Mobile games are a great way to relax, but a suddenly pop-up banner or video can completely ruin the entire gaming experience. Developers often use aggressive monetization methods, forcing users to watch advertisements every few minutes. This is not only annoying, but also wastes precious traffic, and also reduces performance smartphone due to background loading of content.
Fortunately, the Android operating system provides quite flexible tools to combat this phenomenon. There are both standard methods that do not require the installation of additional software, and more advanced methods that involve setting network parameters. The choice of a specific method depends on your technical background and the version of the operating system installed on the device.
In this article we will analyze the most effective and safe methods that will help you get rid of ads. We'll look at DNS settings, working with application permissions, and using specialized blockers that don't require superuser rights.
Use private DNS to block ads
The most effective and modern method, which works at the level of the entire operating system, is to use the “Private DNS” function. This method is available on Android 9 and later and allows you to redirect all DNS requests through a server that automatically filters and blocks ad network domains. You do not need to install any applications, and battery consumption is minimal.
To activate, you need to go to the network settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, but it is usually located in the Settings → Connections → Other connection settingssection. Here you need to select the “Private DNS” option and switch it to the “DNS Provider Hostname” mode.
In the field that appears, you must enter the address of a special server. The most popular and reliable solution is the AdGuard DNS service. Enter the following address in the field: dns.adguard.com. After saving the settings, the system will begin to block requests to known advertising servers, which will make games and the browser much cleaner.
⚠️ Attention: Using third-party DNS servers may slightly increase the ping in online games. If you notice lags in online shooters, try temporarily disabling this feature or choosing a different server.
It is important to understand that this method blocks ads in the browser and most applications, but some games may stop launching or show connection errors if they are strictly tied to advertising SDKs. In this case, the settings will have to be returned to their original state.
Before changing DNS settings, take a screenshot of the current settings to quickly return everything as it was in case of problems with the Internet.
Disabling personalized advertising on Google
Although this step will not remove advertising completely, it will significantly reduce its intrusiveness and the amount of data collected about you. Google allows users to manage their advertising preferences by resetting the ID or turning off personalization entirely. This makes ad impressions less sticky and tied to your behavior.
To access these settings, open the Google app on your device and go to your account settings. You need to find the item related to advertising. In modern versions of Android, the path looks like this: Settings → Google → Advertising. Here you will see a switch “Turn off ad personalization.”
The option to reset the Advertising ID is also available in this menu. Regularly resetting this code breaks the connection between your in-game activities and advertising profiles. This is especially useful if you notice that advertising has become too precise and scary.
- 📱 Personalization allows you to show relevant ads, but it intrudes.
- 🔄 Resetting the ID resets the profile accumulated by advertisers.
- 🚫 Disabling personalization does not remove advertising, but makes it random.
After making changes, it is recommended to restart the device so that the new settings take effect in all system services. This is the basic level of protection that should be configured for every user.
Setting restrictions on background activity of applications
Many free games and utilities continue to run in the background even after you close them. It is at these moments that they can download advertising modules that pop up on top of other windows or when the screen is unlocked. Limiting background activity is an effective way to prevent this behavior.
To manage this setting, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications. Find the game or application that is abusing ads in the list and click on it. In the menu that opens, select “Mobile data and Wi-Fi” or “Data usage.”
Here you need to disable the “Background mode” or “Background data transfer” option. After this, the application will be able to access the Internet only when it is open on the screen. This will also have a positive effect on autonomy your gadget.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling background data may disrupt the operation of notifications from instant messengers or social networks if you apply this setting to them. Be selective and apply the method only to games and suspicious utilities.
On some Xiaomi or Huawei smartphones, this item may be called “Autorun” or located in the “Battery” section. The principle of operation remains the same: we prohibit the code from executing without your direct participation.
Using local blockers without root access
If system settings are not enough, specialized blocker applications come to the rescue. Unlike the DNS method, they work locally on the device, creating a virtual network interface and filtering traffic using internal rule bases. One of the most popular and proven solutions is AdGuard (version from the official website, not from the Play Market) or Blokada.
When installing such an application, the system will ask for permission to create a VPN connection. Don't be alarmed, there is no real VPN server used here; the application simply intercepts data packets for analysis. After activating the blocker, a key or VPN icon will appear in the status bar.
The effectiveness of such apps is higher than that of DNS filters, since they can cut out advertising elements inside HTTPS traffic and block trackers that DNS can miss. However, they consume more processor resources.
| Blocking method | Configuration complexity | Impact on battery | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private DNS | Low | Minimum | Medium |
| Local blocker | Medium | Average | High |
| Disable background data | Low | Positive | Low |
| Airplane mode (offline) | Minimum | Maximum | 100% (offline) |
When choosing a blocker, pay attention to the ability to update filters. The database of advertising domains is constantly changing, and without regular updates, the effectiveness of the app will decrease.
☑️ Checking the effectiveness of blocking
Airplane mode as a radical solution
The simplest, but also the most limiting way to remove advertising is to completely turn off the Internet. If the game does not require a constant online connection for gameplay (such as chess or solitaire), turning on airplane mode guarantees a complete absence of advertising.
The essence of the method is simple: without a network connection, the application physically cannot load an advertising banner or video. Often games cache ads in advance, but if there is no network, the countdown timer either does not start, or the “Close” button appears instantly.
This method is ideal for long trips on the subway or plane, where there is no connection anyway. You can easily progress through levels without fear of sudden interruptions. However, this option, of course, is not suitable for online projects.
⚠️ Attention: In some games, progress or achievements may not be saved in the absence of the Internet. Make sure that the game supports offline mode before turning off the network.
You can use a trick: turn on airplane mode before starting the game, and if the game requires a license check at startup, try to launch it by quickly turning off the Internet at the time of checking (the method does not work on all devices).
Analyzing permissions and removing malicious software
Sometimes advertisements pop up not from the game, but from a hidden malicious application that you may have accidentally installed along with some “flashlight” or “cleaner”. Such apps are disguised as system processes or do not have an icon on the desktop, but actively show pop-up windows.
To identify the culprit, go to Settings → Applications. Study the list carefully. Look for apps that don't have a name, have a blank icon, or ones you don't remember installing. Pay special attention to access rights.
Click on the suspicious application and select “Permissions”. If a simple calculator or puzzle game requires access to contacts, location and phone number, this is a sure sign of spyware. Such an application must be removed immediately.
- 🕵️ Look for applications with the name “System Service”, “Update” without a logo.
- 🔒 Check who has the right to “Show on top of other windows”.
- 🗑️ Remove any software whose functionality was not included advertising.
For deep cleaning, you can use Google Play Protect, which is built into the application store. Run a scan so that the system itself finds known threats.
What to do if the application is not uninstalled?
If the delete button is inactive, then the application has device administrator rights. Go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators and uncheck the suspicious application. After that, it can be deleted in the standard way.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use third-party DNS to block ads?
Yes, using public DNS servers from well-known companies (like AdGuard or Cloudflare) is safe. They do not have access to the contents of your conversations or passwords, as they only work with addressing requests. However, you should not use unknown DNSs that promise to “speed up the Internet.”
Will ad blocking help save battery power?
Of course. Advertising is heavy content (video, animation, scripts) that is downloaded over the network and processed by the processor. By blocking advertising requests, you reduce the load on the CPU and communication module, which extends the operating time battery up to 15-20%.
Why do advertisements still appear in some games?
Some developers embed advertising so deep into the code games that regular filters do not see it, or use the same domains as game content. In such cases, the only thing that helps is buying a version “without unnecessary water” or searching for modified versions of games (which carries its own security risks).
Are root access needed to completely block ads?
In 95% of cases, modern methods (DNS, local VPN blockers) work without root access. Root is only needed to systemically block ads inside other applications at the hosts file level, but this is difficult and can disrupt banking applications.
The combination of private DNS and proper application permission management solves the advertising problem in most cases without the need for superuser rights.