Permissions required to install AdGuard?

[kat.hayes]

I am on Tahoe and want to install AdGuard.

It is prompting me to give it all kinds of access to my computer to do this, is this fully safe?

1. it wants to install a certificate
2. It wants to setup proxy configurations and it mentions "All network activity on this Mac may be filtered or monitored."
3. it wants to use a new network extension

Is this all normal stuff when installing an ad blocker? Anything to be concerned with?

Thanks

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

You're installing the full system AdGuard which is why it's asking for all that as it has to be able to inspect traffic for things like DNS if you choose to use it, just the way it is. If you're concerned then install the browser extension on whatever browser you use and it won't need all that.

I've been using AdGuard longer than I can remove and have no isssues/complaints.

 

[kat.hayes]

Is there really a need for system wide ad blocking if you can just block at the browser level?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Up to you.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Is there really a need for system wide ad blocking if you can just block at the browser level?

It’s more advanced blocking and if you use multiple browsers you don’t have to add extensions. Also, it’s the only way to utilize DNS blocking if that’s your thing. Regardless, a family subscription is usually always on sale and you can use advanced settings on the mobile apps with it.

 

[boswald]

I just use Wipr. No funky permissions, just turn on block lists and "Allow on every site" and that's it.

 

[dizmonk]

You're installing the full system AdGuard which is why it's asking for all that as it has to be able to inspect traffic for things like DNS if you choose to use it, just the way it is. If you're concerned then install the browser extension on whatever browser you use and it won't need all that.

I've been using AdGuard longer than I can remove and have no isssues/complaints.

I second this. Every computer I have (and my iphone) this is like the 2nd or 3rd app I install. I like being aggressive with ad blocking. Sometimes I will disable it for a specific site or two I regularly use. The one tip I can offer if you use the system wide blocking settings is to disable Block Location API under Browser API. I have found streaming websites block access if they can't get a general sense of where the user is. Good luck.

I also did try Wipr and it's not bad.

 

[gilby101]

Is there really a need for system wide ad blocking if you can just block at the browser level?

That is your choice. And it more than just ad blocking. AdGuard is very successful at blocking trackers and malware. I consider it to be security and privacy software.

For years I used system wide AdGuard. Currently I am using AdGuard Mini in the browser. I am now thinking of moving back to system wide AdGuard.

 

[bogdanw]

@kat.hayes Try uBO Lite, it's free, available for Safari, Chrome, Edge or Firefox, can be configured per website.
https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uBOL-home
For Safari https://apps.apple.com/app/ublock-origin-lite/id6745342698
For Chrome https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/ublock-origin-lite/ddkjiahejlhfcafbddmgiahcphecmpfh

 

[kat.hayes]

Up to you.

I guess what I am trying to figure out is if I can just add an extension to block ads in Safari and in Chrome, what is the purpose of system wide blocking? Where do additional ads display if not from these or other browsers? Thanks

 

[1BadManVan]

I just use Wipr. No funky permissions, just turn on block lists and "Allow on every site" and that's it.

That's all I used myself, does the job, I don't go to questionable sites to begin with so Wipr is more than enough for my needs, removing annoying ads and pop ups, turn on and leave it

 

[BigMcGuire]

Another long time system level AdGuard user here. Love blocking ads in every app I use.

 

[bogdanw]

what is the purpose of system wide blocking? Where do additional ads display if not from these or other browsers?

For example, in Maps https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/13/ios-26-2-beta-2-apple-maps-ads/

You can also use DNS servers that offer Malware Blocking, like https://one.one.one.one/family/

 

[boswald]

That's all I used myself, does the job, I don't go to questionable sites to begin with so Wipr is more than enough for my needs, removing annoying ads and pop ups, turn on and leave it

Agreed. I believe they take the "Apple approach" when it comes to blocking ads/cookies/trackers/etc.

 

[Refractor]

I guess what I am trying to figure out is if I can just add an extension to block ads in Safari and in Chrome, what is the purpose of system wide blocking? Where do additional ads display if not from these or other browsers? Thanks

I think you just need to install AdGuard for Safari (shown here my Safari Extensions):

And in System Settings check if ads under "Apple Advertising" are disabled:

And in System Settings disable all the Gestapo Siri crap:

 

[bogdanw]

I don't use AdGuard, but $11 for "AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription" seems like a good deal
https://www.stacksocial.com/sales/adguard-family-plan-lifetime-subscription