Ads and bloatware can make phones frustratingly slow and cluttered. From pop-ups in browsers to banners on home screens, they drain battery, waste data, and ruin the experience. And if you’re an Android user, you’ve likely dealt with this far too often, wondering how to make it stop. The good news? You can block them. Here’s how to take control of your Android and enjoy a cleaner, faster experience.
Start with Chrome: How to Block Pop-ups and Intrusive Ads
- If your browser feels more like an ad farm than a tool for surfing the web, it’s time to use Chrome’s built-in tools.
- Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings > Site Settings > Pop-ups and Redirects. Turn them off.
- Go back to Site Settings > Intrusive Ads, and disable them too.
If Chrome’s options aren’t enough, consider switching to ad-blocking browsers like Brave or Samsung Internet, which offer stronger ad protection.
How to Block Home Screen Ads
Ads on your home screen can hijack your entire phone experience, making even basic tasks frustrating. Most of these come from apps and their Appear on Top permission.
- Here’s how you can get a cleaner home screen:
- Long-press the offending app’s icon and select App Info.
- Scroll to Appear on Top and disable the permission.
Remember to be cautious with apps that demand this permission; not all of them use it responsibly.
Use a DNS Service
For those who want a more powerful, system-wide solution, a DNS service like AdGuard can be a game-changer. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it’s essentially the phonebook of the internet. By using a DNS that blocks ads, you can stop them across apps and browsers alike.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Go to Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings > Private DNS.
- Choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.adguard-dns.com.
It’s like putting up a strong filter for your internet—ads and trackers are blocked before they even have a chance to appear.
Ads don’t have to define your Android experience. With these simple tips, you can enjoy faster browsing, a cleaner home screen, and longer battery life. So, take a few minutes to set things up—you’ll thank yourself every time your phone works exactly the way you want it to.
