Develop Bugs

What is the best adblocker to use

Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA Free mobile app

If your rooted AdAway is by far the best add blocker out there.

Quickvic30 said:
If your rooted AdAway is by far the best add blocker out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that, love adaway cant live without it :good:

Just disable it if you can't get to an ad-directed website (browser shows an error) and you're good to go....Then re-enable it.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I love Ad Guard. The paid version is $10 for a year, but the VPN feature means no in app ads.

coolhandz said:
I love Ad Guard. The paid version is $10 for a year, but the VPN feature means no in app ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I also use premium Adguard. It does the exact same as AdAway and allows me to stay unrooted.

AdAway is the top reason why I root my phone still.

+1 for AdAway.
Besides AFWall, the only reason for me to root my phone.

When I run adaway I get error can't don't load host
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA Free mobile app

Adaway, without a doubt.
If you have a problem with Adaway on the Pixel XL make sure you have the latest version and go into settings and check the "System Less" button. Older versions without this option will fail to update. See below.

I originally used AdGuard because it blocked all ads in apps, and I wasn't able to root my s6 Edge+. Now that I'm on pixel I use AdAway, because of root. I'm actually thinking about going back to AdGuard though to block all the in app ads. When I installed AdAway I thought it would block YouTube ads, but on the Pixel XL it doesn't work for me.So I run a modded YouTube version.

Mr Patchy Patch said:
Yep. I also use premium Adguard. It does the exact same as AdAway and allows me to stay unrooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah AdGuard premium is awesome for removing all ads, works really well. Far better than AdAway as you don't require root, had been the only reason I''ve needed root for a long long time.

But vpn is VPN...And all data can get controlled by adguard right? That's not a cool solution

DominatingSystem said:
But vpn is VPN...And all data can get controlled by adguard right? That's not a cool solution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdGuard isn't using a remote VPN server, it's creating a local VPN server on your device to route traffic through. But yes any VPN can monitor your traffic if they're not acting legitimately. That's where research and analysis come in.
You can discuss concerns with adguard in their forum thread, I find them as trustworthy as any other developer on XDA.
At the end of the day any app you install could potentially be monitoring your traffic, it's all a matter of trust and are you a worthy target.

I like netguard. It's like adguard, but open source.
https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard

Yup adaway is best but sometimes I have to disable it when I'm on slickdeals

Nobody recommended BLOCKADA from XDALabs? It's a really good no-root adblocker.

CyberLykan said:
Nobody recommended BLOCKADA from XDALabs? It's a really good no-root adblocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I tried it for a while before I rooted. I was quite impressed.

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.

no root system wide ad blockers

Tried blokada it messed with my network and I couldn't connect to anything on wifi
Tried DNS66 flat out just didn't work
Tried adguard again flat out just didn't work
I'm just tired of these ads I'm coming from a rooted LG V20 with adaway that blocked everything.
Any suggestions would be welcome

Opera as browser is by far the best and has excelent ad blocker and YouTube vanced.

Inerent said:
Opera as browser is by far the best and has excelent ad blocker and YouTube vanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have YouTube Vanced and I meant more like system wide ad blocking

Joe199799 said:
Have YouTube Vanced and I meant more like system wide ad blocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard works but you need to enable https and is paid to enable all apps

After headaches with Chrome and Firefox browsers, I use DuckDuckGo and no longer have issues with ads showing in my browser. Loads pages nicely and works great. At least that works as far as web pages go.

Can you try and use netguard and block them that way? Have never used it for this purpose so I don't know if it works

Without root, I use YouTube Vanced and AdGuard with lifetime subscription. It's expensive for the paid license but in a way it's more flexible than Adaway. The only time it's bad is when I want to use VPN.

You might try Blokada again on a different wifi network to see if you have the same issue. If it works on other wifi networks them the issue is your home network setup not Blokada. Possibly enabling something like VPN passthrough since thats how blokada does it's blocking.
I only mention it because i'm using blokada without issue on wifi and mobile.
Void4ever

I have never had any issues with Blokada on mobile or Wi-Fi. It may be the blacklists you are uding. You might try combinations of different ones to see what works best.

Joe199799 said:
Tried blokada it messed with my network and I couldn't connect to anything on wifi
Tried DNS66 flat out just didn't work
Tried adguard again flat out just didn't work
I'm just tired of these ads I'm coming from a rooted LG V20 with adaway that blocked everything.
Any suggestions would be welcome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DNS66 works great. The difference is in the blocking lists between adaway and DNS66. I think you can add custom lists but I'd have to check.
Be sure youve told it which apps to filter and which hosts otherwise its just a dns replacement and not an adblocker.
The challenge is advertisers change urls regularly so adblocking hosts have to be also updated by the source owner. Some are good at it and some are not so much.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

datafoo said:
DNS66 works great. The difference is in the blocking lists between adaway and DNS66. I think you can add custom lists but I'd have to check.
Be sure youve told it which apps to filter and which hosts otherwise its just a dns replacement and not an adblocker.
The challenge is advertisers change urls regularly so adblocking hosts have to be also updated by the source owner. Some are good at it and some are not so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried combinations of a lot of things on DNS66 it just refused to work I'll try it again but I'm not to hopeful
Edit reinstalled and no dice
Edit edit I reinstalled blokada and I think it's working again

What is the ultimate way to gain privacy on Samsung S20 Ultra (iPhone User Here)

Hello,
I have the Samsung S20 Ultra and I'm extremely impressed with it. However I'm paranoid about the integration with Google and the tele-metrics.
The phone is amazing and makes my iPhone 11 feel like 4 years old, the battery is better, the screen, it's fast - the first time I've considered switching full time.
What is the best way to improve privacy on this device?
Is there a way to install xLuaPrivacy, or it root needed?
Is there a custom ROM that has privacy features?
Is there a firewall I can use to control traffic out?
I'm a little out of date with the development world as I last had a Samsung Note 4.

ProcurementCoordinatorNSA said:
Hello,
I have the Samsung S20 Ultra and I'm extremely impressed with it. However I'm paranoid about the integration with Google and the tele-metrics.
The phone is amazing and makes my iPhone 11 feel like 4 years old, the battery is better, the screen, it's fast - the first time I've considered switching full time.
What is the best way to improve privacy on this device?
Is there a way to install xLuaPrivacy, or it root needed?
Is there a custom ROM that has privacy features?
Is there a firewall I can use to control traffic out?
I'm a little out of date with the development world as I last had a Samsung Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are private dns and VPN options built into the device (at least the unlocked ones), which you can point at any service you want, so you just need to find one that suits your specific needs or run your own at home (which you can do easily with even the cheapest Raspberry Pi and the free Pihole app). It's always best to use this method rather than local software - it's less resource intensive, doesn't require root, and gives you more assurance that things are working the way you think they are.

As above, pihole & dns.adguard.com

For maximum security, do not root the phone.
And put the apps you feel that require more security on secure folders. That's an extra layer of protection there. There is a dedicated chip for encryption and security on the s20 just for the purpose of security and privacy.
If u know what u are doing, you can even root the phone, miss out on knox and secure folders, but install other more interesting stuff like firewall to control what apps get to use internet.
For me, secure folders, vpn is good enough.
I love the extra privacy of the secure folders.. It has its own phone book, phone app.. It's like a second phone in there and not accessible from outside.
And you can hide many things in there Including apps. Just rmb to switch off notifications from the app in secure folders..
I have a wife that loves digging through my phone.. You can customize the secure folder name and icon. I even put it on my app drawer.
You can also freely move stuff in and out of secure folders.
Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk
View attachment 5029539View attachment 5029543View attachment 5029545View attachment 5029547

ProcurementCoordinatorNSA said:
I have the Samsung S20 Ultra and I'm extremely impressed with it. However I'm paranoid about the integration with Google and the tele-metrics. What is the best way to improve privacy on this device?
Is there a way to install xLuaPrivacy, or it root needed?
Is there a custom ROM that has privacy features?
Is there a firewall I can use to control traffic out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get away from Google, then you need a Google-free phone. Something that runs LineageOS. Of course, installing LineageOS requires rooting, which also compromises security to a degree. So it is a trade-off. But if you are *really* paranoid about Google tracking you, then you need to get rid of everything Google, including Google Play Services. And the only way to do that is by using a phone without Google Play Services preinstalled.
xPrivacyLua requires Magisk, which requires unlocking the bootloader. If you have a Exynos model, then you can unlock the bootloader. If you have Snapdragon, then you can't. And any software firewall will require access to system files, which is impossible without root.
*Detection* said:
As above, pihole & dns.adguard.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I use Pi-hole at home, and dns.adguard.com as my default DNS. Both are very effective at blocking ads, but neither are comprehensive solutions for extremely privacy-focused individuals.
vash_h said:
I have a wife that loves digging through my phone. You can customize the secure folder name and icon. I even put it on my app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is OT, but if your wife (or anyone else) is constantly snooping your phone, then there are obviously trust issues that should be addressed.

I use adguard + nordvpn + dns to block all ads and to control the Internet filtering better.
With ADB commands you can uninstall all bloatware and unnecessary stuff or disable them with package disabler Pro.
I'm on snapdragon and waiting for root release so I can use more privacy apps with magisk/xposed.

ProcurementCoordinatorNSA said:
Hello,
What is the best way to improve privacy on this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into your Private DNS settings then go to nextdns.io to setup your free account

dv8ed said:
Go into your Private DNS settings then go to nextdns.io to setup your free account
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any ideas which filter blocklist is stopping my S20U from checking for firmware updates?
If I set private DNS back to automatic it works fine, using nextdns kills it

*Detection* said:
Any ideas which filter blocklist is stopping my S20U from checking for firmware updates?
If I set private DNS back to automatic it works fine, using nextdns kills it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry don't know I updated my phone to ATE4 on 6/1 not sure if I started using nextdns before or after 6/1 can't remember.

*Detection* said:
Any ideas which filter blocklist is stopping my S20U from checking for firmware updates?
If I set private DNS back to automatic it works fine, using nextdns kills it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable blocklists one at a time until you can check firmware again, and you'll have the answer.

sublimaze said:
Disable blocklists one at a time until you can check firmware again, and you'll have the answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I know that, but rather than spending all that time I wanted to know if anyone already knew

*Detection* said:
Yea I know that, but rather than spending all that time I wanted to know if anyone already knew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This please

*Detection* said:
Any ideas which filter blocklist is stopping my S20U from checking for firmware updates?
If I set private DNS back to automatic it works fine, using nextdns kills it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, I've been using nextdns for over a month and on 2 June I was able to download & install ATE6 (the Australian releases are always slowwwww ...).
You can look at your nextdns logging to see what's being blocked when you try an update. The results are pretty much live; I used the logging to work out what was causing an app problem and whitelisted a few sites based on the blocked results in the log.

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