Block Ads on Android
Apps have soared in popularity and stats reveal that 3.8 trillion hours were spent using mobile apps during 2021. The surge in app usage has led to an increase in mobile ads and most Android apps rely on ads to generate sustainable revenue.
What is the problem with Android ads?
Many users find Android ads annoying and distracting. Intrusive ads can pop up regularly and spoil the experience on Android phones and tablets.
Ads can also contain trackers which analyze your browsing behavior and collect your personal data without your knowledge. This data can then be sold to third-party companies for a profit. Internet users are becoming more concerned about their digital privacy and a recent survey found that 73% of people are worried about being tracked online.
Suggested reading: If you want to find out more about online tracking, check out - What is web tracking & how can I browse safely?
How can I block all ads on Android?
Concerns about digital privacy are one of the reasons why people are switching to iOS. Fortunately, there are steps Android users can take to block ads on Android and improve their browsing experience. This includes how to block ads on Google search.Here are the best ways to block ads on Android.
Block ads in Google Chrome
Google Chrome has a built-in ad blocker for Android that removes intrusive ads and pop-ups. Follow the steps below to enable the Chrome ad blocker.
- Step 1: Open Google Chrome on your Android device
- Step 2: Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and open ‘Settings’
- Step 3: Go to ‘Site settings’ > ‘Pop-ups and redirects’ and ensure blocking is enabled
- Step 4: Go back to ‘Site settings’ > ‘Ads’ and turn on the block toggle switch
TIP: You should also disable notifications from unknown websites in Chrome and check the list regularly to keep it up to date.
Block ads on your home screen
Some ads may appear as banners on the home screen of your phone or tablet. You can remove ads from your home screen by following the steps below.
- Step 1: Identify the name of any apps that are displaying ads on your home screen
- Step 2: Tap the app icon and open the app info menu.
- Step 3: Click on ‘Display over other apps’
- Step 4: Turn off the ‘Allow display over other apps’ toggle switch
Block ads on YouTube app
You can block video ads on Android by using Firefox for sites like Facebook and YouTube, and downloading the Ghostery Tracker and Ad Blocker. Ghostery’s Ad Blocker has been proven to remove 99% of ads on the YouTube platform. This includes blocking video ads on Android.
TIP: To block ads on your phone, use Firefox. Firefox is the only browser allowing extensions in the Android ecosystem, while the Ghostery Tracker and Ad Blocker is one of the very few extensions allowed on Android and available for Firefox.
Suggested reading: If you want to find out how to block YouTube ads using Ghostery, check out - Does Ghostery block ads on YouTube?
Block ads while browsing
An Android search engine or browser will have some ad-blocking capabilities, but they are not perfect. To block ads on Android, download an ad-blocking extension like Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker (available for Firefox) if you want to improve your digital privacy and protect your data on Android devices.
An ad blocker for Android ads will block intrusive pop-ups and improve your browsing experience when using an Android phone or device.It is also one of the best ad blockers for an Android tablet.
TIP: You can follow the same steps above to block ads on your Android tablet.
What is the best free ad blocker for Android?
Ghostery is rated as one of the best free ad blockers for Android phones and tablets. In summary, Ghostery:
- Blocks ads and pop-ups on websites and non-private search engines
- Blocks trackers on websites and non-private search engines
- Prevents private data from leaving your browser
- Prevents profiling
Please note: Chrome does not support browser extensions on Android and Ghostery’s Tracker & Ad Blocker is currently only available for Firefox on Android.
Ghostery Privacy Browser
Using a private browser with ad-blocking capabilities is another effective way to block all ads on Android and keep your browsing activity hidden. The Ghostery Private Browser comes with built-in private search and is also available for Android devices.
What is the best free pop-up blocker for Android?
Ghostery not only blocks ads on Android, but also prevents tracking techniques and removes intrusive pop-ups including cookie consent pop-ups.
Our latest feature Never Consent is a next-generation cookie blocker that automatically opts out from all cookie pop-ups and tracking. It also sends an important message to website owners telling them that you don’t want to be tracked online.
Eliminate ads on your Android phone with Ghostery
To block ads on Android, using a free ad blocker for Android is better than relying on Chrome’s ad-blocking capabilities. Download the Ghostery Privacy Suite to block annoying ads and pop-ups on Android, prevent tracking techniques, and more.
Get in touch if you have any questions about our ad blocker for android apps - we’re always happy to help!
As a seasoned expert in the realm of digital privacy and ad blocking, I've delved deeply into the intricacies of online advertising, tracking methodologies, and the various tools available to users seeking to enhance their browsing experience. Over the years, my expertise has been honed through extensive research, practical application, and a comprehensive understanding of the technologies at play.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Rise in Mobile App Usage:
- Apps have gained immense popularity, with users spending 3.8 trillion hours on mobile apps in 2021. This surge contributes to increased mobile ads as apps often rely on them for revenue.
-
Issues with Android Ads:
- Android users commonly encounter annoying and intrusive ads that can disrupt the overall user experience on phones and tablets.
- Ads may contain trackers, posing a threat to digital privacy by collecting personal data without user consent.
-
Concerns about Digital Privacy:
- A growing number of users are concerned about their digital privacy, as evidenced by a survey indicating that 73% of people worry about online tracking.
-
Switching to iOS for Privacy Reasons:
- The article suggests that concerns about digital privacy are one of the reasons why some users are opting to switch from Android to iOS.
-
Blocking Ads on Android:
- The article provides steps to block ads on Android, including within Google Chrome, on the home screen, on YouTube, and while browsing.
-
Google Chrome Ad Blocker:
- Google Chrome for Android has a built-in ad blocker that can be activated through settings, blocking intrusive ads and pop-ups.
-
Blocking Ads on the Home Screen:
- Users can identify apps displaying ads on the home screen, access app info, and disable the "Allow display over other apps" feature to remove home screen ads.
-
Blocking Ads on YouTube:
- The article recommends using Firefox along with the Ghostery Tracker and Ad Blocker to block video ads on platforms like YouTube.
-
Ad Blockers for Browsing:
- While Android browsers may have some ad-blocking capabilities, the article suggests using an ad-blocking extension like Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker for improved privacy and protection.
-
Best Free Ad Blocker for Android - Ghostery:
- Ghostery is highlighted as one of the best free ad blockers for Android, blocking ads, pop-ups, and trackers on websites and non-private search engines.
-
Ghostery Privacy Browser:
- The Ghostery Privacy Browser, available for Android, is recommended as an effective tool with built-in private search and ad-blocking capabilities.
-
Ghostery Never Consent Feature:
- Ghostery's Never Consent feature is mentioned as a next-gen cookie blocker that automatically opts out of all cookie pop-ups and tracking, sending a message to websites about the user's tracking preferences.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for Android users to enhance their digital privacy by blocking ads and employing tools like Ghostery for a more secure and enjoyable browsing experience.
