The three ways to block ads on Android
You can block ads on Android through your browser settings, by installing an ad-blocking app, or by switching to a browser that blocks ads by default. The method that works best depends on whether you want to block ads everywhere on your phone or just in your web browser, and how much control you want over which ads get through.
Browser-based blocking is the simplest for most people — it works inside Chrome, Firefox, or whatever browser you already use, and you can turn it on or off in seconds. App-based blockers work across your entire phone, including in other apps, but they require more setup and may slow your connection slightly. Built-in blockers in privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or Brave require no extra installation but limit you to that one browser.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome and most Android browsers do not block ads by default, but Firefox and Brave have built-in ad blocking you can enable without installing anything extra.
- Ad-blocking extensions in Chrome and Firefox work only inside that browser and require you to install them from the browser's extension store.
- Network-level ad blockers like NextDNS or Pi-hole block ads across all apps on your phone, but they require changing your DNS settings or connecting to a home network.
- Some ad blockers are free; others charge a monthly fee, and the paid ones usually offer more control over which ads to block and which to allow.
- Ad blockers can occasionally break websites or prevent some content from loading, so you may need to temporarily disable them on certain sites.
Using your browser's built-in ad blocking
Firefox and Brave both include ad blocking without requiring you to install anything. In Firefox, open the menu (three horizontal lines in the bottom right), tap Settings, then Privacy. Under "Enhanced Tracking Protection," select Standard or Strict — Strict blocks more ads but may break some websites. In Brave, open the menu, tap Settings, then Security and Privacy. Toggle on "Block ads and trackers" and choose your blocking level.
Chrome does not have a built-in ad blocker, but Google does block ads it considers intrusive through its own standards. If you want stronger blocking in Chrome, you will need to install an extension instead. Safari on Android does not exist — Apple only makes Safari for iPhones — but if you use Samsung Internet (the default browser on Samsung phones), you can enable tracking prevention in Settings, which blocks some ads as a side effect.
Installing an ad-blocking extension
Extensions work only inside your browser and block ads on websites you visit. The most common ad blockers are uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and AdGuard. To install one in Chrome, open the menu, tap Extensions, then tap "Open Chrome Web Store." Search for the ad blocker you want, tap it, then tap Add to Chrome. The extension will appear as an icon in your toolbar — tap it to see what it blocked on the current page or to adjust settings.
Firefox extensions work the same way: open the menu, tap Add-ons, search for the blocker, and tap Add to Firefox. uBlock Origin is widely recommended because it blocks more ads than Adblock Plus and uses less battery. Adblock Plus is simpler to set up but allows some ads through by default (you can turn this off in settings). Both are free, though they accept donations.
Extensions can occasionally prevent a website from loading properly or hide content you actually want to see. If a site breaks, tap the extension icon and select "Disable on this site," then reload the page. You can re-enable it later.
Using a network-level ad blocker
Network-level blockers like NextDNS, Pi-hole, or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families block ads across every app on your phone, not just your browser. They work by intercepting requests to ad servers before they reach your phone. To use NextDNS, read the app from the Google Play Store, create a free account, and follow the setup wizard — it will ask permission to create a VPN connection, which is how it intercepts traffic. You do not need to pay unless you want advanced features like custom blocklists.
Pi-hole is more powerful but requires a Raspberry Pi or similar device on your home network — it blocks ads for your entire home network, not just your phone. Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families is simpler: read the app, open it, and toggle on "Malware and adult content blocking." It is free and does not require a VPN connection, though it blocks fewer ads than NextDNS.
Network blockers can slow your connection slightly because every request has to pass through an extra step. They may also break some apps or websites that rely on ad networks to function. If something stops working, you can temporarily disable the blocker or add that domain to your allowlist.
Paid ad blockers and what they offer
Free ad blockers handle most common ads, but paid options like AdGuard Premium or NextDNS Pro give you more control. AdGuard Premium costs about $2 per month and blocks ads across all apps on your phone, not just your browser — it works similarly to NextDNS but with a different interface. NextDNS Pro costs about $20 per year and lets you create custom rules, see detailed logs of what is being blocked, and manage multiple devices from one account.
For most people, free options like uBlock Origin in Firefox or Brave's built-in blocker are enough. Paid blockers are worth considering if you use many apps that show ads, or if you want detailed reports on what is being blocked. Some paid blockers also include VPN service, password management, or malware protection, though you should evaluate those features separately — a good ad blocker does not automatically mean a good VPN.
What to do when an ad blocker breaks a website
Ad blockers sometimes block content that is not actually an ad, or they block scripts that websites need to function. If a page will not load, shows blank sections, or displays an error message, the ad blocker is likely the cause. Tap the ad blocker icon in your toolbar and look for an option to disable it on that site — in uBlock Origin, click the power icon; in Adblock Plus, click the toggle next to the site name.
Reload the page. If it works now, you know the blocker was the problem. You can leave it disabled on that site, or you can try adjusting the blocker's settings instead — many blockers let you choose how aggressive they are, and switching from "hard mode" to "standard mode" often fixes broken sites. If disabling the blocker does not help, the problem is something else, and you should try a different browser or clear your cache.
Comparing your options at a glance
| Method | Works where | Setup time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browser built-in (Firefox, Brave) | In that browser only | 30 seconds | Free | People who want the simplest option |
| Browser extension (uBlock Origin) | In that browser only | 2 minutes | Free | People who want strong blocking without switching browsers |
| Network blocker (NextDNS) | All apps on your phone | 5 minutes | Free or $20/year | People who want to block ads everywhere, including in apps |
| Paid app blocker (AdGuard Premium) | All apps on your phone | 5 minutes | $2/month | People who want detailed control and support |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an ad blocker slow down my phone?
Browser extensions like uBlock Origin have almost no impact on speed. Network-level blockers like NextDNS may add a few milliseconds to each request, which you usually will not notice. If your phone feels slower after installing a blocker, the blocker is probably not the cause — try clearing your cache or restarting your phone instead.
Can websites detect that I am using an ad blocker?
Yes, some websites can detect ad blockers and may ask you to disable them or show a message saying ad blocking is not allowed. You can disable the blocker on that site, or you can look for a setting in the blocker itself that hides the fact that you are using it — uBlock Origin has an option called "Block remote fonts" that helps with this.
Do I need a VPN if I use an ad blocker?
No. Ad blockers and VPNs do different things — ad blockers remove ads, and VPNs hide your IP address. You can use both, but you do not need one to use the other. Some paid ad blockers include a VPN, but evaluate the VPN separately before paying for it.
What is the difference between uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus?
uBlock Origin blocks more ads and uses less battery, but it has more settings to configure. Adblock Plus is simpler but allows some ads through by default (called "acceptable ads"). Both are free. Most people prefer uBlock Origin, but Adblock Plus is fine if you want less configuration.
Can I use an ad blocker on YouTube?
Browser-based blockers like uBlock Origin can block YouTube ads in your browser. App-level blockers cannot block ads inside the YouTube app itself. YouTube's terms of service prohibit ad blocking, so YouTube may eventually block users who use ad blockers — this is an ongoing conflict between YouTube and ad blocker developers.