How to Block Ads on Your Smartphone

In today’s digital age, ads are everywhere—popping up on websites, apps, and even in your favorite games. While ads help fund many free services, they can be intrusive, slow down your device, and even pose privacy risks. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to block ads on your smartphone, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical methods to reduce or eliminate ads for a cleaner, faster, and more private browsing experience.

Why Block Ads?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly cover why you might want to block ads:

• Improved Performance: Ads can consume data and slow down your device or apps.
• Enhanced Privacy: Many ads track your behavior, collecting data without your consent.
• Better User Experience: A clutter-free screen makes browsing and using apps more enjoyable.
• Battery Savings: Fewer ads mean less processing power and battery drain.

Now, let’s explore the best ways to block ads on your smartphone.

1. Use an Ad-Blocking Browser

One of the easiest ways to block ads is by using a browser with built-in ad-blocking features. Many browsers now offer this functionality, which can significantly reduce ads on websites.

Recommended Browsers:

• Brave Browser: Available for both Android and iOS, Brave automatically blocks ads and trackers while offering fast browsing speeds. It also rewards you with cryptocurrency for opting into privacy-respecting ads (optional).
• Firefox with uBlock Origin: Mozilla Firefox allows you to install extensions like uBlock Origin, a powerful ad-blocker that works on both Android and iOS.
• Safari (iOS): For iPhone users, Safari supports content blockers that can be enabled via third-party apps (more on this below).

How to Get Started:

1. Download a browser like Brave or Firefox from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. For Firefox, install the uBlock Origin extension from the add-ons menu.
3. Browse as usual, and most ads will be blocked automatically.

2. Enable Data Saver Modes

Both Android and iOS devices come with built-in data saver modes that can limit background data usage, which indirectly reduces ads in some apps.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver.
2. Toggle on Data Saver to restrict background data for apps.
3. Some apps may display fewer ads as they rely on data to load them.

For iOS:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular or Wi-Fi.
2. Enable Low Data Mode to reduce data usage, which can limit ad loading in some apps.

While this method won’t block all ads, it’s a quick, built-in option to reduce them without installing additional software.

3. Install Ad-Blocking Apps

Dedicated ad-blocking apps can block ads across apps and browsers, though their effectiveness depends on your device and whether it’s rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS).

For Android:

• AdGuard: A popular app that blocks ads in browsers and apps without requiring root access. The free version works for browsers, while the premium version blocks ads system-wide.
• Blokada: A free, open-source ad-blocker that uses a local VPN to filter ads and trackers.

Steps for AdGuard:

1. Download AdGuard from its official website (not always available on the Play Store due to restrictions).
2. Follow the setup instructions to enable the ad-blocker.
3. Customize filters to block specific types of ads or trackers.

For iOS:

• AdBlock Plus: A free app that integrates with Safari to block ads and trackers.
• 1Blocker: A highly customizable app for blocking ads, trackers, and other unwanted content in Safari.

Steps for 1Blocker:

1. Download 1Blocker from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions and enable 1Blocker.
3. Configure the app to block ads, trackers, or other annoyances.

Note: System-wide ad-blocking on iOS typically requires jailbreaking, which is not recommended due to security risks.

4. Use a VPN with Ad-Blocking Features

Some VPN services include built-in ad-blocking features, often called “cybersecurity” or “tracker-blocking” tools. These work by filtering out ad-related traffic at the network level.

Recommended VPNs with Ad-Blocking:

• NordVPN: Its CyberSec feature blocks ads and malicious websites.
• ProtonVPN: Offers NetShield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
• Surfshark: Includes a CleanWeb feature to block ads and trackers.

How to Use:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service with ad-blocking capabilities.
2. Download the VPN app from the Play Store or App Store.
3. Enable the ad-blocking feature in the VPN app’s settings.
4. Connect to the VPN and enjoy an ad-free experience.

This method is particularly effective for blocking ads in apps that don’t rely on browser-based content.

5. Disable Personalized Ads

Both Android and iOS allow you to limit ad tracking, which reduces the number of targeted ads you see. While this doesn’t block all ads, it can make them less intrusive.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Google > Ads.
2. Enable Opt out of Ads Personalization.
3. Reset your advertising ID for a fresh start.

For iOS:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising.
2. Turn off Personalized Ads.

This method won’t eliminate ads but can reduce their frequency and relevance, making them less annoying.

6. Root or Jailbreak (Advanced, Not Recommended)

For advanced users, rooting (Android) or jailbreaking (iOS) allows deeper control over your device, enabling system-wide ad-blocking. Tools like AdAway (Android) can block ads by modifying the device’s hosts file.

Warning:

• Rooting or jailbreaking voids warranties and can expose your device to security risks.
• Only attempt this if you’re confident in your technical skills and understand the risks.

7. Go Premium or Support Ad-Free Apps

Many apps offer premium versions that remove ads for a small fee. If you frequently use an app and want an ad-free experience, consider supporting the developers by purchasing the premium version or subscribing.

Examples:

• YouTube Premium: Removes ads from YouTube videos and offers offline playback.
• Spotify Premium: Eliminates ads between songs.
• Game Apps: Many mobile games offer in-app purchases to remove ads.

This method supports developers while giving you a cleaner experience.

Tips for Better Ad-Blocking

• Combine Methods: Use an ad-blocking browser alongside a VPN or app for maximum coverage.
• Update Regularly: Keep your ad-blocking apps and browsers updated to stay ahead of new ad formats.
• Be Ethical: Consider whitelisting sites or apps you want to support, as ads often fund free content.
• Check Battery Usage: Some ad-blockers may consume battery, so monitor their impact.

Blocking ads on your smartphone can significantly improve your browsing experience, save battery life, and protect your privacy. Whether you choose a simple solution like an ad-blocking browser or a more advanced approach like a VPN with ad-blocking features, there’s an option for every user. Start with the easiest methods, like Brave or Data Saver modes, and explore more robust solutions as needed. With these tools, you can enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more private smartphone experience.

Happy browsing!