Develop Bugs

[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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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(no root) ?

Any recommendations which work well to block ads on op5t stock unrooted ROM ?

I use AdGuard and it works quite well. It's VPN based but so far I've had quite good luck with it. Works just as well as AdAway does on rooted phones.

Adguard should be sufficient.

+1 for Adguard best ad blocking app for unrooted devices.

I've been using block this! for a day now. Can't blame it.

Best

If you use the paid version of AdGuard, it blocks ads in web pages and 99% of the ads in applications.

Why without root?

Baldilocks said:
If you use the paid version of AdGuard, it blocks ads in web pages and 99% of the ads in applications.
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Click to collapse
It only works with the Yandex and Samsung browser though?

jd1001 said:
It only works with the Yandex and Samsung browser though?
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Click to collapse
I use it with Firefox on Android and it works fine. You just need to install a certificate in firefox for https filtering.

jd1001 said:
It only works with the Yandex and Samsung browser though?
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Click to collapse
try downloading the apk file from their website.

Ad guard is good but very expensive

AdGuard has two different apps:
-AdGuard for Android
-AdGuard Content Blocker
The content blocker is the one which works only with browsers. AdGuard for Android works system wide.
I personally use DNS66 because it drains the battery less.

I'm still using "block this" it works and is free.

keyzjh said:
AdGuard has two different apps:
-AdGuard for Android
-AdGuard Content Blocker
The content blocker is the one which works only with browsers. AdGuard for Android works system wide.
I personally use DNS66 because it drains the battery less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DNS never worked for me strangely .. even after starting it, it doesn't block ads for me, any settings you need to change ?
Working for you on the 5t ?

rrohanjs said:
Any recommendations which work well to block ads on op5t stock unrooted ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VPN Hosts with your choice of Steven Black's hosts works well.

Ad guard drains quite a lot of the battery

Rosa Elefant said:
Adguard should be sufficient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will go with this one

I use http://blokada.org/ - it's free and open source. Works fine on my OnePlus 5T.

rrohanjs said:
DNS never worked for me strangely .. even after starting it, it doesn't block ads for me, any settings you need to change ?
Working for you on the 5t ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is working well on my 5T. Ads in Chrome are blocked. Only Youtube ads on the app still comes up.
It works for me out of the box, but you can try adding more filters in the add filter section:
https://filterlists.com/

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...
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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...
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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.
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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?
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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.

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
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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!
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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....
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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... ;-)
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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.
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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