We’ve all been there—pop-up ads interrupting your browsing or app experience, slowing down your Android device and ruining the flow. It's frustrating and often feels unavoidable.
Blocking ads can drastically improve your phone's performance by speeding up browsing and saving data. It also enhances privacy, as DNS helps prevent ad trackers from collecting your personal information.
In this guide, you’ll learn a simple, step-by-step method to block ads on Android using DNS. No complicated apps—just easy settings to help you enjoy an ad-free experience.
What is DNS and Why Should You Care?
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which helps convert website names into IP addresses. It's like the phonebook of the internet. Without DNS, we'd need to remember long number strings instead of easy-to-remember website names.
It works behind the scenes to connect your browser to websites. When you type a website like google.com, DNS finds its unique IP address. This process makes browsing smooth and quick. Without DNS, every website would need to be accessed by its IP address, which would be complicated and time-consuming.
Why DNS Matters?
DNS affects all your internet activity. Every time you visit a website, DNS is involved. It enables you to reach websites by just typing their names instead of dealing with complex numbers.
Besides navigation, DNS can also block ads. Some services use DNS to prevent your device from accessing certain servers, blocking unwanted content. It's a simple way to stop ads without needing complicated software.
How Does DNS Block Ads on Android?
DNS blocks ads on Android by redirecting requests to known ad servers. When you try to access an ad, the DNS service prevents it from loading, effectively blocking the ad.
It works through custom DNS settings on your device. Services like AdGuard or Pi-hole can be used to filter out ad servers. By changing your DNS settings, you prevent ads from even loading, improving your browsing experience.
Why You Should Block Ads Using DNS on Android
Better Privacy: DNS helps stop ad trackers from collecting personal data. By blocking connections to ad servers, your browsing history and activity stay private, preventing unwanted tracking.
Improved Performance: Blocking ads boosts your phone's speed. Ads often use heavy media like videos or images that slow down websites and apps. By blocking them, pages load faster and apps run smoother.
No More Annoying Interruptions: DNS blocks those pesky pop-ups and video ads, offering a peaceful browsing experience. No more waiting for ads to skip or accidentally clicking on the wrong ad!
Does Android Have Built-in Ad Blocker?
No, Android doesn't come with a built-in ad blocker. Ads are a part of many free apps and websites, and there's no default feature to block them.
However, you can use DNS settings or third-party apps like AdGuard to block ads on your device. These tools provide an easy solution for a cleaner, ad-free experience without the need for complex setups.
Step-by-Step Guide To Block Ads using Adguard DNS on Android.
Setting up DNS on your Android device to block ads is an easy process. Just follow these simple steps to get started:
Note: For this guide I have used Samsung M35 an android phone which is based on Android Version 14 with ONE UI Version 6.1. You might not find same settings in your devices. So, In Settings Menu directly Search for Private DNS and then follow the steps.
Step 1: Open Settings
Start by unlocking your Android phone and going to the "Settings app". You can find the settings icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.Step 2: Go to Connections
Once you're in the Settings menu, at the very beginning of the page you will find the "Connections" section. Tap on it to open the Connections.
Step 3: Go to More Connections Settings.
Once you entered into Connections menu, scroll down at the bottom you will find the "More Connections Settings" section. Then tap on it to open the More Connections Settings.
Step 4: Select Private DNS
Next, within the More Connections Settings, you to see the Private DNS option. This option allows you to set a custom DNS provider for your phone.
Step 4: Select Private DNS Provider Hostname
Tap on Private DNS. You'll be presented with three options:
Off (default setting)
Automatic
Private DNS provider hostname
Select the Private DNS provider hostname option.
Step 5: Enter a DNS Provider
Now, you'll need to enter the hostname of a DNS provider that can block ads. Some popular DNS providers that block ads are:
AdGuard: dns.adguard.com
NextDNS: dns.nextdns.io
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (though this one doesn't specifically block ads, it provides a safe browsing experience)
Step 6: Save and Exit
Once you’ve entered the hostname for the DNS provider of your choice, tap Save or OK at the bottom of the screen. This will apply the new DNS settings to your Android phone.
Step 7: Test Your Setup
To make sure the DNS settings are working and blocking ads, open a browser and visit a website that typically has lots of ads. You should notice fewer or no ads appearing on the page.
Additional Notes:
You can always go back and change the DNS provider by following the same steps and entering a different provider.
Some apps may still show ads due to their design, but this method will significantly reduce the number of ads across websites and apps.
The 5 Best DNS Providers For Android
1. AdGuard DNS
If you're tired of pop-up ads while browsing, AdGuard DNS is a great choice to eliminate them. AdGuard DNS blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites to provide a faster, more secure browsing experience on Android.
Hostname: dns.adguard.com
Features:
Ad Blocking: Blocks ads across websites and apps, improving speed.
Privacy Protection: Prevents data tracking by blocking ad networks.
Free Service: No charge for core features, providing excellent value.
2. NextDNS
NextDNS lets you block adult content and track online activity, ideal for families with young children. NextDNS offers custom security features like ad-blocking, privacy protection, and content filtering, with detailed analytics for advanced users.
Hostname: dns.nextdns.io
Features:
Advanced Analytics: Provides detailed logs of internet activity.
Parental Controls: Blocks inappropriate content and monitors usage.
Customizable Filters: Tailor filtering to block specific content.
3. Google DNS
If you prioritize speed over privacy, Google DNS is an excellent choice for a seamless browsing experience. Google DNS is known for its speed and reliability but lacks advanced privacy features like ad-blocking.
Private DNS Hostname: (Google does not offer DNS-over-HTTPS, but you can still use their regular DNS servers manually.)
Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
Features:
Fast Response Times: Offers fast access to websites and services.
Global Servers: Spread across the world for quick, low-latency browsing.
Free: Easy to set up and use without any cost.
4. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
Cloudflare DNS is perfect for users seeking both privacy and speed, ensuring secure browsing with no tracking. Cloudflare DNS emphasizes privacy and security while providing fast browsing speeds with DNS-over-HTTPS encryption.
Hostname:
1.1.1.1.cloudflare-dns.com
1.0.0.1.cloudflare-dns.com
Features:
Privacy Focused: Does not log user data or browsing history.
DNS-over-HTTPS: Encrypts DNS queries for secure browsing.
Fast and Reliable: Excellent performance with minimal latency.
5. OpenDNS
OpenDNS provides enhanced security features, including phishing protection and customizable content filtering for safer internet browsing. OpenDNS is ideal for families or businesses needing extra protection against malicious sites and unwanted content.
Hostname: dns.opendns.com
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Features:
Phishing Protection: Blocks harmful phishing sites to protect against online threats.
Content Filtering: Filters adult or inappropriate content.
Customizable Security: Allows tailored filtering for websites and services.
The Pros and Cons of DNS-Based Ad Blocking
Advantages of DNS-Based Ad Blocking:
Improved Privacy: DNS-based ad blocking helps protect your personal data by blocking ad trackers, reducing the chance of your online activity being tracked and sold.
Faster Browsing: Ads, especially heavy ones like videos, slow down websites. Blocking them significantly speeds up page loading times, providing a smoother browsing experience.
Easy to Set Up: Setting up DNS-based ad blocking is simple and doesn’t require extra apps or complicated technical steps. Just change a few settings in your phone’s network options.
Saves Data: Ads consume mobile data, especially on limited data plans. DNS ad blocking helps save data by preventing ads from loading, especially media-heavy ads.
Works Across Apps: DNS blocking doesn’t just work in browsers; it also blocks ads in apps, games, and any internet-connected service, making it a system-wide solution.
Disadvantages of DNS-Based Ad Blocking:
Doesn’t Block All Ads: While DNS can block many ads, it may not catch every ad, particularly those integrated directly into app content or some specific websites.
May Block Legitimate Content: Some DNS providers may unintentionally block useful content like tracking scripts or analytics tools, which could disrupt the functionality of some websites.
Limited Customization: DNS-based blocking offers less control compared to traditional ad blockers, meaning you can’t fine-tune which ads to block or allow.
Inconsistent Performance: Some DNS providers might not be as reliable as others, potentially leading to slower internet speeds or interruptions if the DNS service has issues.
Requires Regular Updates: DNS-based ad blocking requires maintaining up-to-date blocking lists. Without updates, its effectiveness in blocking ads can decrease over time.
In summary, DNS-based ad blocking is an easy, effective way to enhance privacy, improve browsing speed, and save data. However, it does have limitations, including inconsistent performance, less customization, and the occasional failure to block all ads.
How to Block All Ads on Android with DNS (No Ads Left Behind!)
When you set up DNS to block ads, it works across all platforms, meaning both web browsing and apps. Whether you’re surfing the web or using an app, DNS will filter out most ads before they even load. This gives you a smoother, ad-free experience everywhere on your Android device.
However, some apps might still show ads despite using DNS. Certain apps don't rely on the internet's DNS system for delivering ads. They may use their own internal systems or networks to serve ads, which DNS can't block. So, while DNS blocks many ads, it's not a foolproof method for every app.
Troubleshooting DNS Ad Blocking on Android
What If DNS AdGuard Isn’t Working?
If AdGuard DNS isn’t blocking ads as expected, try these steps:
Check DNS Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS. Ensure you’ve entered the correct DNS provider address (e.g., dns.adguard.com).
Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a restart helps apply the new DNS settings correctly.
Switch to a Different DNS Provider: If AdGuard isn't working, try other DNS providers like NextDNS or OpenDNS to see if they offer better ad-blocking performance.
Why Ads May Still Appear?
Here are some reasons ads might still show up:
Outdated Blacklists: The DNS provider’s ad-blocking lists might not be up-to-date, letting some ads slip through.
DNS Server Issues: If your DNS provider is facing downtime or slow responses, ad blocking may not function properly.
App-Specific Ads: Some apps use their own servers or ad systems, bypassing DNS filtering.
How to Fix Persistent Ads?
If ads are still showing up, try these solutions:
Use an App-Specific Ad Blocker: For apps that bypass DNS blocking, install an ad blocker like AdGuard or Blokada for those specific apps.
Update Your DNS Provider: Ensure that your DNS provider regularly updates its ad-blocking lists. Consider switching to a more active DNS service if necessary.
Use a VPN with Ad Blocking: Some VPN services come with built-in ad-blocking features, adding an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blocking ads on Android using DNS is a simple yet effective way to improve your browsing experience. By adjusting your DNS settings, you can enhance privacy, boost speed, and eliminate annoying interruptions from ads. This method prevents ads from loading, ensuring a smoother and faster experience while protecting your personal data.
Though not foolproof, DNS blocking significantly reduces unwanted ads across websites and apps. Services like AdGuard DNS and NextDNS are easy to set up and provide a cleaner browsing experience.
Give it a try, share your feedback, and stay tuned for more tech tips!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can YouTube ads be blocked by DNS?
DNS-based ad blocking can block most ads, but YouTube ads are often harder to block due to their integration within the video player. Other methods may be required.
How much does AdGuard DNS cost?
AdGuard DNS offers a free plan with basic ad-blocking features and a premium plan with advanced privacy features, which will cost around $20 monthly subscription.
Can I use AdGuard DNS for free?
Yes, AdGuard DNS has a free version that provides ad blocking and some privacy features, but the premium plan offers more advanced tools and extra privacy options.
Is it safe to use DNS AdGuard on Android?
Yes, AdGuard DNS is safe to use on Android. It’s a trusted service that enhances privacy by blocking ads and trackers without compromising your device’s security.
What happens if you block DNS?
Blocking DNS can prevent your device from accessing websites or services, leading to connectivity issues. Make sure your DNS settings are correctly configured to avoid disruptions.