How To Block Annoying Ads In Android Apps, Games And Browsers

Many websites and applications are providing you with free service, free content and free software because someone else is paying them to keep them up. Thus, the service provider has to serve ads to you in return for the income that is keeping them in business, and in development. As the user, you reap the benefit of using the product for free.
However, sometimes the ad placements can be really annoying, contributing to not-so-appealing user experience. In this post we will look at methods to block ads from showing up on Android. You can block ads from appearing in apps and games, or only on browsers.

First you need to root your phone. By rooting your phone you change the user permissions which allow you to do anything with any file or folder. Although it gives many benefits, we’re interested in the ability to upload any Android apps, including unofficial apps that you won’t find in the Google play store, such as ad-blocking apps.
Before we begin, you need a File Manager, e.g. Astro File Manager. Any other file manager will work fine.
Disclaimer: Attempt ad-blocking at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any effects on your device resulting from these methods.
1. Adblock Plus (ABP)
This method uses ad-blockers (apps) to block all ads in your device, including the ads shown in various apps and games. There are many ad-blockers for Android, thanks to the ever-growing Android developers. The top two would be Adblock Plus (ABP) and AdAway; we wil discuss the former, but you can install AdAway if that’s your preference.
Using Adblock Plus
We’re going with Adblock Plus as it is an open source project and has the option to allow non-intrusive ads. This method works for both rooted and non-rooted devices. Installing an ad-blocker app requires your device to allow applications from unknown sources.
Sideloading is required as Google has removed ad-block apps from Google Play Store. You need to sideload any ad-blocker, i.e. install ad-blockers using its APK file and not from Google Play Store.
Follow the given steps to set this configuration:
==> Go to Settings > Applications (or Security on 4.0 and above) on your Android device.
==> Navigate to the Unknown sources option.
==> If unchecked, tap the checkbox, and then tap OK on the confirmation popup.
Your Android device is ready to install ad-blockers.
Installing And Configuring Adblock Plus
1. Open a browser in your device and download Adblock Plus for Android. Your device will receive the APK file: adblockplusandroid-version.apk.
2. Navigate to where your downloaded files are kept, then tap on the file and install. (If you open the APK file using a file manager, select Open App Manager and then click on Install.)
3. On rooted devices: after installing, open Adblock Plus. It will request for super user permissions. Allow super user permissions to Adblock Plus and you are good to go.
Now Adblock Plus will start blocking ads. You can set more options in Adblock Plus like ads filter lists, non-intrusive ads, etc in Settings.