If you’ve found yourself reading this article, chances are you’re getting frustrated by ads constantly popping up on your mobile screen. Whether it’s those annoying ads that appear when you open an app, or pop-ups with suspicious links you don’t dare to click that’s why today, Sixtygram Digital Agency, a marketing agency that truly understands this pain, wants to walk you through how to shut down every possible entry point for these irritating ads once and for all.
Why should you remove ads from your phone?
Many people might not realize that certain types of ads especially pop ups aren’t just annoying. They can also be used by hackers to trick you into clicking dangerous links or unknowingly downloading malware. This can directly affect your personal data and digital security.
The Royal Thai Army has revealed that malware attacks via online ads known as malvertising are on the rise, with mobile users now becoming a primary target. This is a major reason why all of us should act quickly to deal with these types of ads. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to block every possible channel that ads might sneak into your phone whether you’re using an iPhone or Android. We’ll also walk you through simple step-by-step settings you can do yourself, plus a few small tips to make your device safer and more ad-free than ever.
Where do mobile ads come from?
Before we go all out and block them completely, let’s take a look at where these ads are actually coming from. Because if you don’t know the source, you might end up fixing the wrong thing and still get stuck with endless pop ups with no way out. Whether you’re on Android or iPhone, the annoying ads that constantly show up on your mobile usually come from three main sources
1. Browser-Based Ads
Pop ups that appear in the middle of the screen when browsing websites These are commonly seen on browsers like Chrome, Safari, or even Firefox. If you’re using Android, you’ll often see them through the popular Chrome browser. But if you’re on an iPhone or iPad, most of the ads will come from Safari especially when the pop up blocker hasn’t been turned on yet.
2. In-App Ads
Free games, photo editing apps, or even some flashlight apps These can have ads secretly embedded in them especially on Android. Sometimes, these apps can push pop-up ads to your screen even when you’re not actively using the app, often showing up as annoying notifications every hour.
3. Adware/Malvertising
This one’s more serious it involves hidden infiltration into your device It’s not just about annoying ads anymore, but full-on security threats. These may trick you into clicking on harmful links or even downloading malware without realizing it. Toward the end of 2024, multiple research teams reported that malvertising attacks were increasingly targeting mobile users regardless of whether they were using iOS or Android.
How to Turn Off and Remove All Ads on Your Phone For Both iPhone and Android
Next, we’ll walk you through how to shut every door that ads might sneak through whether you’re using an iPhone or Android. We’ll also introduce tools that help you use your phone with zero interruptions. Scroll down for a step by step guide, and you’ll soon have a device that’s clean, secure, and totally ad free no more swiping away ads every time you pick up your phone.
- How to Block Ads in Safari on iPhone
- How to Block Pop ups in Chrome and Firefox on Android
- How to Turn Off Ad Notifications on the Home Screen
- How to Remove Apps That Send Ads
- Tips to Detect and Prevent Adware in Advance
How to Block Ads on iPhone (iOS)
iPhone users aren’t immune to annoying ads especially those who primarily use Safari. Even though Safari has a built-in ad blocking system, it may sometimes be turned off without you realizing it, or not fully activated. Let’s take a look at how to turn it off properly so the ads stay gone for good.
Turn Off Pop-ups in Safari
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap on Safari
- Turn on Block Pop-ups
- Scroll down to the Privacy & Security section
- Enable Fraudulent Website Warning to protect against websites that try to trick you into clicking malware
Extra Security Tip (in case you want to allow pop-ups for certain websites temporarily)
If a website you normally use gets blocked such as some online banking systems you can temporarily disable Block Pop ups, then turn it back on after you’re done. Just be aware that allowing pop ups may open the door for harmful ads to reappear, so only do this when you’re sure the website is safe.
How to Block Pop-ups and Ads on Android (Chrome and Firefox)
For Google Chrome
- Open the Chrome app
- Tap the three dot icon at the top right > Settings
- Go to Site Settings
- Select Pop-ups and redirects > Turn off
- Go back to Site Settings > Select Ads > Turn off ads that are intrusive or misleading
For Firefox
Firefox has a built-in ad blocker, but it’s recommended to double check that it’s turned on.
- Tap the three-dot icon > Settings
- Scroll to the Notifications section
- Turn off site notifications or recommendations
- Or install additional extensions from the Add-ons menu
How to Turn Off Ads on the Android Home Screen
Ads that pop up on your home screen even when you’re not using any app usually come from third-party apps that send push notifications without your direct permission.
How to Turn Off Annoying App Notifications
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps
- Select the app that’s sending ads
- Go to Notifications > Turn off all notifications or select only the ones you don’t want
- Quick tip: Tap the magnifying glass icon to search for the app directly no need to scroll endlessly.
How to Remove Apps That Secretly Send Ads
Some apps are sneaky they look harmless at first, but once installed, they start spamming you with nonstop ads. Some of them are even adware.
Quick Way to Delete These Apps
- Tap and hold the app icon on the home screen
- Select “Uninstall
- Or go to Settings > Apps > Select the app > Uninstall
In case you’re not sure which app is causing the problem
- Go to Play Store > Play Protect
- Tap “Scan” to check which apps might be unsafe
- Or download apps like Malwarebytes or Norton 360 to help analyze your device
How to Prevent Ads from Coming Back Again
Some apps are sneaky once you install them, they start flooding you with ads. Some are even adware.
Quick Way to Delete Apps
- Don’t install apps from outside the official store
For example, random APK files from unknown websites may contain hidden ad sending code. - Check app reviews before downloading
If users complain that “it shows pop up ads after installing,” skip that app right away. - Use a browser that’s more secure than the default
Try options like Norton Private Browser or Brave, which focus on privacy and block ads by default. - Disable “Display over other apps” permission
Pop up ads that appear in the middle of the screen often come from apps that quietly received this permission.- Go to Settings > Privacy > Special app access > Display over other apps > Turn off for anything unnecessary
