How to Block Ads in Google Chrome

Blocking ads in Google Chrome can improve your browsing experience by removing intrusive or annoying advertisements, speeding up page loading times, and reducing data usage. There are several methods to block ads in Chrome, ranging from built-in settings to third-party extensions. This guide will walk you through various ways to block ads in Google Chrome on both desktop and mobile devices.

Method 1: Using Chrome’s Built-in Ad Blocker

Google Chrome has a built-in ad blocker that can prevent ads on websites that display intrusive ads or don’t meet the Better Ads Standards. While this won’t block all ads, it helps eliminate the most disruptive ones.

Step 1: Access Chrome Settings

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. Click on the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Adjust Site Settings

1. In the Settings menu, scroll down and click on Privacy and security.
2. Select Site settings.
3. Scroll down to Additional content settings and click on Ads.

Step 3: Block Intrusive Ads

1. Toggle on the setting that says Blocked on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads.

This option will automatically block ads on websites that do not comply with Google’s ad standards. While it won’t block all ads, it will help remove the most disruptive and annoying ones.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Ad Blocker Extensions

For more comprehensive ad blocking, you can use third-party ad blocker extensions available in the Chrome Web Store. These extensions can block most types of ads, including pop-ups, banners, video ads, and tracking ads.

Popular Ad Blocker Extensions:

• AdBlock: One of the most widely used ad blockers with customizable options.
• uBlock Origin: A lightweight and efficient ad blocker with a focus on performance.
• AdGuard: A robust ad blocker that can filter ads and tracking scripts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install an Ad Blocker Extension:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore.
3. In the search bar, type the name of the ad blocker you want (e.g., “AdBlock” or “uBlock Origin”).
4. Click on the extension in the search results.
5. Click Add to Chrome and then Add extension in the confirmation dialog.

Once installed, the ad blocker extension will automatically start blocking ads on most websites. You can usually see its icon next to the address bar, where you can adjust its settings or whitelist certain websites.

Method 3: Block Pop-up Ads in Chrome

In addition to blocking regular ads, you can specifically block pop-up ads using Chrome’s settings.

Step 1: Open Chrome Settings

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.

Step 2: Adjust Pop-up Settings

1. Click on Privacy and security.
2. Select Site settings.
3. Scroll down to Pop-ups and redirects.
4. Toggle the setting to Blocked.

This setting will prevent websites from opening new tabs or windows as pop-up ads.

Method 4: Using Ad Blockers on Mobile Devices

For Android Devices

To block ads on Chrome for Android, you can use the following methods:

Option 1: Adjust Site Settings in Chrome

1. Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap on Site settings.
4. Tap Ads and ensure it is set to Blocked on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads.
5. Also, go to Pop-ups and redirects and make sure it is set to Blocked.

Option 2: Use an Ad Blocker App

For a more comprehensive solution on Android, you can use third-party ad blocker apps like AdGuard or Blokada. These apps filter ads across all apps and browsers on your device, not just Chrome.

• Download an ad blocker app from the Google Play Store or the app’s website.
• Follow the installation instructions provided by the app.

Note: Some ad blocker apps might require enabling a VPN or configuring specific settings to block ads system-wide.

For iOS Devices

On iPhones and iPads, you cannot directly install ad-blocking extensions for Chrome. However, you can use system-wide content blockers for Safari or install apps that filter network traffic.

1. Install a content blocker app like AdGuard or AdBlock from the App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
3. These apps will filter out ads in browsers like Safari and sometimes other apps.

For Chrome, using these apps might not be as effective as on Android, but they can help reduce ads in general browsing.

Conclusion

Blocking ads in Google Chrome can be achieved using a combination of Chrome’s built-in features and third-party tools. For minimal interference, using the built-in settings is sufficient. However, for a more ad-free browsing experience, especially if you encounter many ads or trackers, using a third-party ad blocker extension like uBlock Origin or AdBlock is recommended. On mobile devices, using dedicated ad-blocking apps can help you achieve similar results. By following these methods, you can enjoy a cleaner and faster browsing experience.