Advertising in VK on Android has become so intrusive that users are looking for ways to disable it using any methods - from standard settings to radical solutions like modified clients. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the social network actively monetizes mobile traffic: according to Lenta.ru for 2023, share of advertising in the feed VK increased by 40% compared to 2022. However, there are no official tools for its complete removal - only partial restrictions.

In this article we will analyze all current methods the fight against advertising: from legal (hiding posts, setting interests) to semi-legal (alternative clients, ADB-commands). We will pay special attention risks of account blocking when using unofficial methods —ignoring them may lead to loss of access to your profile. We will also analyze why some methods stopped working after updates VK in 2026 and what replaced them.

Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on the application version and region. For example, in European Union there are more stringent rules GDPRthat allow you to disable personalized advertising - this option is not available in the Russian version. VK. Therefore, some instructions may not work for you.

1. Official VK settings: what can be disabled without risks

Let's start with legal methods that do not violate the rules VK and do not require rights root. They won't remove advertising completely, but they will reduce the amount of advertising by 30-50%. All options are available in the official application VK for Android version 8.0+.

The first step is disabling personalized advertising. This method works even without authorization in your account:

  1. Open the application VK and go to Profile → Settings (gear) → Privacy.
  2. Scroll to the block "Advertising" and select Advertising settings.
  3. Disable the slider Personalized advertising.
  4. In the section Interests remove all topics (sports, technology, etc.) - this will reduce the number of targeted ads.

The second method is hiding advertising posts in the feed. Unfortunately, VK does not allow you to disable advertising en masse, but you can hide it one by one:

  • 📵 Click on the three dots (⋯) in the upper right corner of the advertising post.
  • 🚫 Select Hide post → This is an advertisement.
  • 🔍 In the window that appears, indicate the reason: Not interesting or Showed too often.

After this, the algorithms VK will show similar ads less often. However, the effect is temporary - advertising will return in 1-2 weeks.

⚠️ Attention: Hiding posts does not affect banners in Stories, advertising in chats and promotions in the section Games. These formats are removed only through unofficial methods.

The third legal method is using the web version of VK through a browser. The mobile version of the site m.vk.com has less advertising than in the application. To open it by default: Using the web version of VK log in.

  • 🌐 Install a browser that supports PWA (For example, Kiwi Browser or Chrome).
  • 🔗 Open m.vk.com and log in.
  • 📱 In the browser menu, select Install on home screen —this will create an icon like a regular application.

Disadvantage of this method: there are no notifications and some functions (for example, Stories in full screen mode).

📊 How often are you annoyed by advertising on VK?
Constantly
Sometimes
Nearby
Never

2. Kate Mobile, VKontakte Reborn and others

If the official settings do not help, users switch to unofficial clients modified versions VK with advertising disabled. The most popular:

  • 📱 Kate Mobile is the most famous alternative open source client. Can block ads, Stories, games and even videos in the feed. Supports Android 5.0+.
  • 🔄 VKontakte Reborn - fork Kate Mobile with additional functions (dark theme, interface customization).
  • 🚀 VK Mod - closed project with premium functions (downloading music, viewing hidden friends).

How to install Kate Mobile:

  1. Download APKfile with official website katemobile.ru (do not use third-party sources!).
  2. In the settings Android allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  3. Install application and log in.
  4. Go to Settings → Content filters and check the boxes:
    • 🚫 Hide ads
    • 🎭 Hide Stories
    • 🎮 Hide games

Client Ad blocking Additional functions Risks
Kate Mobile ✅ Full Dark theme, content filters, data export Can block account if used frequently
VKontakte Reborn ✅ Full Interface customization, Stories screenshots Closed source code, possible data leaks
VK Mod ✅ Full + premium functions Downloading music, viewing hidden friends High risk of ban, paid functions
⚠️ Attention: Using unofficial clients violates VK User Agreement. There have been cases of accounts being blocked for 1–7 days for logging in via Kate Mobile or VK Mod. The risk increases if you actively interact with the content (likes, reposts).

Advantages of alternative clients:

  • 🔒 Complete removal of advertising, including banners in chats.
  • 🛠️ Additional features (dark theme, data export).
  • 📱 Works on older versions Android (starting from 5.0).

Disadvantages:

  • 🚨 Risk of account blocking.
  • 🔄 Manual installation of updates is required.
  • 🛑 There is no security guarantee (data leaks are possible in closed projects like VK Mod).

Download APK only from the official website|Make a backup copy of chats|Disable two-factor authentication (if yes)|Check reviews about the client version-->

3. Ad blocking via ADB: for advanced users

If you do not want to use unofficial clients, but are ready to dive into technical details, you can disable advertising via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works at the system level and does not require rootrights, but is only suitable for Android 8.0+.

The essence of the method: through ADB the components responsible for displaying advertising are disabled. Instructions: VK, responsible for displaying advertising. Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging on your phone:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
    • Click on Build number 7 times until the message appears You have become a developer!.
    • Return to Settings → System → For developers i enable USB debugging.
  • Connect the phone to PC via USB and install drivers ADB (for example, Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  • Open the command line (CMD) and enter: 
    adb devices

    Make sure the device is detected.

  • Run the command to disable advertising in VK: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.vk.android.ads

    If that doesn't work, try:

    adb shell pm hide com.vk.android.ads

    • After restarting the application, the advertising should disappear. However, there are nuances:

    • 🔄 The effect is temporary - after the update VK advertising may return.
    • 📵 Does not block advertising in Stories and promotional posts in the feed.
    • 🛠️ Requires repeated execution of commands after resetting the settings.

    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB-commands can lead to application failures. If after executing the commands VK stops launching, return the settings with the command: 
    adb shell pm enable com.vk.android

    Alternative ADBmethod - deleting the ad module cache. To do this:

    1. Close the application VK.
    2. Run the command: 
      adb shell pm clear com.vk.android
    3. Restart VK.

    This will reset all settings, but temporarily reduce the amount of advertising.

    💡

    Before working with ADB, create a backup copy of your VK data via Settings → Account → Export data. This will help restore chats and media files in case of failure.

    4. Using VPN and DNS filters: bypassing targeted advertising

    Advertising is shown based on your VK shown based on your IPaddress, location and search history. To deceive the algorithms, you can use VPN with traffic filtering or alternative DNSservers.

    Method 1: VPN with ad blocking

    The most effective services:

    • 🛡️ AdGuard VPN — blocks advertising domains at level DNS.
    • 🌍 Proton VPN —free plan with servers in Europe (where it operates GDPR, which limits targeted advertising).
    • 🚀 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) —does not block advertising completely, but reduces its number.

    How to set it up:

    1. Install AdGuard VPN from Google Play.
    2. Enable the option Ad blocking in settings.
    3. Connect to a server in The Netherlands or Germany (there are strict privacy laws).

    Method 2: Changing DNSservers

    Some DNSproviders filter advertising domains. For example:

    • 🔒 AdGuard DNS: 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131
    • 🌐 NextDNS: 45.90.28.167 (registration required)

    To change DNS to Android:

    1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
    2. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
    3. Enter dns.adguard.com (for AdGuard DNS).

    Method Efficiency Internet speed Cost
    AdGuard VPN ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (80% of advertising) Average (depending on the server) Free (with limits)
    Proton VPN ⭐⭐⭐ (50% advertising) High Free
    AdGuard DNS ⭐⭐ (30% advertising) High Free
    ⚠️ Attention: VPN and DNSfilters do not block advertising in Stories and promotional posts from communities. They only reduce the number of targeted ads.

    Advantages of the method:

    • 🔒 Does not require changes in the application VK.
    • 🌍 Works on any device (including iOS).
    • 🛡️ Additionally protects against trackers.

    Disadvantages:

    • 📉 May reduce Internet speed.
    • 🔄 Requires constant connection to VPN.
    • 🚫 Not blocks all advertising (only part).

    5. Root methods: complete removal of advertising (for experienced users)

    If you have rights root, you can completely remove advertising modules from VK. This method is the most radical and effective, but is only suitable for firmware devices.

    Method 1: Removing advertising packages via Root Explorer

    1. Install a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
    2. Go to the path: 
      /data/data/com.vk.android/app_webview
    3. Delete files with the extension .dexassociated with advertising (for example, ads*.dex).
    4. Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications → VK → Memory → Clear cache.

    Method 2: Editing the file hosts

    Advertising domains VK can be blocked at the system level:

    1. Open the file /etc/hosts in text editor with rootaccess (for example, BuildProp Editor).
    2. Add the lines: 
      127.0.0.1 vk.com.ads

      127.0.0.1 ads.vk.com
      

      127.0.0.1 an.yandex.ru

    3. Save the file and reboot the device.

    Method 3: Using Xposed Framework

    For Android 5.0–9.0 you can use the module Xposed:

    1. Install Xposed Installer and activate it.
    2. Download the module VK Unlocker (available on the forum 4PDA).
    3. Activate the module and reboot device.

    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (boot loop). Before making changes, make a backup via TWRP or Orange Backup.

    Advantages of rootmethods:

    • 🧹 Complete removal of advertising (including Stories and banners in chats).
    • 🔧 Flexible settings (you can disable individual types of advertising).
    • 📱 Works on any version VK.

    Disadvantages:

    • 🔨 Requires root-rights (risk of losing warranty).
    • 🚨 May disrupt operation applications.
    • 🔄 After updating VK you will have to repeat the procedure.

    What to do if after editing the hosts VK stopped working?

    If after changing the file hosts VK does not open, check:

    1. Correct syntax (each line must end with a break).

    2. No extra spaces.

    3. Correctness of domains (for example vk.com.adsand not vk.com/ads).

    If the problem persists, restore the original file hosts from a backup.

    6. Creating a second account: bypassing restrictions

    One of the simplest, but effective ways - using a second account without linking to the main phone number. New profiles show a minimal amount of advertising for the first 1-2 weeks, since the algorithms VK have not yet collected enough data about the user.

    How to create a “clean” one account:

    1. Buy a virtual number (for example, at SMS-Activate or 5sim) for 5–20 rubles.
    2. Register a new account at VK, indicating the virtual number.
    3. Do not add friends from your main account.
    4. Do not interact with advertising (do not click even by accident!).
    5. Use your account only to view the feed.

    Advantages of the method:

    • 🆕 No advertising for the first 1-2 weeks.
    • 🔒 Safe for the main account.
    • 📱 Does not require technical skills.

    Disadvantages:

    • 🔄 After 2-3 weeks, advertising will return.
    • 📵 You need to constantly register new accounts.
    • 🚫 No access to friends and main profile groups.

    To extend the life of a “clean” account:

    • 📵 Do not use it to view Stories (the most aggressive advertising is there).
    • 🔍 Do not look for anything through search VK (this activates targeted advertising).
    • 📱 Log in through your browser in incognito mode.

    💡

    A virtual number for registering a second account will cost less than a VK premium subscription (299 ₽/month), but will require more effort to maintain the “cleanliness” of the profile.

    7. VK premium subscription: is it worth paying for the absence of advertising? The official way to get rid of advertising is to sign up for a premium subscription. Cost in 2026:

    The official way to get rid of advertising is to register premium subscription VK. Cost in 2026:

    • 💰 299 ₽/month;
    • 💵 2,390 ₽/year (30% savings).

    Subscription deletes:

    • 📵 Advertising in the feed;
    • 🎭 Advertising in Stories;
    • 🎮 Banners in games.

    But there remain:

    • 📢 Promotional posts from communities;
    • 🔍 Targeted ads in search;
    • 💬 Advertising in chats (for example, offers to pay VK Pay).

    How to sign up for a premium:

    1. Open VK and go to Profile → VK Premium.
    2. Select a tariff and pay via bank card, phone or Qiwi.
    3. Confirm payment.

    Method Cost Efficiency Risks
    Premium subscription 299 ₽/month ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (90% advertising) No
    Alternative clients Free ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100% advertising) Account ban
    ADB commands Free ⭐⭐⭐ (60% advertising) VK malfunctions
    Second account 5–20 ₽ (virtual number) ⭐⭐ (30% of advertising for 1–2 weeks) No

    Is it profitable to pay for VK Premium?

    • ✅ Yes, if you actively use VK Music, VK Clips and other services (they are included).
    • ❌ No, if you only need a tape without excess water - it’s cheaper to use Kate Mobile or ADB.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking ads in VK

    ❓ Is it possible to permanently remove ads in VK without root and alternative clients?

    No. Official settings VK only allow you to reduce the amount of advertising, but not remove it completely. For 100% blocking, you need either rootrights or unofficial clients like Kate Mobile.

    ❓ Why did advertising return after updating VK?

    When updating the application, deleted advertising modules are restored. To return the lock:

    • For ADB: repeat the commands (adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.vk.android.ads).
    • For root: delete the update VK or repeat editing hosts.
    • For alternative clients: update them to the latest version.

    ❓ Will there be a ban for using Kate Mobile?

    There is a risk, but it is low if:

    • Not interact with the content (do not like, do not write comments).
    • Do not use Kate Mobile to send messages.
    • Periodically log into the official application.

    Usually blocking lasts 1-3 days. For important accounts, it is better not to risk it.

    ❓ How to hide ads in Stories?

    Methods:

    • 📵 In the official application: click ⋯ → Hide story → This advertising.
    • 🔧 V Kate Mobile: enable the option Hide Stories in the settings.
    • 🛡️ Via ADB: run the command adb shell pm hide com.vk.android.stories.

    You can completely remove advertising in Stories only through root or alternative clients.

    ❓ Do ad blockers (AdBlock) work for VK?

    No. Blockers like AdBlock or uBlock Origin work only in browsers. In the official application VK they are useless. An alternative is to use VPN with traffic filtering (