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How Do I Stop 18+ Ads on My Phone?

Published in Mobile Ad Control 5 mins read

Stopping 18+ ads on your phone involves a multi-faceted approach, focusing on your device's privacy settings, app permissions, browser configurations, and overall digital habits. By adjusting these areas, you can significantly reduce the appearance of unwanted advertisements.

Controlling Ads on Android Devices

Many unwanted ads can be curtailed by managing your device's built-in ad privacy features, particularly on Android phones. This allows you to influence the types of ads you see based on your interests and preferences.

Blocking Specific Ad Topics

Your Android device allows you to manage the ad topics that advertising networks use to personalize ads for you. By blocking certain topics, you can prevent ads related to those categories, including sensitive content, from appearing.

Steps to manage ad topics on Android:

  1. On your Android device, open Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy and security.
  3. Tap More privacy settings (or similar, depending on your Android version).
  4. Tap Ads (or Ads privacy).
  5. Under "Ad topics" (or similar), select the topics you want to block. Look for any categories that might be associated with 18+ content.
  6. Tap OK to save your changes.

Limiting Ad Personalization

In addition to blocking specific topics, you can also limit or reset your advertising ID, which helps advertisers build a profile of your interests.

Steps to limit ad personalization on Android:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Ads (or Ads privacy).
  • Look for options like "Delete advertising ID" or "Reset advertising ID." Resetting it creates a new ID, making it harder for advertisers to track your past activity.
  • You may also find an option to "Opt out of Ads Personalization" or "Limit Ad Tracking." Enable this setting to reduce the amount of personalized ads you receive.

Managing Ads in Web Browsers

A significant portion of 18+ ads often appear while browsing the internet. Your browser settings are crucial for blocking these.

Adjusting Browser Settings

Most web browsers offer built-in privacy and security features to combat intrusive ads.

  • Block Pop-ups: Enable your browser's pop-up blocker.
    • Chrome: Settings > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects.
    • Safari: Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups.
  • Manage Cookies and Site Data: Third-party cookies are often used for tracking across websites. Consider blocking them.
    • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies. You can choose to "Block third-party cookies" or "Send a 'Do Not Track' request."
    • Safari: Settings > Safari > Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
  • Enable Safe Browsing: This feature warns you about dangerous sites.
    • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Safe Browsing.

Using Ad Blockers

Installing a reputable ad-blocker extension (for browsers that support them, like Chrome or Firefox on Android) or using a browser with built-in ad-blocking capabilities (e.g., Brave Browser, Adblock Browser) can effectively prevent most ads, including 18+ content, from loading.

Enabling Safe Search

Ensure SafeSearch is enabled in your search engine settings (e.g., Google, Bing). This filters explicit content from search results, reducing the likelihood of encountering related ads.

Reviewing App Permissions and Settings

Some apps may contribute to unwanted ads, especially if they have excessive permissions or display in-app advertisements.

  • Check App Permissions: Regularly review the permissions granted to your installed apps. If an app requests unusual permissions (e.g., a simple game asking for camera access), it might be worth investigating or revoking the permission.
    • Go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications) > Select an app > Permissions.
  • In-App Ad Settings: Many free apps rely on ads for revenue. Some might offer options within their settings to reduce ad frequency or upgrade to a paid, ad-free version. If an app is excessively ad-heavy, consider uninstalling it and finding an alternative.

Utilizing Network-Level Solutions

For more comprehensive ad blocking across all apps and browsers on your device, consider network-level solutions.

  • DNS Filtering: Change your device's DNS (Domain Name System) settings to a public DNS resolver that filters out known ad and malware domains (e.g., AdGuard DNS, Quad9). This blocks ads before they even reach your device, affecting all traffic.
    • Steps: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS. Select "Private DNS provider hostname" and enter the hostname of a DNS service that blocks ads.

General Tips for Reducing Unwanted Ads

  • Clear Cache and Data: Regularly clear the cache and data for your browser and frequently used apps. This can help remove tracking cookies and temporary files that contribute to personalized ads.
  • Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play Store, Apple App Store). Avoid third-party app stores, which might distribute apps bundled with adware.
  • Report Inappropriate Ads: If you encounter an ad that is particularly offensive or inappropriate, most ad platforms (like Google Ads) offer options to report it. This helps improve ad quality and prevent similar ads from being shown in the future.
  • Consider Parental Controls: If the phone is used by a minor, enabling parental control features (e.g., Google Family Link for Android, Screen Time for iOS) can restrict access to certain apps, content, and websites, further preventing exposure to 18+ ads.

By implementing these strategies, you can take significant control over the ads displayed on your phone, making your experience safer and more comfortable.