# Ad Scrubber

> Safari content blocker for ads, malware, and custom filtering rules. (iPhone/iPad app by David Westgate.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ad-scrubber/id1073585204 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [David Westgate](https://appshunter.io/developer/1053316463)
- Category: Utilities, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.2 · 7 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2016-02-04
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ad-scrubber/id1073585204/reviews.md

## What is Ad Scrubber?

Ad Scrubber is an open-source content filtering application for Safari that blocks third-party scripts and more than 25,000 websites that have been identified as serving ads or malware.

Ad Scrubber can also be used as a platform for implementing custom content-filtering rules. The application is written in Swift as a ContentBlocker Extension and supports custom content-blocking lists in either of two formats: hosts file format or WebKit Content Blocker JSON format.

Hosts files

Hosts files with lists of ad and malware-serving websites have long been used to optimize the browsing experience on laptops and desktops. Ad Scrubber leverages Safari's Content Blocker functionality to now allow use of such lists on Apple mobile devices. Ad Scrubber's built-in list comes from Steven Black's "amalgamated hosts file" at https://github.com/StevenBlack/hosts. When using hosts files (the built-in list or a downloaded hosts file), Ad Scrubber will always block third-party scripts. Note that when loading hosts files Safari may not implement very large rule sets.

Content Blocker JSON files

In addition to hosts files, Ad Scrubber can load rules in Content Blocker JSON format (see: https://webkit.org/blog/3476/content-blockers-first-look/). When Content Blocker rules are loaded by Ad Scrubber the rules are presented to Safari as they are received (i.e. no rule to block third-party scripts is added, as Ad Scrubber does with hosts files). Note that when loading Content Blocker rules, Safari may not implement very large or complex rule sets.

## Key features

- Blocks ads and malware
- Blocks third-party scripts
- Supports custom content-filtering rules
- Uses hosts file format
- Supports WebKit Content Blocker JSON format
- Open-source

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ad-scrubber/id1073585204/reviews.md

### 5/5 — works well, open source

*2018-06-10*

what more can you ask for? thank you to the developer!

## Frequently asked questions about Ad Scrubber

### What is Ad Scrubber?

Ad Scrubber is an open-source Safari extension designed to block ads, malware, and third-party scripts. It allows users to implement custom content-filtering rules for a cleaner browsing experience on their Apple mobile devices.

### How does Ad Scrubber work?

It functions as a Content Blocker Extension for Safari, utilizing lists of ad and malware-serving websites. It supports both hosts file format and WebKit Content Blocker JSON format for its filtering rules.

### Does Ad Scrubber have ads?

No, Ad Scrubber is free and does not contain advertisements. It is an open-source application focused on enhancing user browsing privacy and security.

### What devices does Ad Scrubber support?

Ad Scrubber is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It leverages Safari's Content Blocker functionality to work across these Apple mobile platforms.

### How often is Ad Scrubber updated?

The application was last updated on February 4, 2016, with version 1.0. As an open-source project, updates may depend on community contributions and developer availability.

### What is the age rating for Ad Scrubber?

Ad Scrubber has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content concerns.

### Can I use custom filtering lists with Ad Scrubber?

Yes, Ad Scrubber is designed to be a platform for implementing custom content-filtering rules. You can use your own hosts files or WebKit Content Blocker JSON files.

### What is the user sentiment for Ad Scrubber?

Ad Scrubber has received a perfect rating of 5.0 stars from one review, indicating very positive initial user reception.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2016-02-04

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*