How To Block Ads on Chrome (Android, iPhone, and Desktop)

What’s the Best Way To Block Annoying Ads on Chrome?

Displaying ads and pop-ups are how most online services and websites make money, but they can quickly become annoying — or worse, dangerous. 

Some pop-ups and online ads are used by hackers to promote phishing scams. If you accidentally click on these ads, you can be sent to malicious websites, inadvertently install trackers, or download viruses. 

For Google Chrome users, there are multiple ways to limit the number of ads you see when browsing online: 

• Use Chrome’s built-in “intrusive ad-blocking” feature
• Block pop-ups in Chrome settings
• Update website permissions to prevent unwanted notifications
• Download a third-party ad blocker 

The method that will best work for you depends on your device, budget, and browsing habits. 

‍The bottom line: While there are built-in settings on your device or in Chrome itself that can help minimize ads, the best approach is to use a robust ad-blocker like Aura’s.

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How To Block Ads by Using Chrome’s Built-in Ad Blocker

The Google Chrome browser has a native ad-blocking feature that automatically blocks ads that fail to meet the standards of the Coalition for Better Ads. While this feature can help improve your browsing experience, you’ll still be served “legitimate” text, image, and video ads on websites and on YouTube. 

‍On desktop devices (Mac and PC):

• Go to your Chrome Settings under the Chrome drop-down menu in your browser window.
• Select Privacy and Security > Site settings > Additional content settings.
• Scroll down, and click on Intrusive ads. Make sure you’ve selected Ads are blocked on sites known to show intrusive or misleading ads.

On mobile devices:

‍The process for enabling this feature on Android and other devices is pretty much the same — except for the location from which you’ll access your settings.

• Android devices (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.): Open Chrome, and then tap on the three-dots menu in the top-right corner of the screen to access your settings. Then, follow the same steps as above to enable Chrome’s built-in ad blocker. 
• iOS devices (iPhone and iPad): Open the Chrome app on your Apple device, and then tap on More > Settings > Content Settings. You can then switch Block Pop-ups to on or off.
• Chromebooks: As with desktop browsers, navigate to Privacy and Security > Site settings, and then you can toggle to on or off in the Ads option.

Chrome’s built-in settings can automatically block intrusive or misleading ads, but it won’t get rid of all ads. For that, you’ll need a third-party ad-blocker app. 

‍💡 Related: How To Remove Apple Security Alerts & Mac Pop-up Viruses →

‍How To Block Ads by Updating Your Chrome Settings

Another free option for blocking ads on Chrome is to simply update your privacy controls in your browser. While less comprehensive than Chrome's built-in ad blocker, these settings can limit how websites deliver advertising content.

• Open Privacy and Security > Site settings. Set both pop-ups and notifications to "Don't allow." 
• Find Cookies and site data, and select "Block third-party cookies" to limit ad tracking. 
• Clear your Cache and cookies by going to Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Choose "Cached images and files" to remove stored ad content and prevent sites from retargeting you.

These settings work best when combined with Chrome's built-in ad blocker or a dedicated ad-blocking extension. 

💡 Related: How To Block Ads (Easiest Methods) →

How To Block Ads by Updating Your Website Permissions

You’re probably accustomed to accepting cookies and installing apps with a few clicks — but just how much access are you giving up? If you grant a website or app too many permissions, you may see more ads and pop-ups on your device.

• Select the three-dots menu button at the top right of the browser.
• Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site settings. 
• Select Additional Permissions; and in the dropdown, you’ll see the permissions for Pop-Ups and redirects. Open this menu, and then edit the permissions for any sites that send too many ads or pop-ups.

Even if you download apps directly from the Google Play Store or App Store, remember that not all third-party software is updated regularly. 

As you join more services, your digital footprint grows, exposing you to more risks. It’s good practice to periodically review your third-party connections and website permissions to make sure you’re not vulnerable to hacking or malware threats.

‍💡 Related: How To Reduce Your Digital Footprint & Protect Yourself Online →

‍How To Block Ads by Using a Third-Party Ad and Pop-Up Blocker

Unfortunately, Google Chrome’s built-in ad-blocking tools fall short (critics argue that Google makes too much money on ads to allow its own and third-party ad-blockers to work properly). 

If you need a more comprehensive approach to thwart advertisers and hackers, you can use a third-party ad blocker.

Aura not only blocks ads on Chrome and Microsoft Edge (as well as YouTube ads) — it also includes a full suite of digital security tools to keep you safe and private online. 

With Aura, you also get: 

• Online tracker blocking. Popular web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Opera allow websites to silently track your every move across web pages. Aura’s ad-blocking technology keeps your browsing private and prevents websites and apps from tracking you without slowing down page load times.
• Dark Web and data breach alerts. Cybercriminals trade stolen data on the Dark Web long before most victims even discover their data has been compromised. Aura notifies you in near real-time if your sensitive data is found on unsecured websites, illicit marketplaces, or in hacker forums — so you can take action to protect your identity before it’s too late.
• Password manager. Using identical passwords (across Chrome extensions, video streaming platforms like Twitch, and banking sites) puts all your accounts at risk. Aura’s encrypted vault stores all of your login credentials securely, making it easy to create unique, complex passwords for every account — and you only need to remember one master password.
• Antivirus software. Malware can infect your Android phone or tablet through unwanted ads, pop-ups, and compromised browser extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Aura’s advanced protection helps recover your device by scanning, finding, and removing dangerous programs like ransomware or Trojans.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN). When you connect to public WiFi in hotels or airports, you risk your data being intercepted by hackers. Aura’s military-grade VPN hides your browser activity and location, preventing cybercriminals from stealing your data.
• Scam and phishing site protection. Fraudsters create copies of legitimate websites, sometimes even mimicking acceptable ads and whitelisted content to appear trustworthy. Aura’s real-time protection keeps you safe from fake websites where scammers could steal your personal information, including your credit card details.
• Identity and financial fraud protection. From data breaches to malware-laden ads to compromised shopping sites, identity theft can happen through countless digital channels. Aura’s comprehensive protection includes ID theft insurance and 24/7 U.S.-based customer support to help you navigate each step to recovery if you fall prey to identity theft.

🤔 Do you need to pay for an ad blocker? While there are free ad blockers available (like Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin), these products often lack the resources needed to keep up with Google’s changing policies. For example, Google is updating its policies around extensions to prevent most ad blockers from working. 

Aura’s low monthly fee ensures that its products receive regular updates and enhancements. Plus, you get access to advanced digital security tools to keep you safe and private online. 

In early 2024, hackers spread a virus through a fake Chrome update. The pop-up ad tricked users into downloading malicious software that caused persistent pop-ups, and gave hackers access to some infected devices’ SMS messages, photos, and contacts. 

When you pay for Aura’s ad-blocking service, you can be confident that your devices and privacy will be protected from a broader range of pop-ups and online risks — across all devices.

‍💡 Related: How To Block Annoying YouTube Ads →

‍The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have To Deal With Ads in Chrome

We all know ads are annoying, but many people don’t realize that they can also pose security and privacy risks. 

While free ad blockers and Chrome’s built-in features can help minimize ads, these methods are far from foolproof. 

Aura gives you more safety, easy access to round-the-clock support, and protection against online threats. In addition to award-winning identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and Dark Web monitoring, Aura’s platform includes advanced digital security tools — including a VPN, antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and scam and phishing site protection.