Video summary

In 5 Minuten eingerichtet: Adblocker in der Fritzbox

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Overview

The video explains how to set up ad blocking via DNS directly on a FRITZ!Box using the “Fritz!Hole” beta feature. The goal is network-wide blocking (not just blocking ads inside a browser).

Main Technical Idea: Fritz!Hole (DNS Filter on the Router)

Fritz!Hole is a DNS filter running on the FRITZ!Box, conceptually similar to Pi-hole or AdGuard Home.

Instead of loading unwanted content (ads, trackers, malware domains), the router blocks DNS resolution for those domains.

Expected effects

  • Fewer tracking/advertising requests
  • Faster page loads

Claimed results / tests

  • Adblock test (Turtle Cute)
    • Without filter: ~7% blocked
    • With filter: ~95% blocked
  • Chrome DevTools (incognito, no cache)
    • Without filter: 833 requests, 8379 KB transferred
    • With filter: 166 requests, 2159 KB transferred
  • Speed example (golem.de)
    • Without filter: ads keep loading; page completes around ~6 seconds
    • With filter: page loads around ~300 ms, then no further requests

Where It Runs / What It Replaces

  • The blocker runs on a regular FRITZ!Box (no separate Raspberry Pi / home server needed).
  • It’s intended to work across the entire network, including devices like:
    • Smart TVs
    • Mobile apps
    • (places where installing a dedicated ad blocker can be difficult)

Setup Workflow (FRITZ!OS 8.4 Beta + Manual Beta Update)

1) Install the FRITZ!OS beta

This is done not via the normal in-box update mechanism.

  1. Download from FRITZ!Lab
  2. Unzip the firmware package
  3. Install via the FRITZ!Box UI:
  • System → Update → “Start update from file”
  • Create a backup when prompted

2) Enable the DNS filter (Fritz!Hole)

  • Home Network → Network → Network Settings → “Change advanced network settings”
  • A DNS Filter tab appears
  • Enable/check the option to turn on the DNS filter

3) Add filter lists (blocklists)

Filter lists are collections of domains to block (ads/trackers/etc.).

  • Lists come from GitHub (linked in the video description)
  • They are sorted by restriction level
  • Warning: overly aggressive blocklists can break websites

Filter List Choice + Adding Them

Example list used

  • HaGeZi “Multi PRO Extended Protection” described as “balanced”

How to add

  • Paste the list URL in the FRITZ!Box using “Add filter list”
  • The video notes that format compatibility matters
    • Each link indicates which ad blocker format it supports
    • “Wildcard Domains” is shown as FRITZ!Box-compatible

Handling False Positives: Custom Exceptions

If something breaks, you can exempt specific domains:

  • In the filter list settings, choose “Add custom domain”
  • Add the domain that should not be blocked (e.g., for pop-ups or specific tracked shared links)

Key Critique / Limitation: Logging & Debugging

A major downside compared to Pi-hole / AdGuard Home:

  • Fritz!Hole does not show a visible DNS query log in the interface.
  • If issues occur, troubleshooting can become trial-and-error, since you can’t see which DNS queries were blocked.

Bonus: FRITZ!Box Features Highlighted

1) Traffic Prioritization (for Low-Latency Gaming)

This feature prioritizes certain devices/applications when the connection is congested.

  • Location: Internet → Filters → Prioritization
  • Priority modes:
    • Real-time applications
      • prioritized devices can get essentially all required upload bandwidth (others may starve)
    • Prioritized applications
      • prioritized devices get up to ~90% upload bandwidth if needed
    • Background applications
      • disadvantaged under congestion

Example rule

  • Put a gaming PC under Prioritized applications, allowing up to ~90% upload bandwidth.

2) Integrated NAS-like Storage via USB (Fritz!NAS)

A NAS-like feature built into the router via USB.

  • Example mentioned: FRITZ!Box 6660 Cable with USB 2.0
  • Setup:
    • Home Network → USB/Storage → enable NAS switch
  • Access method:
    • SMB at: smb://fritz.nas

Note

  • The video states storage access is slow, so it’s best for small transfers, not large uploads.

Main Speakers / Sources

  • Speaker: the YouTube presenter (German narration; no specific name given in subtitles)
  • Sponsor: NordVPN
  • Referenced tools/tests / sources:
    • Pi-hole
    • AdGuard Home
    • Turtle Cute (adblock test)
    • HaGeZi (filter list author: Multi PRO Extended Protection)
    • GitHub (filter list collections)
    • FRITZ!Lab (beta firmware source)
    • SMB URL access via FRITZ!Box (fritz.nas)

Original video