How to block ads on all platforms (PC, Android, iPhone, and more)

Why block ads?

Ads can slow down websites, interrupt videos, drain mobile data, and clutter your screen with pop-ups or autoplay content. Some go beyond being annoying — malicious ads may redirect users to scam websites, install malware, or spread adware without users realizing it. Mobile apps and games can also flood users with aggressive ads that make browsing or gaming frustrating.

Ad blocking helps create a cleaner browsing experience, reduces distractions, and can improve privacy and device performance. It also lowers the risk of running into dangerous pop-ups or malvertising campaigns designed to trick users into clicking harmful links.

PS: We also have guides on how to turn ad blocker off or what to do if your ad blocker is not working – make sure you read them.

How to block ads and pop-ups

Completely blocking every ad everywhere is almost impossible. Some ads come from websites, others are built into apps, videos, mobile games, or smart TVs. That’s why the best results usually come from combining a few different tools instead of relying on just one.

Here are the most common ways to block ads and pop-ups:

• Browser extensions. Ad blockers like uBlock Origin, AdBlock, or the NordVPN Chrome extension can remove banners, pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers directly in your browser.
• VPN-based ad blockers. Some VPN services include built-in ad blocking that filters ads and malicious domains before they load. Such tools can also reduce trackers, scam websites, and malicious downloads across browsers and apps.
• Browser settings. Browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge already include settings that block pop-ups, redirects, and certain intrusive ads without installing additional software. Some users also switch to the best privacy browsers with built-in tracker and ad blocking features.

No single method blocks 100% of ads across every app, browser, and device. Some platforms actively work around ad blockers, which is why combining several approaches usually works best.

How to block ads on Android devices

Android devices already include several built-in tools that can reduce ads, pop-ups, and tracking. For better results, you can also combine them with ad-blocking apps or privacy-focused browsers, especially if you want to stop pop-up ads on Android more effectively.

1. Enable Private DNS

Private DNS can block many ads and trackers across your device, including inside apps and browsers. Unlike browser extensions, it works system-wide on Android.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. 1.Open “Settings.”
2. 2.Go to “Network & internet” or “Connections.”
3. 3.Tap “Private DNS.”
4. 4.Select “Private DNS provider hostname.”
5. 5.Enter a DNS provider address, such as:
   • dns.adguard.com
   • family.adguard-dns.com (blocks adult content too)
6. 6.Tap “Save.”

Menu names may vary slightly depending on your Android device and version.

2. Install ad-blocking apps and browsers

Ad-blocking browsers and apps can reduce banners, pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers while browsing. Browsers like Brave include built-in ad blocking, while tools like NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus can block ads, trackers, malicious websites, and dangerous downloads across your device. 

If intrusive ads appear mostly while gaming, you can also learn how to block ads on mobile games.

3. Change app settings and permissions 

Some apps send intrusive pop-ups or spam notifications directly to your home screen. This issue is usually app-specific and often linked to low-quality or potentially malicious apps.

To disable app pop-ups and notifications on Android:

1. 1.Open “Settings.”
2. 2.Tap “Apps” or “Notifications.”
3. 3.Select the app causing intrusive ads.
4. 4.Turn off “Notifications” or remove permissions you don’t want the app to have.
5. 5.If the issue continues, uninstall the app entirely.

Remember, if pop-ups keep appearing even outside your browser, your device may have adware installed.

How to block ads on iPhones and other iOS devices 

iPhones and other iOS devices include several built-in privacy and ad-blocking settings, especially in Safari. You can also combine them with ad-blocking apps and private DNS services to reduce ads across apps and browsers, improve privacy, and even help remove adware from phones.

1. Block pop-ups on Safari

Safari includes built-in settings that can block pop-ups and warn users about suspicious websites.

Here’s how to enable them:

1. 1.Open “Settings.”
2. 2.Scroll down and tap “Safari.”
3. 3.Under “General,” turn on “Block pop-ups.”
4. 4.Turn on “Fraudulent website warning” as well.

The Fraudulent Website Warning feature helps detect known phishing and scam websites before they load.

2. Adjust the systems settings

iOS also allows users to reduce ad tracking and personalized advertising.

To limit tracking and personalized ads:

1. 1.Open “Settings.”
2. 2.Tap “Privacy & security.”
3. 3.Select “Tracking.”
4. 4.Turn off “Allow apps to request to track.”

To disable personalized ads:

1. 1.Open “Settings.”
2. 2.Tap “Privacy & security.”
3. 3.Scroll down and select “Apple advertising.”
4. 4.Turn off “Personalized ads.”

These settings won’t remove all ads, but they can reduce tracking and targeted advertising.

3. Install an ad-blocker app

Ad blockers can reduce banners, pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers on iPhones and iPads. Some also block malicious domains and scam websites.

Options compatible with iOS include:

• NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus
• AdGuard
• Brave Browser
• Firefox Focus

If you mostly browse on Safari, many iOS ad blockers work through Safari extensions.

4. Enable private DNS

Private DNS can help block ads and trackers at the network level before they load on your device.

To enable a custom DNS on iPhone or iPad:

1. 1.Open “Settings.”
2. 2.Tap “Wi-Fi.”
3. 3.Press the “i” icon next to your connected network.
4. 4.Scroll down and tap “Configure DNS.”
5. 5.Select “Manual.”
6. 6.Add a DNS provider address, such as AdGuard DNS or another trusted provider.
7. 7.Save your changes.

Keep in mind that DNS settings only apply to the specific Wi-Fi network you configure.

How to block ads in Google Chrome

Google Chrome includes built-in settings that can reduce intrusive ads and pop-ups. You can also add browser extensions for stronger ad and tracker blocking.

1. Blocking intrusive ads via Google Chrome’s settings

Chrome can automatically block ads on websites that use aggressive or misleading advertising.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. 1.Open “Google Chrome.”
2. 2.Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. 3.Select “Settings.”
4. 4.Go to “Privacy and security.”
5. 5.Click “Site settings” > “Additional content settings” > “Intrusive ads.”
6. 6.Make sure the blocking option is enabled.

You can also block pop-ups and redirects in the same section under “Pop-ups and redirects.”

2. Use Chrome extensions

Chrome extensions can block banners, autoplay videos, trackers, and pop-ups directly in your browser. Popular options include uBlock Origin, AdBlock, and the NordVPN Chrome extension.

Keep in mind that Chrome extensions only work on desktop versions of Chrome. Chrome on Android and iPhone does not support traditional ad-blocking extensions.

How to block ads in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge includes built-in tools that can block pop-ups, trackers, and some intrusive ads. Like Chrome, it also supports browser extensions for stronger ad blocking.

1. Blocking intrusive ads via Edge’s settings

Take the steps below to adjust Edge’s built-in privacy and pop-up settings:

1. 1.Open “Microsoft Edge.”
2. 2.Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. 3.Select “Settings.”
4. 4.Go to “Cookies and site permissions.”
5. 5.Open “Pop-ups and redirects” and make sure blocking is enabled.
6. 6.Return to “Settings” and select “Privacy, search, and services.”
7. 7.Turn on “Tracking prevention” and choose “Balanced” or “Strict” mode.

These settings can reduce pop-ups, trackers, and some intrusive advertising across websites.

2. Use Chrome extensions

Microsoft Edge supports many extensions from the Chrome Web Store, including ad blockers and privacy tools.

Popular options include uBlock Origin, AdBlock and the NordVPN Chrome extension. You can also explore other useful browser extensions for privacy.

To install Chrome extensions on Edge:

1. 1.Open the “Chrome Web Store” in Edge.
2. 2.Allow extensions from other stores if prompted.
3. 3.Choose the extension you want and click “Add to Chrome.”

How to block ads on YouTube

YouTube ads can appear before videos, during playback, in search results, and even on the homepage. While some users choose YouTube’s paid subscription, others prefer ad blockers or privacy-focused browsers.

1. Buy YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium removes ads across YouTube videos and includes additional features like background playback and offline downloads.

Here’s how to subscribe:

1. 1.Open YouTube.
2. 2.Click your profile picture.
3. 3.Select “Purchases and memberships.”
4. 4.Choose “YouTube Premium.”
5. 5.Follow the payment instructions.

YouTube Premium works across desktop, mobile, and smart TV apps linked to your Google account.

2. Use ad blockers

Browser extensions and ad-blocking browsers can reduce or remove many YouTube ads on desktop devices.

Popular options include:

• uBlock Lite
• AdBlock
• Brave Browser

Keep in mind that YouTube regularly updates its platform to detect ad blockers, so some tools may stop working temporarily or require updates. If you also want to reduce tracking while watching videos, read our guide on YouTube safety.