Thoughts on Device-Wide Ad Blocking for Samsung: Is It Possible?

I recently came across a discussion about achieving true, device-wide ad blocking on Samsung devices, and it got me thinking about the challenges and potential solutions. The original poster was specifically looking for a way to block ads not just in the browser, but also within apps like Peacock and other ad-supported services. This is a common desire, as those in-app ads can be particularly intrusive. Let's explore the options available and what I would recommend.

The Quest for System-Wide Ad Blocking

Achieving ad blocking across an entire mobile device, including within apps, is a more complex challenge than simply blocking ads in a web browser. The reason is that apps use various methods to display ads, some of which are difficult to intercept with traditional ad-blocking techniques. Here's a breakdown of the different approaches one might consider:

1. DNS-Based Ad Blocking

• How it Works: This method involves configuring your device to use a DNS server that filters out known ad-serving domains. When an app or browser tries to connect to an ad server, the DNS server blocks the connection, preventing the ad from loading.
• Pros:
  • System-wide protection (potentially)
  • Relatively easy to set up
  • Doesn't require installing an app (on Android 9+)
• Cons:
  • May not block all in-app ads (some apps use hardcoded ad servers or other techniques)
  • Limited customization compared to other methods
  • Can sometimes interfere with legitimate app functionality
• My Opinion: DNS-based ad blocking is a great starting point, and I recommend it as the first line of defense. However, don't expect it to block every single ad, especially within apps.

2. Local VPN Ad Blockers

• How it Works: These apps create a local VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your device. All network traffic is routed through this VPN, allowing the app to filter out ad requests before they reach their destination.
• Pros:
  • System-wide protection, including in-app ads
  • More customizable than DNS-based blocking
  • No need to route traffic through an external VPN server
• Cons:
  • Can impact battery life (due to the overhead of running a VPN)
  • Requires installing and trusting a third-party app
  • Potential privacy concerns if the VPN app isn't trustworthy
• My Opinion: Local VPN ad blockers can be very effective, but it's crucial to choose a reputable app from a trusted developer. Be mindful of the battery drain and privacy implications.

3. VPN-Based Ad Blockers

• How it Works: Similar to local VPNs, but your traffic is routed through a remote VPN server. The VPN server filters out ads before sending the traffic to your device.
• Pros:
  • Can block ads in apps
  • May offer additional security and privacy benefits (depending on the VPN provider)
• Cons:
  • Can significantly impact internet speed
  • More battery usage than other methods
  • Requires trusting the VPN provider with your data
  • Often more expensive than other options
• My Opinion: I generally don't recommend VPN-based ad blockers solely for ad blocking. The performance impact and privacy considerations outweigh the benefits in most cases. If you need a VPN for other reasons, then an ad-blocking VPN might be a worthwhile option, but do your research and choose a provider carefully.

4. Modified System Images (Rooting)

• How it Works: This involves rooting your Android device and installing a custom ROM or modifying system files to block ads at the system level.
• Pros:
  • Potentially the most effective method for blocking all ads
  • Highly customizable
• Cons:
  • Very technical and risky (can brick your device)
  • Voids your warranty
  • Can make your device less secure
  • Requires significant effort and expertise
• My Opinion: I strongly advise against this approach unless you are an experienced Android developer and understand the risks involved. The potential benefits are not worth the risks for most users.

Samsung-Specific Considerations

Samsung devices have a few unique aspects that are relevant to ad blocking:

Samsung Internet Browser

• Samsung Internet Browser supports ad-blocking extensions, similar to Chrome or Firefox. This is a great option for blocking ads while browsing the web, but it won't block ads in other apps.
• Recommendation: Install a reputable ad-blocking extension like AdGuard or AdBlock in Samsung Internet Browser.

Knox Security

• Samsung's Knox security platform can sometimes interfere with ad-blocking apps, especially those that use VPNs. You may need to adjust Knox settings or disable certain features to get these apps to work properly.
• Recommendation: If you're having trouble with an ad-blocking app, try disabling Knox features temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

One UI

• Samsung's One UI Android skin doesn't natively include system-wide ad blocking. You'll need to rely on one of the methods described above.
• Recommendation: Don't expect any built-in ad-blocking features from Samsung. You'll need to find a third-party solution.

Recommended Solutions for Samsung Devices

Based on my experience and the options available, here's what I would recommend for someone looking to block ads on their Samsung device:

1. Start with DNS-Based Blocking

• Configure your device to use a DNS server like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS. This is the easiest and least intrusive way to block a significant portion of ads.
• How to do it:
  • Go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Private DNS
  • Select "Private DNS provider hostname"
  • Enter the hostname for your chosen DNS provider (e.g., nextdns.io or dns.adguard.com)

2. Consider a Local VPN Ad Blocker (with Caution)

• If DNS-based blocking isn't sufficient, try a local VPN ad blocker like Blokada or AdGuard for Android. Be sure to download the app from a reputable source and be mindful of battery usage.
• Important: Read reviews and check the app's permissions before installing.

3. Use Ad-Blocking Extensions in Samsung Internet Browser

• For web browsing, install an ad-blocking extension in Samsung Internet Browser. This will provide a more comprehensive ad-blocking experience than DNS alone.
• Recommendation: AdGuard for Samsung Internet is a popular and effective option.

4. Explore Brave Browser

• Brave Browser has built-in ad blocking and tracking protection. It's a great alternative to Samsung Internet Browser if you want a more privacy-focused browsing experience.
• Note: Brave Browser won't block ads in other apps, but it's excellent for web browsing.

Addressing the Peacock Ads Issue

The original poster specifically mentioned Peacock ads. Blocking ads in streaming services like Peacock is particularly challenging because these services often use sophisticated ad-serving techniques that are difficult to circumvent.

Why It's Difficult

• Hardcoded Ad Servers: Some streaming apps hardcode the addresses of their ad servers, making it difficult for DNS-based blocking to work.
• Dynamic Ad Insertion: Streaming services often use dynamic ad insertion, where ads are seamlessly integrated into the video stream. This makes it difficult to distinguish ads from legitimate content.
• Encrypted Traffic: Many streaming services use encryption to protect their content, which also makes it difficult to analyze and filter ad traffic.

Potential Solutions

• Browser-Based Blocking (for Web Streaming): If you're streaming Peacock through a web browser, ad-blocking extensions may be able to block some ads. However, this is not always reliable.
• Premium Subscription: The most reliable way to avoid ads in Peacock is to subscribe to a premium, ad-free plan. This may not be the ideal solution, but it's often the only way to guarantee an ad-free experience.
• Pi-hole (Advanced): If you're technically inclined, you can set up a Pi-hole on your home network. Pi-hole is a network-wide ad blocker that can block ads on all devices connected to your network. This may be more effective than DNS-based blocking alone, but it requires some technical expertise.

What About Paid Ad Blockers?

There are many paid ad blockers available, but are they worth the money? In my opinion, it depends on your needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown:

When Paid Ad Blockers Might Be Worth It

• Advanced Features: Some paid ad blockers offer advanced features like custom filter lists, detailed analytics, and priority support.
• Ease of Use: Paid ad blockers are often more user-friendly than free options, with simpler setup processes and more intuitive interfaces.
• Support for Developers: By paying for an ad blocker, you're supporting the developers and helping them to continue improving the product.

When Free Ad Blockers Are Sufficient

• Basic Ad Blocking: If you just want to block most ads and don't need advanced features, free ad blockers are often sufficient.
• Technical Expertise: If you're comfortable with technical setup and configuration, you can often achieve similar results with free ad blockers as you can with paid options.
• Budget Constraints: If you're on a tight budget, free ad blockers are a great way to improve your browsing experience without spending any money.

My Recommendation

• Start with free ad blockers and see if they meet your needs. If you find that you need more advanced features or easier setup, then consider upgrading to a paid ad blocker.

Setting Up Your Chosen Solution

Once you've decided on an ad-blocking solution, the setup process is usually straightforward:

For DNS-Based Blocking:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Private DNS.
2. Select "Private DNS provider hostname."
3. Enter the hostname for your chosen DNS provider (e.g., nextdns.io or dns.adguard.com).

For Local VPN Ad Blockers:

1. Download and install the app from a reputable source (e.g., the Google Play Store).
2. Follow the app's instructions to set up the local VPN.
3. Grant the app the necessary permissions.

For Ad-Blocking Extensions in Samsung Internet Browser:

1. Open Samsung Internet Browser.
2. Go to the menu (usually three lines or dots).
3. Select "Ad blockers."
4. Choose an ad blocker from the list and install it.

My Final Thoughts

Achieving true, device-wide ad blocking on a Samsung device can be challenging, but it's definitely possible with the right combination of tools and techniques. I recommend starting with DNS-based blocking and then exploring other options like local VPN ad blockers and ad-blocking extensions. Remember to be mindful of battery usage, privacy implications, and the potential for compatibility issues. And don't be afraid to experiment to find the solution that works best for you.

Ultimately, the best approach is the one that provides the best balance of effectiveness, ease of use, and privacy. Good luck in your quest for an ad-free mobile experience!