Why Ad Blockers Break Some Websites
Ad blockers work by blocking network requests and hiding page elements. Sometimes they accidentally block:
- Login forms that load from a CDN
- Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
- CAPTCHA services (reCAPTCHA, hCaptcha)
- Content loaded via JavaScript
- Video players
- Comment sections
How to Fix It
Step 1: Try Temporary Allow
Before doing anything else, temporarily allow the site:
- Click the DNDShield icon
- Use "Temporary Allow" (10 min or 1 hour)
- Refresh the page
- If the site works, the features" class="doc-internal-link">ad blocker was the cause
Step 2: Allowlist the Site
If you use the site regularly and it needs ads/scripts to function:
- Click the DNDShield icon
- Toggle protection off for this site
- Refresh the page
- The site is now permanently allowed
Step 3: Check for Specific Blocked Elements
Sometimes only one specific script is causing the issue:
- Open DevTools (F12)
- Go to the Console tab
- Look for blocked resource errors
- You may be able to allow just that specific resource
Common Sites That Break
| Site | Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Banking sites | Login/2FA not loading | Allowlist the site |
| Video streaming | Player not loading | Allowlist the site |
| Shopping checkout | Payment form blocked | Allowlist the site |
| Google reCAPTCHA | CAPTCHA not appearing | Usually auto-fixed |
| Airline booking | Seat selection broken | Allowlist the site |
Prevention Tips
- Use an ad blocker with a good false-positive record
- Keep your ad blocker updated
- Use the allowlist feature instead of disabling the entire extension
- Report broken sites to your ad blocker's team so they can fix the filter rules
FAQ
Should I just disable my ad blocker? No. Use the allowlist feature to allow specific sites while keeping protection on everywhere else.
Will the ad blocker developer fix the broken site? Usually yes. Report the issue and filter list maintainers will update the rules to avoid breaking that site.