5 Common Myths About Ad Blocking (And the Truth)

Whenever I recommend ad blocking to someone, I hear the same concerns over and over. Some are valid, but many are based on myths and misconceptions. Let me set the record straight.

Myth #1: "Ad blocking is illegal"

The Truth: Ad blocking is completely legal in most countries, including the United States, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia.

You have the right to control what content loads on your device. Just like you can skip TV commercials or throw away junk mail, you can choose not to load ads on websites.

There have been legal challenges from publishers and ad networks, but courts have consistently ruled in favor of users' right to block ads. In Germany, multiple court cases have affirmed that ad blocking is legal.

Bottom Line: Use ad blocking without legal concerns. It's your device, your rules.

Myth #2: "Ad blocking kills websites"

The Truth: It's more complicated than that.

Yes, many websites rely on advertising revenue. And yes, ad blocking reduces that revenue. But here's what the "ad blocking kills websites" argument misses:

1. Intrusive ads drove people to block - The advertising industry created this problem by making ads increasingly annoying and invasive.

2. Most people don't block ads - Ad blocker usage is around 25-30% globally. Most visitors still see ads.

3. Sites can adapt - Many successful sites have moved to subscriptions, memberships, sponsored content, or less intrusive ads.

4. Ad blocking can improve engagement - Some studies show that visitors who block ads actually engage more with content and are more likely to become paying subscribers.

My Take: I support websites I value through subscriptions, donations, or allowing their ads if they're respectful. But I don't feel guilty about blocking the intrusive, privacy-invading ads that dominate most of the web.

Myth #3: "Ad blockers slow down your phone"

The Truth: The opposite is true.

This myth probably comes from confusion with desktop browser extensions, which can sometimes impact performance. But DNS-based ad blocking on mobile actually speeds things up because:

• Fewer server requests mean faster page loads
• Less data downloaded means quicker rendering
• No heavy ad scripts running means better performance
• Your battery lasts longer without processing ads

In my tests, pages consistently load 20-50% faster with ad blocking enabled. Your phone isn't doing more work - it's doing less.

The Numbers:

• Average webpage: 2-3 MB with ads, 1-1.5 MB without
• Page load time: 8-10 seconds with ads, 4-6 seconds without
• JavaScript execution: Cut by 40-60% without ad scripts

Myth #4: "You need to install sketchy apps to block ads"

The Truth: The best ad blocking methods are built right into your phone.

Both iOS and Android have native support for custom DNS servers. You don't need to:

• Install any apps
• Give any special permissions
• Root/jailbreak your phone
• Pay for anything

Here's all you do:

iOS: Download a configuration profile and install it. Takes 30 seconds.

Android: Change one setting (Private DNS). Takes 10 seconds.

That's it. No apps, no subscriptions, no sketchy downloads. You're using features Apple and Google built into their operating systems.

Myth #5: "Ad blocking doesn't work on mobile like it does on desktop"

The Truth: DNS-based blocking on mobile is actually MORE effective than desktop browser extensions in many ways.

Why mobile DNS blocking is great:

1. System-wide protection - Works in all browsers AND apps
2. Can't be detected - Websites can't tell you're blocking
3. Zero maintenance - No extensions to update
4. No performance impact - Blocking happens before content loads
5. Works everywhere - Even in apps where extensions can't reach

Where desktop extensions win:

1. More granular control - Can block specific elements
2. Cosmetic filtering - Can hide empty spaces where ads were
3. YouTube ads - Can block in-stream video ads

For most mobile users, DNS blocking provides better overall protection than what's possible on desktop without extensions.

Bonus Myth: "Free ad blockers must be selling your data"

The Truth: Many reputable ad blocking solutions are free and don't sell data.

Some free services to trust:

• AdGuard DNS - Funded by their paid apps and services
• Quad9 - Non-profit funded by sponsors and donations
• NextDNS - Freemium model, paid tier for power users

Always check the privacy policy of any service you use, but don't assume free means suspicious. Many ad blocking services are run by privacy advocates who genuinely believe in an open, ad-free internet.

Red flags to watch for:

• Vague privacy policies
• Unknown company behind the service
• Requiring excessive permissions
• No clear business model

The Real Concerns

Now, let me address some legitimate concerns about ad blocking:

"Some websites detect ad blockers and won't let me in"

This is true. Some sites block access to users with ad blockers. Your options:

1. Whitelist that specific site
2. Use a different news source
3. Wait - many sites have backed off this approach

"Some ads are actually useful"

Also true! If you find a site with respectful, relevant ads, you can whitelist it. Most ad blocking solutions make this easy.

"I feel bad not supporting creators"

A valid feeling. Consider:

• Subscribing to sites you value
• Using Patreon or similar platforms
• Buying merchandise
• Disabling blocking on select sites

Making Your Decision

Now that we've cleared up the myths, here's my honest take:

Ad blocking is:

• ✅ Legal
• ✅ Safe
• ✅ Performance-enhancing
• ✅ Privacy-protecting
• ✅ Easy to set up

The advertising industry has had years to self-regulate and create a better experience. Instead, ads got worse. At some point, protecting yourself becomes the rational choice.

Ready to start? Check out my setup guides for iOS and Android.