How to block ads on your Android phone

While many websites depend on revenue coming from ad banner impressions and clicks, it’s a fact that some of these ads can be very annoying, and in a few cases, even malicious. Some ads are created by rogue pop-up pages, while others automatically start playing video or audio clips. Many more are guilty of just taking up too much of your phone’s resources with overused animations.

What if you wanted to block ads on Android? Thankfully, there are several ways you can do that, and a couple of them just require that you make a few setting changes in your Chrome web browser.

Read more: How to block websites on Android

Editor’s note: We’ve put together these instructions using a Pixel 4a with 5G running Android 12. Keep in mind that steps might differ depending on your device and the Android version it’s running.

Block pop up pages and ads in Chrome

If you use Chrome as your default web browser on your Android phone, and most of you do, you should be aware that in 2018, Google announced that Chrome would block all ads on websites if they use full-page interstitials. Sites would also see ads blocked on Chrome if they unexpectedly play sounds or use a lot of flashing-style animation. However, some sites still use pop-ups to generate ads, and thankfully there’s a way to combat them in Chrome.

Block ads, pop-ups, and redirects on Chrome:

1. Open up the Chrome browser.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
3. Tap on Settings.
4. Scroll down to the Site Settings selection, and tap on it.
5. Go into Pop-ups and redirects.
6. Make sure the toggle is turned on.
7. Go back to the Site settings section.
8. Tap on Ads.
9. Make sure the toggle is turned on.

Use Lite mode in Chrome

Another lesser-known method could save you from seeing some annoying or malicious ads while using Chrome. Google Chrome’s Lite mode keeps down data usage by accessing Google servers that compress websites before downloading them.

Google’s compression servers are also used by Lite mode to detect and do away with web pages that may have harmful or malicious ads. While the sites may not look the same using Lite mode, they are safer to download and browse versus viewing the sites without this mode turned on. You’ll also save some megabytes, if you care about that.

How to activate Chrome Lite mode:

1. Open up the Chrome browser.
2. Tap on the 3-dot menu in the top right corner.
3. Tap on Settings.
4. Go into Lite mode.
5. Toggle the feature on.

Read more: Chrome for Android tips and tricks you should know about

Install ad-blocking extensions or use browsers with ad-blocking features

While Chrome now has some ad-blocking features, it’s not perfect. Another solution is to download ad-blocking extensions for Chrome. Of course, this is only an option for computer users. Some of the best ones include AdBlock and Adblock Plus (no relation), and they should do away with more annoying ads more effectively than using Chrome alone.

Next: These are the best Android browsers around

Another method is to use another web browser with its integrated ad-blocking features. Some of the options available on Android include Brave, Opera, and even Adblock has its stand-alone web browser.

FAQs

Can I remove ads from other apps?

Certain apps allow you to modify some ad settings. For example, you can go into the Facebook app’s settings and adjust your preferences to a certain extent. Many apps won’t allow it, though. You’ll have to check if the apps you use allow it.

Can I remove system ads from my phone?

Some manufacturers push ads directly into their smartphones’ UI. We have guides to remove these from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realme devices. These manufacturers are especially known for doing this.

How much data do ads use?

You might think ads are insignificant, and nothing could be furthest from the truth. A study from the University of Southern California claims ads can increase data usage by up to 79%! Additionally, they may use up to 16% more battery power and 22% more memory.