Intrusive advertising on smartphones Android has become a real problem: it slows down the device, eats up traffic and distracts you from important matters. According to research, users on average see up to 200 advertising banners per day —and this is only in mobile applications! The situation is aggravated by the fact that advertising networks are becoming more and more aggressive: now they show full-screen videos with sound, pop-up notifications and even replace system dialogs.

Fortunately, there are several proven methods disable advertising on Android - from simple settings in the browser to deep cleaning of the system from advertising modules. In this article we will look at all current methods for 2026including those that work without rootrights and do not require the purchase of premium versions of blockers. Important: some solutions may conflict with policies Google Playso we will also explain how to bypass the restrictions legally.

1. Blocking ads in the browser: Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet

Let's start with the most obvious source of advertising - mobile browsers. Even if you don’t notice banners on sites, they are still load in the backgroundconsuming traffic and battery power. Fortunately, modern browsers offer built-in tools to combat this.

Ad blocking is implemented through the mechanism Google Chrome ad blocking is implemented through a mechanism Lite Mode (formerly “Traffic Saving”). It not only compresses data, but also filters some advertising elements. To activate it:

  1. Open Chrome and tap on the three dots in the upper right corner.
  2. Go to Settings → Lite Mode.
  3. Activate the switch and select option "Without excess water" (appeared in versions after 2026).

For deeper filtering, we recommend using browsers that support extensions, for example Firefox or Kiwi Browser. You can install popular blockers like uBlock Origin or AdGuard:

  • 🔍 In Firefox: Settings → Add-ons → Find "uBlock Origin"
  • 🛡️ In Kiwi Browser: supports extensions from Chrome Web Store (must be enabled in settings)
  • ⚡ V Samsung Internet: built-in blocker in Settings → Content blockers
📊 What browser are you using on Android?
Google Chrome
Samsung Internet
Firefox
Kiwi Browser
Other
⚠️ Attention: In 2026 Google tightened the policy regarding ad blockers in Chrome. Some extensions may stop working without warning. We recommend having a backup browser with an alternative engine (for example, Bromite).

2. Disabling personalized advertising in Google settings

Many people do not know that Google shows advertising not only in its services, but also in third-party applications through the system AdMob. This advertising is adjusted to your interests based on search history, location and activity in applications. Fortunately, personalization can be disabled:

Instructions for Android 12-15:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Advertising.
  2. Tap on "Disable personalized advertising".
  3. Confirm the action and restart the device.
  4. In the same menu, click "Reset advertising ID" - this will reset your profile for advertisers.

After these actions you will still see advertising, but it will become less targeted less intrusive. For example, instead of banners with products you recently searched for, random offers will be shown.

Action Effect Restrictions
Disable personalization Advertising becomes less relevant Does not block impressions completely
Reset advertising ID Resets the history for advertisers ID is restored after resetting the settings
Tracking limitation Prohibits the collection of activity data Not all applications comply with this rule

Additionally, we recommend disabling "Web and application activity" in account settings Google:

  1. Go to Settings → Google → Google account management → Data and privacy.
  2. Find the section "Setting up web and application activity" and disable saving history.
💡

If, after disabling personalization, advertising begins to appear more often, this is normal. Advertising networks compensate for the loss of targeting by increasing the number of impressions. After 1-2 weeks, the frequency will return to normal.

3. Removing built-in advertising in system applications

Many smartphone manufacturers (especially Xiaomi, Samsung and Realme) embed advertising directly into system utilities: calendar, weather, file manager and even in the settings menu. For example, in firmware MIUI banners may appear when connecting to Wi-Fi or opening a folder with photos.

Methods of fighting depend on the brand:

For Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco smartphones (MIUI 12-16):

  • 📱 Open Settings → About phone and tap on version MIUI 7 times to activate "Developer mode".
  • 🔧 Go back to Settings → Advanced → Accessibility → Developer Mode.
  • 🚫 Find the option "Disable MIUI ads" (in some versions called "Remove recommendations") and activate it.
  • 🔄 Restart the device.

For Samsung smartphones (One UI 4.0-6.0):

  • 📂 In the file manager My Files open the menu (three dots) → Settings → disable "Show recommendations".
  • 🌐 In the browser Samsung Internet go to Settings → Personal data → Disable personalized news.
  • 🛒 In the store Galaxy Store disable notifications: Settings → Notifications → App recommendations.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi after updating the firmware, advertising may return. You will have to repeat the disabling procedure or use alternative methods (see section 5).

Open "Security" → Check the "Recommendations" tab

Go to "Themes" → Disable "Advertising Banners"

Check "Calendar" for sponsorship events

Delete the "GetApps" application (if not used)

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4. Blocking ads at the DNS level: why it works better than ad blockers

One ​​of the most effective ways to disable advertising on Android is to redirect DNS requests through servers that filter advertising domains. Unlike browser blockers, this method works at the level of the entire systemincluding applications and games.

The most popular DNS for ad blocking:

  • 🛡️ AdGuard DNS: 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131 (blocks ads + trackers); data-i="164">Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS
  • 🔒 Cloudflare Family: 1.1.1.3 And 1.0.0.3 (blocks adult content + ads)
  • 🚀 NextDNS: Requires registration, but allows you to set up your own filters

How to change DNS to Android 10+:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
  2. Select "Private DNS provider hostname".
  3. Enter the address:
    • For AdGuard: dns.adguard.com
    • For NextDNS: your personal ID (for example, abc123.dns.nextdns.io)
  • Save and reboot the device.

    • Advantages of the method:

    • ✅ Works without root and additional applications
    • ✅ Does not affect performance
    • ✅ Blocks advertising in games and social networks
    ⚠️ Attention: Some banks and corporate applications may block access when using third-party DNS. In this case, add their domains to the white list in the settings of your DNS provider.
    How to check if DNS blocking is working?

    Open your browser and go to the test site https://dnsleaktest.com or https://adguard.com/adblock-test.html. If the blocking is working, you will see a message about blocked trackers and ads.

    5. Radical methods: removing advertising modules without root

    If standard methods do not help, you can take more radical measures - disabling system componentsresponsible for displaying advertising. This does not require superuser rights (root), but will require the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

    Warning: incorrect commands ADB can break the system. Make a backup copy of your data before you start!

    List of packages that are safe to disable (for most firmware):

    # Advertising in MIUI (Xiaomi)

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
    


    Advertising in One UI (Samsung)
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spage
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.reminder
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.mateagent
    


    Universal advertising modules
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms.ads
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending.ads

    Instructions for use ADB:

    1. Download Platform Tools from the site Android Developers.
    2. Connect your phone to the PC via USB, activate USB debugging in the developer settings.
    3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and enter the commands one at a time.
    4. Reboot the device.
    💡

    Disabling system packages via ADB is reversible! To get everything back, use the command pm install-existing with the same package name.

    For users who don't want to mess around with ADB, there is an alternative - application App Inspector (available in F-Droid). It allows you to find and disable advertising modules manually through a graphical interface.

    6. Alternative app stores: how to avoid advertising in games

    Most free games and applications in Google Play contain advertising, as this is the main source of income for developers. However, there are alternative stores where you can download modified versions of applications without unnecessary water (so-called "mods").

    Popular sources:

    • 📦 F-Droid: an open software catalog with an emphasis on privacy. There are no ads here by definition.
    • 🎮 Mobilism (forum): modified games with removed advertising (requires registration).
    • 🛡️ Aptoide: alternative store with the ability to block trackers.
    • 🔧 RevDL: specializes in “clean” versions of applications without unnecessary modules.

    Warnings:

    • ⚠️ Installing modified APKs may violate the terms of use of services (for example, Google Play Games).
    • ⚠️ Some "mods" contain malicious code. Always check files through VirusTotal.
    • ⚠️ Automatic updates will not work - you will have to track new versions manually.

    If you do not want to take risks, pay attention to open source applications. For example, instead of Google Maps you can use OsmAnd, and instead of YouTube — NewPipe (without excess water and with background playback).

    7. Physical ad blocking: VPN and firewall applications

    For those who are willing to sacrifice a small portion of Internet speed for the complete absence of advertising, specialized firewalls are suitable. intercept network requests and filter advertising domains on the fly. VPN services with built-in blocking or specialized firewalls. They intercept network requests and filter advertising domains on the fly.

    Best solutions in 2026:

    Application Type Advantages Disadvantages
    Blokada Local VPN Does not require root, open source May conflict with other VPNs
    NetGuard Firewall Blocks access to domains at the application level Requires root for complete control
    AdGuard VPN VPN + blocker High level of filtering, servers in 50+ countries Traffic limitation in the free version
    TrackerControl Firewall Specializes in blocking trackers Complex interface for beginners

    How to set up Blokada (the simplest option):

    1. Download the application from the official website (blokada.org) or from F-Droid.
    2. Start and allow the creation of a VPN connection.
    3. In the settings, select a blocking list: "Energy" (basic) or "Fennec" (advanced).
    4. Activate protection - now all advertising will be blocked at the level networks.
    ⚠️ Attention: Using a VPN may block some services (for example, banking applications or streaming platforms). In this case, add problematic applications to exceptions in the firewall settings.

    8. What to do if advertising returns: a permanent solution

    Many users are faced with the fact that after updating the system or applications, advertising appears again. This happens because:

    • 🔄 The smartphone manufacturer added new advertising modules to the firmware.
    • 📦 Applications updated their advertising SDKs (for example, from AdMob to AppLovin).
    • 📡 The DNS provider changed the rules filtering.

    To once and for all to get rid of advertising, we recommend combining several methods:

    1. Use DNS blocking (section 4) + firewall (section 7).
    2. Regularly check system applications for new advertising packages (section 5).
    3. Install alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS), if your smartphone is officially is supported.
    4. Use private versions of applications (for example, YouTube Vanced or Spotify Mod).

    For advanced users there is another option - obtaining root access and installation of system mods like Magisk + AdAway. This gives complete control over the device, but voids the warranty and can cause security problems (for example, failure to operate Google Pay or banking applications).

    💡

    The most reliable solution is a combination of DNS filtering + firewall + disabling personalization. This blocks 95% of advertising without risk to the system.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking ads on Android

    ❓ Why do some sites stop working after disabling advertising?

    Some resources (especially news and entertainment) detect the presence of an ad blocker and block access. Solution:

    • Add the site to the white list of your blocker.
    • Use a browser with the "Reading Mode" function (for example, Firefox).
    • Disable the blocker temporarily for a specific domain.
    ❓ Is it possible to disable advertising on YouTube without premium subscriptions?

    Yes, there are several ways:

    • Use an alternative client NewPipe or SkyTube (without unnecessary water and with background playback).
    • Install Vanced MicroG (modified YouTube with ad blocking).
    • Configure DNS filtering (section 4) - it blocks some advertising domains YouTube.

    Please note: using modified clients may violate the rules YouTube.

    ❓ Why did advertising appear again after resetting the settings?

    When resetting to factory settings:

    • All system applications are restored, including advertising modules.
    • Settings are reset Google, including disabled ad personalization.
    • Custom DNS and firewall rules are removed.

    Solution: After the reset, repeat all the steps from this article (especially sections 2, 4 and 5).

    ❓ How to block ads in games from Gameloft, Zynga and other publishers?

    Advertising in games is usually shown through an SDK like Unity Ads, AppLovin or IronSource. To block it:

    • Use DNS servers (section 4) - they block some advertising domains.
    • Install firewall (section 7) and deny access to the game to domains .unityads.unity3d.com, .applovin.com.
    • Download a modified version of the game (for example, from Mobilism), but be careful with viruses!

    In some games, advertising is built in at the code level, and blocking is possible only through root or patching APK.

    ❓ Is it legal to block ads on Android?

    From a legal point of view:

    • 🌍 In most countries (including Russia, EU, USA) blocking ads on a personal device is not prohibited.
    • ⚖️ However, bypassing a paid subscription (for example, blocking ads in YouTube Premium) may be considered a violation of the user agreement.
    • 📵 Some applications (especially banking) can block access when an ad blocker or VPN is detected.

    Recommendation: use blockers for personal purposes, but do not distribute modified versions of applications.