Are you looking for how to block ads on Android using private DNS? Dealing with intrusive ads is a frustration we face while using the internet. While some ads are useful, most are unwanted and annoy us when browsing websites and using apps on our devices, especially on Android smartphones.

block ads on android using private dns

Ad Blockers have been the go-to for countless people looking to minimize ad intrusion while browsing. But what if you could block ads on Android with a private DNS? In this article, I’ll explain the concept of private DNS and show you how to use it on your Android smartphone.

Before I go into the details of this article, I’d like to point out the following:

  • Ads are one of the ways that free websites (like TechPP) make their revenue, and if you block ads, it affects their income.
  • Blocking ads is especially recommended for websites/apps that annoy you with numerous ads while browsing, or for websites that you don’t feel safe with because they can be used to deliver malware to your device.

How Does Private DNS Block Ads?

Private DNS serves as a specialized Domain Name Server (DNS) that enhances your internet connection’s security and privacy by encrypting the communication between your device and the DNS resolver.

Using this private DNS allows you to block unwanted elements while browsing, especially those from third-party providers, based on the functions and configurations of the private DNS used.

In the context of this article, the private DNS used for ad blocking includes ad blocking features that filter requests to block known ad-serving domains and trackers at the network level to reduce ad intrusion.

In simpler terms, if you use a private DNS with ad blocking capabilities, the DNS requests from that device will not transmit addresses for ads and related elements to your browser and apps.

This prevents connections to ad servers, giving you an ad-free browsing experience on websites and in apps.

Related Read: DNS Guide: Why and How to Change DNS Server

Best DNS for ad-blocking on Android

While there are several private DNS options, I’ve personally tested and found the following to be effective for blocking ads on Android:

Sl No
DNS Service
Description
Host name of the DNS provider – Free version
1
AdGuard DNS
Provides a free private DNS hostname but has a paid version with better connectivity. You can access the site to customize a private DNS for yourself via adguard-dns.io/en/welcome.html
dns.adguard.com
2
NextDNS
Gives you access to a free private DNS hostname that you can use to block ads and other web elements as you wish. However, it offers a paid version for better connectivity. Access the private DNS option via my.nextdns.io/start
f62761.dns.nextdns.io
3
RethinkDNS
Provides private DNS with servers in more than 300 locations to block ads, sites, malware, and other unwanted web elements for free. The service is, however launching paid plans soon. You can access this private DNS service via rethinkdns.com
1-qcbabacaaaiaa.max.rethinkdns.com
4
Control D
Offers up-to-date and customizable DNS solutions designed to help you block unwanted content and ads. You can choose between a free or paid option based on your needs and preferences. You can access this DNS provider via controld.com
x-oisd-basic.freedns.controld.com

These are the best DNS hostnames you can use to block ads on your Android device without installing any software.

How to block ads on Android using private DNS

How to Block Ads on Android (FAST!)

Follow the steps below to block ads on Android using private DNS. We will use AdGuard DNS as example. The process remains the same for others.

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Head over to the search bar and type private DNS.

    search private dns

  3. Open the result menu and click Private DNS to add a DNS that blocks ads to your Android.
  4. Next, you’ll be presented with the Select Private DNS Mode menu.
  5. Click Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.adguard.com for AdGuard DNS or any other chosen/configured DNS hostname.

    block ads on android using private dns

  6. Select Save and wait a few seconds for the DNS to connect.

    7. You can now reopen apps and sites on your Android phone to enjoy ad-free navigation through them.

    blocked ads on a webpage

    However, you should note that using private DNS only blocks ads from third-party hosts. So, if you still spot a few ads on some sites, it’s because those sites are hosting the ads themselves. That includes YouTube and YouTube ads.

    Final Thoughts

    Now there’s a simple solution to get rid of those annoying ads that keep popping up while you’re scrolling through free apps on your Android phone – using private DNS. It’s like getting back your data and battery that these ads usually consume.

    But Private DNS doesn’t just block ads, it also helps protect you by allowing you to block sketchy websites and ward off malware on your Android device.

    Keep in mind, however, that using private DNS can sometimes cause problems with certain apps because they require certain elements to work properly. And depending on how the DNS is set up, your connection may be a little slower here and there.

    FAQs about Blocking Ads on Android using Private DNS

    Yes, private DNS blocks ads – both web page ads and in-app ones. I tested the DNS server introduced in this article, and it successfully removed ads from apps and webpages on my Android phone.

    Even if you set up Private DNS on your Android phone, you may still see some ads. Private DNS can only stop ads from third-party domains, not those hosted directly on the website you're visiting. So, YouTube video ads that are part of the website won't disappear even with private DNS enabled.

    If you're tired of the ad pop-ups on your phone, you might want to try setting up a private DNS using the steps outlined in this article. But remember, the free websites and apps you'll be blocking ads on depend on those ads to make money, so this could affect their income.

    Further Readings:

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