Change this setting to Block Block ads on windows and Android

Posted by Srikant on

Looking to block intrusive ads showing on your Windows PC or Android device? By replacing your current DNS address with AdGuard DNS, you can effectively block ads, trackers, and other malicious content at the DNS level. This not only results in a faster and cleaner browsing experience but also serves as a bandwidth-saving solution. Link to copy the AdGuard public DNS https://adguard-dns.io/en/public-dns.html

Advertisements can be intrusive and disrupt your browsing experience on both Windows PCs and Android devices. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to block ads, enhancing your online experience and improving device performance. Below is a comprehensive guide to blocking ads on both platforms.


Use Ad-Blocking Browser Extensions

One of the most straightforward ways to block ads on Windows is by using ad-blocking extensions in your web browsers. These extensions prevent ads from loading on websites, leading to faster browsing and reduced clutter.

  • Popular Ad-Blockers:

    • uBlock Origin: A lightweight and efficient blocker available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other browsers.
    • AdBlock Plus: A widely used extension that blocks ads and allows customizable filtering.
    • Ghostery: Focuses on blocking ads and trackers to enhance privacy.

  • How to Install an Ad-Blocker:

    1. Open your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
    2. Go to the browser's extension/add-on store.
    3. Search for the desired ad-blocker (e.g., "uBlock Origin").
    4. Click Add to [Browser] and follow the prompts to install.
    5. Once installed, the extension will automatically start blocking ads.

2. Install a System-Wide Ad Blocker

For blocking ads across all applications and browsers on your Windows PC, consider using system-wide ad blockers. These tools filter out ads at the network level, providing comprehensive ad blocking.

  • Popular System-Wide Ad Blockers:

    • AdGuard: Offers robust ad-blocking capabilities, privacy protection, and parental control features.
    • Pi-hole: A network-level ad blocker that acts as a DNS sinkhole (requires setup on a separate device like a Raspberry Pi).

  • How to Use AdGuard:

    1. Visit the AdGuard website and download the Windows version.
    2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install AdGuard.
    3. Once installed, AdGuard will start blocking ads across all applications and browsers.

3. Modify the Hosts File

Advanced users can modify the Windows hosts file to block ads by redirecting ad server domains to the local machine. This method requires caution, as incorrect modifications can affect system behavior.

  • Steps to Modify the Hosts File:

    1. Open Notepad as an administrator:
      • Click Start, type Notepad, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
    2. In Notepad, click File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\.
    3. Select All Files in the file type dropdown and open the hosts file.
    4. Add entries to block specific ad domains. For example:
      127.0.0.1   adserver.example.com
127.0.0.1   anotheradserver.com
    5. Save the file and restart your computer.

  • Note: Maintaining an updated hosts file can be cumbersome. Tools like HostsMan can help manage and update the hosts file efficiently.

4. Use DNS-Based Ad Blocking

DNS-based ad blocking involves using a DNS service that filters out ad domains, preventing them from loading on your device.

  • Popular DNS Services for Ad Blocking:

    • AdGuard DNS: Provides DNS servers that block ads and trackers.
    • NextDNS: A customizable DNS service with ad-blocking and privacy features.
    • Cloudflare for Families: Offers DNS servers that block malware and adult content.

  • How to Configure DNS Settings:

    1. Open Settings on Windows and navigate to Network & Internet.
    2. Click on Change adapter options.
    3. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
    4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the DNS addresses of your chosen service. For example, for AdGuard DNS:
      • Preferred DNS server: 94.140.14.14
      • Alternate DNS server: 94.140.15.15
    6. Click OK to save the settings.

Blocking Ads on Android

1. Use Ad-Blocking Browser Extensions

While Android browsers typically don't support extensions as extensively as desktop browsers, some browsers come with built-in ad-blocking features or support extensions.

  • Browsers with Built-In Ad Blocking:

    • Brave Browser: Blocks ads and trackers by default.
    • Opera Browser: Includes a built-in ad blocker that can be enabled in settings.
    • Firefox for Android: Supports extensions like uBlock Origin.

  • How to Enable Ad Blocking in Firefox for Android:

    1. Open Firefox on your Android device.
    2. Tap the three-dot menu and select Add-ons.
    3. Browse or search for uBlock Origin and tap Add to Firefox.
    4. Follow the prompts to install and activate the extension.

2. Install Ad-Blocking Apps

Android allows for system-wide ad blocking through certain apps. These apps typically require specific configurations or the use of a VPN to filter ads across all applications.

  • Popular Ad-Blocking Apps:

    • AdGuard for Android: Offers system-wide ad blocking without requiring root access by setting up a local VPN.
    • Blokada: An open-source ad blocker that works by routing traffic through a local VPN to filter ads.

  • How to Use AdGuard:

    1. Visit the AdGuard website and download the AdGuard APK for Android.
    2. Enable installation from unknown sources in your device's Settings > Security.
    3. Install the AdGuard APK.
    4. Open AdGuard and follow the setup instructions to start blocking ads across your device.

  • Note: Some ad-blocking apps may not be available on the Google Play Store due to Google's policies. They may need to be downloaded directly from the developer's website or alternative app stores.

3. Modify the Hosts File (Requires Root Access)

For advanced users with rooted Android devices, modifying the hosts file can block ads system-wide.

  • Steps to Modify the Hosts File:

    1. Root Your Device: Rooting is required to access and modify system files. Caution: Rooting can void warranties and pose security risks.
    2. Install a file explorer with root access, such as ES File Explorer or Root Explorer.
    3. Navigate to /system/etc/ and locate the hosts file.
    4. Open the hosts file with a text editor.
    5. Add entries to block specific ad domains:
      127.0.0.1   adserver.example.com
127.0.0.1   anotheradserver.com
    6. Save the file and reboot your device.

  • Caution: Incorrect modifications can affect device functionality. Always back up the original hosts file before making changes.

4. Use DNS-Based Ad Blocking

Similar to Windows, Android devices can use DNS services that block ads at the DNS level.

  • How to Configure DNS Settings on Android:

    • Using Private DNS (Android 9 and above):

      1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
      2. Tap on Advanced and select Private DNS.
      3. Choose Private DNS provider hostname.
      4. Enter the hostname of your chosen DNS service. For example:
        • AdGuard DNS: dns.adguard.com
        • NextDNS: Your personalized NextDNS URL (e.g., yourhash.ns.cloudflare.com)
      5. Tap Save to apply the settings.

    • Using Third-Party Apps for Older Android Versions:

      • If your device doesn't support Private DNS, you can use apps like DNS Changer to set custom DNS servers.

  • Benefits of DNS-Based Blocking:

    • No need to install additional apps.
    • Works across all apps and browsers on the device.

5. Use a VPN-Based Ad Blocker

VPN-based ad blockers route your internet traffic through a VPN that filters out ads before they reach your device.

  • Popular VPN-Based Ad Blockers:

    • AdGuard VPN: Provides ad and tracker blocking via a VPN connection.
    • Blokada: Uses a local VPN to block ads and trackers without logging user data.

  • How to Use Blokada:

    1. Visit the Blokada website and download the Android app.
    2. Install the APK (may require enabling installation from unknown sources).
    3. Open Blokada and follow the setup instructions to start blocking ads via the VPN.

  • Note: Some VPN-based solutions may impact battery life due to the continuous VPN connection.

Additional Tips for Both Platforms

  • Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your browsers, ad-blocking tools, and operating systems are up to date to benefit from the latest security patches and ad-blocking features.

  • Be Cautious with Extensions and Apps: Only install ad-blockers and extensions from reputable sources to avoid security risks.

  • Understand the Impact on Websites: Some websites rely on ads for revenue. Consider whitelisting trusted sites to support content creators.

  • Regularly Update Block Lists: For some ad-blocking tools, keeping block lists updated ensures better ad coverage and performance.

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