How to Set Up an Ad Blocker: No More Ads

Ads on the internet can be pretty annoying. Pop-ups that fill your screen, videos that play automatically and banners that cover the entire page sometimes make browsing a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there is a solution: an ad blocker. In this article we explain what an ad blocker is, how to install one and how to set it up optimally for an ad-free browsing experience.

What is an ad blocker?

An ad blocker is a program or browser extension that blocks ads on websites. When you visit a website, the ad blocker recognizes ads and prevents them from loading. The result is a cleaner, faster and more pleasant browsing experience.

Ad blockers work by using filter lists. These are databases of known ad URLs and code patterns. When a website tries to load an ad, the ad blocker checks whether it matches something on the filter list. If it does, the ad is blocked.

Why use an ad blocker?

Faster internet

Ads take up bandwidth. They have to be downloaded and displayed, which slows down your connection. By blocking ads, web pages load considerably faster. Research shows that pages can load up to 50% faster without ads.

Better privacy

Many ads track your online behavior through cookies and tracking pixels. This is how advertisers build a profile of your interests and browsing habits. A good ad blocker blocks not only ads but also these tracking elements, which improves your privacy considerably.

Fewer distractions

Flashing banners and autoplaying videos are designed to grab your attention. That makes it hard to concentrate on the content you actually want to read. With an ad blocker, these distractions disappear and you can browse in peace.

Security

Some ads contain malware or lead to phishing websites. By blocking ads, you reduce the risk of accidentally clicking a malicious ad. That also makes an ad blocker an important security tool.

uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is one of the best and most popular ad blockers. It is completely free, open source and very efficient. Unlike some other ad blockers, uBlock Origin uses little memory and does not slow down your browser. It is available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and other browsers.

AdBlock Plus

AdBlock Plus is one of the oldest ad blockers and has millions of users. It offers a user-friendly interface and works well. Keep in mind that AdBlock Plus lets "acceptable ads" through by default. These are non-intrusive ads that meet certain criteria. You can turn this option off in the settings.

AdGuard

AdGuard is available as a browser extension and as a standalone program. The browser extension is free, while the full program is paid but offers extra features. AdGuard blocks ads in all programs, not just in your browser.

Installing an ad blocker in Chrome

Step 1: Go to the Chrome Web Store

Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore in the address bar. This is the official store for Chrome extensions.

Step 2: Search for the ad blocker you want

In the search bar, type the name of the ad blocker you want to install, for example "uBlock Origin". Click the extension in the search results to go to its details page.

Step 3: Install the extension

Click the blue "Add to Chrome" button. A pop-up appears asking you to confirm. Click "Add extension". The ad blocker is now installed and active right away.

Step 4: Check the installation

After installation, the ad blocker's icon appears in the top right of your browser. For uBlock Origin, this is a red shield with a number that shows how many elements have been blocked on the current page.

Installing an ad blocker in Firefox

Step 1: Open Firefox Add-ons

In Firefox, click the three horizontal lines in the top right and choose Add-ons and themes. You can also visit addons.mozilla.org.

Step 2: Search and install

Search for the ad blocker you want in the search bar. Click the result and then "Add to Firefox". Confirm the installation in the pop-up that appears.

Setting up your ad blocker for optimal use

Managing filter lists

Ad blockers use filter lists to determine what should be blocked. Most ad blockers have default filter lists enabled, but you can add extra lists for better protection.

In uBlock Origin, click the icon and then the gear icon for settings. Go to the Filter lists tab. Here you can check extra lists, such as lists for Dutch ads or lists that block tracking.

Whitelisting websites

Some websites you like to visit depend on ad revenue. If you want to support a website, you can add it to your whitelist. This means ads are allowed on that specific website.

In most ad blockers, you click the icon and see an on/off button or an option to disable the ad blocker for the current site. The website is then added to your whitelist.

Blocking an element

Sometimes your ad blocker does not block every unwanted element on a page. Most ad blockers have a feature for blocking elements manually. In uBlock Origin, click the icon and then the eyedropper icon. Then click the element you want to block and confirm your choice.

Cosmetic filtering

Besides blocking ads, ad blockers can also hide the empty spaces left behind after blocking. This is called cosmetic filtering. In most ad blockers this is on by default, but you can turn it off if it causes problems on certain websites.

Troubleshooting

A website does not work properly

Some websites detect ad blockers and block access or show a message. You then have a few options. You can temporarily disable the ad blocker for that website. You can also try another ad blocker that is harder to detect. Some ad blockers have special filter lists to get around anti-adblock scripts.

Too much is blocked

Sometimes an ad blocker accidentally blocks important parts of a website, such as buttons or forms. If this happens, try temporarily disabling the ad blocker to see whether that solves the problem. You can also disable specific filter rules or add the website to your whitelist.

The ad blocker does not work

If your ad blocker is not blocking ads, check whether the extension is enabled. Go to your browser's extension settings and make sure the ad blocker is turned on. Also try updating the filter lists. You do this in the settings of the ad blocker itself.

The ethical side of ad blockers

Supporting free content

Many websites offer free content and depend on ad revenue. By blocking all ads, you take that income away from these websites. So consider whitelisting websites you visit regularly and appreciate, or supporting them in other ways, for example through a subscription or donation.

Acceptable ads

Some ad blockers, such as AdBlock Plus, have an acceptable ads program. It lets through non-disruptive ads that meet strict criteria. You can decide for yourself whether you want to use this option or block all ads.

Ad blockers on mobile

Android

On Android you can use browsers with built-in ad blockers, such as Firefox with the uBlock Origin extension or the Brave browser. Standalone ad blocking apps are also available, but they often require root access or setting up a local VPN.

iPhone and iPad

On iOS you can use content blockers in Safari. These work as apps that you download from the App Store and activate in the Safari settings. Popular options are AdGuard and 1Blocker. You can find them by going to Safari in Settings and then to Content Blockers.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, using an ad blocker is completely legal. You decide which content your browser loads and displays. Some websites ask you to disable your ad blocker, but they cannot force you to do so.

Does an ad blocker slow down my browser?

A good ad blocker such as uBlock Origin does not noticeably slow down your browser. On the contrary, because less content has to be loaded, your browser may even get faster. Some older or less efficient ad blockers can cause some sluggishness, though.

Do ad blockers also block tracking?

Most modern ad blockers block not only ads but also tracking elements. In uBlock Origin you can enable extra filter lists aimed specifically at privacy and tracking. That gives you more complete protection against being followed online.

What should I do if a website shows an anti-adblock message?

You have several options. You can whitelist the website if you find its content important. You can also add special filter lists that block anti-adblock scripts. You can find these in your ad blocker's settings under extra filter lists, often with names such as "Anti-Adblock Killer".

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