The fastest way to block ads on Samsung
Samsung phones come with a built-in ad blocker in the Internet app, and turning it on takes about 30 seconds. Open the Internet app (Samsung's browser, not Chrome), tap the three-line menu at the bottom right, go to Settings, then tap Blocking. Toggle on "Block pop-ups" and "Block ads". That stops most banner ads and pop-ups from loading in the browser itself.
If you use Chrome instead of Samsung Internet, Chrome has its own ad-blocking settings. Open Chrome, tap the three dots in the top right, go to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Block intrusive ads. Turn that on. This blocks ads that Chrome's system flags as intrusive — usually full-screen ads that cover the content you're trying to read.
For ads inside apps (not the browser), your options are more limited without installing a third-party tool. The built-in browser blockers only work on websites, not within individual apps like social media or games.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Internet has a built-in ad blocker in Settings under Blocking — toggle on "Block ads" and "Block pop-ups" to stop most browser ads.
- Chrome's intrusive ad blocker is found in Settings under Privacy and security and stops ads that cover your content.
- Browser ad blockers only work on websites, not inside apps like Facebook, Instagram, or games.
- Third-party ad-blocking apps can filter ads across your whole phone, but they use your device's resources and may slow it down slightly.
- Turning off personalized ads in your Google account settings reduces the number of targeted ads you see, though ads will still appear.
Using third-party ad blockers on Samsung
If you want to block ads across apps and not just in the browser, you can install a third-party ad blocker from the Google Play Store. Popular options include AdGuard, Blokada, and Pi-hole (though Pi-hole requires more technical setup). These apps work by filtering traffic at the system level, which means they can catch ads inside apps, not just on websites.
The trade-off is that these apps run constantly in the background and use your phone's battery and data. They also require you to grant them permission to monitor your network traffic, which is why you should only install them from trusted sources. Read the reviews and check the developer's history before installing.
Some of these apps are free with optional paid versions that add features like custom filtering or faster updates. Others charge upfront. Compare what each one offers before you read.
Turning off personalized ads in your Google account
Google tracks your activity across websites and apps to show you targeted ads. You can't stop ads entirely this way, but you can reduce how many personalized ads you see. Go to myaccount.google.com on your phone's browser, tap Data & privacy on the left, then scroll down to "Ad personalization" and tap it.
Toggle off "Ads personalization". Google will still show you ads, but they won't be based on your browsing history, location, or interests. The ads will be more random and less relevant to you, which many people find less annoying.
You can also see what topics Google thinks you're interested in on that same page. Tap "Go to Ad Settings" to see the list and remove categories you don't want to be tracked for.
Blocking ads in specific apps
Some apps let you turn off ads in their own settings. Open the app, look for Settings or Preferences, and search for "ads" or "notifications". Some free apps offer a paid version with no ads — for example, many games have an ad-free purchase option.
If an app doesn't have its own ad control, your only options are to buy the paid version (if one exists), use a system-wide ad blocker, or stop using the app. You cannot block ads within a specific app using the browser settings alone.
How Samsung's ad blocker compares to other options
Samsung Internet's built-in blocker is effective for browser ads but does nothing for apps. It's also lighter on your battery than third-party tools because it only runs when you're using the browser. The downside is that it's less customizable — you can't whitelist certain sites or adjust what counts as an ad.
Third-party blockers like AdGuard give you more control and work across your whole phone, but they drain battery faster and may slow down your device slightly. They're worth it if you use a lot of apps with heavy advertising, but if you mostly browse the web, Samsung Internet's built-in blocker is usually enough.
Chrome's intrusive ad blocker sits in the middle — it's built in, uses less battery than third-party tools, and works on websites. It's not as aggressive as Samsung's blocker, so some ads will still get through, but it targets the most annoying ones.
What to do if ads still get through
If you've turned on ad blocking and still see ads, check that the setting is actually on. Go back to Settings and confirm the toggle is switched to the right (on position). Some apps update their code to work around blockers, so you may need to update your ad blocker app or clear your browser cache.
If a specific website is showing ads even with blocking on, that site may be using a type of ad that the blocker doesn't catch, or the site may require you to disable the blocker to view content. Some news sites and streaming services do this. You can either whitelist that site in your blocker settings or accept the ads on that one site.
If you're using a third-party blocker and your phone is running slowly, try turning it off for a day to see if performance improves. If it does, the blocker may be too resource-heavy for your device. Switch to a lighter option or use only the browser's built-in blocker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking ads break websites or apps?
No. Ad blockers filter out the ads themselves, not the website. The site will still load and work normally — you just won't see the ads. Some sites may ask you to turn off your blocker, but the site itself won't break.
Do ad blockers use a lot of battery?
Browser blockers like Samsung Internet's built-in tool use very little extra battery. Third-party system-wide blockers use more because they run all the time. If battery life matters to you, stick with the browser blocker and accept that apps will still show ads.
Can I block ads on YouTube?
YouTube ads in the YouTube app itself are hard to block without paying for YouTube Premium. Browser ad blockers may reduce ads if you watch YouTube through the browser instead of the app, but YouTube actively works around blockers. Your most reliable option is the paid subscription.
Is it safe to install a third-party ad blocker?
Reputable ad blockers from established developers are safe. Stick with apps that have thousands of reviews and a clear privacy policy. Avoid unknown blockers with few reviews. Read the permissions the app asks for — it should only need access to your network, not your contacts or photos.
What's the difference between blocking ads and blocking pop-ups?
Pop-ups are windows that open on top of your content. Ad blocking removes banner ads and video ads from loading. Both settings work together — turn both on for the most complete blocking in your browser.