Pop-ups can be frustrating and annoying, but did you know that you can easily block pop-ups on Android web browsers? This guide will help you take control of your browsing experience across different browsers.
Before you start: Ensure you have the latest version of your web browser installed.
How to block pop-ups on various Android browsers
Follow these step-by-step instructions to block pop-ups on popular Android web browsers.
Using Chrome
- Tap ⋮ in Chrome. You’ll see this three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the web browser window.
- Tap Settings. This is next to a gear icon at the bottom of the menu.
- Tap Site settings. You’ll find this under the “Advanced” header near the bottom of the menu.
- Tap Pop-ups and redirects. It’s under the “Content” header near the middle of the menu.
- Tap the toggle next to Pop-ups and redirects to switch it off. You want the toggle to be off if you don’t want to get pop-ups and redirects; in this case, the switch will be grey and pointing to the left. You’ll also see “Blocks sites from showing pop-ups and redirects (recommended)” when this toggle is off.
Using uBlock Origin in Firefox
- Tap ⋮ in Firefox. This three-dot menu icon is in the top right corner of the browser.
- Tap Extensions. It’s near the middle of the menu next to an icon of a jigsaw puzzle piece.
- Tap + next to uBlock Origin. You’ll see this under the “Recommended” header and tapping the plus sign will prompt a menu to open at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Add to continue.
- The ad blocker will immediately start working once it installs.
- If you don’t like uBlock Origin, Firefox lists other suggested ad-blocker extensions like AdGuard AdBlocker and Privacy Badger.
Using Microsoft Edge
- Tap ☰ in Microsoft Edge. This three-line menu option is in the bottom right corner of your screen and will prompt a menu to open.
- Tap Privacy, security and services. It’s next to a padlock icon.
- Tap Block ads. Doing so will open the ad-blocking menu.
- Tap the toggle next to Block ads to turn it on. The switch will be colored and pointing to the right to indicate that it is on.
- Additional options will change from grey to white to indicate that they are now interactive.
Using Samsung Internet
- Tap ☰ in Samsung Internet. This is the pre-installed web browser for Samsung devices. You’ll see this three-line menu icon in the bottom right of your screen.
- Tap Privacy. It’s next to an icon of a shield.
- You have to enable ad blockers before you can use them!
- Tap the toggle next to Block pop-ups to enable it. The switch will be colored and pointing to the right if it’s on.
- You can also toggle the settings for Block backward redirections and Block apps from opening Internet.
- Press the < button twice to return to the main menu.
- Tap Ad blockers. This will display a list of suggested ad blockers that you can use with Samsung Internet.
Pro tip: Regularly check the settings of your browser to ensure that pop-ups remain blocked as updates can sometimes reset these preferences.
By following these steps, you can enhance your browsing experience on Android devices by effectively blocking unwanted pop-ups. It’s essential to maintain control over the types of content your browser allows, which can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable online experience. Remember, being proactive about web browsing security not only aids in preventing distractions but also helps protect your device from potential threats associated with some pop-ups.
