If you're fed up with every tap on your phone's screen triggering an ad, intrusive banners, or autoplaying videos, you'll be interested in what's coming. Android is much more flexible than it seems, and with a simple adjustment, you can almost completely reduce advertising on apps and websites without installing anything, without root and without going crazy with weird configurations.
The key is to take advantage of the Private DNS with ad filteringThis system works in the background, blocking requests to advertising and tracking servers before content reaches your phone. It sounds technical, but the process is actually quite simple, and I'll explain it step by step, comparing it to other methods like blocking apps, Pi-hole, NextDNS, or even the airplane mode trick.
What is a DNS and why is it used to block ads?
Before touching any settings, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of what a DNS is and why changing it is important. You can make most ads disappear. that you see on your mobile phone. DNS stands for Domain Name System.
When you type something like www.google.esYour mobile phone doesn't actually work with that name, but with a numerical address called an IP address. The DNS acts as a “Contact list” that translates website names to IP addresses understandable by machines, so you don't have to memorize endless numbers.
All devices are configured to use one default DNS serversThese are usually the ones from your router or your internet provider. However, you can replace them with alternatives that offer extra features: more privacy, bypassing regional restrictions, improved performance… and, what interests us here, the ability to block ads, trackers, and certain types of content.
How does a filtered DNS block ads?
The ads you see on websites and within many apps don't come out of nowhere: they come from advertising and tracking serversThese servers function like any other resource on the Internet; your mobile phone makes requests to them to download banners, videos, or personalized ads.
DNS providers specializing in privacy and ad blocking maintain Lists of domains associated with ads, trackers, and unwanted contentEvery time an app or browser tries to contact one of those domains, the DNS intercepts the request and decides what to do with it.
When the DNS detects that the request is directed to a server that is on its filtered lists, it simply refuses to resolve the address or responds with a harmless IP addressThe result is that the ad never loads: the ad space appears empty, a blocking message is displayed, or you simply don't see anything where the ad creative should be.
This approach has one major advantage: by acting at the system level, The block affects both the browser and most apps, without needing to install additional applications or grant special permissions like a local VPN.
Advantages and limitations of blocking ads with DNS
Changing your DNS settings is, for most users, the most balanced method in terms of ease, effectiveness, and convenience. Even so, it's important to be aware of the following: its advantages and also its real limitations.
Among the main advantages is the fact that You don't need to root your device or install third-party apps.It all relies on a standard Android option (since version 9) called Private DNS, accessible from the system settings. This is ideal for budget phones, work devices, or any device where you don't want to complicate things.
Another important advantage is that resource consumption is minimal: unlike many blocking applications that set up a VPN profile and remain in the background, DNS filtering doesn't usually increase battery or CPU usage.Furthermore, the change affects the entire connection: browsers, apps, games with online ads, etc.
As limitations, you should keep in mind that Not all ads can be blocked 100%.Some apps integrate advertising very aggressively, use domains mixed with legitimate content, or even load ads from their own servers, making filtering difficult. A classic example is certain official social media clients, where "promoted tweets" or similar formats may still appear.
It should also be mentioned that some functions of certain websites or apps could be affected if the DNS decides block domains required for analytics, third-party services, or embedded contentIt's usually a minority issue, but it's good to know that if something stops working correctly, it could be due to filtering.
Methods for blocking ads on Android: a quick comparison
When you're looking for ways to get rid of ads on Android, you'll come across several strategies. Each has its pros and cons, and not all are equally convenient for the average user who just wants to... Use your mobile phone without being bombarded with ads.
1. Ad-blocking applications (AdGuard, Blokada, AdAway, RethinkDNS…)
A very widespread category is the Ad-blocking apps based on local VPN or traffic filteringNames like AdGuard, Blokada, AdAway, or RethinkDNS constantly appear in forums and on Reddit when someone asks how to block ads on Android.
These applications usually create a VPN profile on the device itself in order to redirect all traffic through a filter which analyzes requests and blocks those going to advertising or tracking domains. Some are open source (like RethinkDNS or AdAway), which provides added transparency, and offer advanced lists, statistics, and custom rules.
The main drawback is that, by maintaining a VPN and a permanent background serviceThey can increase battery and resource consumption, especially on low-end phones. Furthermore, it's a somewhat more invasive system that requires trusting the app that manages all your data traffic.
2. Personal AdBlock with Pi-hole and Raspberry Pi
Another popular method among advanced users is to mount a “Homemade AdBlock” with Pi-hole Installed on a Raspberry Pi or similar device, Pi-hole acts as a local DNS server on your network and filters ads for all devices connected to the same Wi-Fi.
This solution is extremely effective and very flexible: you can Block ads on mobile phones, computers, Smart TVs, and any connected device.All managed from a single interface. Furthermore, the community maintains very comprehensive blocklists.
The problem is that It requires time, some money, and technical knowledgeYou have to buy and set up the hardware, install Pi-hole, connect it to your router, and maintain it. For most users who just want to block ads on their Android, this level of complexity is excessive.
3. Change DNS on Android (recommended method)
The most balanced method for most people consists of Change the DNS on Android to one with ad filteringYou don't need root access, you don't have to install blocking apps or touch the router, and the change is made in just a few taps from the settings.
Within this strategy there are two main variants: using a public DNS already set up to block ads (like AdGuard) or opt for an advanced configurable service, such as NextDNS, which allows fully customize what you want to block, including trackers from large technology companies.
Configure a private DNS on Android to block ads
From Android 9 onwards, the system incorporates a feature called Private DNSThis option allows you to specify a hostname from a DNS provider that supports technologies such as DNS over TLS, which improves privacy and security, and opens the door to ad filtering.
The steps may vary slightly between customization layers, but in general the process for Change your private DNS settings and block ads system-wide is:
- Open the app Settings from your Android mobile.
- Enter the section Network and Internet or in a similar menu of connections.
- Look for the option Private DNSIf it doesn't appear directly, go to Advanced or in More connection settings until we find her.
- In the pop-up window, select the option Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter the DNS address with ad filtering (I'll give you several specific options below).
- Save the changes and wait a few seconds for the new settings to take effect.
After completing this setting, your phone will start using the DNS server you specified. If it's an ad-blocking DNS server, Requests to advertising and tracking domains will begin to be filtered. throughout the system.
Use AdGuard DNS to block ads without installing apps
One of the simplest and most effective options for users who don't want complications is AdGuard DNSThis company, known for its ad-blocking solutions, offers free public DNS servers with different filtering profiles.
To block ads and trackers on Android without installing anything, you can configure the AdGuard DNS with standard filteringIn your mobile's private DNS settings, the hostname field must be filled in exactly with:
- dns.adguard-dns.com
By using this host, your device will then resolve requests through AdGuard's servers, which They generally block ads and trackersOn most websites you will see banners and advertising elements disappear, and in many apps the ad spaces will be left empty or without content.
If in addition to advertising you want Block adult content and enable safe search On services like Google or YouTube, where available, AdGuard provides a "family" mode. To use this mode, instead of the standard DNS, you must use the following host:
- family.dns.adguard-dns.com (or the equivalent variant indicated by AdGuard)
With this adjustment, the DNS will not only filter ads and trackers, but also will restrict access to adult websites and will reinforce secure modes when the service allows it.
Note that AdGuard also documents variations of its servers depending on the platform (Windows, Linux, routers, etc.), differentiating between default servers, non-filtering and family protectionIn our case, for Android, the most practical thing is to use the hostnames prepared for private DNS.
Configure DNS with ad blocking only in the browser (Chrome)
If you don't want to touch the DNS at the system level or you're only concerned block ads while browsing the internetYou can configure a secure DNS directly in the browser, for example in Google Chrome for Android.
Chrome allows you to set a secure DNS provider (DNS over HTTPS) without changing the device's general settings. However, in this case, the block will only affect to navigation within the browser itselfnot to the rest of the apps.
To set up an ad-filtered DNS in Chrome for Android, do the following:
- Opens Chrome and tap the menu icon to enter Configuration.
- Go to section Privacy & Security.
- Search and click on the option Use secure DNS.
- Choose Choose another provider or a similar option.
- Enter the URL of the DNS with ad filtering in DNS over HTTPS format.
In the case of AdGuard, the URL you must enter for it to work correctly in Chrome with secure DNS has this format:
- https://dns.adguard-dns.com/dns-query
By selecting this provider, Chrome will send its DNS queries to that address, allowing AdGuard Block ads and trackers only while browsing the web within the browser.
If you want to apply stricter filtering, for example with blocking adult content in addition to advertising, you can use the corresponding version of AdGuard's DNS for families, in the same secure query URL format that the company documents.
An important detail: The DNS configured in Chrome takes precedence over the system DNSIn other words, if you have set a DNS with strict blocking (for example, with an adult filter) on Android and in Chrome you choose another provider that only blocks ads, when browsing with Chrome the browser settings will prevail and certain content may be accessible.
NextDNS: The “advanced mode” of DNS blocking
If you find a standard public DNS insufficient and want full control over what is blocked on your deviceNextDNS is a very powerful alternative. It works similarly to AdGuard DNS, but offers a very detailed configuration panel.
To use NextDNS, you need to register on their website and create a configuration profile. From the section of Security and Privacy You can activate and deactivate specific blocklists, manually add or remove domains, and enable complete blocking of trackers from Amazon, Apple, Google and other major providers.
One of the most interesting features of NextDNS is its system of real-time statistics and recordsYou can see which sites are trying to contact your devices, which requests have been blocked, which country they're coming from, and at what time. All of this allows you to adjust the rules on the fly, fine-tuning the balance between privacy and functionality.
To link your Android device to the profile you created, you need to go to the NextDNS settings section and locate the section for DNS over TLS/QUICThere you will see a custom hostname similar to a long subdomain.
That hostname is the one you should copy and paste into the field Private DNS provider hostname from the Android settings. Once saved, your mobile will use NextDNS with all the rules you have defined in your panel.
NextDNS offers a free plan with a limit of approximately 300.000 DNS queries per monthFor a single device, in most cases it is more than enough, although if you use the account for several devices or have very intensive use, you may want to consider paid options.
AdGuard Home and DNS usage with blocks on other systems
In addition to the public DNS service, AdGuard offers AdGuard HomeA Pi-hole-like solution that you can install on your own device (for example, a home server, a NAS, or a Raspberry Pi). With it, you turn your home network into a kind of “Ad-blocking hub” for all connected devices.
The idea is very similar: configure the use of the DNS servers offered by AdGuard HomeThe tool filters ads, trackers, and adult content, and allows you to select between default servers (with blocks), non-filtering servers (without restrictions), and family protection servers (which add adult content blocking and activate safe modes when possible).
For example, in systems like Ubuntu or Debian You can manually enter the AdGuard DNS server addresses in configuration files such as /etc/resolv.confand then restart the network (for example, with /etc/init.d/networking restart) so that the changes take effect. From that moment on, the system will begin to Resolve requests through AdGuard DNS with the chosen profile.
These types of configurations are very useful when you want Protect all your devices without going one by one.However, they require more technical work. On Android, the most convenient option for the vast majority is still to use private DNS with the AdGuard or NextDNS hostname, without needing your own servers.
Block ads on Android by activating airplane mode
There is a very basic trick that some users employ in specific cases: put your phone in airplane mode to completely stop ads from loading in certain apps. Obviously, its scope is very limited, but it's worth explaining.
Airplane mode disables the internet connection (mobile data and WiFi) and therefore, It prevents apps from contacting advertising servers.If you're going to play a game that works completely offline but shows ads between levels, turning on airplane mode before opening it can prevent those ads from loading.
This works well with games and tools that do not require a constant internet connectionYou can still use the app because its resources are installed locally, but since the ads do require an internet connection, they disappear. It's a quick fix for specific cases where you're only bothered by ads from a particular app.
However, it is a very limited method: It's not suitable for browsing the internetIt breaks any application that relies on the network (social media, messaging, streaming, etc.) and constantly toggling airplane mode on and off is impractical. Therefore, it's considered more of a temporary fix than a true ad-blocking system.
By combining all these options, from changing your private DNS on Android with AdGuard or NextDNS, to configuring secure DNS in Chrome, to more comprehensive solutions like Pi-hole or AdGuard Home for your entire network, you can ensure that your mobile phone and the rest of your devices are secure. are much cleaner environments, with less tracking and considerably less intrusive advertising, without the need for root access or heavy battery-draining applications. Share this information so that more users know about the topic..