How to Block Ads on Android (Simple Guide 2025)

How to Block Ads on Android ? We’ve all been there—browsing our favorite websites or using an app, only to be bombarded with intrusive ads that slow down our phones, drain the battery, and make our devices frustrating to use. 

While ads help keep costs down and enable free content, some websites and apps take it too far, making it hard to consume information without interruptions. 

These annoying ads can impair the end-user experience, making it more challenging to navigate a handset or tablet. From auto-playing videos to pop-ups that seem to be running amok, they can make even the most popular services feel overwhelming.

Thankfully, there are ways to remove or limit intrusive ads without blocking all advertising. A well-placed ad can be engaging and even useful, but some shady practices like redirecting loops, full-screen takeovers, and hijacking your back button earn ads a bad reputation. 

These issues can make devices feel slower, contribute to unwanted battery drain, and interfere with smooth browsing.

If you’re tired of these interruptions, it’s time to take control and stop them before they affect your experience further.

Block Ads Android- The Short Answer

Why do Ads Keep Popping Up on my Phone?

If you see pop-ups on your Android phone, it’s likely because of free apps that rely on advertisers paying to display ads. 

Many app developers use this as a way to earn money, making it a common trade-off for using certain apps. However, some third-party apps go beyond normal advertising and show incessant, disruptive, or even irrelevant ads.

Some apps come bundled with ad-serving programs that can sometimes include malware or scareware, leading to harmful experiences. 

These can bombard you with unwanted ads or even trick you into downloading more unwanted software. If you frequently see unexpected ads, an install from an untrusted source might be the cause.

How to Avoid Pop-Up Ads

• Avoid rooting your device to maintain system security and block unauthorized ad injections.
• Install an ad blocker to stop intrusive ads from appearing in apps and browsers.
• Use a private browser with built-in security settings to reduce unwanted pop-ups.
• Only visit trusted URLs that have an SSL certificate to avoid malicious sites.
• Enable antivirus protection to detect and block adware before it affects your device.
• Download apps from Google Play instead of unreliable third-party stores like APKPure.
• Manage app permissions to prevent unwanted notifications and pop-up advertisements.
• Upgrade to premium versions of frequently used apps to enjoy an ad-free experience.
• Check app reviews before installing to ensure the developer does not use aggressive ads.

Google Chrome: Block ads, Pop-Ups, and Redirects

Google Chrome has a built-in ad blocker to stop intrusive ads on your Android phone. Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and go to Settings.

1. Scroll to Site settings and tap Pop-ups and redirects.
2. Turn off the Pop-ups and redirects toggle to block interruptions.
3. Go back, find Intrusive ads, and disable the Intrusive ads toggle.
4. Chrome on mobile doesn’t support ad-blocker extensions.
5. Use a third-party web browser for extra protection.
6. Samsung Internet and Firefox support ad-blocker extensions.
7. Brave offers an ad-free browsing experience with extra privacy.

For a smoother experience, choose a browser that blocks ads, prevents redirects, and stops pop-ups automatically.

Check Google Chrome Site Notifications

Allowing every website to send real-time notifications on your Android phone can flood your notification center with spam. It’s best to manage these settings properly.

1. Long press the Google Chrome app icon and tap the i button.
2. Open Notifications, go to Notification categories, and scroll to Sites.
3. Check the allowed sites list and see how many alerts each website sends.
4. Turn off notification permission for unknown websites from the list.
5. Stop irrelevant partner content from disrupting your device.

Block Ads on the Home Screen

Getting full banner ads on your home screen can be annoying, especially when sketchy apps misuse the Appear on top permission to push unwanted ads. 

Android allows this feature for useful functions, like Facebook Messenger chat heads, but some apps abuse it. To fix this:

1. Long tap the app icon and open the app info menu.
2. Scroll to Appear on top and turn off the Allow permission toggle.
3. If ads keep showing, check your phone for unfamiliar apps and Uninstall them.

This way, you can enjoy a cleaner Android experience without intrusive ads!

Stop Pop-Up Ads on Firefox for Android

Blocking pop-up ads on Firefox for Android isn’t easy since it lacks a built-in blocker. However, you can try Firefox Nightly or Fennec F-Droid, which offer extra-private browsing and advanced beta features.

These versions allow better control over pop-ups and ad-blocking capabilities. If you prefer a stable version, consider using open-source app store options for extra protection.

Stop Pop-Up Ads on Microsoft Edge for Android

1. Open Microsoft Edge, tap the three dots menu, go to Settings, and select Site permissions.
2. Toggle off Pop-ups and redirects to block unwanted ads and reduce interruptions.

Deactivate Wallpaper Services on the Lock Screen

Many Android phones and tablets, especially Samsung and Xiaomi, come with wallpaper services like Glance that show app recommendations, news, and partner content on the lock screen. These ads can be distracting, but you can easily turn them off. 

1. Open Settings and go to Wallpaper and style. 
2. Select Change wallpapers and Scroll to Wallpaper services. 
3. Tap the Radio button next to None to disable unwanted ads on your low-end or mid-range device.

Changing the DNS to Block Ads on Android

One of the simplest ways to remove ads from your Android device is by using a private DNS provider. 

This method works without installing extra apps and is available on Android 9 Pie or newer versions. To get started, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, tap Advanced, and find Private DNS. 

Choose Private DNS Provider Hostname and enter dns.adguard.com or one.one.one.one. Hit Save, and you’ll stop seeing advertisements in most apps and web browsers.

Some smartphones might have a different way to access this setting. If you can’t find it, use the search bar in Settings to locate Private DNS quickly. With this simple trick, you can block in-app ad banners without modifying your OS or making complicated changes to your device.

AdLock

AdLock is a powerful blocking solution for both PC and Android, helping users block in-game ads and browser ads. 

It also lets you filter traffic using HTTPS secure filtering and even block specific websites to keep your experience ad-free.

AdAway

If you have root access, AdAway is one of the best ways to block ads on your Android phone. It works by using a hosts file to stop connections to ad networks. 

This method ensures that no in-app advertisements or browser ads appear. Even if your device isn’t rooted, AdAway still offers a non-root mode that effectively reduces unwanted ads.

With a massive list of over 90,000 user-verified hosts, AdAway regularly updates to stay ahead of new ad-serving hostnames. 

It also allows DNS logging to track and manually block unwanted requests. Being free and open-source, the app is actively maintained, and you can download the latest version from GitHub or the XDA thread.

AdGuard

If you want a strong ad blocker for your phone, AdGuard is a great choice. It works as an Android client and sets up a local VPN to filter annoying ads and trackers. 

The free version only allows blocking browser ads, but it still improves your browsing experience.

For complete protection, you’ll need the premium version to block in-app ads as well. While AdGuard works smoothly on most browsers, some apps may load content slower. 

However, it remains one of the most powerful solutions for an ad-free experience on Android.

Blokada

If you’re looking for a non-root solution to stop ads on Android, Blokada is a great option. It is an open-source tool that works on both websites and in-app ads, making it a strong rival to AdAway. 

What makes it stand out is its ability to let users choose from multiple blocklists like DuckDuckGo Tracker Radar, Energized, and more. Each host list varies in aggressiveness and helps block ads, trackers, phishing sites, and even malware servers. 

For added security, Blokada also strengthens privacy by encrypting DNS queries where possible, ensuring safer browsing.

Users can create their own hostlist to control which domains should be blocked or whitelisted, giving them full customization. 

While Blokada is available on the Play Store, it lacks several key features due to Google Play’s strict policy. To get the best experience, it’s better to download the full-fledged version from Blokada’s official website.

DNS66 Ad Blocker

If you need a free and open-source way to stop annoying ads, DNS66 Ad Blocker is a great option. Unlike other blockers, it uses a VPN service to redirect DNS server traffic, blocking trackers, malware, and unwanted ads across the system. 

It works on in-app ads and websites, ensuring a system-wide ad blocking experience without needing root access. The interface may look a bit outdated compared to tools like AdGuard or Blokada, but it still gets the job done.

With DNS66 Ad Blocker, you can set up a custom DNS server and control what gets blocked. It filters out unwanted content using a blacklist while allowing safe traffic to pass through. 

For those looking to enhance privacy and security, this tool is a solid pick. It’s not available on Google Play, so you’ll need to download it from the official website to enjoy full protection while browsing.

Energized Protection Ad Blocker for Android [Magisk]

If you’re a power user, the Energized Protection Magisk module is a great choice. It modifies the host file to block ad-serving domains, trackers, and malware across apps and websites. 

However, it lacks a UI or app, so you must configure it using a terminal emulator.

Browsers with a Built-In ad Blocker for Android

If you want to stop annoying ads while browsing, using a browser with ad-blocking is the best option. 

Google Chrome has a basic feature that removes ads from websites that break the Better Ads Standards. You can find this option in the three-dot menu under Site settings and toggle it as needed. 

However, it doesn’t block all ads, so you may need a stronger alternative.

Brave is a Chromium-based browser designed with privacy in mind. It blocks ads, cross-site trackers, cookies, and even fingerprinting right after installation—no extra setup required. 

Plus, you can support your favorite websites through Brave Rewards, which gives tokens for viewing non-intrusive, privacy-respecting ads. These appear as notifications, and you can control how often you see them.

For Samsung users, Samsung Internet offers an excellent ad-blocking feature but doesn’t block ads by default. 

Instead, it allows you to install third-party ad blockers like Adblock Plus, AdGuard, and Unicorn. With up to seven supported ad blockers, you can choose one, turn it on, and enjoy an ad-free experience across all web pages on your Android phone.

Another great choice is Adblock Plus, a Chromium browser with a familiar Google Chrome-like interface. It enables ad-blocking by default, allowing for a seamless ad-free internet experience. 

Advanced users can customize settings with custom filters, whitelist, language filters, and more through the ad blocking page. It also includes an Acceptable Ads feature, which allows legitimate ads that meet a strict standard while still protecting you from nasty websites.

Purchase Premium App Subscriptions

Many apps offer a free version with ads, but you can switch to a paid version to remove them. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify provide a premium subscription for an ad-free experience. 

Some apps use a one-time purchase, while others have a monthly or yearly subscription. Upgrading helps app developers while improving your user experience.

What about Android Tablets?

Blocking ads on an Android tablet is important, especially when kids stream videos or play games. 

A wrong tap can install bogus files or unwanted apps, affecting your device. Follow the same steps as on an Android phone to stay safe.

Be Careful with App Installation

Many third-party app launchers and unnecessary flashlight apps come with annoying ads and security risks. 

Before installing anything on your Android device, always check app reviews to see if users mention too many ads. If an app has one-star ratings or two-star ratings, it’s a red flag. Instead, look for better alternatives with fewer ads.

Google helps users stay safe with Google Play Protect, which scans for malicious apps in the Play Store. However, it cannot control ads within all apps. 

If you’re serious about blocking ads, you can root your device and install a system-wide ad blocker. But be cautious—rooting might lead to a bricked device and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Eliminate Ads on your Android Phone

Intrusive ads can ruin your experience, especially when browsing abusive websites or using certain apps.

Instead of switching from Android to iOS, use smart tricks to block ads and improve your Apple devices experience. Avoid a below-average experience by stopping the websites and apps causing the issue.

Identify and Uninstall the Problem App

If pop-up ads keep showing on your Android device, a specific app might be the cause. You can use Safe Mode to check if an installed app is responsible. If the pop-ups stop in this mode, an app is likely causing the issue.

Methods to Find and Remove the App

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps to check which apps recently sent notifications.
2. Swipe down on the notification panel, then long-press the pop-up notification to see the culprit app.
3. Open Google Play, tap the menu icon, and check the recent apps list for any suspicious app.
4. Press the Home button, view open apps, and regularly close your open apps to reduce pop-ups.

Once you find the offending app, tap and hold the app icon, then select Uninstall to remove it.

Common Pop-Up Ads on Android

Pop-up ads can be annoying, especially when they appear unexpectedly on your Android home screen. Some ads pretend to be legitimate notifications, urging you to click for a reward or warning about a fake security issue.

Others are adware that gets installed through misleading apps downloaded from outside the Google Play Store. To avoid these, always verify app sources and use a trusted ad blocker.

• Fake Virus Alerts – These pop-ups claim your device is infected and urge you to download a security app that is often malware.
• Scam Giveaway Ads – These ads pretend to offer prizes but ask for personal details or payments to claim the reward.

These misleading common pop-ups below should be avoided as they can lead to scams or adware.

Gift Card Winner Pop-Ups

If you see a “Congratulations You Won” banner claiming you’ve won high-value gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, or another well-known brand, don’t trust it. 

These scams try to steal your personal information or install malware on your device. Such pop-ups may appear in your browser or while using certain apps, tricking users into clicking dangerous links.

Claim your Prize Pop-Ups

Seeing a Claim Your Prize message on Facebook or another social media app? It’s likely a scam trying to steal your personal information. 

These pop-ups may use your IP address and location to look real, tricking you into clicking an unknown link. Avoid these online scams, as they often lead to phishing or even a browser hijacking attack.

Virus Warning Pop-Ups

Many Android users see fake virus warning pop-ups claiming their device is infected. These are scareware tricks designed to make you panic and download malware or share personal information. 

They often look like legitimate warnings from Chrome or Google but are scams.

• A real Google security warning won’t ask for money or personal details.
• Fake alerts may urge you to act fast or contact an unknown number.
• Some pop-ups claim your Android has a virus and needs an instant fix.
• Avoid clicking and instead clear your browser cache or use an ad blocker.

Survey Pop-Up Ads

Survey pop-up ads often claim you’ll get a reward for answering a few questions, but they actually steal your personal information. 

These fake surveys can come from adware or a browser hijacker and might even install malware on your device.

Not all Ads are Malicious

Many advertisements are designed to be helpful, showing products or services that match your interests. A well-placed ad might introduce you to a great game, a new restaurant, or a special sale. 

Even free platforms like Google Search and social media rely on ad-supported models to keep content accessible. Without these, you might need to pay a subscription fee to access basic features.

However, some advertisers use aggressive tactics, flooding your Android device with intrusive ads. Blocking all types of ads can protect your experience, but it’s important to allow non-intrusive advertisements that support quality news and useful apps. 

Keep your Android phones and Android tablets updated and use ad-blocking tools wisely to filter out only the bad ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Blocking ads on Android helps create a smoother experience by removing unwanted interruptions. Whether you use a built-in ad blocker, a third-party app, or adjust settings, there are many ways to stop intrusive ads. Choose the best method based on your needs and enjoy an ad-free experience!

That’s all! You can also check out How to Find Recently Deleted Apps on Android/iPhone 2025 and How to Reset Android Auto: A Step-by-Step Guide

What are you waiting for? Follow our advice to stay updated and keep your device in top condition. If you like this article, please follow us on WhatsApp and Pinterest for more free technology tutorials and updates.

Note: AndroidApp101 is a website development and content writing agency. If you’re interested in our services, feel free to reach out through our contact form.