How to Block Ads on Android

How to Block Ads on Android with AdGuard Private DNS.

Learn how to block ads on your Android phone using AdGuard Private DNS settings and DNS IPs in your Wi-Fi network. I’ll show you the steps to set it up, how to update the IP addresses, and how to use it to block ads and websites that aren’t family-friendly.

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This is a system-wide ad blocker that works across most apps and websites.

Phone used in this guide: Sony Xperia 1V, Android 14.

What You Need to Know First

Using a Private DNS is one of the easiest ways to block ads. It filters web traffic before it even reaches your phone or apps.

• What it blocks: Ads and trackers on most websites and in many apps.
• What it won’t block: Some apps, especially the YouTube app, will still show ads. This is a common limitation, as these apps have ways to work around DNS-based blockers. (As a creator, I understand ads support the people who make content—though I promise any revenue goes toward groceries, not Lamborghinis! My trusty 20-year-old VW Polo is proof.)
• The benefit: It makes browsing faster, saves data, and can help block inappropriate websites.

Steps to Set Up AdGuard Private DNS

This is the main method that works on most networks you connect to.

Open Your Phone Settings

Start by opening the Settings app on your Android device.

Find the Private DNS Menu

1. Tap on “Network & Internet.”
2. Scroll down until you see the “Private DNS” option and tap on it.

Enter the AdGuard DNS Address

1. On the Private DNS screen, select the option for “Private DNS provider hostname.”
2. In the text box that appears, carefully type: dns.adguard-dns.com
   Note: Make sure you use this current address (dns.adguard-dns.com), not an older one like dns.adguard.com.
3. Tap Save.

That’s it! Your phone will now use AdGuard’s DNS to block ads. If it connects successfully, you’re done. If you see an error like “Can’t connect,” you may need to use the Wi-Fi method below or check for the latest address.

How to Set AdGuard DNS in Wi-Fi Settings

If the Private DNS method doesn’t work on a specific network, or if you prefer, you can set the DNS directly for each Wi-Fi network.

Go to Your Wi-Fi Settings

1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.

Change IP Settings to Static

1. Tap “Advanced” options for that network.
2. Look for “IP settings” and change it from “DHCP” to “Static.”

Enter the AdGuard DNS IPs

1. Scroll down and find the fields for DNS 1 and DNS 2.
2. Enter the following AdGuard DNS IP addresses:

• DNS 1: 94.140.14.14
• DNS 2: 94.140.15.15

1. Save your changes. You might need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi for it to take effect.

How to Update AdGuard DNS IPs

DNS IP addresses can occasionally change. Here’s how to find and update them:

Find the Latest IPs

The simplest way is to go to Google.com and search for: “AdGuard DNS IP”. The official AdGuard website will be among the top results, showing their current public DNS IP addresses.

Update Your Settings

Once you have the new IP addresses, follow the “Wi-Fi Settings” steps above to replace the old IPs with the new ones in your network settings.

Using Family-Friendly Filtering

AdGuard also offers a specific DNS for family protection. This one blocks ads, trackers, and adult content.

To use it, simply use this hostname in the Private DNS setting instead:
dns-family.adguard-dns.com

Or, use the corresponding Family DNS IP addresses in your Wi-Fi settings, which you can find by searching “AdGuard Family DNS IP” online.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Can’t connect to a Wi-Fi login page? Some networks (like in hotels or airports) require a login portal that DNS blocking can interfere with. If you can’t get the login page to load, temporarily go back to your Private DNS settings and set it to “Off.” Once you’re logged in, you can turn it back on.
• Not blocking all ads? Remember, DNS-based blocking is very effective but not perfect. Some apps and services are designed to bypass it.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a faster, cleaner, and safer browsing experience on your Android device with fewer intrusive ads. Let me know how it works for you!