Thoughts about ad blocking without root - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Hey guys. I've found it almost unbearable to browse the Web due to ads popping up every 5 seconds. This is one area where I really miss having adaway with root on my old nexus 5. Are any of you guys using an ad blocking app that doesn't require root? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this

Before gatesjunior released his awesome SuperSU Me app, I was using Adguard Beta (no root) with Adblock filter list. It was so good that I paid one year subscription for it.
Now, I'm back to Adaway. I transferred my Adguard license to my gf's Note 4.

Nice. Thanks for the tip suntzupa! I might have to give that one a shot

Doesn't Adaway require root?

Why not use a browser that has adblock plus support like Firefox or even adblock plus' own Firefox port.
Or global adblock plus with proxies...

Adaway does require root permissions to modify the hosts file. Firefox adblock edge plugin works like a charm but only blocks ads while browsing, so any apps will have ads. I love MX Player for video playback and is starting to get ridiculous with ads. Adguard only blocks browsing traffic but requires paid premium for it to block ads on applications. (I tested it and MX Player still had ads coming through and the settings of adguard say you need premium for adblocking on all apps.)
sent from my SM-N910A

Adgaurd seems to work well..also webgaurd is another to try.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Anyone find something good yet for ad blocking without root? My girls note 4 has ads popping up on everything she does. Even when in messaging or taking videos. Just about everything she does ads pop up. I've turned off so much and Uninstalled Half her apps and they still pop up. I've tried quite a few different apps and they still pop up. It's ads for like tons of different things. If anyone has some suggestions it would be appreciated. Thanks

I'm also looking for an inexpensive recommendation. I like the Dolphin browser but I don't think you can install AdBlock.

I too was looking for inexpensive way to get the ad protection, tried the temp root method several times, it is just not a good realistic use of root, I ended up going back to my LG G2 , it is just so much better to have full perm root, I will dump my Note 4 then also take a look at scooping up a Nexus 6 off swappa on the cheap but will wait to see what the price of new Huawei Nexus (aka Note 5 killer) will be.
RIP Note 4, it was good while it lasted

Related

[Q] ad blockers

For those on the unrooted retail edition, do you use an ad blocker? If so which one?
tried adblock plus app, but it only works over wifi and prevented me from sending any mms messages. i'm mostly at the grin and bear it stage, but i sometimes will use firefox with the adblock plus extension installed within the app. it works pretty well but obviously only works in the browser and makes pages load a little slowly. desperately waiting for that root method to be found!
crowmallet said:
tried adblock plus app, but it only works over wifi and prevented me from sending any mms messages. i'm mostly at the grin and bear it stage, but i sometimes will use firefox with the adblock plus extension installed within the app. it works pretty well but obviously only works in the browser and makes pages load a little slowly. desperately waiting for that root method to be found!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way to make adblock plus work over cellular networks? I do want root to eliminate all those ads.
I didn't mess around with it much after i couldn't send mms messages with it installed. their website says it will only work over wifi so i'd take their word for it. it may be possible with enough tinkering but the mms thing was a deal breaker to me. maybe there was more i could've done to get around all the issues but i'm too impatient
Need ROOT!
Used adaway for years, and currently without root and no ad blocking, some ads would be bearable,
But Jesus Christ! the amount of mobile ads now is completely out of control and obnoxious.
deathshead said:
Need ROOT!
Used adaway for years, and currently without root and no ad blocking, some ads would be bearable,
But Jesus Christ! the amount of mobile ads now is completely out of control and obnoxious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes what he said.
Give Adguard a try.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adguard.android
I would buy the developer edition rightnow to get rid of these pop up ad. But I can't find it anywhere...
vwpiper said:
Give Adguard a try.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adguard.android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amy other ad blockers that are not so battery draining?
Here is the Developer edition. Now available.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SM-N910VMKEVZW?CID=AFL-hq-mul-0813-11000279
csstamatin said:
Here is the Developer edition. Now available.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SM-N910VMKEVZW?CID=AFL-hq-mul-0813-11000279
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice to know but I was not planning ot buy the DE and sell my retail edition just to gain root and block all ads.
ronaldheld said:
No way to make adblock plus work over cellular networks? I do want root to eliminate all those ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adblock plus. the apps official help guide mentions you can block ads on non root over WiFi, but you can also block it over cellular as well.
https://adblockplus.org/en/android-install
alternatively you can use Firefox and install an ad block extension.
if you want ads blocked in non web browsing apps, you'll have to rip out the Google ad sense out of each app individually.
for YouTube there's a hacked version of the YouTube app that plays with screen off, has ads removed, supports full hd, and has downloading built in. it's SOMEWHERE here in xda, but for the life of me I can't find the one that sideloads.
you can change the easier one to find's signature tho so it'll sideload tho
I've made a post in general for non root. A app called AdGuard will block ads on Wi-Fi & Cellular by using a VPN
- followup. I see this was already mentioned in a earlier post!
Which works best with fewer hassles adblock plus or adguard?

Block ads?

Is there anyway to block ads without rooting the pixel xl?
Download Adguard, it's a VPN that blocks ads through chrome. But using it drains battery quicker so also install macrodroid from the play store and there's a macro that only enables it when you open chrome
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
evobyte said:
Download Adguard, it's a VPN that blocks ads through chrome. But using it drains battery quicker so also install macrodroid from the play store and there's a macro that only enables it when you open chrome
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive actually been using adguard with my current 6p which is rooted, honestly i hate it always had internet issues. Ad Away seems to be very good but of course you need root for it
If you're asking about a solution for the browser then use Firefox and install the Adblock Plus addon. If you're talking about the whole system, such as in apps or games, you will need root for that.
kradkovich said:
ive actually been using adguard with my current 6p which is rooted, honestly i hate it always had internet issues. Ad Away seems to be very good but of course you need root for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using Adguard for ages and it works just fine, even better than Adaway. If some apps have issues, you can exclude them from Adguard. It usually happens because Adguard has a more extensive list of hosts to block compared to the default Adaway list.
Also, battery life isn't really affected. It's a local VPN. It seems like it uses a lot of battery because Android will attribute data consumption to it since every app is routed through Adguard.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
I recommend netguard. Allows control over data for all apps (ability to fully shut data, wifi or both for individual apps. (Like ios)
Blocks Ads well, creates a local fake VPN that doesn't extract your data or slow your connection and is stable
I use Opera Browser as it has a built in ad blocker and doesnt require dealing with a standalone ad blocker. I have been using this on my N5 and will likely continue on my Pixel XL when it arrives. I use Chrome for browsing sites I know arent laden with ads and use Opera for sites that I am not sure of as it makes browsing those sites easier, quicker and safer. For example if I open an article someone posted to Facebook and am interested in the content but do not know the site itself ill use Opera, but if its a site I frequent and know its not bogged down with ads I use Chrome.
As others have pointed out this only really applies to web browsing. For app based ad's it requires rooting.

Ad Blocker for stock ?

What are you guys using for Ad Blocking on a brand new 3 XL not rooted yet.
Ad Guard with Samsung Browser is good. DN666 not bad, but sucks for Chrome. I've noticed if using Chrome almost non of the non rooted ad blockers work ?
For stock it seems Samsung Browser does ad blocking best.
I've been using adclear on my 2xl unrooted for about 6 months and it's been solid. Probably will continue with it when I get my 3xl tomorrow
Zorachus said:
What are you guys using for Ad Blocking on a brand new 3 XL not rooted yet.
Ad Guard with Samsung Browser is good. DN666 not bad, but sucks for Chrome. I've noticed if using Chrome almost non of the non rooted ad blockers work ?
For stock it seems Samsung Browser does ad blocking best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Thanks, I've never heard of AdClear before, just installed it, and it seems to be working fine in Chrome.
Is it a battery drainer like some other Ad Blockers ?
My battery life has been solid. No discernable difference with or without it.
Zorachus said:
Thanks, I've never heard of AdClear before, just installed it, and it seems to be working fine in Chrome.
Is it a battery drainer like some other Ad Blockers ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
To be a true nerd, I set up my own VPN using a Raspberry Pi, and my home network filters ads with a piHole. That way every connected device at home gets filtered, and when I'm away I VPN back to the ad filtered house network.
It's been three years of running flawlessly. It took me $70 and less than 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon, from unpacking the first package to tucking away the devices and taking it for a spin.
No rooting for any devices after you set it up. Everyone in the house gets ad blocked and it gets you in the habit of using a VPN on public networks.
Zorachus said:
What are you guys using for Ad Blocking on a brand new 3 XL not rooted yet.
Ad Guard with Samsung Browser is good. DN666 not bad, but sucks for Chrome. I've noticed if using Chrome almost non of the non rooted ad blockers work ?
For stock it seems Samsung Browser does ad blocking best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's going on with Adblock and Chrome? I've been using that combo for a while now with no issues.
Do you have HTTPS filtering turned on?
If you use Nord VPN they have a feature called cybersec that works without root and blocks ads.
Been using Blokada VPN on 2XL for a long time - very satisfied how it performs...
Zorachus said:
Thanks, I've never heard of AdClear before, just installed it, and it seems to be working fine in Chrome.
Is it a battery drainer like some other Ad Blockers ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at their privacy statement and you may change your mind about using adclear
Gregzi said:
Been using Blokada VPN on 2XL for a long time - very satisfied how it performs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I have been using on my Pixel 2 and my girlfriends Galaxy s8+. I use the MOAB ad blockers and a host file list made up from Keweon's DNS and it works amazingly. It also will let you white list apps if the host lists is causing issues with it (e.g. it stop spotify from running 100% and using the search function so I white list spotify). You can also choose the DNS you want to use and its open source.
AdGuard for for years now. https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html
I have been using adguard subscription. Not the one available in playstore..
It's quite expensive, but I got it for 20$on stacksocial for 2 desktops and 2 android devices lifetime.
And this works great! No ads on browsers as well as apps.
Works on my macbook as well.
Gave the other part of sub to my wife, so it's perfect!
Out of curiosity: Is there a way to block youtube ad-videos with any adblocker - either rooted or unrooted? I played around with a few blockers on my rooted nexus 5, but neither could block youtube-ads...
What about blocking youtube pre-rolls?
georgs_town said:
Out of curiosity: Is there a way to block youtube ad-videos with any adblocker - either rooted or unrooted? I played around with a few blockers on my rooted nexus 5, but neither could block youtube-ads...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe AdAway blocks YouTube ads. It's been a while since I used it, but I remember it used to.
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.adaway/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753&page=1213
EDIT: It's an Xposed module for YouTube for AdAway: https://repo.xposed.info/module/ma.wanam.youtubeadaway
Adaway requires Root, but it's the best...
galaxys said:
^Adaway requires Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. They asked "either rooted or unrooted?", so that's why I suggested it.
Yeah, I figured - my Pixel will be the first phone where I'll stay completely stocked and unrooted .
phi303 said:
What about blocking youtube pre-rolls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've managed to get youtube family premium from russia for £3.50 a month so this is my way of stopping all youtube adverts and also getting play music too.
If you use Firefox there are several extensions that block YouTube ads as well as removing many annoyances. I prefer this over running the app, Vanced or not. Better experience all around. In fact Firefox is actually my YouTube app because I use it for little else.

What will you use/do once AdHell is dead bc of the ELM key debacle

Once Adhell permanently stops working in June, what other apps are similar for adblocking AND disabling apps?
None that I am aware of
daleski75 said:
None that I am aware of
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was afraid of...
Definitely Blokada Apk .... I've been using for a while .......
Xode said:
Definitely Blokada Apk .... I've been using for a while .......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blokada does NOT have the ability to disable apps...
JoeFCaputo113 said:
Blokada does NOT have the ability to disable apps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you're right but as an adblocking app i think it's the best and easiest to use...
what else can adhell do as I'm still new to the scene besides ad blocking?
Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
Disconnect Pro. Got it for free a few years back when it was on sale and it's always been my fall back for ad blocking. It's more for tracker blocking but ads are blocked because of it. It's not nearly as customizable as Adhell3 but it works good enough for me.
Using Blokada add block and ADB app Disable commands...
Can you setup blokada to block ads on instagram, and if yes which one to enable from options
Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
Doesn't blokada use your vpn service
Yeah most of these non-root ad blocking apps use VPN, most run a local VPN and do not actually connect to a remote server to block out ads.
Samsung disabling ad blocking, locking bootloaders for North American models, Google blocking call recording in Pie, so much for "open ecosystem" of Android. Might as well get an iPhone at this time and enjoy 4 years of timely updates and dual SIM functionality.
I am going to create a bat file to disable all the unwanted apps and when I need to disable apps I will just run it and as I find more apps to disable I will just add it. I will also start using blockoda or DNS66 or DNSfilter.
I've been trying to find a good replacement app to disable packages/ services. That's my biggest concern. Before I got adhell 3 working, I was using Adguard premium, which is a great adblocking app, but uses more juice than Adhell and doesn't have the disable function. But, it does a better job at blocking app/ trackers.
Overall, it's kind of a give and take between the two, but I chose to go with Adhell because with my own testing, I constantly get an hour more SOT, and 2+ more hours of total use just from swapping those 2 apps alone. So, if anyone has any suggestions for a good FREE app, that can disable packages like Adhell, I'm all ears ??
VICosPhi said:
Yeah most of these non-root ad blocking apps use VPN, most run a local VPN and do not actually connect to a remote server to block out ads.
Samsung disabling ad blocking, locking bootloaders for North American models, Google blocking call recording in Pie, so much for "open ecosystem" of Android. Might as well get an iPhone at this time and enjoy 4 years of timely updates and dual SIM functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly.
Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
Not sure if this is what you all are looking for or not but I'm still using https://www.packagedisabler.com to disable items.
pi hole @home.
OpenVPN on cellular data or other wifi as tunnel using pi hole DNS server.
Works great, anywhere, any device. No ads.
Ad Away on rooted devices FTW.
And on those devices, Titanium Backup freeze or remove whatever you want. Gone!
jmahaffey said:
Not sure if this is what you all are looking for or not but I'm still using https://www.packagedisabler.com to disable items.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Package disabler is great, love it.
I use package disabler AND blokada, both work really well.
I use AdGuard and I have to say v3 is freaking amazing
No regrets
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S10e using XDA Labs
Using adguard. I got the lifetime license sometime back during a sale. It also uses local proxy if you do not want to use a VPN. Works fantastic, blocking ads in most apps.
I use package disabler to disable whatever stock apps I do not need.
After that I use YouTube Vanced for a pleasant ad free experience.

Question (root) AdAway not blocking ads...??

EDIT: I just checked in chrome and adblocking is working fine. Is there a way to fix this in Samsung browser without? Even with the Adguard extension and antitracking features, it still fails to block 90% of tracking stuff and ads based on a couple AdBlock tests I use. All of it works perfectly in chrome, without even the need for any other software like Adguard. I thought AdAway worked on a systemwide level so apps can't forcefully show ads because the connection is literally blocked...?
It blocks some ads, but fails to block way more. As soon as I use the Adguard extension for Samsung browser (I use Samsung browser, prefer it over chrome for a ton of reasons) then all the ads get blocked (but almost no tracking stuff, despite Samsung browser supposedly having antitracking built in).
I've tried adding a few of my favorite lists to AdAway from ublock origin and blokada, and again, they do block a few things but nowhere remotely near what they should be. Something is fundamentally not working.
What is going on? AdAway has generally worked for mw on other phones.
I'm unrooted and did use ad block fast and that let some ads through especially on xda then I used abp and that blocks everything even add on xda I'm using the Samsung browser as well
liggerz87 said:
I'm unrooted and did use ad block fast and that let some ads through especially on xda then I used abp and that blocks everything even add on xda I'm using the Samsung browser as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize there are VPN options and Samsung browser extensions, but I'm referring to AdAway, the root ad blocking solution, which is superior to all of those for a number of reasons.
True I knew you ment root version but thought I'd comment sorry it not much help
I have used adguard for years, it has givin me the best results above every other ad solution. Yes you pay for it, but for 30 clams it gets you 9 devices and it's lifetime....I purchased 3 plans and gave codes to family members and friends. A few of them said it changed their lives
AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription | StackSocial
Get Rid of Annoying Ads & Protect Your Device from Malware with This Advanced Ad Blocking App
stacksocial.com
Gytole said:
I have used adguard for years, it has givin me the best results above every other ad solution. Yes you pay for it, but for 30 clams it gets you 9 devices and it's lifetime....I purchased 3 plans and gave codes to family members and friends. A few of them said it changed their lives
AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription | StackSocial
Get Rid of Annoying Ads & Protect Your Device from Malware with This Advanced Ad Blocking App
stacksocial.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we stay on topic? For the third time, my question is about a rooted device using the root-based as blocker called adaway.
finshan said:
Can we stay on topic? For the third time, my question is about a rooted device using the root-based as blocker called adaway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it. Adaway uses an antiquated system as NEW ad's utilize some new crazy backends/whatnot that Adguard updates daily. Forgive me for trying to put my two cents in.
But it seems like your expectations are too high and you're disappointing yourself. To say it worked fine for Other phones, which I am not denying it didn't as I used to use adaway back in the day too, doesn't mean that it SHOULD work on newer phones. it has just become too much of a hassle to be consistent IMO.
BUT. I am out. Goodluck!
Gytole said:
You got it. Adaway uses an antiquated system as NEW ad's utilize some new crazy backends/whatnot that Adguard updates daily. Forgive me for trying to put my two cents in.
But it seems like your expectations are too high and you're disappointing yourself. To say it worked fine for Other phones, which I am not denying it didn't as I used to use adaway back in the day too, doesn't mean that it SHOULD work on newer phones. it has just become too much of a hassle to be consistent IMO.
BUT. I am out. Goodluck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the issue. There is not a better adblocker than root-based adblockers, and there is not a better root-based adblocker than AdAway.
It works fine in chrome, and in Samsung browser beta, and in all apps system-wide with none of the issues of non-root VPN-based adblockers.
My issue is how to fix it not working on Samsung browser.
I should have been more clear about that in the OP. There is nothing broken in AdAway—the issue is in Samsung browser specifically (and only the stable channel build, as this issue isn't even present on th beta builds), and so I'm seeking info and solutions regarding this.
Just use NextDNS at router level instead of fiddling with this garbage.
And never use my mobile phone with cellular data or outside of my home? Speaking of garbage....
finshan said:
And never use my mobile phone with cellular data or outside of my home? Speaking of garbage....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no perfect solution.
NextDNS at home. Works great. As for mobile data, you could always switch to another browser, preferably Brave Browser.
jericho246 said:
There's no perfect solution.
NextDNS at home. Works great. As for mobile data, you could always switch to another browser, preferably Brave Browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop derailing the thread. I'm not asking about alternatives.
This is a thread seeking info about Samsung browser bypassing adblocking from AdAway.
finshan said:
Stop derailing the thread. I'm not asking about alternatives.
This is a thread seeking info about Samsung browser bypassing adblocking from AdAway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More appropriately, you should be asking AdAway related questions in the correct thread for AdAway.
[APP][ROOT/NONROOT][OFFICIAL] AdAway v6.1.0
AdAway AdAway is an open source ad blocker for Android using the hosts file. Google Play Store notice According the Google Play Developer Policy, especially the "Device and Network Abuse" section, ad blocker like AdAway violates the "Apps that...
forum.xda-developers.com
finshan said:
And never use my mobile phone with cellular data or outside of my home? Speaking of garbage....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually NextDNS works *everywhere* if implemented correctly.
Adblocking in AdAway, Adfree, et-al is easily bypassed especially in apps.
The irony in (garbage) is the Samsung browser... ;-)
cpufrost said:
Actually NextDNS works *everywhere* if implemented correctly.
Adblocking in AdAway, Adfree, et-al is easily bypassed especially in apps.
The irony in (garbage) is the Samsung browser... ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said it before I did.
I'm not sure what could be causing such a problem aside from the Samsung Browser ignoring the normal hosts file location, thus leading to the ads not being rerouted/blocked.
Only other thing that I can think of that might cause this issue is not having the systemless hosts module installed in Magisk, however, AdAway wouldn't work on Chrome either if this was the case...
The samsung browser might have a data saver or dns over https setting (or maybe a load pages faster type option) . If so those features bypass hosts file. Really this is better served in the adaway thread suggested to you earlier, your issue is not device specific (adaway works fine on my p6p and firefox browser) . I say post there (or even better on samsung browser's forum if such exists).
Gytole said:
I have used adguard for years, it has givin me the best results above every other ad solution. Yes you pay for it, but for 30 clams it gets you 9 devices and it's lifetime....I purchased 3 plans and gave codes to family members and friends. A few of them said it changed their lives
AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription | StackSocial
Get Rid of Annoying Ads & Protect Your Device from Malware with This Advanced Ad Blocking App
stacksocial.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I concur, AdGuard is by far the best ads & trackers blocker these days, so yes, off topic , I would suggest giving it a try.
nacos said:
I concur, AdGuard is by far the best ads & trackers blocker these days, so yes, off topic , I would suggest giving it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That person doesn't want help
Install the certificate....it helps a lot, also yeah ..add a **** ton more lists. How many do you have blocked?
I'm at 72k+ blocked on my list and I still have some that get through

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