How to Block Ads in Google Chrome

Published on Aug. 22, 2023, 12:20 p.m.

If you’re tired of seeing annoying ads while browsing the web, there are several ways to block them in Google Chrome.

  1. Install an ad-blocking extension:
    The easiest way to block ads in Chrome is to install an ad-blocking extension such as AdBlock Plus or uBlock Origin. These extensions will automatically block most ads and can be customized to block specific types of ads or allow ads on certain websites.
  2. Use Chrome’s built-in ad-blocking feature:
    Chrome also has a built-in ad-blocking feature that can be enabled in the settings. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Ads and toggle on “Blocked on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads.”
  3. Enable “Do Not Track”:
    Enabling the “Do Not Track” feature in Chrome’s settings will tell websites that you do not want to be tracked for advertising purposes. While this won’t block all ads, it can reduce the number of targeted ads you see.
  4. Clear your browsing data:
    Clearing your browsing data can help block some ads by removing tracking cookies that allow advertisers to target you with personalized ads. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data and select the types of data you want to delete.

Note that while these methods can help block most ads, some websites may still find ways to display ads. Additionally, blocking ads can impact the revenue of websites that rely on advertising to generate income, so consider whitelisting sites you want to support.

extensions

There are many ad-blocking extensions available for Chrome, here are a few popular ones:

  1. AdBlock: This is one of the most popular ad blockers for Chrome. It blocks all types of ads and allows you to whitelist certain sites if you want to support them.
  2. uBlock Origin: This is another popular ad blocker that is lightweight and efficient. It also blocks other types of content such as scripts and trackers.
  3. AdGuard AdBlocker: This ad blocker claims to block ads better than any other blocker on the market. It also has a feature that allows you to block ads on YouTube.
  4. Ghostery: This is a privacy-focused ad blocker that not only blocks ads, but also blocks trackers and other types of content that can compromise your privacy.
  5. Privacy Badger: This ad blocker is developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and focuses on blocking third-party trackers that can collect your data.

There are many other ad-blocking extensions available for Chrome, so it’s worth exploring to find the one that works best for you.