Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the leisure time of millions of users, but free projects often turn into a test of patience due to intrusive banners and full-screen videos. Advertising in games can appear at the most inopportune moments, interrupting the gameplay and reducing the performance of the device. For many gamers, the question of how to effectively block these elements becomes critical for the comfortable use of a smartphone.
There are many ways to solve this problem: from simple changes in network settings to installing specialized software. Each method has its own characteristics, level of complexity and effectiveness, depending on the version Android and the specific game client. In this article, we will analyze in detail working action algorithms that will help you clear your screen of excess visual noise without the need to obtain root access.
Using private DNS to filter traffic
The most modern and safe way to combat advertising is to use the function Private DNS (private DNS) built into Android 9 and newer. This method does not require the installation of third-party applications and works at the system level, redirecting requests to ad servers to “nowhere”. To activate, you need to go to the network settings of your device.
Find the section Connections or Network and Internet, then select Other connection settings. In the menu that opens, find the line Private DNS service and switch the mode to the “DNS Provider Hostname” position. In the input field you must enter the address of a special filter, for example: dns.adguard.com. After saving, the smartphone will begin to automatically block requests to known advertising domains.
This method is especially effective for banner advertising and pre-rolls in free applications. However, it is worth considering that some game developers use the same domains to collect analytics or download in-game assets. If, after enabling this function, the game stops loading levels or crashes, try temporarily disabling the filter.
- 🚀 The method works systematically and does not require the constant launch of additional apps.
- 🛡️ Increases security by blocking not only advertising, but also tracking trackers.
- ⚡ Does not consume additional charge batteries, since filtering occurs at the level of DNS requests.
⚠️ Attention: The Private DNS function is only available on Android 9 (Pie) and higher. If you have an older version of the system, this method will not work, and you will have to look for alternatives.
Specialized blocker applications
If the built-in system tools are not enough, powerful utilities that create a local one come to the rescue data-i="62">on the device. The leader in this niche is the application VPN tunnel on the device. The leader in this niche is the application AdGuardthat filters all incoming and outgoing traffic. The principle of operation is to create a virtual network interface through which all data passes before being sent to the Internet.
After installation and provision of the necessary permissions, the app will prompt you to select filters. For games, it is recommended to activate the “Filter for Android applications” and “Mobile advertising”. In the settings, you can also enable HTTPS filtering, which will require installing a security certificate, but will allow you to cut out advertising even inside encrypted game traffic.
An alternative to paid solutions can be free, open-source analogues, such as Blokada. They work on a similar principle, using blocklists that are regularly updated by the community.
☑️ Setting up a blocker
Some games may (detect) the presence of an active VPN connection and refuse to launch, considering this a violation of the terms of use or an attempt to cheat. In such cases, you should add the game to the list of exceptions in the blocker settings or use the DNS method described above.
Developer settings and limiting background activity
For advanced users, it is possible to limit the ability of games to load advertising content through the developer menu. This method does not block ads completely, but can significantly reduce the number of them, especially those that are loaded in the background. To gain access, you need to go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number.
After activating the developer menu, go to the new section and find the item Background processes limit. Set to "No more than 1 process" or "No background processes". This will cause the system to aggressively unload game services from memory when you minimize the game or switch to another application, which often interrupts the banner ad loading process.
Also in this menu you should pay attention to the settings animations. Disabling window animation, transition animation, and animator duration will make the interface more responsive. While this does not directly remove ads, it does shorten the wait between closing the ad and returning to gameplay.
⚠️ Attention: Limiting background processes too aggressively can cause the game to reload every time it is minimized, losing progress if it does not support cloud saving.
Before changing the developer settings, write down the original parameter values on paper or take a screenshot, so that in case of problems you can return everything as it was.
Airplane mode as a radical solution
The simplest, but also the most limiting way to get rid of advertising is to completely turn off the Internet. Most mobile games are divided into two types: online projects that require a constant connection, and offline games where the network is only needed to display ads or synchronize. For the second category, turning on airplane mode is the ideal solution.
Before starting your favorite arcade or puzzle game, simply swipe the notification shade and activate the airplane icon. The game will launch in an isolated environment, and the advertising module simply will not be able to connect to the server to receive the banner. You will be able to enjoy the gameplay without interruption until you decide to go online.
However, this method has a significant drawback: you will not be able to receive notifications from instant messengers, calls or use the navigator while the mode is active. In addition, some games with “energy” elements or daily bonuses may not count towards receiving them without connecting to the server.
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Impact on battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private DNS | High | Low | Absent |
| Applications (AdGuard) | Maximum | Average | Average |
| Airplane mode | 100% (for offline) | Minimum | Positive |
| Developer settings | Low | High | Minor |
Purchase of the full version and in-game disables
The most honest and reliable way to support developers and get rid of advertising is to purchase the full version of the application or in-game currency. Many studios offer the option No Ads (No excess water) for a small one-time fee. This not only removes banners, but also often opens up access to additional content.
In some cases, advertising is integrated so deeply that third-party blockers cannot cut it out without disrupting the game mechanics. For example, watching a video may be a requirement to receive a double reward. In such situations, purchasing premium access is the only legal option.
Check game descriptions in Google Play. Often developers indicate the presence of in-app purchases directly in the product card. If you see the “Ads included” flag, the free version is likely to be full of promotional materials and you should consider upgrading to a paid plan.
⚠️ Attention: Purchasing in-game items or disabling advertising is usually tied to your Google account. Make sure you are logged into the correct profile before paying so as not to lose your purchase when you change device.
What to do if advertising appears after an update?
Often developers change advertising networks after updates. If the old method no longer works, try clearing the application cache in your phone settings or reinstalling the blocker with updated filters.
Risk analysis and data security
When using third-party ad blocking software, it is important to keep your privacy in mind. Free blockers from unknown sources can collect data about your activity and sell it to third parties. Always download such utilities only from official stores or from trusted developer sites, such as GitHub.
root access give maximum control over the system and allow you to cut out advertising at the hosts file level, but receiving them will void the device warranty and can make the phone vulnerable to viruses. For the average user, the risk of obtaining Root access often outweighs the benefits of completely blocking ads.
Be careful with applications that promise to “hack” the game and remove ads for free. In 99% of cases, such files contain malicious code, miners or spyware. It is safer to use legal methods of traffic filtering than to risk the security of your banking data and passwords.
The golden rule of security: if an ad blocking tool requires strange permissions (access to contacts, microphone), it is better not to use it.
Regularly update the filtering lists in your blockers. Advertising networks are constantly changing domain names, and old databases are no longer effective. Current filters are the key to a clean screen in your favorite games.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does blocking ads affect progress in the game?
In most cases, no. Progress is saved locally or on the game server, regardless of banners being displayed. However, if the game requires viewing ads to receive in-game currency or lives, the blocker will prevent receiving these bonuses, since the server will not register the fact of viewing.
Why did the game start to run slower after installing the blocker?
This may be due to the creation of a VPN tunnel, which adds a slight delay when processing network requests. Also, some games may try to repeatedly reconnect to blocked ad servers, creating a load on the processor. Try adding the game to exceptions.
Is it possible to remove advertising in online shooters like PUBG or Call of Duty?
In full-fledged online multiplayer projects, there is usually no advertising as such, since all traffic goes to the game servers. Banners are rare there. If we are talking about pop-ups in the lobby menu, then DNS filtering can help, but there is a risk of getting a ban for modifying the client.
Do you need to pay to use Private DNS?
No, the function is completely free and built into the Android operating system. You only pay for Internet traffic to your operator. Using public DNS servers (for example, from AdGuard or Google) also does not require a subscription fee.
Are DNS settings reset after rebooting the phone?
No, the entered DNS provider hostname is saved in the system permanently. It will remain in effect until you manually switch the setting back to Auto mode or delete the recorded address.