With each update of the Google Android mobile operating system, advertising integrations become more aggressive and intrusive. The version Android 8.0 Oreoreleased in 2017 brought many improvements in terms of performance and security, but also opened up new vectors for developers to monetize free content. Users often encounter banners that overlap the interface and pop-ups even outside browsers.
Blocking unwanted content on this version of the system requires a comprehensive approach, since the built-in tools for filtering traffic are not enough. It is necessary to combine changing network settings, installing specialized software and manually adjusting permissions for installed applications. In this article, we will analyze working methods that will help restore the purity of the interface of your smartphone.
System setting up private DNS on Android 8
Starting with Android 9, the private DNS function was moved to an explicit settings menu, but on Android 8.0 and 8.1 this mechanism works at the level kernel, but hidden from the average user. Enabling encrypted DNS traffic allows all domain requests to be redirected through a server that automatically filters out known advertising networks. This is the most secure method and does not require the installation of third-party apps with extended rights.
To implement this method, you will need access to the hidden developer menu or the use of third-party launcher utilities if the device manufacturer has blocked access. If your smartphone has stock firmware or an unlocked bootloader, you can enter the server address manually through the terminal or special network settings. The most popular and reliable solution is to use the service AdGuard DNS, which does not require registration.
Enter the command to activate via ADB or find the corresponding item in the advanced network settings, if it is available in your shell. The server address looks like this:
dns.adguard.comAfter applying the settings, the system will begin to resolve domain names through a secure channel, ignoring requests to advertising trackers. This will significantly reduce the load on the processor and save battery power, as the device will no longer load heavy media banners. However, it is worth considering that some legitimate services may conflict with strict filtering.
⚠️ Attention: Changing DNS servers at the system level affects the operation of all applications simultaneously. If, after setting up, access to certain sites or functions in games stops working, return the value to “Auto” or “Default” in the network settings.
Use the “Family” mode in the DNS provider settings if you also want to block access to adult sites and gambling on your child’s device.
Using local VPN filters without root access
One of the most effective ways to combat advertising in applications and browsers is to create a local VPN tunnel. Unlike regular VPN services, which change your IP address and encrypt traffic through remote servers, local filters work exclusively on the device. They intercept network packets, check them against a blacklist of advertising domains and block the connection before the content is downloaded.
For devices based on Android 8 applications such as AdGuard or Blokada (versions up to 5.x) are excellent. These apps do not require superuser rights (ROOT), which preserves the warranty on the device and the integrity of the security system. The principle of their operation is based on the creation of a virtual network interface through which all incoming and outgoing traffic passes.
The setup process usually takes several minutes and includes the following steps:
- 📲 Download the installation file (APK) of the selected filter from the official website of the developer, since such applications are often limited in functionality on Google Play.
- 🛡️ When you first launch, the system will ask for permission to create a VPN connection - confirm the action in the system dialog.
- ⚙️ In the application settings, activate the necessary filtering lists, including blocking analytics trackers and social widgets.
- 🔄 Update the filters manually on the first launch to load the current ones domain name database.
It is important to understand that the operation of such a filter may slightly increase RAM consumption. The operating system Oreo has strict restrictions on the background activity of applications, so you need to add a filter to the battery optimization exceptions so that it is not closed by the system when the screen is idle.
☑️ Setting up a local filter
Limiting background activity and notifications
Often advertising appears not in the form of banners inside applications, but through intrusive push notifications that appear in the status bar. Free software developers use this channel to attract user attention to new features or affiliate offers. Google has introduced more granular control over notification channels, which allows you to specifically disable spam without losing important system alerts. Android 8.0 Google has introduced more granular control over notification channels, allowing you to target spam without losing important system alerts.
To manage this data flow, go to the section Settings → Apps & notifications → App info. Here you can view a list of all installed apps and configure the rights of each of them in detail. Select the application that abuses the newsletter and click on the “Notifications” item. You'll see toggle switches for different categories of messages.
Turn off toggle switches for the Marketing, News, or Recommendations categories, leaving only critical alerts active, such as download completion or sync errors. It is also recommended to limit background activity for suspicious apps. This will prevent hidden loading of advertising modules when the smartphone screen is turned off.
The table below provides examples of notification categories and recommendations for processing them:
| Notification category | Risk level | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| System errors | Low | Leave enabled |
| Marketing promotions | High | Disable completely |
| Updates applications | Medium | Disable, update manually |
| Personal recommendations | High | Disable completely |
Regular audit of installed applications will help maintain cleanliness interface. If you notice a app that constantly generates hidden advertisements, the best solution would be to completely remove it and replace it with an open-source analogue.
Special disabling of notification channels in Android 8 is more effective than complete blocking, as it allows you to maintain control over important system events.
Ad blocking in Chrome and Firefox browsers
Web surfing is the main source of annoying advertising for most users. The standard browser Google Chromethat comes pre-installed on most devices does not have a built-in feature to block pop-ups and banners, relying on safety lists. For comfortable browsing of sites on Android 8 you need to use extensions or specialized versions of browsers.
Users Mozilla Firefox for Android have an advantage, since this version supports the installation of add-ons. Just go to the browser menu, select the “Add-ons” section and activate uBlock Origin or AdGuard. These extensions work at the page rendering engine level, cutting out ad blocks from the HTML code before displaying the content on the screen.
For Chrome owners, an alternative is to use Chromium-based browsers with a built-in ad block, such as Brave or DuckDuckGo. They provide high page loading speed due to the fact that ad server resources are simply not requested. This is especially true when using mobile data with limited traffic.
If you prefer to stay in the Chrome ecosystem, you can try enabling experimental flags. Enter in the address bar chrome://flags and find the option related to ABExperimental or blocking intrusive ads. However, the effectiveness of this method varies depending on the specific browser build and is often inferior to full-fledged extensions.
⚠️ Attention: Some news portals and video services use ad blocker detectors. When you try to access such a site, you may see a message asking you to disable the filter. In such cases, add the domain to the white list of your blocker.
How to bypass the blocker detector?
Try clearing site cookies or using incognito mode. Sometimes temporarily disabling JavaScript for a specific domain in the site settings helps.
Analysis and removal of virus applications
In some cases, the source of advertising is not legitimate applications, but malware disguised as useful utilities. Flashlights, QR code scanners, memory cleaners and simple games often contain aggressive advertising modules that cause pop-ups on top of all other applications. On Android 8 such apps can receive permission to display on top of other windows, which makes them especially dangerous.
The first sign of infection is the appearance of advertising on the desktop or when the device is unlocked, when no applications are running. To identify the culprit, go to Settings → Applications and carefully study the list. Look for apps without an icon, with a blank name, or ones that you didn't intentionally install. Viruses are often disguised as system services, for example, “Update Service” or “Wi-Fi Tool”.
If standard removal is not possible (the button is inactive), check the device administrator rights. Go to Settings → Security → Device administrators and uncheck the suspicious application. You can then remove it as usual. In difficult cases, you may need to boot your smartphone in safe mode by holding the power button on the lock screen.
- 🔍 Pay attention to the application installation date - viruses often appear after downloading content from unverified sources.
- 🚫 Check the list applications with the "On top of other windows" right in Accessibility and revoke it for all suspicious apps.
- 🧹 Use anti-virus scanners, such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light, for a deep scan of the file system.
Infection prevention involves not installing APK files from forums and file sharing services. Use only the official store Google Playwhere applications are pre-checked for malicious code, although this does not give a 100% guarantee.
Radical measures: Reset and flashing
If none of the software methods helped eliminate advertising, and the device continues to work unstable, the system files may have been critically damaged or an irreparable adware module has been built into the manufacturer’s firmware. In such a situation, the only effective solution is a complete factory reset or installing custom firmware.
Before performing a Hard Reset, be sure to create a backup copy of all important data, including contacts, photos and documents, as this procedure will completely clear the internal memory of the smartphone. The process is initiated through the Recovery Mode menu, which is called up by a combination of the volume and power keys when the device is turned off.
For advanced users whose devices have an unlocked bootloader, the best option would be to install custom firmware, for example LineageOS. Such assemblies are based on pure Android (AOSP) and are completely devoid of pre-installed adware from manufacturers (MIUI, EMUI and others). This will not only remove advertising, but will also extend the life of the device, since custom firmware often receives security updates longer than official ones.
However, it is worth remembering that low-level intervention in the software carries risks. Incorrect flashing can turn a smartphone into a “brick” that cannot be restored without special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: The Recovery and Fastboot menu interfaces differ depending on the smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel). Before starting the procedure, find the exact instructions for your specific model on the specialized forum so as not to cause irreparable harm to the device.
Installing clean firmware without manufacturer's shells is the only way to guarantee the removal of system advertising built into the device firmware.
Is it possible block advertising on YouTube on Android 8 without ROOT?
This cannot be done using official methods, since advertising is built into the server part of the service. However, there are modified clients, such as YouTube ReVanced (or its predecessor Vanced), which allow you to watch videos without unnecessary water. Installing such applications requires manually downloading the APK and installing micro-G services.
Why did the Internet become slower after installing the blocker?
The local VPN filter checks every network request, which creates a slight delay. Additionally, if your filter lists are too large or your device has a weak processor, it may take longer to process packets. Try disabling unnecessary filter lists in the application settings.
Is it safe to use free apps to block ads?
Not all free apps are safe. Some of them may collect your browsing data or display their own advertisements. It is recommended to use open source solutions or products from well-known vendors such as AdGuard or Blokada, downloading them from official websites.
Does blocking ads affect the operation of sites with donations?
Yes, blockers can hide donation buttons or partner banners, which are a source of income for content authors. Many filters allow you to temporarily disable protection for specific sites to support their developers.