6 methods (3 are free)

Want to prevent your child from seeing inappropriate ads or downloading unwanted apps, save time and mobile data, or just find them annoying? Whatever the case, we’ll show you how to stop ads on mobile games using several effective methods.

The main one involves a dedicated ad-blocking app, though you can also try Airplane Mode, using a VPN, or a custom DNS service. Tweaking some Android or iOS settings may also limit the kind of ads you get. Let’s go over all of these.

How to stop ads on mobile games: A quick guide

The quickest way to stop ads while playing mobile games is to install a dedicated ad-blocker. Simply follow these steps:

1. Get a capable ad-blocker for Android/iOS. AdLock is our top pick.
2. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
3. In some cases, you’ll have to follow the provider’s setup instructions (e.g. AdLock on Android). Whatever the case, launch and turn on the ad-blocker app.
4. Open your game of choice and enjoy the ad-free experience.

You may have to restart the game a couple of times for changes to take effect. We’ve seen players on Reddit saying an ad or two would slip through on occasion (especially on a free plan), but the number of ads should still drop significantly.

Alternative ways to stop or limit ads on mobile games

Here are several other methods to block mobile game ads, ranked by effectiveness.

1. Use Airplane Mode

Mobile games need an internet connection to serve ads. Turning on Airplane Mode turns you offline, which cuts off the annoyance at the source.

Of course, many mobile games circumvent this trick by requiring you to play online, like Mobile Legends. If your game does not have an offline mode, try one of these other tips.

2. Try a VPN that can block ads

Nowadays, many VPNs have built-in ad blocking. Mobile VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark have effective blockers that work on Android and iOS, with NordVPN even offering tapjacking protection against malicious pop-ups.

For games with more stubborn advertising, you can also use a VPN to change your location to a region less likely to be targeted by ads. Naturally, this method is fairly trial-and-error, though it’s worth a try.

3. Block mobile game ads via DNS settings

Most ads aren’t built directly into modern mobile games but are loaded from an external source. If you can determine where they come from, you can block the ad servers and enjoy a cleaner gaming experience.

As it happens, AdGuard and similar services have custom DNS servers that filter out the most popular ad networks. Just enter this DNS address in your phone’s DNS settings, and that’s all there is to it. Here’s where to find them:

• Android: Open Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Private DNS. Choose Private DNS provider hostname and insert the custom DNS.
• iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap ⓘ > Configure DNS > Manual, then add your preferred DNS server.

Some pop-ups might still get through in certain games, though they’ll likely be blank. There’s not much to be done on that end, but close and move on.

4. Disable ad personalization and reset advertising ID

Android and iOS devices offer options to limit targeted ads and tracking. It won’t get rid of them, but it can make them feel less intrusive and stop them from being based on your browsing habits. Here’s how to tweak these settings:

Restrict targeted ads on Android

1. Open your phone Settings.
2. Search for “ads” and tap the respective setting.
3. Under More privacy settings tap Ads again.
4. Press Ad privacy.
5. Go through Ad topics, App-suggested ads, and Ad measurement and turn them off.
6. Return to the Ads menu and tap Reset advertising ID.
7. Press Confirm to finish up.

Related: How to block ads on Android

Restrict targeted ads on iOS

1. Go to Settings and tap Privacy & Security.
2. Press Tracking.
3. Toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track.
4. Return to Privacy & Security and tap Apple Advertising.
5. Toggle off Personalized Ads, and you’re set.

See also: How to block ads on iPhone

5. Buy the premium version of the game

If nothing else works, and an ad-blocker or VPN isn’t in the budget, you can always check if the game offers a premium version. Typically, this disables ads entirely, letting you play without distractions.

This option is not always available or requires the most expensive in-app purchases (IAPs) to work. At that point, you’re better off with the cheaper VPN or ad-blocking subscription—especially if you plan to play the game long-term.

Why you’d want to remove ads in mobile games

Besides the annoyance factor, there are some legitimate reasons to stop ads on mobile games, such as:

• Avoiding inappropriate ads: Even if your kid is not using your phone to play games, you probably don’t want the latest questionable game ad popping up on your screen during your lunch break.
• Saving on mobile data: Unsurprisingly, ads use up your precious data. Block ads in mobile games to save valuable MBs.
• Preventing unwanted downloads: Mobile game ads can be particularly bright and colorful, leading your kids to download other apps or games, some of which may be inappropriate or potentially unsafe.
• Cutting down on wasted time: Some apps throw ads at you after every level, which can eat into your breaks at work or school.

Why do mobile games have so many ads?

One word: money.

Game development and maintenance take time and effort, so devs use ads to cover costs. Kids and other people with no disposable income are likelier to play a free game and deal with advertisements than spend money on a mobile game.

Otherwise, some games reward you with in-game currency for watching or clicking on an in-game ad. It’s not much, and it can feel like a massive waste of time and data (because it is), but at least you’re helping the dev in some small way.

Have you ever wondered how to skip game ads while still getting rewards? Truth is, that’s not possible. If you stop ads on mobile games using any of our tips, it won’t register that you’ve watched the ad. Spoiler alert: you won’t get the reward for it, either.

How to stop mobile game ads FAQs

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