How to block ads on Gmail (in 3 simple steps)
Ads are an eyesore at best and a serious security risk at worst. For instance, cyber gangs like BlackCat have exploited Google ads to spread malware disguised as legitimate tools. Learning how to block ads on Gmail can help you stay safe and keep your inbox clutter-free.
Below, we’ll show you how to turn off Gmail ads through the basic settings or browser-based ad-blockers. We’ll also list some lesser-known blocking methods and answer some FAQs at the end.
Why you might want to block ads on Gmail
Improving workflow and security, reducing clutter and distractions, or even the fact that you might be paying Google are excellent reasons to get rid of ads on Gmail.
Here’s an in-depth look at why you should do so:
- Removing distractions: When you’re expecting an important email, the last thing you want to see is a random Temu ad staring back at you.
- Improving security: As mentioned, Google ads were previously hijacked by the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware gang in 2023 to spread malware. Blocking Gmail ads means there’s one less cyber threat you need to worry about.
- Being a paying customer: You’d think paying Google (extra storage, Google One, etc.) would keep your inbox clean, but no. We’ve seen YouTube and Gmail community comments from subscribers claiming they still get Gmail ads.
- User preference: Having used an ad-blocker for over 15 years, I had no idea Gmail even had ads. Many people just value ad-free browsing.
How to block ads on Gmail: Quick guide
You can only turn off ads in Gmail by accessing your account settings through a desktop browser. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Log into your Gmail account in your browser of choice.
- Click on Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner, then See all settings.
- Select the Inbox tab and uncheck the Promotions, Social, and Forums options. There’s always the Gmail “Labels” feature to help you organize your inbox.
- Scroll down and click Save Changes. Now you won’t see any ads on Gmail (including the mobile app).
What if you want to keep the Gmail tabs for convenience, though? That’s where third-party ad-blockers come into play. Read on for the details.
How to turn off ads in Gmail with an ad-blocker
You can install a free ad-blocker in your browser to do away with most online ads, including on Gmail. Here’s how:
- Head over to the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
- Install one of the many ad-blockers out there (Total Adblock is a great choice).
- Log into your Gmail account, and access Promotions or other ad-supported tabs.
- Enjoy your ad-free Gmail experience!
See also: How to stop adblock detection
The best ad-blockers for Gmail
Here’s our list of the best ad-blockers to remove ads on Gmail:
- Adlock: Works great with Gmail. It has plenty of customization options to select which services allow ads.
- Total Adblock: The best ad-blocker for Gmail. It can bypass detection to block ads on almost every platform.
- AdGuard: An open-source ad-blocker with a wide range of filters. Easy to use, even for beginners.
A note on ad-blockers for Chrome and Chromium browsers
You may have seen headlines like “Google is killing ad-blockers” out there, and that’s partly true. Manifest V3 is a new Chrome/Chromium extension update that limits how ad-blockers function, restricting access to certain browser features.
This could affect extensions like uBlock Origin by making them less effective in blocking ads and other content. As a result, you may have to switch to a different browser, such as Firefox (or any other non-Chromium browser) to continue blocking Gmail ads with this method.
How to block ads on Gmail for Android and iPhone
The only way to block Gmail ads on the Android and iPhone apps is by disabling the tabs mentioned in the desktop guide.
Alternatively, you can use the email service through Firefox on Android and install uBlock Origin. This will also eliminate any potential Gmail ads in the middle of the inbox. Of course, the browser-based Gmail interface is a bit of an eyesore compared to the official app.
That said, this is the way to go if you prefer keeping your organizational tabs with zero ads.
You can try your luck with AdGuard on Safari, though we’ve seen users complain about being logged out after closing the browser.
Other ways to block ads on Gmail
Here are a couple of other methods to clean up your inbox:
- Get a standalone ad-blocker: If you have the budget, a standalone blocker like AdLock can eliminate just about any pesky ad. It’s also free from Manifest V3 or other constraints affecting your typical browser ad-blocker.
- Install a VPN with adblock: Many top providers nowadays have implemented ad-blocking features in their apps. We’ve successfully blocked Gmail ads using Surfshark and IPVanish.
How to block ads on Gmail—FAQs
Does Gmail have an ad blocker?
Gmail doesn’t have an ad blocker per se, but you can turn off the Promotions, Social, and Forums tabs to stop seeing ads. The checkboxes to disable the tabs are located under Settings > See all settings > Inbox.
There’s an extension called Gmail Adblocker on the Chrome Web Store, although user reports on whether it works are conflicting. Some claim the ad element is hidden, but still clickable. A more reliable solution is to install an ad-blocker like uBlock Origin instead.
Where is the ads setting page in Gmail?
You can visit the Ads Settings page to turn off personalized ads in Gmail, but this won’t disable them completely. Instead, you can turn off ads in the Social, Promotions, and Forums sections by heading to Settings > See all settings > Inbox and unchecking their respective boxes. Note that this will disable the tabs in question as well.
What is the best ad-blocker for Gmail?
At the moment, the best ad-blocker for Gmail (and in general) is uBlock Origin. That said, Google’s switch to Manifest V3 may weaken such ad-blockers on Chrome and Chromium-based browsers like Opera or Edge.
If you don’t feel like switching browsers, you can try a standalone blocker like AdLock, or certain VPNs with built-in adblock (such as Surfshark or IPVanish).
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