Block Ads on Android — Without Installing Anything

Android 9 and later has built-in Private DNS. Point it to AdOff and every app on your phone gets ad and tracker blocking — no app to install, no battery drain, no VPN slot consumed.

How it works

Android's Private DNS feature (available since Android 9 "Pie") intercepts all DNS queries at the OS level. By setting a custom DNS hostname, all apps — browsers, games, social apps — route their DNS through AdOff, which blocks known ad and tracker domains before any connection is made.

What you get

What you don't get (honest answer)

Video ads on platforms like YouTube are served from the same domain as the content. DNS blocking cannot distinguish them, so video ads remain. AdOff on desktop and Firefox Android handles video ads via the extension. This DNS setup covers everything else.

Step-by-step setup

  1. Open Settings on your Android phone
  2. Go to: Network & Internet → Private DNS (or Connections → More connection settings → Private DNS on some phones)
  3. Select "Private DNS provider hostname"
  4. Enter: dns.adguard.com
  5. Tap Save
  6. Done — all apps are now protected

Note: If your phone uses a different Settings layout, look for "DNS" in the search bar of your Settings app.

Which devices are supported

Android 9 (Pie) or later. Most phones from 2018 onward qualify. Check: Settings → About Phone → Android version.

Privacy note

Privacy: DNS queries are resolved by AdGuard DNS (dns.adguard.com), which AdOff uses as its DNS backend. AdGuard may log some DNS queries for operational purposes. See AdGuard's privacy policy. AdOff does not log DNS queries from this setup. This is disclosed in our privacy policy.

Works alongside AdOff browser extension

The DNS setup protects all apps. AdOff for Firefox Android adds video ad blocking and cosmetic filtering on top. Together they give you comprehensive protection across your entire phone.

Frequently asked questions

Is this really free?

Yes. AdOff DNS uses AdGuard's public DNS resolver, which is free and unlimited. No account needed.

Does this slow down my internet?

DNS lookups add 1–5ms of latency in most cases. Imperceptible in practice.

Can I use a VPN at the same time?

Yes. Private DNS works alongside any VPN — it doesn't consume the VPN slot.

What about iPhone?

iPhone uses Safari Content Blockers, which work differently. AdOff is exploring mobile options.

Does this block YouTube ads?

No. Video ads served from the same domain as content cannot be blocked via DNS. Use AdOff for Firefox Android or the desktop extension for video ad blocking.

Want full video ad blocking too?

Add AdOff for Firefox Android and get video ad blocking, cosmetic filtering, and stealth — on top of DNS protection.

Get AdOff for Firefox Android →