Analyzing 2025 Ad Blocking Complaints: What's Still Working?

I recently stumbled upon a discussion online where someone was expressing frustration with their current ad blocking setup. They mentioned that their existing solution wasn't working anymore and were looking for recommendations. This got me thinking about the ever-evolving landscape of ad blocking and why some methods become obsolete while others remain effective.

Let's delve into the reasons why an ad blocker might stop working and explore some potential solutions for mobile users in 2025.

Why Ad Blockers Stop Working

Several factors can contribute to an ad blocker losing its effectiveness:

1. Evolving Ad Technology

Advertisers are constantly developing new and more sophisticated ways to circumvent ad blockers. Techniques like native advertising, in-feed ads, and server-side ad insertion are becoming increasingly common. These methods make it harder for traditional ad blockers to identify and block advertisements.

2. Blocklist Decay

Ad blockers rely on blocklists, which are constantly updated lists of known ad servers and domains. If these blocklists aren't maintained regularly, they can become outdated, allowing new or previously unknown ads to slip through.

3. Website Updates

Websites often change their code and structure, which can break the rules and filters used by ad blockers. What worked yesterday might not work today due to a simple website update.

4. App Updates

Similar to websites, app developers also update their apps frequently. These updates can include changes that make it harder for ad blockers to function correctly.

5. DNS Changes

If you're using a DNS-based ad blocker, changes to your DNS settings or the DNS provider's servers can affect its performance. Sometimes, ISPs might interfere with DNS traffic, bypassing your ad blocking settings.

6. Aggressive Anti-Ad Blocking

Some websites and apps actively detect and block users who are using ad blockers. These anti-ad blocking measures can prevent ad blockers from working altogether.

Troubleshooting Your Ad Blocker

If your ad blocker has stopped working, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Update Your Blocklists

Ensure that your ad blocker is using the latest blocklists. Most ad blockers have an option to manually update the blocklists.

2. Clear Your Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data and cookies can interfere with ad blocking. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can resolve these issues.

3. Disable Other Extensions/Apps

Conflicting extensions or apps can sometimes interfere with ad blocking. Try disabling other extensions or apps to see if that resolves the issue.

4. Try a Different Ad Blocker

If your current ad blocker isn't working, try a different one. There are many ad blocking solutions available, and some might be more effective than others.

5. Check Your DNS Settings

If you're using a DNS-based ad blocker, ensure that your DNS settings are configured correctly. Double-check the DNS server addresses and make sure they are still valid.

6. Contact Support

If you've tried all of the above steps and your ad blocker is still not working, contact the support team for your ad blocker for assistance.

Recommending Ad Blocking Solutions in 2025

Based on the challenges described above, here's how I would approach ad blocking on mobile in 2025, keeping in mind the need for flexibility and adaptability:

DNS-Based Blocking (Still a Strong Foundation)

DNS-based blocking remains a solid foundation for mobile ad blocking. Services like NextDNS and AdGuard DNS are still excellent choices. However, it's crucial to:

• Regularly review and update blocklists: Subscribe to multiple, actively maintained blocklists to stay ahead of new ad domains.
• Utilize custom filtering: Learn to use custom filtering options to block specific ads or domains that aren't caught by the default blocklists. NextDNS, in particular, excels here.
• Monitor effectiveness: Periodically check if ads are slipping through and adjust your settings accordingly.

Browser-Based Blocking (Enhanced Customization)

Browser extensions offer a more granular level of control. I'd recommend the following:

• Firefox with uBlock Origin: This combination is incredibly powerful. uBlock Origin is open-source, lightweight, and highly customizable. Its dynamic filtering capabilities can effectively block even the most persistent ads.
• Brave Browser: Brave's built-in ad blocker is convenient and effective. It's a great option for users who want a hassle-free experience.

When using browser extensions, be sure to:

• Keep extensions updated: Regularly update your extensions to ensure they have the latest features and bug fixes.
• Configure filters: Take the time to configure the filters in your ad blocker. Subscribe to relevant filter lists and create custom rules to block specific ads.
• Be mindful of performance: Some extensions can slow down your browser. Choose lightweight extensions that are optimized for performance.

Local VPN Apps (For System-Wide Blocking)

Local VPN apps like Blokada and AdGuard for Android can block ads in all apps on your device. These apps create a local VPN connection to filter traffic and block ads.

• Blokada: Blokada is open-source and highly customizable. It's a great option for users who want a free and powerful ad blocker.
• AdGuard for Android: AdGuard offers comprehensive blocking and a user-friendly interface. It's a good choice for users who are willing to pay for premium features.

When using local VPN apps, keep in mind:

• Battery usage: VPN-based blocking can consume more battery than other methods.
• Permissions: Be careful about the permissions you grant to VPN apps.
• Privacy: Choose reputable VPN apps that respect your privacy.

The Importance of DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT)

Regardless of the ad blocking method you choose, encrypting your DNS traffic is crucial for privacy and security. DoH and DoT encrypt your DNS queries, preventing your ISP or other third parties from snooping on your browsing activity. Most DNS providers, including NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, and Cloudflare, support DoH and DoT.

To enable DoH or DoT on your mobile device:

• Android 9+: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS and choose a DNS provider that supports DoH or DoT.
• iOS: Use a configuration profile from a DNS provider that supports DoH or DoT. Alternatively, use an app like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 app, which supports DoH.

Adapting to Anti-Ad Blocking Measures

As websites and apps become more aggressive in their anti-ad blocking efforts, it's essential to adapt your strategy. Here are some tips:

• Use multiple ad blocking methods: Combine DNS-based blocking with browser extensions or local VPN apps for comprehensive protection.
• Update your filters regularly: Keep your blocklists and filters up to date to stay ahead of new anti-ad blocking techniques.
• Report false positives: If you encounter a website or app that incorrectly detects your ad blocker, report it to the ad blocker's developers.
• Consider supporting content creators: If you appreciate the content on a website or app, consider supporting the creators through donations or subscriptions.

My Recommended Approach

Given the current state of ad blocking in 2025, I'd recommend a multi-layered approach:

1. NextDNS for System-Wide Blocking: Configure NextDNS with multiple blocklists and custom filters for comprehensive ad blocking across all devices on your network.
2. Firefox with uBlock Origin for Browsing: Use Firefox with uBlock Origin for maximum control over ad blocking while browsing.
3. AdGuard for Android (Optional): If you need to block ads in apps on Android, consider using AdGuard for Android.
4. Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Encrypt your DNS traffic to protect your privacy.

This combination provides a robust and adaptable ad blocking solution that can effectively block ads while respecting your privacy and security.

Ultimately, the best ad blocking solution is the one that works best for you. Experiment with different options and find a combination that meets your needs.