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How To Avoid Ads On Android Phone

How To Avoid Ads On Android Phone

Avoiding ads on your Android phone can make your experience smoother, faster, and less annoying. Whether you’re dealing with in-app ads, browser popups, or ads that seem to come out of nowhere, here’s how to block or reduce them effectively:

🔐 1. Use a Private or Ad-Blocking Browser

Switch to browsers that block ads automatically:

  • Brave Browser 🦁 (built-in ad blocker + privacy)
  • Firefox with uBlock Origin
  • Samsung Internet with ad blocker plugins
  • DuckDuckGo browser (blocks tracking)

✅ These browsers are free and work well for blocking in-page and popup ads.

📱 2. Install an Ad Blocker App

Some powerful Android apps for blocking ads system-wide:

  • AdGuard (non-root version works well for browsers and apps)
  • Blokada (open-source and doesn’t require root)
  • DNS66 (blocks ads using DNS)

🔒 Most of these apps work by creating a local VPN on your phone to filter ad traffic.

Note: These won’t block YouTube in-app ads — for that, you’ll need workarounds (see below).

🧹 3. Uninstall or Check Suspicious Apps

Seeing ads pop up randomly, even on the home screen or lock screen?

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Recently Installed — remove sketchy apps.
  • Apps that offer wallpapers, ringtones, or “battery boosters” often sneak in ads.
  • Check permissions: some apps abuse their access to show ads.

🛑 4. Turn Off Personalized Ads in Google Settings

  • Go to Settings > Google > Ads
  • Turn on “Opt out of Ads Personalization”
  • Then go to Settings > Privacy > Ads > Delete advertising ID

This doesn’t block ads but limits targeted ads based on your behavior.

🌐 5. Change Your DNS to Block Ads

Use an ad-blocking DNS:

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS
  • Choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter:
    • dns.adguard.com (for AdGuard)
    • dns.family.adguard.com (for blocking ads + adult content)
    • dns.blockada.org (for Blokada DNS)

✅ This blocks many ads without needing an app.

📺 6. Block YouTube Ads (Options)

  • YouTube Premium (paid, removes all ads and allows background play)
  • Use YouTube Vanced (discontinued, but some forks still exist like ReVanced)
  • Watch YouTube via Brave Browser, which blocks most ads

🧼 7. Clear Cache/Data of Ad-Heavy Apps

Sometimes clearing cached data helps:

  • Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache & Clear Data
  • Helps reset behavior for apps pushing ad notifications.

🔕 8. Block Pop-Up Notifications from Apps

Some apps show ads via notifications:

  • Settings > Notifications > App Notifications
  • Disable notifications from any app misbehaving.

🧾 Bonus Tip: Premium Versions

If you love an app but hate the ads, check if it offers a premium or ad-free version — it supports the developer and gives you a cleaner experience.

⚠️ Caution:

  • Be careful installing APKs from unknown sources just to block ads — they could be malware.
  • Always download apps from trusted sources (like Google Play, F-Droid, or official websites).