Facebook's built-in ad controls work better than you might think
You cannot remove all ads from Facebook without paying for Facebook Premium, but you can reduce the number you see and control what gets advertised to you. Facebook's own settings let you hide ads from specific companies, limit ads based on your interests, and turn off certain tracking that feeds the ad system. Most people find these controls enough to make scrolling less annoying. If you want to block ads more aggressively, browser extensions can help, though they work differently depending on which browser you use.
The fastest route is Facebook's built-in "Ad Preferences" menu, which takes about five minutes and costs nothing. If you want a second layer of blocking, a browser extension like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus will catch ads that Facebook's own system misses — but these extensions can sometimes break Facebook features or slow down the site slightly.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook's Ad Preferences menu lets you hide ads from specific advertisers and adjust what topics Facebook uses to target ads at you.
- Turning off "Ads based on data from ad partners" and "Ads based on your activity on Facebook and Instagram" reduces tracking but does not eliminate ads.
- Browser extensions like uBlock Origin block more ads than Facebook's settings alone, but may occasionally interfere with Facebook features.
- Facebook Premium removes most ads but costs money and is only available in certain countries.
- Ad blockers work best when combined with Facebook's own settings rather than used alone.
How to use Facebook's Ad Preferences to see fewer ads
Open Facebook in your browser or app and look for the menu icon — three horizontal lines on mobile, or a downward arrow in the top right on desktop. Tap or click "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." Scroll down to "Ads" and tap or click it. You will see "Ad preferences."
Inside Ad Preferences, you will find several sections. "Advertisers and businesses" shows companies that have your contact information and are running ads to you. Click any advertiser name to see what data they have about you, then click "See less" to reduce ads from that company. You can do this for as many advertisers as you want, though new ones appear over time.
Next, look for "Ad topics." This section shows the interests Facebook thinks you have — "Technology," "Travel," "Fitness," and so on. Click any topic you do not want to see ads about and select "See less." You can also add topics you want to avoid by clicking "Add interests" and typing them in. This does not stop all ads in those categories, but it reduces them noticeably.
Turning off tracking that powers Facebook ads
Facebook's ad system relies on tracking your activity across the internet, not just on Facebook itself. You can limit this tracking in the same Settings menu. Go to "Settings and privacy," then "Settings," then scroll to "Ads" again.
Look for "Ad targeting based on your activity." You will see options like "Ads based on data from ad partners" and "Ads based on your activity on Facebook and Instagram." Toggle these off. Turning them off means Facebook will still show you ads, but it will use less information about your browsing habits to decide which ones. The ads will be more generic — based on your age and location rather than what you searched for last week.
Note that turning off these settings does not stop Facebook from collecting the data; it only tells Facebook not to use it for targeting. If privacy is your main concern, this is a partial solution, not a complete one.
Installing a browser extension to block more ads
If Facebook's settings are not enough, a browser extension adds a second layer. The most common choices are uBlock Origin (free, works on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and Adblock Plus (free, works on most browsers). Both catch ads that slip past Facebook's own system.
To install uBlock Origin on Chrome, go to the Chrome Web Store, search "uBlock Origin," and click "Add to Chrome." On Firefox, go to the Firefox Add-ons page, search "uBlock Origin," and click "Add to Firefox." Once installed, the extension runs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. You will see fewer ads the next time you open Facebook.
Adblock Plus works the same way: search for it in your browser's extension store and click the install button. Some people prefer Adblock Plus because it has a simpler interface, while others prefer uBlock Origin because it uses less computer memory. Both work well for Facebook.
What to do if an extension breaks Facebook features
Occasionally, an ad blocker will prevent Facebook features from working — for example, you might not be able to upload a photo, or the chat window might not load. This happens because the extension blocks code that Facebook uses for ads and also uses for other features.
If this happens, click the extension icon in your browser's toolbar (usually in the top right), then click the toggle or power button to turn off the extension temporarily. Reload Facebook and try the feature again. If it works, the extension was the problem. You can then turn the extension back on and use Facebook normally — the broken feature usually works again once you reload the page.
If a feature stays broken even with the extension off, the problem is with Facebook itself, not the blocker. Try clearing your browser's cache: on Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac), select "All time," and click "Clear data." Then reload Facebook.
Facebook Premium: the paid option to remove most ads
Facebook Premium is a paid subscription that removes most ads from your feed. The cost varies by country and whether you use Facebook on web or mobile — it ranges from roughly $10 to $20 per month depending on where you live. Premium is not available in all countries yet.
Premium removes ads from your main feed and from Stories, but you will still see ads in other places like Reels and the Marketplace. It also gives you a blue checkmark next to your name and some other features. For most people, the free settings and a browser extension are enough, but if you use Facebook heavily and want the cleanest experience, Premium is an option.
Combining settings and extensions for the best result
The most effective approach is to use both Facebook's built-in settings and a browser extension together. Start by adjusting your Ad Preferences — hide advertisers you do not want to see, turn off tracking-based targeting, and remove interest categories. Then install uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus. This combination catches ads at two different points: Facebook's system filters some before they reach you, and the extension blocks the rest.
Check your settings once a month, because Facebook adds new advertisers and interest categories over time. You do not need to reinstall the extension — it updates itself automatically. If you notice ads creeping back in, go back to Ad Preferences and hide new advertisers that have appeared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will ad blockers slow down Facebook?
Slightly, but usually not enough to notice. uBlock Origin is lighter than Adblock Plus and uses less memory. If your computer is already slow, disabling the extension while you use Facebook and turning it back on when you leave can help. Most people do not see a meaningful difference.
Can Facebook tell if I am using an ad blocker?
Facebook knows when ads do not load, but it cannot identify which extension you are using or force you to turn it off. You might see a message asking you to disable your blocker, but you can ignore it and keep using Facebook normally. The site will still work.
Do I need to pay for an ad blocker?
No. uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus are both free. Some ad blockers offer paid versions with extra features, but the free versions block ads just as well on Facebook. Do not pay for an ad blocker unless you specifically want the premium features.
Will turning off tracking settings stop Facebook from knowing what I do?
No. Turning off "Ads based on your activity" stops Facebook from using that data to target ads, but Facebook still collects and stores the information. If you want to limit what Facebook collects, you would need to use a VPN or a privacy-focused browser, which is beyond what ad settings can do.
What is the difference between uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus?
Both block ads on Facebook equally well. uBlock Origin uses less computer memory and is faster. Adblock Plus has a simpler interface and lets you whitelist websites you want to support. Choose based on what matters to you — if you are not sure, start with uBlock Origin.