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Blocking ads on rooted Android phones

The ability to surf through a site without worry of clicking on one of those "A problem has been detected, scan your computer now" ads is a welcome one.


Note: This particular application requires that you have a rooted Android phone. Even though you will still be able to install the app without any issue, the lack of Superuser will prevent the app from functioning.

Step 1: Grab AdFree from the Android Market.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 2: Open the app and click on "Allow" if a Superuser request pops up.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 3: Run the in-app updater. This is the top button labeled "Download & Install Hosts."

Step 4: Choose the updating schedule that best fits your needs. Checking for daily updates does create more traffic for the company making the app, but if you're a heavy Web user on your phone, this option is recommended.

Steps 3 and 4 are shown above. Screenshot by Nicole Cozma
Steps 3 and 4 are shown above. Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 5: Enjoy ad-free web-browsing.

The large black squares are where ads would have loaded normally. Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

You might notice that some sites will address the fact that you have blocked their ads. Unfortunately there is no white-listing option (allowing certain sites to display ads) present, but maybe in the future this app or another will include it. More information on the app can be found here: xda-developers: Block ads on your Android device.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

HTC Nexus One (T-Mobile)

Keep in mind that a lot of sites are partially or fully funded by their advertisements, so it's up to you to decide if blocking them is the best choice. You can read Matt Asay's take on the issue here.