Disney Plus shows ads because you're on the ad-supported tier, not because of a technical problem
Disney Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without. If you're seeing commercials, you're paying for the Disney Plus Basic with Ads plan, which costs less per month than the ad-free option. Disney inserted ads into this tier starting in December 2022 as a way to offer a lower price point. The ads play before, during, and after shows and movies, similar to traditional television.
The ad-supported plan is the default option when you sign up for a new account, which is why many people end up on it without realizing. If you want to remove ads entirely, you'll need to upgrade to the ad-free plan, which costs more each month. Your current plan determines what you see—there's no setting to turn off ads within the Basic with Ads tier itself.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus Basic with Ads is the lower-cost plan that includes commercials; the ad-free plan costs more per month.
- Ads appear before, during, and after content and cannot be skipped or disabled on the ad-supported tier.
- You can check which plan you're on by opening your account settings and looking at your subscription details.
- Upgrading to the ad-free plan removes all advertisements but requires a higher monthly payment.
- Some content may not be available on the ad-supported plan due to licensing restrictions.
How to check which Disney Plus plan you have
Open the Disney Plus app or website and go to your account settings. Look for the section labeled "Subscription" or "Plan Details." This page will show you the exact tier you're subscribed to—either "Disney Plus Basic with Ads" or "Disney Plus Premium" (the ad-free option). The plan name and your monthly or annual payment amount will be listed there.
If you're unsure how to find this, select your profile icon in the top right corner of the app or website, then choose "Account" or "Settings." From there, navigate to subscription information. The page will also show your renewal date and payment method.
The difference between the two Disney Plus plans
The Basic with Ads plan costs less per month but includes advertisements. You can stream on one device at a time, and video quality maxes out at 720p (standard definition). Some newer movies and shows may not be available on this tier due to licensing agreements with studios.
The Premium plan (formerly called Disney Plus Premium) removes all ads, allows streaming on up to four devices at once, and offers 4K Ultra HD quality on supported devices. It costs more per month but gives you the full Disney Plus catalog without interruptions. Exact pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so check your account settings for your current rate.
Why Disney added ads to Disney Plus
Disney introduced the ad-supported tier to generate revenue from subscribers who wanted a cheaper option. Streaming services operate at high cost—they pay studios for content rights, maintain servers, and develop apps. The ad tier lets Disney offset those expenses by selling advertising space to brands, which allows them to offer a lower monthly price.
This model is now standard across most streaming platforms. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video all offer ad-supported plans at reduced prices. Disney's decision to add ads to Disney Plus reflected the same business strategy: capture price-sensitive viewers while maintaining a premium ad-free option for those willing to pay more.
How to upgrade to the ad-free plan
Go to your account settings and select "Subscription" or "Plan Details." Look for an option to upgrade or change your plan. Disney Plus will show you the Premium plan option and the price difference. Select it, confirm the change, and your subscription will update when ready or on your next billing date, depending on your payment cycle.
You'll be charged the higher amount on your next renewal date. If you're mid-billing cycle, Disney may prorate the difference or charge you the full amount right away—check the confirmation screen before you finalize the upgrade. Once the change goes through, ads will stop appearing within a few minutes.
What to do if you're seeing ads unexpectedly
If you believe you're on the Premium plan but still see ads, sign out of the Disney Plus app completely and sign back in. Sometimes the app cache doesn't update when ready after a plan change. Close the app entirely, wait a few seconds, and reopen it.
If ads persist after signing out and back in, contact Disney Plus support through the app or website. Provide them with your account email and the date you upgraded. It's rare, but billing errors or system delays can occasionally cause the wrong plan to display. Support can verify your subscription status and resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip or fast-forward through ads on Disney Plus?
No. Ads on the Basic with Ads plan cannot be skipped or fast-forwarded. You must watch them in full before the content resumes. This is different from some other streaming services and is a fixed feature of the ad-supported tier.
Does Disney Plus show the same ads to everyone?
No. Disney sells targeted ads based on your viewing history, location, and other data. You may see different ads than someone else on the same plan. The number and length of ad breaks can also vary by title.
If I upgrade to Premium, will I lose my watch history or saved shows?
No. Your watch history, saved shows, and all other account data remain exactly the same when you upgrade. Only the ads disappear and your streaming quality and simultaneous device limit increase.
Is the Premium plan worth the extra cost?
That depends on how often you watch and how much the ads bother you. If you watch Disney Plus several times a week, the ad-free experience and 4K quality may justify the higher price. If you watch occasionally, the Basic with Ads plan saves you money.
Can I switch back to the ad-supported plan if I upgrade?
Yes. You can downgrade from Premium to Basic with Ads at any time through your account settings. Your subscription will change on your next billing date, and you'll pay the lower amount going forward. Your watch history and profile stay intact.