How to Get Rid of Ads on Your Devices and Apps

Getting rid of ads usually means reducing or blocking them in specific places, not switching off every advertisement on every device. Ads may come from websites, free apps, streaming services, games, or the operating system, and each source has different controls. Start with the service where the ads appear, then review device privacy settings and browser tools. Some services offer an ad-free plan, while others show ads as part of their free access.

Before changing settings, identify where the ad appears and whether it is an ordinary advertisement or a notification, pop-up, or suspicious redirect. You will need access to your device settings and, if you choose a browser extension, the browser’s official extension store. Menu names can vary slightly by device, app, browser, and version.

What You’ll Need

Your phone, computer, tablet, or smart TV, with access to its settings.
The app or browser where you see the ads.
Optional: a reputable content-blocking extension from your browser’s official store.
Optional: the service’s account details if you want to review its subscription or ad preferences.

Step-by-Step

Identify the source. Note whether the ad appears inside a website, an app, a video service, a game, or as a notification outside an app. This matters because a browser blocker generally affects browser pages, not ads built into a separate app or streaming service. If a pop-up appears without the browser open, check your notification settings and recently installed apps.
Look for the service’s controls. Open the app or website’s settings and look for options such as Ads, Privacy, Personalization, Notifications, or Subscription. Turn off personalized ads if you prefer less targeted advertising. This generally changes how ads are selected; it does not necessarily reduce how many appear. If the service offers an ad-free option, review its terms and account settings before choosing it.
Limit ad personalization on your device. On an iPhone or iPad, review Settings and the Privacy & Security area for tracking and advertising controls. On Android, review Settings for Privacy or Ads; the exact labels depend on the device and software version. On a computer, check the browser’s privacy settings. These controls can limit tracking or personalization but do not block every ad.
Set up a browser content blocker if needed. Choose a well-reviewed extension or browser feature from the browser’s official store or settings. Read what data and permissions it requests, install only what you need, and enable it for the sites where you want it to work. Avoid extensions from unfamiliar download sites, and do not grant broad access unless it is necessary for the tool’s function.
Check pop-ups and notifications. In the browser’s site settings, review which websites are allowed to send notifications and display pop-ups. Remove permission from sites you do not recognize or no longer want to hear from. Browser menus differ, but these controls are commonly grouped under Privacy, Site settings, or Notifications. A legitimate site may need pop-ups for a specific feature, so allow them only when you trust the site.
Review apps that show intrusive ads. If ads appear over other apps or on your home screen, inspect recently installed apps and their permissions. Uninstall an app you do not recognize or no longer need using your device’s normal app-management settings. Do not tap an ad that claims your device is infected or urges you to install a cleaner; close the page and use the device maker’s security guidance instead.
Test and fine-tune. Close and reopen the app or browser, then revisit the page or feature. If useful content stops working, try allowing ads on that site or turning off the blocker there. Keep your browser, operating system, apps, and blocker updated through their official update mechanisms.

Common Mistakes

Expecting one switch to remove all ads. Device-level ad personalization controls are not universal ad blockers. Ads may be served directly by an app or included in a video stream.
Confusing less targeted with fewer ads. Turning off personalization can make ads less tailored without changing their frequency.
Installing several blockers at once. Multiple extensions can conflict, slow pages, or make troubleshooting harder. Start with one trusted option.
Downloading a blocker from an unofficial site. Fake extensions and apps may collect data or display more unwanted content. Use official stores and review permissions.
Blocking every site feature indiscriminately. Some websites rely on scripts or pop-ups for sign-in, playback, or forms. Allow the needed feature only on a site you trust.

Tips

Use the built-in controls first; they are often enough to stop unwanted notifications or reduce personalized advertising.
For a specific website, use the blocker’s per-site controls rather than disabling it everywhere.
If you use a shared device, explain that changing ad settings may affect everyone using the same account or browser profile.
Read privacy notices for free apps and services. Some rely on advertising to support access, and their controls may be limited.
Keep a note of settings you change. That makes it easier to restore a site’s normal behavior if a page stops working.

Troubleshooting

Ads still appear in an app: A browser extension usually cannot filter ads inside a separate app. Look for the app’s own settings or ad-free option, or remove the app if you do not trust it.

The blocker is installed but does nothing: Confirm it is enabled for the current browser profile and that the site is not on an allowlist. Some browsers restrict extensions on certain pages, and some ad formats are not detected.

A website stops loading correctly: Temporarily pause the blocker for that site, reload the page, and see whether the feature returns. If it does, keep the site allowed or adjust the blocker’s site-specific rules.

Unwanted ads appear as notifications: Revoke notification permission for the sending website or app in your device or browser settings. If the message claims there is an urgent security problem, do not follow its link; close it and check through the device’s normal settings.

Ads return after a change: Check whether you are signed into a different account, browser profile, or device. Preferences may be stored separately, and software updates can sometimes change where a setting appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block every ad for free?

Not reliably. Browser tools can block many ads on websites, but apps, streaming services, and other platforms may serve ads in ways a general blocker cannot filter.

Does turning off personalized ads stop ads?

No. It usually limits the use of information to tailor advertisements. You may still see ads, but they may be less relevant to your interests.

Are ad blockers safe?

Some are reputable, but an extension can access browsing data depending on its permissions. Install from the browser’s official store, check the publisher and requested access, and remove tools you do not use.

Why do I see ads on a paid service?

A paid plan does not always remove every kind of promotion. Check the service’s plan details and settings; sponsorships or recommendations may be treated differently from ordinary ads.

Can I block ads on my smart TV?

Options depend on the TV, app, and service. Review the app’s account or playback settings and the TV’s privacy controls, but a browser blocker generally will not affect ads inside TV apps.

What should I do about ads claiming my device is infected?

Do not tap the warning, call a number shown in it, or install software from its link. Close the page or app, revoke unwanted notification permissions, and consult the device maker’s official support guidance if the warning keeps returning.

Further reading: Apple Support and Google Help. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.