Let’s face it: ads can be incredibly frustrating. They disrupt our video-watching and web-browsing experiences, and if your device is infected with adware, it can also drain your battery and slow down performance.
What if I told you that you can eliminate ads on your Android device without needing root access? Thanks to Android’s Private DNS feature, introduced in Android Pie, this is entirely possible.
For those unfamiliar, Private DNS allows users to easily switch to different DNS servers on their Android devices. With this feature, you can set a specific DNS server for both Wi-Fi and mobile networks in one place, rather than adjusting them individually. To block ads, you can switch to AdGuard DNS.
What is AdGuard DNS?
According to its official site, AdGuard DNS is an effective way to block internet ads without the need for additional applications. It’s free and works on all devices. The standout feature of AdGuard DNS is that it provides rootless, system-wide ad-blocking on Android devices. This means you can disable ads without rooting your device or modifying Chrome settings—just by using Private DNS.
How to Block Ads on Android Using Private DNS
Ensure your phone is running Android 9 Pie or later. If it is, follow these simple steps:
1. Open your Android app drawer and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet or Wireless & Networks.
3. Select Private DNS.
4. Choose the option to Configure Private DNS.
5. Enter dns.adguard.com in the hostname field.
6. Save your settings and open the Google Chrome browser.
7. In the URL bar, type chrome://flags and hit Enter.
8. Search for ‘DNS’ and disable the Async DNS option.
9. Next, enter chrome://net-internals in the URL bar and press Enter.
10. Click on the DNS tab and select Clear Cache.
Block Ads on Android Using DNS Switch
DNS Switch is an Android app that blocks ads across your device and allows you to quickly change your DNS address. It features various public DNS servers that you can activate with a single tap. To block ads using DNS Switch, follow these steps:
1. Download and install the DNS Switch app on your Android device.
2. Open the app and tap OK.
3. Browse through the DNS presets and select AdGuard1 and AdGuard2.
4. When prompted, allow the DNS Switch app to create a VPN by tapping Allow.
That’s it! The app will establish a VPN connection and activate AdGuard DNS on your device, resulting in fewer ads while browsing or using apps.
Best DNS for Ad Blocking on Android
In addition to AdGuard DNS, there are several other DNS providers that can help block ads on your Android device. Here are some of the best options:
1. LibreDNS
LibreDNS is a public DNS provider that blocks ads and bypasses certain restrictions. To set it up, follow the earlier steps and enter noads.libredns.gr in the Configure Private DNS field.
2. Control D
Control D is another excellent public DNS provider that aims to stop ads, malware, and trackers. To block ads, add p2.freedns.controld.com to your Private DNS configuration.
3. NextDNS
NextDNS offers protection against various online threats, including ads and trackers. To use it, create an account to obtain the DNS server address, then download the NextDNS app to configure your settings.
These DNS options can effectively remove ads from web pages, apps, and games on your Android smartphone.
Other Ways to Block Ads on Android
Besides using Private DNS, you can also opt for web browsers that come with built-in ad-blocking features. Many popular Android browsers, such as Opera, Microsoft Edge, Brave Browser, and Firefox Focus, automatically detect and block ads on web pages.
For a comprehensive list of the best ad-blocking browsers for Android, be sure to check out our guide to find the one that suits your needs best. Learn More
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