Originally written by Amit Kumar, updated by Dibyajyoti Kabi. First published May 17, 2019. Updated October 24, 2026.
The easiest way to block ads on Android without root is Private DNS. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS, pick Private DNS provider hostname, and type an ad-blocking server like dns.adguard-dns.com. That blocks ads in most apps and browsers at once. Then turn off pop-ups and intrusive ads in Chrome for the rest.
The old version of this post leaned on Chrome’s Lite mode and a couple of browser apps. Google has since removed Lite mode from Chrome, so I’ve rewritten the guide around the methods that still work on current Android phones.
Key points
- Private DNS works on Android 9 and later, with no app and no root.
- One setting blocks ads system wide, in apps and in browsers.
- Chrome has its own Pop-ups and redirects and Intrusive ads settings. Use them too.
- Samsung Internet supports ad blocker add-ons from its own menu.
- No method blocks every ad. YouTube ads and ads served from the same server as the content usually get through.
What is the best way to block ads on Android?
Private DNS with an ad-blocking DNS server is the best free method for most people. Your phone sends every website lookup to that server, and the server refuses to answer for known ad and tracker domains. The ads simply never load. It takes about a minute to set up and works on Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Google added Private DNS in Android 9 Pie. It uses DNS over TLS, so your lookups are also encrypted. You can read how it works on the Android Developers blog.
How do I set up Private DNS to block ads?
Open Settings, find Private DNS, choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.adguard-dns.com. Tap Save. The menu sits in a slightly different place on each brand, but the steps after you find it are the same everywhere.
On a Pixel or a phone close to stock Android:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Choose Private DNS provider hostname.
- Type dns.adguard-dns.com and tap Save.
On a Samsung Galaxy phone with One UI:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap More connection settings.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Choose Private DNS provider hostname, type dns.adguard-dns.com and tap Save.
If you can’t find it, open Settings and search for “Private DNS”. The hostname comes from AdGuard’s list of DNS servers, where it’s listed as the Default server that blocks ads and trackers.
What if a website or app stops working after I turn on Private DNS?
Some apps break when their ad or tracking domain is blocked, like a shopping link that goes through a tracker first. If that happens, set Private DNS back to Automatic for a moment, open the link, then switch it back. A VPN app can also override Private DNS, so check that too.
The error “Couldn’t connect” or “Private DNS server cannot be accessed” usually means a typo in the hostname. Type it again with no “https://” and no spaces.
How do I stop pop-ups and redirects in Chrome on Android?
Open Chrome, tap the three dots, then Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and make sure the switch is off so Chrome blocks them. Chrome blocks pop-ups by default, but it’s worth checking, because a site you allowed once stays allowed.
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Tap Settings, then Site settings.
- Tap Pop-ups and redirects and turn it off to block them.
- Go back to Site settings, tap Intrusive ads and turn that off as well.
The Intrusive ads setting stops ads on sites that Google has flagged for abusive or misleading ads. Google explains both settings on its pop-ups help page.
Can I block ads in Samsung Internet?
Yes. Samsung Internet lets you install ad blocker add-ons right from the browser menu. Open Samsung Internet, tap the menu icon, then Ad blockers, and download one from the list. It only works inside Samsung Internet, so Private DNS is still the better choice for apps.
- Open Samsung Internet.
- Tap the three-line menu at the bottom right.
- Tap Ad blockers.
- Pick an ad blocker from the list and tap the download icon.
Which method should I use?
Use Private DNS first, then add the Chrome settings on top. Here is how the options compare.
| Method | Blocks ads in apps? | Blocks ads in browsers? | Needs an app? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private DNS with an ad-blocking server | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chrome Pop-ups and Intrusive ads settings | No | Chrome only | No |
| Samsung Internet ad blocker add-ons | No | Samsung Internet only | An add-on |
| Xiaomi system ad settings | System apps only | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
Does Private DNS block YouTube ads?
No. YouTube serves its ads from the same servers as its videos, so a DNS blocker can’t tell them apart. YouTube Premium is the official way to remove them.
Will Private DNS slow down my phone?
In most cases you won’t notice any difference. Pages often load a little faster because the ads never download. If browsing feels slow, try Automatic again and compare.
Does Private DNS work on mobile data?
Yes. The setting applies to Wi-Fi and mobile data. It only stops working when a VPN app takes over your DNS.
Do I need root to block ads on Android?
No. Every method in this guide works on a stock phone with no root and no unlocked bootloader.
Related guides
That’s it. Private DNS alone gets rid of most of the ads you see every day.
If an app still shows ads or something broke after you turned it on, leave a comment with your phone model and Android version, and I’ll help you sort it out.
