How to Remove Ads on Your Phone

In today’s digital age, advertisements have become a constant presence, often interrupting our mobile experience. Whether you’re browsing the internet, using apps, or playing games, ads can be intrusive and annoying. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize or even eliminate these ads on your phone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to remove ads, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable mobile experience.

1. Understanding the Types of Ads

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the different types of ads you might encounter on your phone:

• In-app ads: These appear while using various applications and games.
• Browser ads: These pop up when you’re surfing the web.
• System ads: Ads integrated into the phone’s operating system, often by manufacturers or carriers.

2. Using Ad Blocker Apps

Ad blocker apps are a straightforward solution to prevent ads from appearing on your phone. Here’s how to use them:

For Android:

1. AdGuard:
   • Download AdGuard from their official website or Google Play Store.
   • Install and open the app.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to configure it for optimal ad blocking.
2. Blokada:
   • Download Blokada from the official website or a trusted source.
   • Install and open the app.
   • Activate the ad blocker by toggling the switch.

For iOS:

1. AdGuard:
   • Download AdGuard from the App Store.
   • Open the app and configure the settings as per your needs.
2. 1Blocker:
   • Download 1Blocker from the App Store.
   • Open the app and enable it in Safari settings (Settings > Safari > Content Blockers).

3. Using Browser-Based Ad Blockers

Many browsers come with built-in ad blockers or support extensions that can block ads:

For Android and iOS:

1. Google Chrome:
   • Install an ad-blocking extension like AdBlock or AdBlock Plus via the Chrome Web Store.
2. Mozilla Firefox:
   • Firefox supports various ad-blocking extensions. Download and install uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus.
3. Brave Browser:
   • Brave Browser has a built-in ad blocker. Simply download and use the browser for an ad-free experience.

4. Adjusting Browser Settings

Most mobile browsers allow you to tweak settings to reduce the number of ads you see:

For Safari (iOS):

• Go to Settings > Safari.
• Enable Block Pop-ups.
• Enable Fraudulent Website Warning.

For Google Chrome (Android and iOS):

• Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
• Go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and turn it off.
• Go to Settings > Site settings > Ads and turn it off.

5. Using a Private DNS

Configuring a private DNS can help block ads across the entire device:

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
2. Select the Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.adguard.com or dns.familyshield.opendns.com.

For iOS:

1. Download an app like DNSCloak from the App Store.
2. Configure it to use a DNS server that blocks ads, such as AdGuard DNS.

6. Removing Ads from Specific Apps

Some apps have built-in settings to remove or reduce ads:

• YouTube: Subscribe to YouTube Premium to enjoy an ad-free experience.
• Spotify: Upgrade to Spotify Premium to eliminate ads.

7. Using a Firewall

Firewalls can block ads by preventing the apps from accessing their ad servers:

For Android:

1. NetGuard:
   • Download NetGuard from the Google Play Store.
   • Open the app and activate it.
   • Configure which apps you want to block from accessing the internet.

For iOS:

• Firewalls are generally more restricted on iOS. However, apps like AdGuard can function similarly to a firewall.

8. Manually Disabling Ads from System Apps

Some manufacturers include system apps that serve ads. These can sometimes be disabled:

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Find the app showing ads (e.g., Mi Browser for Xiaomi phones).
3. Disable the app or restrict its permissions.

9. Opting Out of Personalized Ads

Both Android and iOS offer settings to opt out of personalized ads, which can reduce the number of ads you see:

For Android:

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

For iOS:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising.
2. Toggle off Personalized Ads.

10. Avoiding Malware and Adware

Ads can sometimes be a sign of malware or adware on your device. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Install antivirus apps: Use trusted antivirus apps like Avast, Norton, or McAfee.
• Avoid suspicious apps: Only download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Keep your device updated: Regular updates often include security patches that can protect against adware.

Conclusion

Dealing with ads on your phone can be frustrating, but with the right tools and settings, you can significantly reduce or eliminate them. Whether through ad blocker apps, browser settings, or opting out of personalized ads, these methods will help you enjoy a cleaner, more enjoyable mobile experience. Remember to stay vigilant about the apps you download and keep your device updated to avoid malware and adware that can introduce unwanted ads.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your mobile experience and minimize the intrusion of ads on your phone.