There are a few different methods you can try to block or remove ads from Android apps without needing to root your device. While rooting does give you more options and control, it also comes with security risks and can void your warranty if not done properly. Luckily, there are still some good ad blocking options available even on non-rooted Android devices.
Use a VPN That Blocks Ads
One of the easiest ways to block ads across all apps on your Android device is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service that includes ad blocking. Many popular VPN providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and others now offer cybersecurity features like ad blocking alongside their standard VPN tunneling.
When you connect your device to the VPN, the service will filter your network traffic and block connections to ad services. This prevents ads from loading in apps and browsers without you needing to configure each app individually. It works across your whole device in one go.
Some VPNs that offer ad blocking include:
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Surfshark | ProtonVPN |
| CyberGhost | Private Internet Access |
The advantage of using a VPN is convenience – you just turn it on and ads are automatically blocked device-wide. The downside is you have to pay for the VPN service, usually a monthly or yearly subscription. Prices range from a few dollars per month to $10+ depending on the provider.
Use Browsers With Built-In Ad Blockers
Many modern mobile browsers now include some form of ad blocking built directly into them. For example, Firefox Focus browser blocks ads by default across all websites you visit. And the Brave browser has an optional ad blocker that can be enabled in settings.
Using an ad blocking mobile browser gives you an easy way to cut out ads from websites in apps. When you click on an ad link, the browser simply won’t load the ad content on the page. Most also let you add custom filter lists for more advanced blocking.
Some examples of browsers with ad blockers include:
| Firefox Focus | Brave |
| DuckDuckGo | Adblock Browser |
| Adguard | Blokada |
The advantage here is you get ad blocking without paying for a VPN subscription. The catch is that the ad blocking only applies to the browser itself – it won’t block ads in other apps on your device. But for casual web browsing, it can be very effective.
Use Ad Blocker Apps
Another option is using dedicated ad blocking apps for Android. These work by creating a local VPN connection that filters ads coming through your network traffic. Some popular choices include:
- AdGuard – Blocks ads across devices using a local VPN. Paid premium version unlocks more features.
- Blokada – Open source ad blocker using a VPN service. Completely free.
- DNS66 – Simple ad blocker that edits your DNS settings. No VPN required and also free.
- PersonalDNSFilter – Blocks ads via a custom DNS filter. Free tier available.
The advantage of these apps is you can usually find a free option, and they make it easy to toggle the ad blocking on and off as needed. However, you’ll typically need to keep the app open in the background for ad blocking to work. And some may drain your battery faster since they use a VPN connection.
Use Browser Extensions
Many third-party mobile browsers like Firefox and Chrome allow installing extensions that can block ads on websites. For example, uBlock Origin is a popular desktop ad blocker that is also available as a Firefox mobile add-on.
Once installed, these extensions will filter ads just on web pages you visit with that browser. This gives you customizable ad blocking just for web browsing sessions.
Some examples of browser ad blocking extensions include:
- uBlock Origin – Open source blocker available for Firefox mobile.
- AdBlock – Basic ad blocker extension for Chrome and Samsung Internet.
- AdBlock Fast – Lightweight ad blocker optimized for mobile.
The main advantage of using browser extensions is they let you customize exactly which filter lists to enable and what to block. There are many lists curated by the open source community that block even more ads. The downside is you need to use a compatible browser, and it only blocks ads on websites – not other apps.
Use Modified App Versions
Some third-party app stores like Aptoide allow downloading modified versions of apps with baked-in ad blocking. Developers will modify the APK code of an app to remove ad networks before publishing.
When using these modded app versions, you won’t see any ads in the app interface. This gives you surgical ad blocking on a per app basis. However, downloading modified APKs from unknown sources does carry some risk of malware or stability issues. Always be very careful when installing APKs outside the Google Play Store.
Use Hosts File Ad Blocking
For advanced users comfortable with technical workarounds, you can block ads by editing the hosts file on your Android device. This requires having root access.
The hosts file acts like an internal DNS that mapped domain names to IP addresses. You can fill the hosts file with entries that map ad domains to a dummy localhost IP. This prevents ad content from loading, since the domain points to your device now instead of the ad server.
While effective, this method requires root access, editing system files manually, and updating the hosts file regularly as new ad domains appear. So it’s only recommended for tech-savvy users comfortable modifying Android system files.
Conclusion
Blocking ads on Android without root is definitely possible using a variety of methods – from VPNs and browsers to specialized apps and extensions. The best approach depends on your needs:
- For system-wide ad blocking on all apps, a VPN is the easiest option.
- To block ads only during web browsing, try an ad blocking browser or extension.
- Per app ad blocking can be achieved via modded APK versions from third-party app stores.
- Blocking ads via the hosts file works if you have root access and the technical skills.
Keep in mind ad blocking may affect how certain apps function, since they rely on ads for monetization. Try to whitelist trusted apps that you want to support when possible. Overall blocking invasive ads goes a long way towards speeding up your device and enhancing the app experience.