Advertising in the browser Opera on Android can irritate even the most patient users: pop-up banners, integrated blocks in the start page, advertising notifications and “recommended content” in the news feed. The manufacturer positions these elements as “personalized offers,” but in practice they often interfere with comfortable surfing, slow down page loading and eat up traffic. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce or completely remove advertising - from standard settings to using third-party tools.

In this article we will look at 5 working methodsincluding hidden settings Opera, blocking through DNS, alternative browsers and even modified versions of the application. Important: some methods may conflict with policy Google Play or require additional permissions. We will indicate all the nuances and risks so that you can choose the best option without harm to the device.

If you use Opera Mini or Opera GX the principles will be similar, but adjusted for the features of these versions. For owners of devices with root access we will add a bonus section with advanced features. Let's start with the simplest and safest solutions!

1. Disabling advertising in Opera's standard settings

The first step is to check the built-in browser options. Opera allows you to partially control ad impressions through the settings menu. This method will not remove all banners (especially contextual ones), but will reduce their number and disable the most intrusive elements.

How to do it:

  • 📱 Open the browser and click on the icon profile (or "☰" in older versions) in the lower right corner.
  • ⚙️ Go to Settings → Advertising and content (in some versions the path may differ: Settings → Advanced → Advertising).
  • 🔘 Disable the sliders:
    • Personalized advertising (uses data about your interests)
    • Recommended content (blocks on the start page)
    • Notifications from Opera (push advertising)
  • 🔄 Restart the browser for the changes to take effect.

⚠️ Attention: After disabling these options, some advertising will still be shown - for example, banners in search results or on partner sites. that Opera uses Google services for monetization. To remove them, additional measures will be required (see the following sections).

Disable "Personalized advertising"|Turn off "Recommended content"|Block notifications from Opera|Restart the browser-->

If your version Opera does not have the "Advertising and content" item, then the developers have hidden it in the latest updates. In this case, proceed to the next method.

2. Using the built-in ad blocker

Opera has its own ad blocker, but by default it works selectively - only on some sites. To activate it fully, you need to enable the function manually and configure filters.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Ad blocker.
  2. Activate the slider "Block advertising".
  3. Select the filtering level:
    • 🛡️ Standard — blocks basic banners, but lets through “acceptable” advertising.
    • 🔒 Strict — removes most advertising, but may break the layout of some sites.
  • In the section Exceptions add sites where the blocker interferes with work (for example, vk.com or youtube.com).

    • Important: even in “strict” mode the blocker Opera does not remove advertising in search results and on some partner resources. For complete cleaning, you will need third-party software.

    Standard|Strict|I don’t use|Other-->

    If, after turning on the blocker, sites begin to work incorrectly (buttons do not load, content disappears), try:

    • 🔄 Switch to "Standard" mode.
    • ➕ Add the problematic site to exceptions.
    • 📥 Update the list of filters (button Update in the blocker settings).

    3. Blocking ads via DNS (without root)

    One of the most effective ways is to redirect advertising domains to “empty” DNS serversThis does not require root and works at the network level, blocking ads in all browsers and applications. Minus: may slow down page loading slightly (by 5–10%).

    How to configure:

    1. Go to Android Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
    2. Select Private DNS hostname and enter one of the addresses:
      • dns.adguard.com (filters advertising and trackers)
      • family.adguard-dns.com (blocks ads + 18+ content)
      • doh.centraleu.pi-dns.com (alternative server)
  • Save the settings and reboot the device.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can ignore user DNS in their networks. In this case, the method will not work. You can check the current one through applications like DNS You can use apps like DNS Checker.

    DNS server What blocks Speed Cons
    dns.adguard.com Advertising, trackers, phishing ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sometimes blocks legitimate services
    family.adguard-dns.com Advertising + 18+ content ⭐⭐⭐ May limit access to some sites
    doh.centraleu.pi-dns.com Advertising, analytics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fewer filters than AdGuard

    If after the change DNS some sites stopped opening (for example, VKontakte or Tinkoff), return the default settings or try another server.

    4. Installing a modified version of Opera (without unnecessary water)

    There are unofficial builds Operafrom which advertising modules and telemetry have been removed. The most popular options:

    • 🛠️ Opera Mod —version with disabled advertising SDKs and optimized memory consumption.
    • 🚀 Opera GX Mobile (modified) —aimed at gamers, but suitable for regular surfing.
    • 🔒 Opera Touch without unnecessary water —a simplified browser with a minimalistic interface.

    ⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial assemblies has risks:

    • 🔍 Possibility embedded malicious code (download only from trusted sources, for example 4PDA or XDA Developers).
    • 🔄 Lack of automatic updates (you will have to monitor new versions manually).
    • 📵 Risk of account blocking Google when using pirated modifications.

    How to install:

    1. Download .apkfile of the modified version (for example, from 4PDA).
    2. B Android Settings allow installation from unknown sources (Security → Unknown sources).
    3. Install the file and launch the browser.
    4. When you first start, refuse synchronization with your account Operato avoid the restoration of advertising settings.
    Where to download safe modified versions?

    The most reliable sources are thematic forums like 4PDA (section "apps for Android") or XDA DevelopersLook for topics with high ratings and positive reviews. Avoid sites. like apkpure.com or apkmirror.com - there are often fakes with viruses. Before installation, check the file hash (MD5) through services like VirusTotal.

    If you are afraid of the risks of unofficial builds, consider the following method - switching to alternative open source browsers.

    5. Switching to browsers without unnecessary water (alternatives to Opera)

    If the fight against advertising in Opera seems too difficult, it is easier to change the browser. There are completely free analogues without built-in advertising and with open source code:

    Browser Pros Cons Link (Google Play)
    Bromite Built-in AdBlock, fingerprint protection, fast No synchronization with Google account Available on GitHub
    Kiwi Browser Support for Chrome extensions, ad blocker Closed source Play Market
    Firefox Focus Automatic blocking of trackers, minimalistic design No history and bookmarks Play Market
    Brave Built-in blocker, rewards for viewing “acceptable” advertising Own cryptocurrency ecosystem (can load the system) Play Market

    💡 Tip: If bookmark synchronization is important to you, select Kiwi Browser or Brave. Suitable for maximum privacy Bromite (but it must be installed manually via .apk).

    How to transfer data from Opera to a new browser:

    • 🔗 Export bookmarks via Settings → Import/Export to Opera (save the file .html).
    • 📁 In a new browser, import this file through a similar menu.
    • 🔑 If you used synchronization via account Opera, transfer logins/passwords manually (or through a password manager like Bitwarden).
    💡

    Before deleting Opera, clear its cache in the Android settings (Settings → Applications → Opera → Memory → Clear cache). This will delete temporary files of advertising modules.

    6. Advanced methods (for users with root)

    If your device has root access, you can completely remove adware from Opera at the system level. This method requires caution -. incorrect actions can lead to application crash.

    Instructions:

    1. Install a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
    2. Go to the path: 
      /data/data/com.opera.browser/app_opera/

      or (for Opera Mini):

      /data/data/com.opera.mini.native/app_opera/
    3. Delete the following files (make a backup copy!):
      • adblock.bundle (if any)
      • promo_* (all files with this prefix)
      • native_ads_config.json
  • Restart the browser.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files Opera may lead to:

    • 🔴 Application crash on startup (if critical libraries are removed).
    • 🔄 Loss of functionality (for example, turbo mode will stop working).
    • 📵 Automatic file recovery after updating the browser.

    We recommend that you first test the method on a system backup or in an emulator.

    An alternative method for rootusers is to freeze advertising services through Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher. Freeze processes with names:

    • com.opera.ads
    • com.opera.promo
    • com.google.android.gms.ads (if you do not use other applications with advertising)

    💡

    Methods with root give maximum control over advertising, but require technical skills. For most users, a combination of DNS + an alternative browser is enough.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing ads in Opera

    🔍 Why do ads still appear after disabling the settings?

    Opera uses two types of advertising: its own (on the start page) and third-party (in search results and on websites). Built-in settings disable only the first type. To block the second one, you need DNS or third party blockers.

    📵 Is it possible to remove ads without root and third-party apps?

    Yes, but not completely. built-in blocker (Settings → Ad blocker → Strict mode) + change DNS (dns.adguard.com) will reduce advertising by 70–80%. The remaining 20% are contextual banners in search, which are blocked only through alternative browsers.

    🛡️ Is it safe to use modified versions of Opera?

    The risks depend on the source. Builds with 4PDA or XDA are usually verified by the community, but may still contain vulnerabilities. The main dangers:

    • 🕵️ Injected spyware (if downloaded from dubious sites).
    • 🔄 Lack of security updates.
    • 📵 Google account blocking when using pirated modifications.

    We recommend using official browsers with blockers (for example, Bromite or Brave).

    🔄 After updating Opera, advertising returned. What to do?

    Updates often reset settings. To avoid this:

    1. Disable automatic update Opera v Google Play.
    2. Use DNS filtering —it works regardless of the browser version.
    3. If you use a modified version, follow the updates on the forum, where it downloaded.

    📱 Is there a way to remove ads in Opera Mini?

    There are fewer settings, but the methods are similar: Opera Mini There are fewer settings, but the methods are similar:

    • Disable Personalized advertising in the settings.
    • Use DNSfiltering (dns.adguard.com).
    • Install a modified version (for example, Opera Mini Mod c 4PDA).

    Remove advertising completely in Opera Mini more difficult due to the peculiarities of traffic compression on servers Opera.

    If none of the methods help, consider abandoning Opera here in favor of open source browsers. Modern alternatives (for example, Bromite or Firefox Focus) offer similar functionality without intrusive advertising.