AdAway Not Displaying Host Count? Here's What I Think

I recently came across a discussion about AdAway, a popular open-source ad blocker for Android, where a user was experiencing an issue: the app wasn't displaying the number of hosts being blocked. This got me thinking about the potential reasons behind this problem and the steps one could take to troubleshoot it. While I haven't personally encountered this specific issue, I have dealt with similar challenges in the realm of ad blocking and DNS configuration, so I wanted to share some insights.

AdAway is a powerful tool that modifies the system's hosts file to block ads at the network level. It's a favorite among Android users who want a system-wide ad-blocking solution without relying on VPNs or browser extensions. The app works by downloading host files from various sources, merging them, and then writing the combined list to the system's hosts file. When your device tries to connect to an ad server, the hosts file redirects the request to a null address (usually 127.0.0.1), effectively blocking the ad.

Potential Causes and Solutions

So, why might AdAway fail to display the number of hosts? Here are a few possibilities and how to address them:

1. Root Access Issues

AdAway requires root access to modify the hosts file. If the app doesn't have proper root privileges, it won't be able to update the file or, consequently, display the correct host count. This is the most common culprit.

Troubleshooting:

• Verify Root Access: Use a root checker app (available on the Play Store) to confirm that your device is properly rooted. If root access is not confirmed, you'll need to root your device. Be extremely careful when rooting your device and follow the instructions precisely, as incorrect rooting can brick your phone.
• Grant Root Permissions: When AdAway requests root access, make sure you grant it. Some root management apps (like Magisk) might have settings that prevent apps from automatically gaining root access. Double-check your root manager's settings to ensure AdAway is allowed to have root privileges.
• Reinstall AdAway: Sometimes, a fresh installation can resolve permission issues. Uninstall AdAway, then reinstall it and grant root access when prompted.

2. Hosts File Issues

The hosts file itself might be corrupted or inaccessible. This can prevent AdAway from reading the file and displaying the correct host count.

Troubleshooting:

• Check File Permissions: Use a root-enabled file manager (like Solid Explorer or MiXplorer) to navigate to /system/etc/hosts. Verify that the file exists and has the correct permissions (usually 644 or rw-r--r--). If the permissions are incorrect, change them to 644.
• Examine File Content: Open the hosts file with a text editor. Look for any unusual characters or errors. A completely empty file or a file filled with garbage data could indicate a problem.
• Restore Default Hosts File: If the hosts file is corrupted, you can try restoring it to its default state. You can usually find a default hosts file online for your Android version. Replace the existing hosts file with the default one (make sure to back up the original first!).

3. DNS Issues

In some rare cases, DNS problems might interfere with AdAway's ability to resolve hostnames and update the host count. This is less likely but worth considering.

Troubleshooting:

• Flush DNS Cache: Clear your device's DNS cache. The method for doing this varies depending on your Android version and manufacturer. You might need to use a terminal emulator app and execute a command like su followed by ndc resolver flushdefaultif. Some custom ROMs have a built-in option to flush the DNS cache.
• Try Different DNS Servers: Configure your device to use a different DNS server, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). While AdAway primarily uses the hosts file, a malfunctioning system DNS resolver could potentially cause issues.

4. AdAway Configuration Problems

Incorrect settings within AdAway itself can also lead to the app not displaying the host count properly.

Troubleshooting:

• Update Host Sources: In AdAway's settings, ensure that you have selected at least one host source. Try updating the host sources by tapping the "Update" button. Sometimes, a problem with a particular host source can prevent AdAway from updating the host count.
• Check Whitelist/Blacklist: Review your whitelist and blacklist to ensure that you haven't accidentally whitelisted all domains. If everything is whitelisted, AdAway won't block anything and the host count might be zero.
• Reapply Hosts File: In AdAway, try disabling and then re-enabling ad blocking. This forces AdAway to reapply the hosts file and might resolve any inconsistencies.

5. Magisk Module Conflicts

If you're using Magisk, other modules might be interfering with AdAway. Some modules modify system files or processes in ways that can conflict with AdAway's operation.

Troubleshooting:

• Disable Other Modules: Temporarily disable all other Magisk modules and see if AdAway starts displaying the host count correctly. If it does, re-enable the modules one by one to identify the culprit.
• Check Module Compatibility: Research the compatibility of your other Magisk modules with AdAway. Some modules are known to cause conflicts, and you might need to find alternative modules or adjust their settings.

6. Outdated AdAway Version

Using an outdated version of AdAway could also be the problem. Older versions might have bugs or compatibility issues that have been fixed in newer releases.

Troubleshooting:

• Update AdAway: Make sure you're using the latest version of AdAway. You can download the latest version from the official F-Droid repository or the AdAway website.

7. SELinux Issues

SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) is a security module in Android that can restrict the actions of apps, including AdAway. If SELinux is enforcing strict policies, it might prevent AdAway from modifying the hosts file.

Troubleshooting:

• Check SELinux Status: Use a terminal emulator app and execute the command getenforce. If the output is "Enforcing," SELinux is enabled. While disabling SELinux is generally not recommended for security reasons, you can try temporarily setting it to "Permissive" mode to see if it resolves the issue. To do this, execute the command setenforce 0. After testing, remember to re-enable SELinux by executing setenforce 1.

8. Storage Permissions

While AdAway primarily modifies the /system/etc/hosts file, it also needs storage permissions to download and store host files temporarily. If AdAway doesn't have the necessary storage permissions, it might not be able to update the host count.

Troubleshooting:

• Grant Storage Permissions: Go to your device's settings, find AdAway in the app list, and make sure it has storage permissions enabled.

DNS-Based Ad Blocking as an Alternative

If troubleshooting AdAway proves too challenging, or if you're concerned about the complexities of root access, consider using a DNS-based ad blocking solution like AdBlock for Mobile. These solutions work at the network level by filtering DNS requests, preventing your device from connecting to known ad servers. They don't require root access and are generally easier to set up.

Benefits of DNS-Based Ad Blocking:

• No Root Required: Works on both rooted and non-rooted devices.
• System-Wide Protection: Blocks ads in all apps and browsers.
• Easy Setup: Simply change your device's DNS settings.
• Improved Battery Life: Can reduce battery consumption by blocking ad traffic.

AdBlock for Mobile, NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 are all excellent options for DNS-based ad blocking. They offer various features, such as customizable blocklists, detailed analytics, and family protection options.

My Personal Approach

If I were facing this issue with AdAway, I'd start by verifying root access and checking the hosts file permissions. These are the most common causes. If those steps didn't resolve the problem, I'd move on to examining the hosts file content and checking for Magisk module conflicts. Finally, if all else failed, I'd consider switching to a DNS-based ad blocking solution for its simplicity and ease of use.

Ultimately, the best ad-blocking solution is the one that works best for you and your specific needs. Whether it's AdAway, a DNS-based service, or a combination of both, the goal is to enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more private mobile browsing experience.