Android is an open-source platform that allows any developer to build and distribute apps for mobile devices. This level of access provides the ability to install and run various apps, but it also means being bombarded with advertisements that can be annoying and distracting. Advertisements appearing on the home screen of an Android device can be especially intrusive, making it difficult to navigate the device or access apps. Hence, if you are wondering how to remove ads from the Android home screen, you have come to the right place!
Ads are a common source of revenue for many app developers, but they can interrupt the user experience and take up valuable screen space. Whether you’re tired of ads popping up on your lock screen, or you want to get rid of persistent ads that always stick around, this guide has got you covered. In this article, I will give you some methods to remove ads from the home screen of your Android device, as well as some tips to prevent ads from appearing in the first place.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Remove Ads from Home Screen Android
Ads on the home screen can be not only intrusive but also irritating. The ads can take up a lot of space on the home screen, making it harder to navigate the device, access apps, and perform other essential functions. Moreover, some ads can even be unsafe, as they may contain malware or lead you to phishing sites. Advertisers can also use ads to track your behavior, browsing history, and location to deliver more personalized, potentially more harmful content. Therefore, removing ads from the Android home screen is crucial to enhance the device’s performance, security, and user experience.
Method 1: Via Third-Party Ad Blockers
Third-party ad blockers are a popular way to remove ads from the Android home screen. These apps work by filtering the ad content as it is displayed, thus preventing ads from showing up on your device. Here is how you can remove ads from your Android home screen using third-party ad blockers:
1. Download and install an ad-blocking app like AdBlock Plus, AdGuard, or Blokada from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to configure it properly.
3. Enable the ad-blocking feature on the app.
4. Go to your Android device’s Settings and find the option "Apps & Notifications."
5. Tap on it, scroll to the app that shows ads on your home screen, and tap on it.
6. Once you are in the App Settings, find the option "Notifications."
7. Disable the notifications to prevent ads from displaying on your home screen.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for each app that shows ads on your home screen.
Pros:
– Blocks ads across all apps and websites
– Easy to use and customize
– Free versions are available
– Offers additional security features
Cons:
– In some cases, ad-blockers may slow down the device
– The app may miss some ads that manage to sneak through
– Some app developers may block content if they detect an ad-blocker
Method 2: Disable Ads in Google Play Services
Google Play Services is a system-level app that provides essential services to the Android platform. It also serves as a conduit for delivering targeted ads to your device. If you disable ads in Google Play Services, you can remove ads from the Android home screen and other parts of the device as well. Here is how you can do it:
1. Go to your Android device’s Settings and find the option "Apps & Notifications."
2. Tap on it, scroll to Google Play Services, and tap on it.
3. Once you are in the App Settings, find the option "Ads" and tap on it.
4. Disable the "Personalized Ads" toggle to prevent ads from displaying on your home screen.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for each app that shows ads on your home screen.
Pros:
– Works across the entire device
– Doesn’t require additional apps or tools
– Can reduce data usage and improve device performance
Cons:
– Disabling all personalized ads may reduce the relevance of some content
– Google Play Services is an essential component of the Android OS, and disabling it may affect other functions
Method 3: Disable Home Screen Shortcut Notifications
Some apps display notifications on your home screen, encouraging you to use them or inviting you to interact with their content. These notifications can also contain ads, which can be irritating or invasive. Fortunately, you can disable home screen shortcut notifications for each app that displays them, preventing ads from appearing on the home screen. Here is how you can do it:
1. Long-press on the app icon that displays a notification on your home screen.
2. Tap on the "App Info" or "App Settings" option.
3. Once you are in the App Settings, find the option "Notifications."
4. Disable the "Home screen shortcuts" toggle to prevent the app from displaying notifications on your home screen.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each app that displays notifications, including ads, on your home screen.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require additional apps or tools
– Can improve the device’s speed and performance
– Allows customization of the device’s interface
Cons:
– Disabling home screen shortcuts may make it harder to access some apps
– Some apps may continue to display notifications even when the option is disabled
What to Do If You Can’t Remove Ads from Home Screen Android
Suppose you have tried all the methods described above and still can’t remove ads from your Android device’s home screen. In that case, there are a few other things you can try:
1. Update your Android OS and all apps to their latest versions. Sometimes, updates can solve bugs and glitches that cause ads to appear.
2. Install a reputable antivirus app and run a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or adware that may be causing the problem.
3. Reset your device to its factory settings. This will erase all data, including apps, but it can also get rid of any stubborn ads that refuse to budge.
Bonus Tip
To prevent ads from appearing on your Android device’s home screen, you can take some preventive measures:
1. Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources or unknown developers. Stick with apps from the Google Play Store or other trusted app stores.
2. Review the app’s permission requests before installing it. Don’t grant unnecessary permissions that can be used to track your behavior or display ads.
3. Use a VPN to encrypt your data and hide your online activity from advertisers and other entities that may use it to target ads.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I remove ads from Android home screen without rooting?
A: Yes, you can use third-party ad blockers or disable home screen shortcut notifications without rooting your Android device.
Q2: Is removing ads from the Android home screen illegal or risky?
A: No, removing ads from the Android home screen is neither illegal nor risky. However, some apps may have terms of service that prohibit certain types of ad-blocking.
Q3: Will disabling ads affect the app’s functionality?
A: Disabling ads may affect the app’s revenue model, but it should not affect its basic functionality, features, or usability.
Q4: Can I use more than one ad-blocking app on my Android device?
A: Yes, you can use multiple ad-blockers simultaneously, but this may affect the device’s performance and cause conflicts between the apps.
Q5: Can I still support developers by removing ads from the Android home screen?
A: Yes, you can still support developers by purchasing their apps or subscribing to a premium version that does not display ads.
Final Thoughts
Removing ads from the Android home screen is an effective way to improve the device’s user experience, security, and performance. Whether you choose to use a third-party ad blocker, disable ads in Google Play Services, or turn off home screen shortcut notifications, this guide has provided you with multiple methods to tackle the issue. You can also take preventive measures to avoid ads altogether, such as being cautious when downloading apps, reviewing permissions, and using a VPN. By following these tips, you can enjoy an ad-free Android experience and focus on what really matters.