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How to Block Ads on Android Mobile

5 min read
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Easy Access Staff

Tired of annoying ads popping up while using your Android phone? This guide shows you simple ways to block ads and enjoy a cleaner browsing experience.

Smartphone displaying clean interface without ads

Why Block Ads on Android?

Ads can slow down your phone, consume data, and interrupt your experience. Blocking them helps you:

  • Save mobile data
  • Browse faster
  • Protect your privacy
  • Avoid accidental clicks

Method 1: Use Chrome’s Built-in Ad Blocker

This is the easiest method if you use Chrome browser.

Step 1: Open Chrome Settings

Open Chrome app, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then select Settings.

Example: Look for the vertical three-dot icon (⋮) at the top of Chrome.

Step 2: Enable Pop-ups and Redirects Block

  1. Scroll down and tap Site settings
  2. Tap Pop-ups and redirects
  3. Toggle it Off (this blocks pop-ups)

Step 3: Enable Ads Block

  1. Go back to Site settings
  2. Tap Ads
  3. Toggle to Block ads on sites that show intrusive ads

Example: After enabling, sites with annoying pop-ups will automatically block ads.

Mobile phone settings screen

Method 2: Use Private DNS (AdGuard)

This method blocks ads across all apps, not just browsers.

Step 1: Open Android Settings

Open your phone’s Settings app (gear icon).

Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings

  1. Tap Connections or Network & internet
  2. Scroll down and tap More connection settings or Advanced
  3. Tap Private DNS

Example: On Samsung phones, go to Settings → Connections → More connection settings → Private DNS.

Step 3: Enter AdGuard DNS

  1. Select Private DNS provider hostname
  2. Type: dns.adguard.com
  3. Tap Save

Example: Once saved, ads will be blocked across all apps including games and browsers.

Step 4: Test if It’s Working

Open any app or website. You should see fewer ads immediately.

Example: Open a news app that normally shows ads. You’ll notice cleaner pages.

Computer network settings

Method 3: Install an Ad-Blocking Browser

Use browsers designed to block ads automatically.

Brave Browser:

  • Download from Google Play Store
  • Search for “Brave Browser”
  • Install and set as default browser
  • Ads are blocked automatically

Firefox with uBlock Origin:

  • Download Firefox from Play Store
  • Open Firefox and tap menu (three lines)
  • Tap Add-ons
  • Search for “uBlock Origin”
  • Tap Add to Firefox

Example: With Brave Browser, you can browse YouTube and news sites without video ads.

Method 4: Disable Personalized Ads

This reduces targeted ads from Google.

Step 1: Open Google Settings

  1. Go to phone Settings
  2. Scroll to Google
  3. Tap Ads

Step 2: Turn Off Ad Personalization

  1. Tap Opt out of Ads Personalization
  2. Confirm by tapping OK

Example: You’ll still see ads, but they won’t be based on your browsing history.

Privacy settings on mobile device

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Private DNS setting not available Solution: Your Android version might be older than Android 9. Try Method 1 or 3 instead.

Problem: Still seeing ads after setup Solution: Clear your browser cache. Go to Chrome Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data.

Problem: Some apps still show ads Solution: Free apps often have built-in ads that can’t be blocked. Consider purchasing ad-free versions.

Problem: DNS.adguard.com shows error Solution: Check your internet connection. Try entering the DNS again or restart your phone.

Important Tips

  • Method 2 (Private DNS) is the most effective as it blocks ads in all apps
  • Restart your phone after changing DNS settings for best results
  • Some apps may detect ad blockers and ask you to disable them
  • Ad blockers don’t work on YouTube app - use Brave Browser for YouTube instead
  • Update your ad blocker settings regularly for best protection
  • Blocking ads may affect some website features - you can temporarily disable if needed

Which Method Should You Choose?

For casual users: Use Method 1 (Chrome settings) - quick and simple

For heavy users: Use Method 2 (Private DNS) - blocks ads everywhere

For complete solution: Use Method 2 + Method 3 together

For privacy focus: Use Method 4 in addition to others

Additional Benefits

After blocking ads, you’ll notice:

  • Faster loading times - pages load 2-3x faster
  • Less data usage - save up to 50% mobile data
  • Better battery life - fewer processes running
  • More screen space - no banner ads taking space

When to Disable Ad Blocker

Some websites request you to disable ad blockers to view content. You can:

  • Add them to whitelist if you trust the site
  • Use incognito mode temporarily
  • Support creators by allowing ads on their content

Contact Information

For Chrome issues:

  • Visit Google Chrome Help Center
  • Search “Chrome Help” in Play Store

For AdGuard DNS problems:

  • Visit adguard.com/support
  • Check their FAQ section

For browser questions:

  • Check browser’s help section in app menu
  • Look for “Help & Feedback” option

Next Steps

Once ads are blocked:

  1. Test different websites to confirm it’s working
  2. Check your data usage after a week - you should see savings
  3. Share this guide with friends who need it
  4. Consider supporting websites you love through other means

Remember: Ad blocking improves your experience, but many websites rely on ad revenue. Consider supporting your favorite sites through subscriptions or donations when possible.