Advertising in a mobile browser is doubly annoying: it eats up traffic and slows down loading pages and interferes with reading. On the desktop, the solution is obvious - install the extension in Google Chrome and forget about the problem. But Android everything is more complicated: due to limitations Google Play classic adblocks do not work directly. However, you can get around this - and we will tell you how.
In this article you will find 5 working methods ad blocking on Chrome on a smartphone: from simple browser settings to installing system solutions. We will analyze the pros and cons of each method, warn about possible risks and give recommendations on choosing the best option for your device. Important: some methods require root access or changing system files - this may affect the warranty and security.
We note right away: Google actively fights adblocks on mobile devices. The last major update Chrome (version 120+) blocked the operation of most content filtering extensions. Therefore, the classic installation method via Chrome Store no longer works. But there are workarounds - and we tested them.
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1. Method: AdBlock Plus through the Samsung Internet browser
If you are ready to change Chrome to an alternative browser - this method is the simplest and safest. Samsung Internet supports extensions, including AdBlock Plus, and works on any device (not just phones Samsung).
The browser has a built-in extension store, where you can install an adblock in a few clicks. Disadvantage of the method: you will have to switch to another browser, but its interface and functionality are practically the same. performance Chrome.
- 📱 Compatibility: all devices running Android 7.0+
- ⚡ Speed: does not affect performance
- 🔒 Security: does not require root access
- ❌ Limitation: works only in Samsung Internet
To install AdBlock Plus:
- Download Samsung Internet from Google Play.
- Open the browser and go to
Menu → Extensions. - Find AdBlock Plus in the list and click “Install.”
- Activate the extension in the settings.
After installation, go to the AdBlock Plus settings and enable the "Block social widgets" option - this will remove unnecessary elements from sites like "Like" from Facebook.
2. Method: DNS filtering (without root)
This method blocks advertising at the network level by redirecting requests to advertising domains to "empty" servers. The main advantage is that it works in all browsers, including Chrome, and does not require the installation of additional apps.
Disadvantages: some sites may open more slowly, and some advertising (for example, embedded in content) will still be shown. Also, DNS filtering does not work in applications - only in the browser.
| DNS provider | IPv4 address | IPv6 address | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 |
2a10:50c0::ad1:ff |
Blocks ads and trackers, family filter |
| NextDNS | 45.90.28.167 |
2a07:a8c0::28:167 |
Flexible settings, query log |
| Control D | 76.76.2.3 |
2606:4700:4700::64 |
Unlikely blocking by geo |
Setup instructions:
- Open
Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS. - Select “ISP Hostname” and enter the address (for example,
dns.adguard.com). - Save the settings and reboot the device.
Why some sites stop opening?
Some resources (for example, banking or government) block access when using third-party DNS. In this case, temporarily disable filtering or add the site to the white list in the DNS provider settings.
⚠️ Attention: Free DNS servers can collect anonymous data about your queries. If privacy is critical, use paid solutions like NextDNS with setting up logs.
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3. Method: Bravery Browser (built-in AdBlock)
Brave - an open source browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. It is built on the same base as Chrome (Chromium), therefore supports all extensions from Chrome Web Store, but has a built-in adblock.
Advantages:
- 🛡️ Blocks ads at the browser level (does not require DNS or root).
- 🚀 Faster Chrome due to code optimization.
- 💰 Rewards users for viewing "acceptable" advertising (optional).
Disadvantages:
- Some sites (for example VKontakte) may work incorrect.
- Synchronization with Google account is missing.
How to set up:
- Download Brave from Google Play.
- Open
Settings → Brave Shields. - Set the “Block ads and trackers” slider to Aggressive.
- In the "Advanced" section, enable "Block Fingerprinting scripts."
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4 Method: AdBlock via Firefox. with the uBlock Origin extension
Firefox for Android —one of the few browsers that still supports full extensions, including uBlock Origin (a more effective analogue AdBlock Plus). This method is suitable for those who do not want to change DNS or install additional applications.
Important: Firefox consumes more memory than Chrome, and may work slower on weaker devices. But ad blocking here works at the browser level, without workarounds.
Install Firefox from Google Play|Update the browser to the latest version|Close all tabs before installing the extension|Check for free space (minimum 100 MB)-->
Step-by-step guide:
- Open Firefox and go to the page https://addons.mozilla.org/ru/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/.
- Click “Add to Firefox” and confirm installation.
- After installation, open
Menu → Add-ons → uBlock Origin. - In the settings, enable all filters (EasyList, EasyPrivacy, Malware Domains).
- Activate the “I’m aggressive” option for maximum blocking.
⚠️ Attention: Some sites (for example, YouTube) may detect uBlock Origin and ask you to disable it. In this case, add the site to the white list or use the method with DNS filtering to bypass such blockings.
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5. Method: System AdBlock (requires root)
If your device has root access, you can install a system adblock that will work in all applications, and not only in the browser. This method is the most effective, but also the most risky: incorrect actions can lead to system failure.
For implementation you will need:
- 📱 A device with unlocked bootloader and root access.
- 🛠️ Application AdAway (free, open source).
- 🔄 System backup (in case of failure).
Instructions:
- Download AdAway from the official website (not from Google Play!).
- Install the APK file, allowing installation from unknown sources.
- Open the application and provide root access.
- In the main menu, click "Download files and apply" - this will update the block lists.
- Restart the device.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Blocks ads in all applications (including games). | Requires root, which invalidates warranty. |
| Does not affect Internet speed. | May conflict with some system updates. |
| Supports custom block lists. | If configured incorrectly, it can block necessary services (for example, Google Play). |
If banking applications or instant messengers stop working after installing AdAway, add their domains to the white list in the application settings.
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Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your needs and the technical capabilities of the device. If you need to block ads only in the browser, Samsung Internet or Firefox with an extension will do. If system blocking in all applications is important, you will have to deal with root and AdAway.
For most users, the optimal solution will be a combination: DNS filtering (AdGuard DNS) + Brave Browser.
This will give maximum coverage without risks for systems.
| Method | Complexity | Efficiency | Risks | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Internet + AdBlock Plus | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | No | Newbies |
| DNS filtering | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Some sites may not open | All users |
| Brave Browser | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Some sites do not work correctly | Demanding users |
| Firefox + uBlock Origin | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High memory consumption | Advanced users |
| AdAway (root) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Loss of warranty, risk of failures | Enthusiasts |
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a corporate device or phone with an MDM profile installed (for example, a work smartphone), system ad blocking methods may violate company security policies. In this case, limit yourself to browser-based solutions.
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Common problems and their solutions
Even after correctly setting up the adblock, advertising may continue to be displayed. Here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
Problem 1: Advertising is not blocked in Chrome after setting up DNS.
Solution:
- Check that DNS applied to all networks (Wi-Fi and mobile data).
- Clear the cache Chrome in the application settings.
- Try a different DNS provider (for example, NextDNS instead of AdGuard).
Problem 2: After installation uBlock Origin in Firefox some sites do not open.
Solution:
- Add the problematic site to the extension whitelist.
- Disable aggressive filters in the settings uBlock.
- Try another browser (for example, Brave).
Problem 3: AdAway stopped working after updating Android.
Solution:
- Update block lists manually in settings AdAway.
- Check whether root access were reset after the update.
- Reinstall the application.
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FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I install AdBlock in Chrome on Android without root?
No, classic extensions for Chrome on Android no longer work due to restrictions Google. However, you can use alternative browsers (Samsung Internet, Firefox, Brave) or set up DNS filtering, which will block ads in all browsers.
Why after setting up AdGuard DNS do some sites open slowly?
This is due to the geographic location of the DNS servers. Try changing your provider (for example, to Control D or NextDNS) or choose a server that is physically closer to your region. Also check if your Internet provider is blocking third-party DNS (this is true for some mobile phones. operators).
Is it safe to use AdAway with root access?
The application itself is AdAway safe - it is open source and does not contain malicious functions. However, root access always carries risks: incorrect actions can lead to failure. systems, and some malware can use superuser rights to steal data. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to choose a method without root.
How to block ads in applications (for example, in games)?
To block ads in applications you need system solutions: either AdAway with root, or VPN adblock (for example, Blokada or Nebulo). Regular browser extensions or DNS filtering do not affect applications. Please note that blocking ads in games may violate the rules of use (for example, in Google Play Games).
Why does YouTube show ads even with AdBlock enabled?
YouTube actively fights adblocks, especially in the mobile version. To block ads on YouTube:
- Use Brave Browser with them enabled. shields.
- Install the application ReVanced (modified YouTube without unnecessary water).
- Configure NextDNS with custom rules for blocking domains YouTube.
Please note: using modified versions YouTube may violate the terms of service Google.