How to Stop Ads on My Phone

by

Stopping ads on your phone involves a combination of using built-in settings, downloading ad-blocking apps, and adjusting your browser settings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you reduce or stop ads on your Android or iOS device:

1. Block Ads on Android Devices

A. Using Built-In Settings

  1. Disable Personalization
  • Go to Settings > Google > Ads.
  • Turn on Opt out of Ads Personalization.
  1. Restrict Background Data
  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
  • Select the app you want to restrict and toggle Restrict Background Data.

B. Using Ad-Blocking Apps

  1. AdGuard
  • Download AdGuard from the AdGuard website or the Play Store.
  • Follow the installation instructions and enable the necessary permissions.
  1. Blokada
  • Download Blokada from the official website or the Play Store.
  • Open the app, and enable ad blocking.

C. Using a Private DNS

  1. Configure Private DNS
  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
  • Select Private DNS provider hostname.
  • Enter a provider like dns.adguard.com or dns.quad9.net and save.

D. Adjusting Browser Settings

  1. Chrome Browser
  • Open Chrome and go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects.
  • Toggle the switch to block pop-ups and redirects.
  • Go to Settings > Site settings > Ads and toggle to block ads.
  1. Firefox Browser
  • Open Firefox and go to Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection.
  • Choose Strict to block trackers and ads.

2. Block Ads on iOS Devices

A. Using Built-In Settings

  1. Limit Ad Tracking
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising.
  • Toggle Personalized Ads to off.

B. Using Ad-Blocking Apps

  1. AdGuard for iOS
  • Download AdGuard from the App Store.
  • Follow the setup instructions and enable ad blocking in Safari.
  1. 1Blocker
  • Download 1Blocker from the App Store.
  • Open the app, configure the settings, and enable it in Safari via Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.

C. Adjusting Browser Settings

  1. Safari Browser
  • Go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.
  • Enable your chosen content blocker (e.g., AdGuard, 1Blocker).
  • Go to Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups and toggle to on.
  • Go to Settings > Safari > Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and toggle to on.

3. General Tips for Both Android and iOS

A. Avoiding Intrusive Apps

  1. Check App Permissions
  • Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications) > Select an app > Permissions.
  • Disable unnecessary permissions that may allow intrusive ads.
  1. Uninstall Ad-Heavy Apps
  • Identify and uninstall apps that are known for displaying excessive ads.

B. Using a Secure Browser

  1. Download Brave Browser
  • Brave Browser blocks ads and trackers by default. Download it from the Play Store or App Store.

C. Using a VPN with Ad-Blocking

  1. NordVPN or ProtonVPN
  • Some VPNs, like NordVPN or ProtonVPN, offer built-in ad-blocking features.
  • Download and subscribe to a VPN service with ad-blocking capabilities, then enable the ad-blocking feature in the app settings.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce or stop ads on your Android or iOS device, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable mobile experience.