How to Block Pop-up Ads on Android Phones?

Osborn Walter

Mar 19, 2023 | 9 min read

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Overview

If you frequently use the internet on your Android phone, you might encounter annoying pop-up ads. These ads not only disrupt your browsing experience but may also pose threats to your online security and privacy. So, what are pop-up ads, how to block them, why do you receive them, and how to get rid of them?

What are Pop-up Ads?

How to Block Pop-up Ads?

Why You Receive Pop-up Ads

How to Get Rid of Pop-up Ads?

What are Pop-up Ads?

Pop-up ads are advertisements that suddenly appear on a website or app, often covering the content you are viewing or opening a new browser window. Sometimes these ads may provide relevant or useful information, but more often than not, they contain irrelevant or deceptive content, such as fake winning messages, false alert messages, or links enticing you to download certain apps or software.

The purpose of pop-up ads is to grab your attention and make you click on them, thereby generating revenue for advertisers. However, these ads may also cause trouble and risks for you, such as:

① Impacting your browsing speed and consuming data.

② Interrupting your browsing experience and attention.

③ Containing malicious code or links that can infect your device with viruses or malware.

④ Potentially stealing your personal information or sensitive data, such as account passwords, credit card information, etc.

⑤ Violating your privacy rights by tracking your online activities and preferences.

Therefore, blocking pop-up ads can not only improve your browsing quality but also protect your online security and privacy.

How to Block Pop-up Ads?

① Enable Pop-up Ad Blocker in the Browser

Most popular Android browsers have settings that allow you to limit or completely eliminate pop-up ads. The specific steps depend on the browser you are using, but generally, you can find relevant options in the settings menu.

For Chrome

Open Chrome browser and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner to open the dropdown menu.

Tap "Settings" and then "Site settings."

Tap "Pop-ups and redirects" and toggle the switch to block pop-up ads.

For Firefox

Open Firefox browser and tap the three-line icon in the upper right corner to open the menu.

Tap "Settings" and then "Privacy & Security."

In the "Permissions" section, check the box next to "Block pop-up windows."

② Use Third-Party Apps to Block Ads

On the Google Play Store, you can download some third-party apps that provide you with more control to block ads and notifications while offering additional security and privacy features. These apps can help you limit annoying ads and notifications and protect you from malicious attacks.

AdBlock Plus:

This is a popular and reliable ad-blocking app that works well whether your device is rooted or not. However, rooting your device is not recommended, as it may remove some protections for mobile users.

MetroVPN:

This is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app that can hide your real IP address, encrypt your network activities, and prevent anyone from tracking or stealing your data. It also allows you to access some blocked or restricted websites and content, such as Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, etc. You can download the MetroVPN app from the Google Play Store or the official website.

Why You Receive Pop-up Ads

If you suddenly receive many pop-up ads, there may be several reasons:

① The pop-up ad blocker in your browser is disabled

This might be due to an update or technical glitch. You should check your browser settings to ensure that the ad-blocking feature is enabled.

② Your device is infected with malicious software or adware

If you recently downloaded a new app and now see many pop-up ads, that app might be the source of the problem. You can try uninstalling that app to see if the pop-up ads disappear. If so, that app is likely to be problematic.

③ The ad-blocking extensions you previously enabled are deactivated

You may have enabled apps or browser extensions for ad-blocking, but for some reason, they got deactivated. Ad-blocking browser extensions are quite popular, but you should check them periodically to ensure they are still active.

④ Bad websites or links

Some websites or links might use tricks or vulnerabilities to open pop-up ads on your device without your knowledge or consent. These websites or links may disguise themselves as legitimate or interesting content, such as news, games, videos, etc. When you click on them, they trigger pop-up ads.

How to Get Rid of Pop-up Ads?

If you are troubled by pop-up ads, you may wonder how to get rid of them. Fortunately, there are some methods to help you clear pop-up ads and prevent them from appearing again. Here are some methods we recommend:

① Clear your browser cache and history

Sometimes, pop-up ads may use your browser cache and history to display targeted ads or redirect you to bad websites. To avoid this, you should regularly clear your browser cache and history and delete unnecessary cookies and temporary files.

② Scan and remove malware or adware

If you suspect your device is infected with malware or adware, you should scan and remove them as soon as possible. Malware or adware may run in the background, constantly displaying ads or redirecting you to dangerous websites. They may also steal your personal information or sensitive data or harm your device.

③ Use MetroVPN

Finally, we highly recommend using MetroVPN to protect your online privacy and security. MetroVPN is a VPN app that allows you to browse the internet anonymously and securely.

MetroVPN has the following advantages:

① Surf anonymously

MetroVPN hides your real IP address, making you invisible online. This way, pop-up ads cannot track or target you with personalized ads.

② Encrypts network activity

MetroVPN encrypts your network activity, ensuring secure browsing. This way, pop-up ads cannot eavesdrop on or steal your data or redirect you to dangerous websites.

③ Access restricted content

MetroVPN also allows you to access some blocked or restricted websites and content, such as Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, etc. This way, you can enjoy more online entertainment and information.