Ads and trackers have become a major nuisance for internet users, slowing down browsing speeds, consuming data, and invading privacy. From intrusive pop-ups to personalized ads that follow you across websites, advertisers use trackers to monitor your online activity. Fortunately, there are several ways to block ads and trackers on any device, helping you enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more private browsing experience.
Why You Should Block Ads & Trackers
Blocking ads and trackers offers several benefits, including:
- Improved browsing speed by reducing unnecessary scripts and elements on webpages.
- Enhanced privacy by preventing advertisers from collecting your data.
- Reduced data usage, especially for mobile users.
- Better security by blocking malicious ads that can spread malware.
- An ad-free experience while streaming videos, playing games, or reading articles.
If you’re tired of being bombarded by ads and want to take control of your online experience, here’s how you can block ads and trackers across all your devices.
Blocking Ads & Trackers on Web Browsers
The easiest way to block ads and online trackers is by using a browser extension. Popular ad-blocking extensions include:
- uBlock Origin – A lightweight, highly customizable ad blocker.
- AdBlock Plus – One of the most popular ad blockers with customizable settings.
- Ghostery – Blocks trackers and provides analytics on tracking attempts.
Most modern web browsers also have built-in privacy settings that help limit tracking:
- Google Chrome: Enable “Enhanced Protection” in Security settings.
- Mozilla Firefox: Use “Strict” tracking protection mode.
- Microsoft Edge: Activate “Balanced” or “Strict” tracking prevention.
- Brave Browser: Comes with built-in ad and tracker blocking.
For a completely private browsing experience, you can also switch to privacy-focused browsers like Brave, Tor, or DuckDuckGo, which block ads and trackers by default.
Blocking Ads & Trackers on Smartphones & Tablets
iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Apple provides built-in privacy features to limit tracking, but you can enhance ad blocking with additional tools:
- Enable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” in Safari settings.
- Use ad-blocking browsers like Brave or Firefox Focus.
- Install third-party apps like AdGuard or 1Blocker for system-wide ad blocking.
Android
Android users can take advantage of various methods to block ads and trackers:
- Use Brave Browser or Samsung Internet with built-in ad blockers.
- Install Blokada or AdGuard for system-wide ad blocking.
- Enable “Private DNS” in settings and set it to AdGuard DNS or NextDNS.
Network-Level Ad & Tracker Blocking
For a more advanced approach, you can block ads and trackers at the network level. This ensures that ads are blocked across all devices connected to your home network.
Pi-hole
Pi-hole is a powerful tool that acts as a network-wide ad blocker. Installed on a Raspberry Pi, it filters out ads before they even reach your device.
AdGuard DNS & NextDNS
If you don’t want to set up a Pi-hole, AdGuard DNS and NextDNS are excellent alternatives. These services block ads at the DNS level, making them effective on all connected devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Router-Level Ad Blocking
Some modern routers allow users to configure DNS settings to block ads. By setting up AdGuard DNS or NextDNS on your router, you can prevent ads across all devices in your home.
Blocking Ads on Streaming Devices & Smart TVs
Many smart TVs and streaming devices display ads, but there are ways to minimize or remove them:
- Samsung & LG Smart TVs: Disable “Personalized Ads” in privacy settings.
- Roku & Firestick: Use custom DNS settings to block ads at the network level.
- YouTube Ads: Use YouTube Vanced (Android) or a YouTube ad blocker on browsers.
VPNs & Proxy Solutions for Ad Blocking
A VPN with built-in ad blocking can provide an extra layer of privacy while blocking ads and trackers. Some VPNs that offer ad-blocking features include:
- NordVPN (CyberSec feature)
- ProtonVPN (NetShield feature)
- Surfshark (CleanWeb feature)
Using a VPN with ad-blocking functionality ensures that ads are blocked even on apps and devices that don’t support traditional ad blockers.
Ethical Considerations & Whitelisting
While blocking ads enhances privacy, some websites rely on ads for revenue. If you want to support content creators, consider whitelisting trusted websites that provide valuable content without intrusive ads.
Conclusion
Blocking ads and trackers is essential for improving online privacy, browsing speed, and security. Whether you use browser extensions, system-wide ad blockers, DNS filtering, or VPNs, there are multiple ways to eliminate unwanted ads on any device.
By implementing these ad-blocking methods, you can take control of your online experience and enjoy a cleaner, safer, and more private internet.
