How to block Google ads on Android

Google Ads can be quite intrusive and annoying, incessantly popping up while you’re using your Android device. Fortunately, there are ways to these ads, providing a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience. In this article, we will explore different methods to help you block Google ads on your Android device.

1. Use a Third-Party Ad-Blocking App:
One of the easiest ways to block Google ads on Android is by using a third-party ad-blocking app. There are several apps available on the Google Play Store that effectively block ads from various sources, including Google. Some popular choices include AdGuard, Blokada, and AdAway. These apps work by filtering out ads and preventing them from appearing on your device. Simply install any one of these apps, enable the ad-blocking feature, and experience an ad-free browsing experience.

2. Modify Your Hosts File:
If you’re comfortable with advanced methods, you can modify your device’s hosts file to block Google ads. The hosts file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. By adding the necessary entries to this file, you can effectively block ad servers, including those used by Google. However, modifying the hosts file requires root access to your device. Once you have gained root access, you can edit the hosts file using a file editor app like ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. Search for the “hosts” file in the system partition, add the ad server entries, save the changes, and reboot your device. This method ensures that ads are blocked at the system level, offering a comprehensive ad-blocking solution across all apps and browsers.

3. Use a Private DNS Provider:
Another effective way to block Google ads on your Android device is by using a private DNS provider that supports ad-blocking. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating human-readable domain names into computer-readable IP addresses. By using a DNS provider that has an ad-blocking feature, you can block a wide range of ads, including Google ads. Some popular private DNS providers that offer ad-blocking include AdGuard DNS, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, and NextDNS. You can change your DNS provider by going to your device’s network settings and entering the IP address of the desired DNS server.

4. Install a Browser with Built-In Ad Blocking:
If you primarily use a specific browser for browsing the internet on your Android device, consider installing a browser that comes with built-in ad-blocking features. Browsers like Brave Browser, Opera Browser, and Samsung Internet Browser offer ad-blocking functionalities, which block ads without the need for additional apps or modifications. These browsers effectively block ads, including Google ads, providing a faster and cleaner browsing experience.

5. Disable Personalized Ads in Google Settings:
Lastly, you can disable personalized ads in your Google settings. Although this won’t completely block Google ads, it will reduce the of personalized ads that you encounter. To do this, go to your device’s settings, find “Google” or “Google Settings,” open the “Ads” section, and disable “Opt out of ads personalization.” Keep in mind that this method won’t block all ads but will decrease the number of ads tailored specifically to your preferences.

In conclusion, there are several methods to block Google ads on your Android device. From using third-party ad-blocking apps to modifying your device’s hosts file or choosing a browser with built-in ad-blocking features, you have plenty of options to enhance your browsing experience. Experiment with these methods to find the one that works best for you and enjoy an ad-free Android experience.