Ads inside streaming services are served from the same domains as the video and usually cannot be blocked by DNS.