How to Set Up AdGuard on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Troubleshooting AdGuard: Common Issues and Quick Fixes

AdGuard is a powerful ad-blocking and privacy tool, but like any software it can run into problems. Below are common issues users face and step-by-step fixes to get AdGuard working smoothly again.

1. Ads still appearing on websites

• Cause: Filtering rules outdated, wrong filter lists, or browser extensions disabled.
• Fix:
  1. Update filters: Open AdGuard → Settings → Filters → click Update all.
  2. Enable recommended filters: Ensure “EasyList”, “AdGuard Base” and regional lists are active.
  3. Check browser extension: If using an extension, confirm it’s enabled and has permission to run on the site.
  4. Try steath mode / user rules: Add a custom blocking rule for persistent elements.

2. AdGuard extension not working in browser

• Cause: Extension conflict, browser update, or missing permissions.
• Fix:
  1. Disable other ad/privacy extensions to test for conflicts.
  2. Remove and reinstall the AdGuard extension from the official store.
  3. In browser settings, allow the extension to run in incognito (if needed) and enable site access.
  4. Restart the browser and clear cache.

3. HTTPS filtering issues (broken site layouts or missing images)

• Cause: HTTPS filtering interferes with site certificates or content.
• Fix:
  1. Temporarily disable HTTPS filtering in AdGuard settings to confirm.
  2. If confirmed, re-enable HTTPS filtering and install AdGuard’s certificate (Windows/macOS/Android) following app prompts.
  3. For browsers like Firefox, install the certificate inside Firefox separately.
  4. If problem sites persist, add them to AdGuard’s filter exceptions.

4. High CPU or memory usage

• Cause: Large filter lists, intensive logging, or incompatible system settings.
• Fix:
  1. Update AdGuard to the latest version.
  2. Disable unnecessary filter lists and third-party filters.
  3. Turn off Debug logging in Settings → Advanced.
  4. Reboot your device. If on mobile, close background apps or reinstall AdGuard.

5. VPN/DNS filtering not working (AdGuard for Android/iOS)

• Cause: System VPN conflicts, OS battery optimizations, or incorrect DNS settings.
• Fix:
  1. Ensure AdGuard VPN/DNS service is allowed to run in background and exempted from battery optimization.
  2. Restart the VPN/DNS service from the app.
  3. For DNS issues, switch to a reliable DNS provider in AdGuard settings (e.g., AdGuard DNS, Cloudflare).
  4. Reinstall the app if problems persist.

6. Parental control or SafeSearch not enforcing

• Cause: DNS not correctly set or user bypassing via alternative DNS.
• Fix:
  1. Verify AdGuard Home or app DNS is configured device-wide.
  2. Lock router DNS or configure parental controls at router level to prevent bypass.
  3. Use AdGuard’s supervised profiles or OS-level parental controls in addition.

7. App won’t start or crashes frequently

• Cause: Corrupted settings or incompatible system update.
• Fix:
  1. Update AdGuard and your OS.
  2. Clear AdGuard app data (backup filters/settings first if needed).
  3. Reinstall AdGuard from official source.
  4. Check system logs for errors and report to AdGuard support with logs attached.

8. Specific site functionality broken after blocking

• Cause: Over-blocking of scripts or resources.
• Fix:
  1. Use AdGuard’s element blocking or logger to identify blocked requests on that site.
  2. Add a temporary exception for the site or whitelist the specific resource.
  3. Create a precise user rule instead of full whitelisting to retain protection elsewhere.

9. License or activation problems (paid versions)

• Cause: Activation server issues or wrong account signed in.
• Fix:
  1. Ensure internet connectivity and correct account credentials.
  2. Re-login to your AdGuard account in the app.
  3. If license transfer needed between devices, use AdGuard account dashboard.
  4. Contact AdGuard support with purchase proof and device ID.

10. Logger shows blocked requests but nothing changes

• Cause: Filtering happening but elements already cached or site uses dynamic ad injection.
• Fix:
  1. Clear browser cache and refresh the page.
  2. Use hard refresh (Shift+Reload) or open in incognito/private mode.
  3. Enable Stealth Mode or enable more aggressive filters temporarily.

Troubleshooting checklist (quick)

• Update AdGuard and filters.
• Restart device and app/browser.
• Check and reinstall extensions/plugins.
• Install/verify HTTPS certificate.
• Clear cache and log files.
• Use logger to pinpoint blocked requests.
• Add site exceptions or precise user rules where needed.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, capture logs (AdGuard → Settings → Advanced → Send logs) and contact AdGuard support with device, OS, AdGuard version, and a short description of the problem.