How to Block Annoying Ads on Your Smartphone: Simple Tips and Tricks

Annoying ads can interrupt your experience while browsing, playing games, or using apps on your smartphone. Fortunately, there are several ways to block or minimize ads. Here are some simple tips and tricks to help you get rid of those pesky advertisements:

1. Use an Ad Blocker App

Ad blockers can prevent most ads from showing up across apps and websites on your smartphone.

• Android:

  • AdGuard or Blokada are great choices that block ads in apps, browsers, and even system-wide ads.
  • AdAway (requires root access) can block ads by modifying your device's DNS settings.
  • For browsers, try using Brave Browser, which has built-in ad-blocking features.

• iOS:

  • AdGuard or 1Blocker can be installed from the App Store to block ads in Safari and other apps.
  • You can also enable Content Blockers in Safari by installing ad-blocking apps.

2. Disable Ads Personalization

Turning off personalized ads will stop your device from showing you targeted ads based on your browsing and app usage.

• Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Google > Ads.
  2. Enable Opt out of Ads Personalization.

• iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking.
  2. Disable Allow Apps to Request to Track.

This won’t remove ads, but it will make them less tailored to you, reducing the number of intrusive ads.

3. Use an Ad-Free Browser

If you frequently browse the internet, consider using a browser that blocks ads by default.

• Brave Browser (available for both Android and iOS) blocks ads automatically, providing an ad-free experience without the need for additional settings.
• Firefox (with uBlock Origin add-on) can also block ads on websites you visit.

4. Disable Push Notifications from Apps

Some apps send annoying notifications with ads. You can easily stop these notifications.

• Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Notifications.
  2. Find the app and disable or customize its notifications.

• iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
  2. Choose the app and toggle off Allow Notifications or customize the notification settings.

This can reduce unwanted advertisements sent via push notifications.

5. Disable Location Services for Apps

Certain apps use your location data to serve more targeted ads. You can stop this by disabling location services for specific apps.

• Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location.
  2. Choose which apps can access your location or disable it entirely.

• iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
  2. Select each app and turn off location access.

6. Use an App with Built-in Ad-Free Options

Many apps offer paid versions or "premium" modes that eliminate ads.

• Upgrade to Premium: Look for an option to upgrade to an ad-free experience (often called Ad-Free, Pro, or Premium versions).
• App-Specific Settings: Some apps like Spotify or YouTube offer paid subscriptions that remove ads, giving you an uninterrupted experience.

7. Be Careful When Installing New Apps

Sometimes, free apps come with excessive ads or even adware (malicious software that forces ads onto your device).

• Check Reviews: Before downloading an app, check its reviews to ensure it doesn't have a history of intrusive ads.
• Avoid Unnecessary Permissions: When installing apps, always check the permissions they ask for. Don’t grant apps permissions for things like access to your camera or microphone if not needed.

8. Use Google Play Protect or App Store Security Features

To avoid apps that are laden with unwanted ads or malicious behavior:

• Android:
  • Turn on Google Play Protect by going to Settings > Google > Play Protect. This will scan for potentially harmful apps that may be causing ads.
• iOS:
  • iPhones have built-in app security that should prevent harmful apps, but always update your device to the latest iOS version to protect against vulnerabilities.

9. Factory Reset Your Phone (Last Resort)

If all else fails and you have excessive adware or malware causing ads on your device, a factory reset may be necessary.

• Android:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Reset and choose Factory Data Reset.

• iOS:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

FAQ.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding blocking ads on your smartphone:

1. Why do I see so many ads on my smartphone?

Answer:
Ads on your smartphone are mainly served by apps and websites to generate revenue. Free apps often use ads as a way to make money. These ads can appear in the form of banners, pop-ups, or push notifications, and they are sometimes personalized based on your browsing activity.

2. Can I block all ads on my smartphone?

Answer:
While you can block most ads using tools like ad blockers, it may not be possible to block every single ad on all apps and websites, especially if the app or website doesn't allow third-party ad-blocking services. However, you can significantly reduce the number of ads by using ad-blocking apps, browser settings, or opting for premium, ad-free versions of apps.

3. Are ad-blocker apps safe to use?

Answer:
Yes, reputable ad-blocking apps like AdGuard, Blokada, and 1Blocker are safe to use. Be cautious when downloading lesser-known apps, as some may contain adware or malicious software. Always download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

4. How do ad blockers work on smartphones?

Answer:
Ad blockers work by blocking connections to ad servers and preventing ads from being displayed on your screen. They may also hide or remove ad elements from apps and websites as you browse or use other applications.

5. Will blocking ads affect my smartphone’s performance?

Answer:
In most cases, ad blockers will not significantly affect your phone's performance. However, some ad blockers may consume additional resources if they are running in the background. It's best to use lightweight apps to minimize any potential impact on your phone's speed.

6. How do I block ads in mobile games or apps?

Answer:
Many mobile games and apps offer an option to remove ads by purchasing a premium version or by subscribing to an ad-free service. Alternatively, using ad blockers or disabling personalized ads in the settings can reduce the number of ads you see in some apps.

7. Do ad blockers work in all browsers?

Answer:
Ad blockers generally work in popular browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Some browsers, like Brave, come with built-in ad-blocking features. However, certain ad blockers may require extensions or add-ons to function properly within a browser.

8. Will disabling ads affect my app experience?

Answer:
Disabling ads might limit your access to certain free content, as many apps rely on ads to provide their service at no cost. If you use a paid or ad-free version of an app, you won’t experience ads but may need to pay for the service.

9. How can I stop push notifications that contain ads?

Answer:
You can disable push notifications from specific apps that send ads by adjusting notification settings:

• For Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Notifications, then select the app and disable notifications.
• For iOS: Go to Settings > Notifications, select the app, and toggle off Allow Notifications.

10. Is it safe to use a factory reset to remove ads?

Answer:
A factory reset can remove any adware or unwanted apps that might be causing excessive ads. However, it should be used as a last resort because it will erase all your data, including apps, contacts, and photos. Be sure to back up important information before performing a reset.

11. Can I block ads on social media apps like Facebook or Instagram?

Answer:
You can’t completely block ads on social media platforms, but you can limit targeted ads by adjusting your privacy settings:

• On Facebook: Go to Settings > Ads, where you can adjust ad preferences and opt out of personalized ads.
• On Instagram: Ads are shown based on Facebook’s ad system. Adjusting your Facebook ad settings will affect your Instagram ads as well.

12. Can using an ad blocker prevent apps from tracking me?

Answer:
Yes, many ad blockers also prevent apps from tracking your data by blocking tracking scripts and cookies. However, to further protect your privacy, consider using VPNs or disabling tracking options in your phone’s settings.