How to block ads on Android mobile was not something I ever thought I’d need to Google, but I ended up there the first week I got my phone. I was happy setting the phone up, and then out of nowhere, an ad covered the whole screen while I was just scrolling.
I thought maybe it was a random glitch or one silly app, but no- it came back again the very next day. It felt almost like the phone was hijacked by ads.
If you have had that moment where you are trying to read or play and an ad just blasts across the screen, you know how distracting it gets. On my Samsung, it started with push notifications, while a friend with a Redmi had lock-screen ads, and another with a Tecno said even their settings menu had “recommendations.”
That’s when I realized it isn’t just one brand, it’s a common Android problem. I have tried a bunch of fixes, some worked, some didn’t, and in this guide, I will share what actually stopped the worst of them.
Table of Contents
Quick Fixes That Actually Worked for Me
How to block ads on Android mobile starts with a few simple tweaks that often solve most problems. Here are the ones that worked for me:
- Turn off browser pop-ups: In Chrome → Settings → Content settings → Block pop-ups → On.
- Check notification settings: Some apps sneak ads as notifications. Disable them under Settings → Apps & Notifications → select app → Notifications → Off.
- Stop launcher ads: Many Android brands hide ads under “Recommendations.” Switch them off in Settings → System/Additional settings.
If you’ve been asking how to stop pop-up ads on Android phone or how to stop ads on mobile screen, these quick steps can clear most of them instantly.
If you often use your phone for online studies, clearing ads makes learning smoother. You can also check our detailed guide on E-Learning in Kenya.
Turn Off Google Ad Personalization and Play Store Suggestions
If you’re still seeing ads, Google’s own settings might be the reason.
Disable Google Ads
- Go to Settings → Google → Ads.
- Toggle off “Opt out of Ads Personalization.”
- Tap Reset Advertising ID to clear old targeting.
Stop Play Store Ads
If you’ve been searching how to stop Play Store ads on Android, here’s what worked for me:
- Open Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon → Settings → Notifications.
- Turn off Promotional notifications.
Reduce In-App Ads
For anyone asking how to block in-app ads Android:
- Avoid free apps with aggressive ads (check reviews).
- Use browsers like Brave or Opera, which block most in-app ad calls.
- Restrict permissions in App settings to limit tracking.
Block Pop-Ups in Your Browser
Browser ads are some of the most disruptive. Here is how to block pop-up ads on mobile:
- Chrome: I just went into Settings, opened Site settings, and turned both pop-ups and ads to Block. It takes less than a minute and makes a big difference.” For additional details, you can follow Google’s official guide on blocking pop-ups and redirects
- Brave/Opera: Built-in ad blockers (enable in Settings).
- Stop site notifications: If you keep seeing pop-up ads on Android home screen, check Chrome → Settings → Notifications → turn off spammy sites.
The Free Method That Reduced Most Ads for Me (Private DNS)
Many people ask how to block ads on Android mobile for free. The best method I’ve found is using Private DNS:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter: dns.adguard.com or another trusted provider.
- Save and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
This cut down about 70% of my pop-ups without installing anything extra.
Stop Ads in Android Games (My Quick Hacks)
If your main issue is ads while gaming, here’s how to block ads on Android mobile games:
- Play offline: Switch to airplane mode for games that work without internet.
- Use “Remove Ads” upgrades: Some games offer one-time purchases to disable ads forever.
- Create a kid profile: On some phones, restricted profiles block third-party ads.
Brand-Specific Fixes I Tried
Different brands bury ads in different places. Here’s what I found:
How to block ads on Android mobile Samsung
- Settings → Privacy → Customization Service → Turn off.
- Disable Samsung Push Service.
- In Galaxy Apps → Settings → Turn off Promotions.
How to block ads on Android mobile Tecno
- Go to HiOS Settings.
- Turn off “App recommendations.”
- Block notification ads in individual app settings.
How to block ads on Android mobile Redmi
- Settings → Passwords & Security → Authorization & Revocation → Disable MSA.
- In File Manager & Mi Browser → Settings → Turn off Recommendations.
How to block ads on Android mobile Infinix
- Go to XOS Settings.
- Disable “App recommendation” toggles.
- Review app notification permissions.
How to block ads on Android mobile Realme
- Settings → Additional Settings → Get Recommendations → Off.
- In App Market → Settings → Turn off Promotions.
How to block ads on Android mobile Hisense
- Settings → Notifications → Disable promotional apps.
- Use Private DNS for extra filtering.
When Pop-Ups Appear Suddenly (What Fixed It for Me)
One night, I suddenly started seeing ads again and kept wondering: how do I stop pop-up ads on my Android phone suddenly? What worked:
- Safe mode check: Restart in safe mode to see if ads vanish.
- Uninstall suspicious apps: Recent installs are often the culprits.
- Run Play Protect: Open Play Store, then go to Profile and select Play Protect, and then Scan.
This is also where I added another check of how to block ads on Android mobile, making sure every permission matched what I wanted.
FAQs
How to stop pop-up ads on any Android phone?
I go into Settings → Apps & Notifications and turn off permissions for apps that spam me. Browser pop-ups can be blocked directly in Chrome settings. Also, make sure that you are careful when opening unknown apps, as these may sometimes cause ad pop-ups.
How to stop Play Store ads on Android?
Open Play Store → Profile → Settings → Notifications. Switch off all promotional alerts. It worked for me instantly.
How do I permanently block ads on my Android phone?
You can’t kill 100% of ads, but using Private DNS plus disabling system-level recommendations got me as close as possible.
How do I stop pop-up ads on my Android phone suddenly?
Restart in safe mode and test. If ads disappear, uninstall the last few apps you installed. That solved it for me once.
How to stop full-screen ads on Android?
Full-screen ads usually come from free apps. Delete or replace the app, or pay for the “remove ads” option if it’s a game you use often.
Is there an ad blocker for Android?
Yes. Browsers like Brave block most ads. For system-wide blocking, Private DNS with AdGuard DNS is free and reliable.
Conclusion
After a lot of trial and error, I figured out how to block ads on Android mobile without spending money on shady apps. For me, the biggest wins came from disabling system “recommendations,” switching Play Store promos off, and using Private DNS. Every brand has its own tricks, but once you know where to look, the problem is manageable.
I won’t pretend ads disappear forever, but once you set this up, you’ll notice far fewer interruptions. And honestly, that’s the difference between a frustrating phone and one you actually enjoy using every day.
Disclaimer: Ad-blocking settings vary by device and Android version. Some apps or websites may not function properly after blocking ads. Adjust settings responsibly and always respect creators’ ad policies.
Tarun Asrani is the founder and editor-in-chief of SmartAfricaGuide. With extensive experience in digital publishing and content strategy, he leads the platform’s focus on scholarships, e-learning, and career opportunities shaping Africa today. Tarun visits Africa twice a year, gaining first-hand exposure to local education systems, job markets, and emerging technologies. He also closely follows African news, university updates, and government initiatives to ensure SmartAfricaGuide delivers timely, accurate, and practical insights grounded in real regional experience.