How To Block Ads (Easiest Methods For Each Platform)

What’s the Easiest Way To Block Annoying Ads and Pop-Ups? 

While advertising revenue is critical for the survival of most websites, ads don’t have to ruin your browsing experience or compromise your privacy and safety. 

Malicious ads and phishing scams have become so pervasive and convincing that click rates nearly tripled between 2023 and 2024.

With the right tools or blocking service, you can stop pop-up ads and significantly improve your online experience and safety. 

Here are some of the main methods available to block pop-ups and unwanted ads: 

• Enable your device or browser’s built-in ad blocker. Most devices and browsers have ad-blocking features — however, they’re often less strict than other tools about what they block. 
• Download a third-party ad-blocker. These ad-blockers protect you from the most intrusive ads and are typically bundled with other privacy and safety features — such as anti-tracking, antivirus, and a virtual private network (VPN). 
• Pay for ad-free services. Some websites, apps, and services (such as streaming services) allow you to pay extra for an ad-free experience. 

The best approach for you largely depends on the device and browser that you use.

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How To Block Ads in Google Chrome

Google Chrome users have two main methods available to them for blocking ads on webpages: 

1. Enable Google Chrome’s ad-blocking features

On most devices, Chrome has several features that can block pop-ups and redirects, intrusive ads, and personalized ads. 

Here’s what to do:

• Open Chrome, and click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner
• Click on Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings‍
• Select Ad privacy to disable Ad topics and Site-suggested ads‍
• Select Pop-ups and redirects to block websites from sending pop-ups
• Select Additional content settings, and click on Intrusive ads to prevent intrusive or misleading ads

While Chrome's site settings can help remove the worst kinds of ads, it won’t get rid of all ads. For that, you need a third-party Chrome extension, such as Aura.

2. Enable an ad blocker browser extension (Aura) on Google Chrome

Aura members have access to its Google Chrome extension that includes anti-tracking and ad-blocking features, a password manager, a VPN, and real-time antivirus protection. 

Here's how to add Aura to your Chrome browser: 

• Sign up for one of Aura's online protection plans
• Download the Aura extension from the Chrome Web Store
• Open the extension, and sign in to your Aura account to automatically activate the anti-tracking and ad-blocking features

How To Block Ads in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge offers two main avenues for blocking ads directly on the web browser: 

1. Configure Microsoft Edge's ad-blocking permissions

Compatible on most devices, the Microsoft Edge browser has limited built-in anti-tracking and ad-blocking features. Here's how to activate them:

• Open Edge, and click on the Ellipses (…) in the top right-hand corner of the browser
• Click on Settings and more > Settings
• Select Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, and toggle on Block
• Select Privacy, search, and services to choose your desired level of Tracking prevention

Microsoft Edge may block pop-ups, but it doesn't offer ad-free browsing on its own. To get that type of freedom, you need a third-party Edge add-on like the one offered by Aura.

2. Enable Aura on Microsoft Edge

Aura members can use its Microsoft Edge add-on to get powerful antivirus, VPN, and anti-tracking and ad-blocking protection. To use Aura on Microsoft Edge, follow the same steps listed above to download the Aura extension and add it to your browser.

How To Block Ads on YouTube

Many ad-blockers struggle to combat YouTube's persistent video ads, but there are a few available methods for watching ad-free videos:

1. Pay for YouTube Premium

When you sign up for YouTube Premium, you get access to unlimited ad-free videos. YouTube offers monthly and annual plans for individuals, students, and families. 

Here's how it works:

• Sign in to your account in the YouTube app or website
• Click on your profile picture, and open Settings
• Select Get YouTube Premium under Memberships (or Learn More under Purchases & Memberships on the app) 
• Pick the plan you want, and follow the payment and registration instructions to activate

2. Use an ad-blocking browser or extension

Some of the best ad-blocking browsers and extensions (such as Brave, Opera, and Aura) can block YouTube ads consistently, but they only work on YouTube's website. 

Here's how you can do this:

• Download the ad-blocking browser or extension of your choice
• Ensure that ad-blocking is turned on for the YouTube website
• Disable the YouTube app in your device's Settings

Ad-blocking browsers can work on YouTube.com, but they come with potential drawbacks. For example, some Brave browser users have reported slow loading times, video playback errors, and limited functionality. 

3. Block YouTube ads with ad-free players

Some ad-blockers offer ad-free video players that you can use to watch YouTube videos. 

Here's how it works: 

• Download the ad-blocker with an ad-free video player
• Select a YouTube video (website or app), and click on Share
• Select the ad-blocking video player

How To Block Ads on Android Devices

If you see ads or pop-ups on your Android device's home screen or when using an app, you have a few possible options:

1. Turn off app pop-ups

Some Android apps have the ability to display pop-ups and notifications on top of other apps. 

To disable this functionality:

• Open your device Settings, and select Apps
• Find and click on Special app access or Special access (which may be located in Advanced settings or in the three vertical dots icon)
• Click on Display over other apps or Appear on top, and disable Pop-ups for the offending app

2. Disable individual app notifications

If turning off app pop-ups doesn't work, you may have inadvertently granted special permissions to the app. Depending on your device, you may be able to turn off app notifications individually. 

For example, on a Samsung phone: 

• Open your device Settings, and select Apps
• Click on the offending app, and select Notifications
• Disable Pop-ups, or turn off the Allow Notifications toggle to block all alerts from the app

3. Scan for and remove adware

If you still receive ads on your Android phone or tablet after taking the above steps, adware is the likely culprit. To remove this type of malware, you need antivirus software like the one offered by Aura. 

After you enable Aura:

• Open the Aura app, and click on Hamburger menu > Antivirus
• Click on Scan Now, and provide All files access to Aura if prompted
• Aura will then detect and quarantine any adware on your device

How To Block Ads on iPhones

Since Apple prevents access to most third-party antivirus software and ad-blockers, your options for stopping ads on an iPhone are limited. 

Here are a couple of ways you can block iPhone ads:

1. Block pop-ups in Safari

Safari doesn't block ads or pop-ups by default, but you can turn on this feature in just a few steps. Here's what to do:

• Open Settings > Apps > Safari
• Toggle on Block Pop-ups 
• Toggle on Fraudulent Website Warning, as well

2. Install an iOS-compatible ad-blocker app

Since iPhones don't let apps overlay on top of others, and they restrict system-wide ad blockers, iPhone ad-blocking is largely browser-based. 

Here's how it works:

• Download an ad-blocker app from the App Store
• Ensure that ad-blocking is enabled in the Settings to block website ads 

Are Free Ad-Blockers Worth It? 

You have countless options when it comes to ad-blocking extensions and other tools, including many that offer free access or donation requests only. 

While some free ad-blockers work well, they can also come with risks — such as questionable privacy policies, irregular updates, and unmonitored security leaks. 

Rather than take that chance, consider Aura's dedicated ad-blocking and privacy app. 

For a lower monthly price than most standalone ad-blockers, Aura offers:

• Ad and pop-up blocking. Prevents all types of disruptive ads from showing up on websites. 
• Online tracker blocking. Helps keep your browsing private, and prevents websites and apps from tracking you.
• Dark Web and data breach alerts. Monitors the Dark Web for your personal information and alerts you to any leaks or breaches. 
• Password manager. Securely stores your passwords, and notifies you if any have been compromised. 
• Antivirus software. Secures and safeguards up to ten devices from malware.
• Virtual private network (VPN). Allows you to securely browse the internet from over 100 virtual locations.
• Scam and phishing site protection. Automatically blocks sites known for malware and information-stealing phishing scams.‍
• Optional identity and financial fraud protection. Includes extensive identity, credit, and financial account monitoring, plus access to fraud restoration specialists and $1 million in insurance coverage.