The Best Ways to Block Ads on Android Devices: Apps, DNS & More

By Nikolai Altman | Updated on July 15, 2025

I don’t know about you, but I play a lot of games on my Android. And with more and more free games flooding the Google Play Store, there are two main ways publishers make their money from microtransactions and ads. While there’s not much you can do about microtransactions, you can actually get rid of the ads. 

And it’s not just the static banner ads at the bottom, it’s the pop-ups, the intrusive video ads, and more. It’s harder with some apps like Facebook and YouTube. But other than that, most ads can be eliminated. Except for the fact that Google makes it very hard for these ad blockers to stay live on the Google Play Store. But that’s not going to stop up. 

We will be discussing multiple methods of blocking ads on Android. They all block ads in different ways, and the setup processes are different. Moreover, each of them are more appropriate for different use cases. 

What is the easiest way to block ads on Android? (Sideloading)

The easiest way to block ads on Android is by sideloading a solid ad blocker like Total Adblock or AdGuard. These methods use VPN tunneling and local CA certificates to intercept network traffic and block ads. They work for both in-app ads and browsers. However, these services usually require a paid subscription to work. 

How to block ads on Android with Total Adblock?

  1. Go to the Total Adblock site and download the .apk file to your Android phone.
  2. If your browser gives you a security warning, just click “keep” or “download anyway” (as long as you’re on the official site, you’re good).
  3. Once downloaded, tap the file to install.
  4. If your phone blocks it, go to settings > enable installs from unknown sources for your browser or file manager.
  5. Once installed, open the app and go through the setup wizard.
  6. It’ll ask you to install a VPN profile, allow it. (This lets Total Adblock scan and filter your traffic).
  7. It’ll also ask you to install a CA certificate. (This part is important for blocking ads in apps and HTTPS sites.)
  8. If it asks you to do it manually: save the .crt file somewhere easy (like Downloads), then go to Settings > Security > Encryption & Credentials > Install a certificate > CA certificate > select the file.
  9. Once that’s done, go back to the app and toggle the ad-blocking switch on.

And you’re done. Ads in apps, games, and most browsers should now be blocked system-wide. 

How to block ads on Android with AdGuard?

  1. Go to the AdGuard website and download the .apk file for Android.
  2. If your browser warns you about the file, tap “keep” or “download anyway.”
  3. Once the download finishes, tap the file to begin installation.
  4. If your phone blocks the install, go to settings > enable installs from unknown sources for the app you used to download it.
  5. After it’s installed, open the AdGuard app.
  6. Follow the setup instructions. First, it’ll ask you to set up a local VPN. Tap “allow.”
  7. To enable HTTPS filtering, download the AdGuard certificate, then go to Settings > Security > Encryption & Credentials > Install a certificate > CA certificate > select the file.
  8. Back in the app, enable ad blocking from the home screen toggle.
  9. You can also customise filters, blocklists, and app-specific rules from the settings panel.

You don’t need to install a certificate unless you want to enable HTTPS filtering (which is optional but improves ad blocking inside apps and browsers).

Block Ads on Android with DNS

Don’t want to sideload anything or mess with certificates? Using a DNS-based blocker is one of the other cleanest, safest ways to block ads on Android. DNS cuts off ad domains before they even load, so the ads never make it to your apps or browser in the first place. It also means no battery drain, background apps, or VPN conflict.

It’s definitely not as aggressive as a full ad-blocking app, but surprisingly effective, and worth trying.

How to Block Ads on Android with AdGuard DNS

Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

  1. Go to Network & Internet (or Connections, depending on your device).
  2. Tap on Private DNS.
  3. Select the Private DNS provider hostname.
  4. In the text box, type dns.adguard-dns.com
  5. Tap Save and back out of settings.

That’s it. Give it a few minutes to kick in. You should see fewer banner ads in browsers, in-app ads in games, and even a bit less tracking overall.

AdGuard also lets you set up custom DNS that allows you to add or remove blocklists, see stats, and much more. You can read about it on How AdGuard DNS Blocks Ads on Android, iOS, Windows & Mac.

How to Block Ads on Android with NextDNS

NextDNS is like DNS for power users. It works the same as AdGuard DNS but has a dashboard where you can customise blocklists, create device-specific rules, and view analytics of what’s being blocked.

  1. Go to nextdns.io and create a free account.
  2. Follow the setup guide to generate your unique DNS hostname (it’ll look something like abcd1234.dns.nextdns.io).
  3. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.
  4. Choose a Private DNS provider hostname.
  5. Paste your NextDNS hostname.
  6. Tap Save.

NextDNS gives you more control over your blocklists and DNS, and the free plan includes up to 300,000 queries per month, which is plenty for most users.

How Does DNS Ad Blocking on Android Work?

DNS (Domain Name System) is what your device uses to turn website names into IP addresses. Every time an app or browser tries to load something (e.g, a website or an ad), it sends a request through DNS.

Those requests get filtered when you use a DNS ad blocker like AdGuard DNS or NextDNS. If the DNS recognizes a domain as an ad server or tracker, it just blocks the request or redirects it to nothing. The result? The ad never loads.

This type of ad blocking works at the network level, blocking ads in apps, browsers, and even games, without needing to install an app or root your device. It’s not perfect (it won’t block YouTube ads inside the app), but it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce ads on your Android device.

How to Block Ads on Android with AdAway (Root Only)

It’s a terrible idea in 2025 to root your Android phone. But for some reason, if your phone is rooted, you can access some powerful system-level tools. And AdAway is one of my favorites. It modifies your phone’s hosts file to redirect ad domains to nothingness. That means ads are blocked before they even try to load.

Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Make sure your phone is rooted. (No, we’re not giving you a guide for that)
  2. Go to adaway.org and download the latest version of AdAway apk from f-droid.
  3. Install the app like you would any sideloaded file.
  4. Open the app and grant it root access when prompted.
  5. Tap “Download files and apply ad blocking” to fetch the latest blocklists.
  6. Once it updates the hosts file, restart your phone to apply the changes.

Block Ads on Android Using Ad-Blocking Browsers

If you’re mostly worried about ads while browsing the web (and not in other apps), switching to a browser with built-in ad blocking is the easiest fix. There is no setup or sideloading. You just have to install, open, and browse in peace.

Here are some of the best options:

  • Brave Browser: It blocks all ads by default, including YouTube ads, in browser mode. It is fast, privacy-focused, and even includes a VPN if you need it.
  • DuckDuckGo Browser: Simple, secure, and super clean. It blocks trackers and ad networks while giving you a privacy grade for each site.
  • Avast Secure Browser: This browser comes with a built-in ad blocker, VPN, and web shield to block phishing sites. It feels a bit heavier but is packed with features.
  • Vivaldi: Sleek UI with customisable blocking controls. Great if you like playing around with browser settings without breaking privacy.
  • Opera Browser: This browser includes a decent ad blocker, built-in VPN, and data saver. It is good for casual use, but not the strongest on privacy.

Try any of these and you’ll barely see a banner ad again, especially if you’re just trying to browse without interruptions. 

Block Ads on Android Browsers Using Ad-Blocking Extensions

Some Android browsers now support proper extensions. So, you can run powerful desktop-grade ad blockers right on your phone. Here are some of my favorite combos:

  • Firefox + uBlock Origin: The best. uBlock Origin works great on Firefox for Android and blocks everything, including ads, trackers, popups, and even YouTube pre-rolls in browser mode.
  • Samsung Internet + AdGuard: This is a no-brainer if you’re using a Samsung phone. AdGuard is an official content blocker that provides good system-wide filtering in the Samsung Browser.
  • Kiwi Browser + uBlock Origin: Based on Chromium, supports full Chrome Web Store extensions. It lets you run uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or anything else you’d use on your desktop.
  • Yandex Browser + Adblock Plus: Another Chromium-based browser that supports extensions. A bit heavier than Kiwi, but it works well if you’re deep into the Yandex ecosystem.
  • Edge (Beta) + uBlock Origin: Microsoft Edge is testing extension support on Android. If you’re one of the lucky ones to have it rolled out, it’s almost like the desktop version.

Why Ad Blockers Don’t Work on the YouTube App (and What You Can Do Instead)

Here’s the thing about YouTube on Android: most ad blockers just don’t work. And it’s not because developers aren’t trying hard enough, it’s because of how YouTube serves its ads.

YouTube delivers ads and videos from the same domain. That means DNS-based blockers and most system-level ad blockers can’t tell the difference between an ad and real content, so they let everything through, just in case.

But don’t worry. There are still a few clever ways to watch YouTube without being bombarded by ads:

Use a YouTube wrapper app like

  • NewPipe: It’s lightweight, ad-free, and doesn’t rely on Google services
  • LibreTube: Material You UI, based on Piped (a discontinued wrapper)
  • SkyTube: Another great open-source alternative with channel importing

These apps are free, open-source, and available on F-Droid or GitHub. However, they don’t support Google logins. So, you subscriptions and watch history won’t carry over. 

Watch YouTube in an ad-blocking browser

Brave, DuckDuckGo, or even Firefox with uBlock Origin will block most YouTube ads if you’re okay watching in browser mode instead of the app.

Use Android browsers with extension support

Like Kiwi or Firefox, paired with uBlock Origin. They give you desktop-level control over ads, even on mobile.

Try full ad-blocking apps like AdGuard or Total Adblock

They won’t block every YouTube ad inside the app, but you might see fewer pop-ups and overlay banners.

Install YouTube ReVanced (at your own risk)

ReVanced is the spiritual successor to the now-defunct Vanced. It’s an open-source patching project that modifies the official YouTube app to remove ads, enable background play, and more.

We recommend compiling it yourself from GitHub using the official ReVanced CLI and patching tool. Avoid downloading pre-patched APKs from shady sources. Yes, it’s more effort, but it’s way safer.

Wrapping Up

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to blocking ads on Android. It depends on how far you’re willing to go. If you just want to block browser ads, switch to Brave or Firefox with uBlock Origin, and you’re good to go. If you want in-app ads gone too, DNS-based blocking is a good middle ground. And if you’re going all in, apps like Total Adblock or AdGuard can block ads completely (with a bit of additional setup, of course).

YouTube is the final boss here. But even that has workarounds if you’re willing to compromise a bit on how you watch videos.

Whatever you choose, just make sure you’re downloading from safe sources and not giving away more data than you’re trying to protect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best ad blocker for Android in 2025?

AdGuard and Total Adblock are the most reliable options for complete system-wide ad blocking, though both require sideloading and a paid plan. For browser-only blocking, Brave or Firefox with uBlock Origin are good choices.

Can I block ads on Android without rooting my phone?

Yes. Most modern ad-blocking methods don’t require root. You can use DNS-based solutions like AdGuard DNS, sideload an ad-blocking app, or use a browser with built-in ad blocking.

Why doesn’t ad blocking work on the YouTube app?

YouTube serves ads from the same domain as the videos, so they’re hard to filter at the DNS or network level. To block YouTube ads, you’ll need to watch in a browser with a strong ad blocker or use a third-party YouTube wrapper like NewPipe.

Does private DNS block in-app ads on Android?

It blocks some, but not all. Private DNS (like AdGuard DNS or NextDNS) can stop many ad servers, but can’t block ads that are hardcoded into apps or served from the same domains as legitimate content.

Is it safe to sideload ad blockers on Android?

Yes, if you’re downloading from trusted sources like the official AdGuard or Total Adblock websites. Avoid random APKs from forums or shady mirrors.

Can I use a VPN and an ad blocker at the same time?

Not if your ad blocker also uses a local VPN tunnel (like AdGuard or Total Adblock). You can’t run two VPNs at once. If you need both, consider using a DNS-based solution instead.

Do ad blockers slow down Android phones?

No, most of them actually speed things up by preventing ads and trackers from loading. Your browsing feels lighter, and some apps run faster without background junk loading.