Ad blockers seem to AdBlock save traffic and protect against annoying banners, but sometimes you have to disable them. For example, when a site requires you to turn off the ad block to access content, or when advertising is needed to support your favorite authors. On Android s Google Chrome this is done differently than on a computer - there is no usual extension icon in the toolbar, and the settings are hidden deeper.

In this article we will look at all current methods for disabling AdBlock in Chrome for Android: from standard browser settings to working with system parameters. We will pay special attention to the nuances that depend on the version Chrome (from 120 and newer), the type of blocker (extension or system DNS) and smartphone model. If you use Samsung Internet, Yandex Browser or other shells, the instructions may differ, but the basic principles will remain the same.

We will warn you in advance: some methods require superuser rights (root), and their incorrect use may disrupt the operation of the browser. Therefore, we have separately highlighted safe methods (90% of users will do) and advanced —for those who are ready to experiment.

1. Disabling AdBlock as an extension in Chrome

If you installed AdBlock via Google Play (for example, AdBlock Plus or uBlock Origin), then it works as a separate application, and not as a built-in extension. In Chrome for Android there is no support for classic extensions (unlike the desktop version), so the blocker is integrated at the system level. However, some shells (for example Kiwi Browser or Chrome with the #enable-extensions flag) allow you to install addons.

To disable AdBlock as extension:

  • 📱 Open Chrome and enter chrome://extensionsin the address bar. If the page does not open, your browser does not support extensions, proceed to the next method.
  • 🔍 Find AdBlock (or a similar blocker) in the list and move the slider to Off..
  • 🔄 Restart the browser for the changes to take effect strength. Sometimes you need to clear the cache (Settings → Privacy → Clear data).

If the section chrome://extensions is missing, then extensions are disabled at the system level. In this case, try:

  • 🔧 Enter in the address line chrome://flags/#extensions and enable the flag Extensions (if it exists).
  • 🛠️ Use alternative browsers like Kiwi Browser or Firefox, where extensions work stably.
📊 Which ad blocker do you use?
AdBlock Plus
uBlock Origin
AdGuard
Other
I don’t use
⚠️ Attention: Since 2023 Google restricts the operation of extensions in Chrome for Android for security reasons. Even if you managed to enable the flag #enable-extensions, blockers may work unstable or not start at all on new browser versions (120+).

2. Disabling AdBlock as a system application

Many blockers (for example, AdGuard or Blokada) are installed as VPN applications or local proxies. They filter traffic at the system level, so it is impossible to disable them through settings. In this case, you need: Chrome impossible. In this case you need:

  1. 📲 Go to Android Settings → Applications.
  2. 🔍 Find in the list AdBlock (or a similar application).
  3. 🛑 Press Stop (Force Stop) and disable autorun.
  4. 🔗 If the application works as a VPN, go to Settings → Network and Internet → VPN and remove it from there.

Some blockers (for example, DNS66) change DNS servers at the system level. To return the default settings:

  • 🌐 Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
  • 🔄 Select Automatic or enter DNS from Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4).
Blocker type Where to disable Additional actions
Extension in Chrome chrome://extensions Clear browser cache
VPN application (AdGuard, Blokada) Settings → Applications Delete from VPN section
Local proxy (DNS66, RethinkDNS) Settings → Network → Private DNS Reset network settings
System host file (requires root) /system/etc/hosts Restore original file
⚠️ Attention: If after disabling AdBlock sites still do not load or show the error “Enable JavaScript”, try resetting the settings Chrome to factory settings: Settings → System → Reset settings. This will delete all saved passwords and bookmarks!

3. Disabling built-in ad blocking in Chrome

Since 2020 Google Chrome has built-in blocking of intrusive advertising (function Lite Mode or Saving traffic). It does not remove all ads, but it may conflict with AdBlock or interfere with viewing content. To disable it:

  • ⚙️ Open Chrome and go to Settings → Lite Mode (or Traffic saving).
  • 🔘 Disable the slider Traffic saving.
  • 🔄 Restart the browser.

If this mode was enabled, after disabling it, some ads will begin to be displayed even without additional blockers. However, this will not replace a full-fledged AdBlock - the built-in function only works with the most intrusive banners.

💡

To check whether Chrome blocks ads on its own, open chrome://settings/content/adsHere you can manually configure which types of advertising are allowed and which ones. - no.

4. Advanced methods: disabling via the host file and root

Some blockers (for example, AdAway) edit the system file /system/etc/hosts, adding lists of advertising domains to it. If you have root access, you can:

  1. 📁 Open file /system/etc/hosts via Root Explorer or Termux.
  2. 🔍 Delete all lines starting with 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0if they belong to advertising domains.
  3. 💾 Save the file and reboot the device.

You cannot edit without root access, but you can reset it via hosts you can't, but you can reset it through ADB (PC connection required):

adb shell

su


mount -o rw,remount /system


cat /system/etc/hosts.original > /system/etc/hosts


mount -o ro,remount /system

This method is only suitable for experienced users! Incorrect editing hosts can lead to loss of Internet access or application failures.

What happens if you delete hosts completely?

The hosts file is critical for the operation of the network. Removing it will cause the device to be unable to resolve domain names (for example, google.com will not be resolved to an IP address). You can restore it only through firmware or manually creating a new file with basic records.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI (Xiaomi), ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) or One UI (Samsung) editing hosts can only work until the first reboot. Manufacturers often reset this file to “protect the system.”

5. Alternative methods: temporary disabling for specific sites

If you need to disable AdBlock on only one site (for example, to support a blog or forum), you can use white list. Most blockers allow you to add exceptions:

  • 🌍 Open the problematic site in Chrome.
  • 🔧 Click on the AdBlock icon in the notification panel (if there is one) and select Disable on this site.
  • 🔄 Refresh the page - the advertisement should appear.

If there is no icon, try:

  • 📱 Open a blocker application (for example, AdGuard) and manually add the domain to Exceptions.
  • 🔗 To Chrome go to chrome://settings/content/siteDetails?site=[URL], replacing [URL] with the site address (for example, https://example.com). Here you can configure permissions for a specific domain.

Some blockers (for example, Blokada) allow you to create schedules for example, disable filtering for 1 hour. This is convenient if you need to temporarily allow advertising to complete a captcha or pay for services.

Open a site with test advertising (for example, https://d3ward.github.io/toolz/adblock.html)

Check whether banners are displayed

Clear the Chrome cache (Settings → Privacy → Clear data)

Reboot the device (if the changes are not applied)

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6. What to do if AdBlock does not turn off?

If you have completed all the steps, but advertising is still blocked, check:

  • 🔄 DNS cache: type in Chrome chrome://net-internals/#dns and click Clear host cache.
  • 📡 Network settings: reset them in Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  • 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall: Some applications (for example Avast or Kaspersky) have built-in ad blocking.
  • 📱 Device firmware: on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) blockers can be pre-installed.

If the problem persists, try alternative browser (for example, Firefox or Samsung Internet), where AdBlock settings are reset separately. Also check if additional modules sort of Tampermonkey with custom scripts for blocking content.

On devices with Android 13+ and Chrome 120+, some blockers may conflict with the new one Google traffic policy. If AdBlock does not turn off even after deleting the application, try rolling back Chrome to version 115–119 via APK or using a Chromium-based browser (for example, Kiwi Browser).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling AdBlock in Chrome on Android

❓ Why after disabling AdBlock advertising still does not appear is shown?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔄 Browser cache is not cleared (try Settings → Privacy → Clear data).
  • 📡 An alternative DNS is used (for example, 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare blocks advertising at the server level).
  • 🛡️ The device firmware has a built-in blocker (relevant for MIUI or ColorOS).

Try opening the site in incognito mode —if advertising appears, the problem is in the settings of the main Chrome profile.

❓ Is it possible to disable AdBlock only for YouTube?

Yes, if your blocker supports white lists:

  1. Open the AdBlock application (for example, AdGuard).
  2. Go to section Exceptions or White list.
  3. Add domains youtube.com and googlevideo.com.
  4. Restart Chrome.

For YouTube Premium blockers are not needed - a subscription disables advertising at the service level.

❓ How to find out which blocker it is installed?

Check the following places:

  • 📱 Settings → Applications — look AdBlock, AdGuard, Blokada etc.
  • 🔗 Settings → Network and Internet → VPN —there may be blockers that work like VPNs.
  • 🌐 chrome://extensions —if you have you have a custom Chrome with support for extensions.

Also try opening chrome://settings/content/ads —if there are active settings here, then blocking is built into Chrome.

❓ Why did AdBlock stop working after updating Chrome?

Since 2023 Google tightens the policy regarding ad blockers in Chrome for Android:

  • 🔧 Disables support for extensions in the standard build.
  • 🛡️ Blocks modification hosts without root on new versions Android.
  • 📡 Limits the operation of VPN blockers in the background.

Solutions:

  • Use alternative browsers (Kiwi Browser, Firefox).
  • Install a blocker at the router level (for example, Pi-hole).
  • Roll back to an older version of Chrome (but it's not safe!).
❓ Is it safe to remove AdBlock via root?

Deleting or editing system files (for example hosts) using root may lead to to:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (manufacturers consider root a hack).
  • 🔄 Unstable operation of the system (if critical files are edited incorrectly).
  • 🛡️ Security problems (root opens access to the system for malicious Software).

If you are an inexperienced user, it is better to use secure methods (disabling through application settings or resetting DNS).