How to Stop Ads on My Phone

Stopping ads on your phone involves a combination of using built-in settings, downloading ad-blocking apps, and adjusting your browser settings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you reduce or stop ads on your Android or iOS device:

1. Block Ads on Android Devices

A. Using Built-In Settings

1. Disable Personalization

• Go to Settings > Google > Ads.
• Turn on Opt out of Ads Personalization.

1. Restrict Background Data

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
• Select the app you want to restrict and toggle Restrict Background Data.

B. Using Ad-Blocking Apps

1. AdGuard

• Download AdGuard from the AdGuard website or the Play Store.
• Follow the installation instructions and enable the necessary permissions.

1. Blokada

• Download Blokada from the official website or the Play Store.
• Open the app, and enable ad blocking.

C. Using a Private DNS

1. Configure Private DNS

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
• Select Private DNS provider hostname.
• Enter a provider like dns.adguard.com or dns.quad9.net and save.

D. Adjusting Browser Settings

1. Chrome Browser

• Open Chrome and go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects.
• Toggle the switch to block pop-ups and redirects.
• Go to Settings > Site settings > Ads and toggle to block ads.

1. Firefox Browser

• Open Firefox and go to Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection.
• Choose Strict to block trackers and ads.

2. Block Ads on iOS Devices

A. Using Built-In Settings

1. Limit Ad Tracking

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising.
• Toggle Personalized Ads to off.

B. Using Ad-Blocking Apps

1. AdGuard for iOS

• Download AdGuard from the App Store.
• Follow the setup instructions and enable ad blocking in Safari.

1. 1Blocker

• Download 1Blocker from the App Store.
• Open the app, configure the settings, and enable it in Safari via Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.

C. Adjusting Browser Settings

1. Safari Browser

• Go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.
• Enable your chosen content blocker (e.g., AdGuard, 1Blocker).
• Go to Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups and toggle to on.
• Go to Settings > Safari > Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and toggle to on.

3. General Tips for Both Android and iOS

A. Avoiding Intrusive Apps

1. Check App Permissions

• Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications) > Select an app > Permissions.
• Disable unnecessary permissions that may allow intrusive ads.

1. Uninstall Ad-Heavy Apps

• Identify and uninstall apps that are known for displaying excessive ads.

B. Using a Secure Browser

1. Download Brave Browser

• Brave Browser blocks ads and trackers by default. Download it from the Play Store or App Store.

C. Using a VPN with Ad-Blocking

1. NordVPN or ProtonVPN

• Some VPNs, like NordVPN or ProtonVPN, offer built-in ad-blocking features.
• Download and subscribe to a VPN service with ad-blocking capabilities, then enable the ad-blocking feature in the app settings.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce or stop ads on your Android or iOS device, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable mobile experience.