[APP][ROOT/NONROOT][OFFICIAL] AdAway v6.1.1

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Ultramanoid

Senior Member
Apr 24, 2011
3,967
1
6,988
東京都 Tokyo Metro
I noticed that Adaway blocks the autostartup af apps in Parallel Space: how can I solve this issue?

AdAway is a hosts file manager, it does nothing else. If any application to start needs to connect to an address that is in the hosts file, you'll have to find out what that address is and remove it.
 
 

ChazzMatt

Recognized Contributor
Nov 30, 2010
18,628
14,449
Atlanta, Georgia
  • "Adaway turned my phone into a teleportation device. I ended up thousands of miles away and I was late for work. What can I do?"
  • "While Adaway blocks ads just fine, it refuses to give me the winning lottery numbers. What can I do?"
  • "I'm not rooted and didn't apply hosts files -- but Adaway refuses to block ads anyway. What can I do?"
  • "While Adaway blocks ads just fine, I am a flashaholic and demand a new version. Is this thread dead?"
  • "Even though this thread is devoted solely to Adaway, and is over 1,000 pages... I am narcissistic enough to think my question has NEVER been asked before, and therefore I refuse to use the simple search function. What can I do?"
...


Oh, I forgot the "Warning: Sarcasm Ahead" disclaimer... ;)

By the way, the answer to the first question is:
"AdAway is a hosts file manager, it does nothing else. You need to find out which other app has the pesky (apparently random?) teleportation functionality and uninstall it."

A lot of the very last type questions are "How do I block YouTube ads?" And Search is always your friend.
 
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MrBrady

Senior Member
Oct 26, 2010
3,341
908
Is there a way / whitelist / setting to still get Google AdWords Listings to work (Google Search and click on an ad listing) but block display (banner) ads in websites/apps?
 

dmachop

Member
Sep 4, 2013
10
0
The apps in question pull ads from servers using IP addresses, not DNS addresses.

Try 172.217.18.14 in your URL bar, then try www.google.com; both show the same thing, right?

The hosts file can only redirect DNS names; it can redirect the DNS name to an IP address (like AdAway does, either to 0.0.0.0 or 127.0.0.1), but it can't redirect an IP address to an IP address. It's the way the host file works. AdAway can't change that behavior; in the example above, AdAway can block "www.google.com", but it can't do anything about "172.217.18.14", even though both are essentially giving the same result.

I understand that dns resolution works in that way :) My question was that the ads are still displayed inspite of hosts being written by adaway on the file. The TCP dump displays the exact name of the address that is present in the host with the local address. That means that the dns is not getting picked up or something wrong with the configurations (I doubt it since adaway auto-detects such errors on the app itself, seen some screens with errors where the host location is incorrect)? Perhaps can you tell why the dns is not getting applied by the merged host file (/data/data/host; symlink created and followed all the instructions; logged onto adb and verified it manually checking it. Seems ok)?
 

androcraze

Senior Member
Jan 11, 2013
2,254
1,661
I understand that dns resolution works in that way :) My question was that the ads are still displayed inspite of hosts being written by adaway on the file. The TCP dump displays the exact name of the address that is present in the host with the local address. That means that the dns is not getting picked up or something wrong with the configurations (I doubt it since adaway auto-detects such errors on the app itself, seen some screens with errors where the host location is incorrect)? Perhaps can you tell why the dns is not getting applied by the merged host file (/data/data/host; symlink created and followed all the instructions; logged onto adb and verified it manually checking it. Seems ok)?

https://ads-blocker.com/testing/
http://simple-adblock.com/faq/testing-your-adblocker/
https://pi-hole.net/pages-to-test-ad-blocking-performance/
https://thepcspy.com/blockadblock/
https://tech.adtoniq.com/blocktest/

With AdAway, either you're seeing the ads, or you aren't; it's not a matter of "only half the list works". Anything you have added to the hosts file should be blocked; if things aren't getting blocked, it's a configuration problem. A high percentage of issues are related to the root implementation; systemless is tricky.
 

ktmom

Retired Forum Moderator
Apr 22, 2015
5,176
3,387
Deep Space Station K7
A high percentage of issues are related to the root implementation; systemless is tricky.

If the hosts file is written by Adaway, it doesn't have anything to do with root/systemless. The only use Adaway has for root is to have access to writing the hosts file.


@dmachop

If the hosts file blocks access to at least one url entered, but ads still show up, it isn't anything to do with DNS blocking. The ads are being called without the need for DNS.

The most likely cause of your issue is a proxy server or a data saver feature. That can be anywhere from on your device (e.g. Chrome settings) or through your ISP. A general statement that it works sometimes it's not going to get anyone very far helping you.


"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment." - Will Rogers
 
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HighOnLinux

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2015
601
239
22
Google Pixel 8 Pro
This forum seems very helpful. I need some help with adaway:
So i decided to download it and give it a try again on my Galaxy S8 (Snapdragon) running 7.0 Nougat. Everytime i launched the app, it would just sit there and not fully load, just a blank grey page. Deleted data, uninstalled, reinstalled, still no luck. It never prompted me to gain root access either the whole time which i found strange.
 

ChazzMatt

Recognized Contributor
Nov 30, 2010
18,628
14,449
Atlanta, Georgia
This forum seems very helpful. I need some help with adaway:
So i decided to download it and give it a try again on my Galaxy S8 (Snapdragon) running 7.0 Nougat. Everytime i launched the app, it would just sit there and not fully load, just a blank grey page. Deleted data, uninstalled, reinstalled, still no luck. It never prompted me to gain root access either the whole time which i found strange.
Are you rooted? Sorry for the silly question. I see you mentioned root, so you probably are. But just confirming.

What version app have you installed and from where?

Sent from my carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
 
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githyanki

Senior Member
Mar 11, 2009
1,662
879
Edmonton
This forum seems very helpful. I need some help with adaway:
So i decided to download it and give it a try again on my Galaxy S8 (Snapdragon) running 7.0 Nougat. Everytime i launched the app, it would just sit there and not fully load, just a blank grey page. Deleted data, uninstalled, reinstalled, still no luck. It never prompted me to gain root access either the whole time which i found strange.
In addition to what ChazzMatt asked, how are you rooted, and does it work with other apps?
 

HighOnLinux

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2015
601
239
22
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Are you rooted? Sorry for the silly question. I see you mentioned root, so you probably are. But just confirming.

What version app have you installed and from where?


In addition to what ChazzMatt asked, how are you rooted, and does it work with other apps?
I used the samFAIL method to root my galaxy s8 and i have a lot of apps that have been granted root access, such as flashfire, xposed, and a couple others and it's successful. I originally installed the apk from here: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.adaway/ and it's the most up to date version it had on their domain.
 

seanskiT!

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2013
1,389
1,226
Winston-Salem, NC
I used the samFAIL method to root my galaxy s8 and i have a lot of apps that have been granted root access, such as flashfire, xposed, and a couple others and it's successful. I originally installed the apk from here: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.adaway/ and it's the most up to date version it had on their domain.


Have you tried going into either magisk or supersu, which ever you use, and grant root access?

Sent from my LG-ls990 using XDA Labs
 
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  • 1
    I use Adaway non-rooted via VPN on a xiaomi redmi note 13 pro+. It works fine, except that it does not automatically start after a reboot. Any ideas why not?

    I did:
    • Selected "Background autostart"
    • Set Battery saver to "No restrictions"
    • Set Always-on VPN in preferences
    • Set Block connections without VPN" in preferences
    Ever since I set the Always-on VPN, I get a message after reboot (before providing the unlock code for the first time): "Disconnected from always-on VPN — Change network or VPN settings".

    Adaway is supposed to start automatically after a reboot, right?

    Thanks for helping!
    Most probably an android problem. Maybe open an issue report on GitHub.
    1
    I have been using Adaway, both rooted and non root versions, for several years. My phone broke last week, and while I wait for a replacement I am using a borrowed stock Oneplus 9. It is running Android 14, with no other VPN apps. When I install Adaway, it installs the root version, so I get a systemless host error. It used to install the correct version automatically, is there any way to force it to install the non root version?
    It's always blatently (NEVER automatically )asks me on a data clear, just tried it and got
    Screenshot_20240415-164536.png
    Clear data and choose vpn if you want vpn
  • 3364
    icon.png
    AdAway

    AdAway is an open source ad blocker for Android using the hosts file.


    Google Play Store notice

    According the Google Play Developer Policy, especially the "Device and Network Abuse" section, ad blocker like AdAway violates the "Apps that block or interfere with another app displaying ads." rule and can't be distributed on distributed on the Play Store.
    As Free and Open Source Software, AdAway is available from F-Droid Store or this XDA thread :good:


    Requirements

    This application requires Android 8 or above and does no more require root.

    For older Android versions, a rooted device is required.


    Changelog

    If you don't want to read each announce post of this thread, you can:


    Downloads

    Stable versions are available on GitHub releases and F-Droid Store:
    Beta versions are available on GitHub releases only: AdAway 6.0.2b

    The app provides an in-app updater for both GitHub and F-Droid builds.
    Keep in mind beta channel is limited to GitHub builds, and F-Droid releases usually have a several days latency.


    Problem? Read this

    * If you use Chrome and still see ads on web pages, remember to disable the "data saver" or "reduced data usage" browser option.
    * Check your APN settings for any proxy, the proxy itself could be allowing ads. Disable the proxy.
    * After you install or make any change to AdAway, you must reboot for those changes to take effect.
    * If you are still having issues please read and understand all the info in the wiki before asking for help here.

    Otherwise, this is the right thread to discuss about it or file a bug report here.


    Contributors

    PerfectSlayer, Vankog, jawz101
    Source Code: https://github.com/AdAway/AdAway
    170
    Hi all,

    A new year is coming and I wish you all to have nice holidays :victory:

    Just few words about this ending year. There was about 12 releases in 2019 which brings you a new UI, a lot of bug fixes, Android 10 support, Gist and GitLab hosting support and better Magisk support.
    All of this is possible thanks to the community to help users to discover the app, learn how to use it and report any new bug and also your moral, nice words and thanks you can send to me, and financial support.
    Thanks a lot for all donators, GitHub sponsor and the Pixel 2 you sent me to test Android 10 support.

    For the next year, I hope to release the next version (V5), at least in beta to start. It's been 9 months since its first lines of code and things are working quite nicely.
    It aims to make the app simpler to use for the main use cases, support rooted and non rooted devices and remove old hacks/workaround which are no more needed on recent setups.

    But before this big next update, I still have time to fix current issue with a new release :p

    Changelog:
    • Fix GitLab hosting support (commit date parsing failed)
    • Translation update

    Thanks:

    Special thanks to @gallegonovato for its helpful bug report and @Vankog for translation update.

    Download:

    AdAway 4.3.2 on AndroidFileHost (md5: 78fde09a0e92044c45e901bb1cec8e2e)
    159
    Hi all,

    Long time no see! It's been more than two months since the last update.
    I can't say I was not active on the project as I start working on a new version (5.x.y) as a side project.
    I won't share the source code yet as it is not ready at all and I don't want to give an ETA but this new version targets the following goals:
    • 1. Revamp the UI
    • 2. Clean up old support
    • 3. Address one of the main drawback of the app

    1. The card based UI does not feel right. Welcome card takes too much space, update button / status has a lot of critic. I guess I can do better.
    I started a new simpler and lighter design which provide the most useful information on home screen and all main actions to trigger in one tap (no more burger menu).
    It is still under heavy development but I hopefully get a friend onboard, specialized in graphics and design, to help me :highfive:

    2. In order to simplify the development, I clean up the app and remove support for old features.
    I bump target SDK version so I finally get Java 8 language feature (it was released 5y ago…) and move to topjohnwu root library (instead of home made one). It means systemless support is now handled by Magisk and other root solutions will still work.

    3. Think of what prevent most of users to use AdAway? Now it's gone!
    It's not gone forever. It's still here but there will be a fallback to workaround it.
    I won't tell more until the first public beta but I guess you get the point :fingers-crossed:

    In the meanwhile, here is a new version!

    Feedback:

    Is anyone using a hosts list hosted on Gitlab? It keeps showing "Unknown update status".
    GitLab, like GitHub do not set LastModified HTTP header so update status is not supported... yet!

    Changelog:
    • Add Gist and GitLab hosting support for hosts file
    • Add option to set default IPv6 redirection
    • Improve reboot command
    • Improve UI for overlays
    • Update translations

    Thanks:

    Special thanks to @MSF Jarvis and ralayax for theirs contributions and @andy356 for its helpful bug report.

    Download:

    AdAway 4.2.5 on AndroidFileHost (md5: ab81225745afaaa7646024109de299c0)
    148
    Hi all,

    Feedback:

    Hmm, not working for me for this URL, v4.1.0 shows something like not updated in -360 days (some large negative value). Can you please see if you can reproduce?
    https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/alternates/fakenews-gambling-porn/hosts
    It works well here. I failed to reproduce as I change the HTTP client library and how I use it.
    But update date for the source you link definitely works now.

    All the F-Droid apps I know of have manual push updates to the store.

    Isn't automatic build basically for nightlies?
    Not really. You could choose a lot of different mode.
    For example, F-Droid server watches AdAway GitHub repository to find tags which match a specific versioning pattern.

    I exist still... do you know what i have to do to transfer ownership? if i edit project it doesn't let me change the primary author so i assume i have to PM some higher up to make this happen?
    Thank you so much! :highfive:

    This is now done, @PerfectSlayer is the OP of this thread.
    Thank you too!


    Changelog:
    • Add hosts source download cache
    • Add snackbar notification to update host from DNS request listing
    • Update UI from Material Design to Material Theming
    • Update gradle, plugins and dependencies
    • Fix crash parsing not defined host source last modified date
    • Fix native modules build script (required for F-Droid build server)
    • Fix Transifex issues

    Thanks:

    Special thanks to all recent donators! Your help is really appreciated :good:

    Download:

    AdAway 4.2.0 on AndroidFileHost (md5: 023169e7c345ef7297095793024f8478)
    144
    Hi all,

    I talked enough about it the past weeks and here it is: the first beta for the next version of AdAway.
    As you know, the main feature is the removal of root requirement but it also comes with a lot of improvements like an easier to use UI, a builtin updater, new cache and databases to improve reliability or even a quick pause/resume adblocking button that 3rd party apps can control.

    It took me literally a year and 330+ commits to build it (the first commit of this branch was April the 7th) and I hope it will be worth it.
    It should allow the app to be viable in the future with root being more and more difficult to achieve at each new Android release and Google hardening SafetyNet checks.

    I will try to answer to the most expected questions here so you still can post a link to this FAQ later to lost users.

    FAQ:

    Does this version replace the v4.x versions?
    No. This is still a preview version and does not replace the stable one.
    It is available to test it and report issues and feedback before being promoted to stable.

    Can I upgrade and revert safely?
    Yes. Both v4 and v5 use the same settings export format.

    Why does this version targets Android 8+ Oreo only?
    Like the v4, v5 is expected to offer support for latest devices.
    Android 8 and above represent more than 60% of device distribution and will grew through time.
    If you use an older device, root solutions work very well and v4 is here for you (like v2 and v3 stayed for legacy devices).

    How the hell does it work without root?
    This version provides two adblocking methods: the usual root one using hosts file and a new one using local VPN.
    The VPN solution allows to filter and alter connections of your devices without root access.

    Is using a VPN safe?
    In the case of AdAway, yes. It uses VPN API but does not connect to a VPN server.
    In the case of VPN client app, it depends.
    To give you more details, a VPN client app uses the VPN API to create a virtual network interface on your device and redirect all your traffic into it.
    If you imaginge the VPN like a pipe (the right word is tunnel), client VPN app outputs all your traffic on a VPN server which is able to check what you are doing on the Internet.
    With AdAway, your network is not redirected to a VPN server but your device internet connection (same as no VPN). VPN API is only used to get traffic into it to break the connections to ad servers.

    Is VPN use battery?
    Yes, like everything you do on device.
    Witouth root, a VPN service will be running permanently to filter your traffic.
    Good news is it will only filter DNS traffic. Not all traffic is redirected into it so it won't be as expensive as you can fear.

    Did you come up with this idea alone?
    Absolutely not! I spent a lot of hours trying to find altenatives to hosts based adblocking (like routes or private DNS). But nothing was better than VPN based adblocking.
    So we (MrRobinson and I) approched Julian Klode, developer of DNS66 more than three years ago to see if we can merge our apps. It wasn't that easy as we don't develop our apps the same way so I ended up by integrating the DNS66 adblocking method into AdAway. It is fine for Julian, his app is Open Source and he himself built it from the core code of AdBuster app (an VPN based adblocking app).

    Should we stop using DNS66 for AdAway?
    Not at all. DNS66 is a great app and provides some features that AdAway doesn't have (yet?), like DNS settings.
    DNS66 is a great app, keep using it if you like it!
    If both apps used the same adblocking method a year ago when I start this version, I keep adding feature to the VPN adblocking method and most of them won't be in DNS66.
    If Julian ports them back to DNS66, it's great if it can help his app and users!

    Is it me or the app put on weight?
    Yes, the app significantly grew due to new libraries like VPN related ones and Android Jetpack.
    It also stores more data on device: a http cache, a host database, a hosts copy, etc...
    I think 15~20mo of storage is still fine.

    Changelog:

    Without further ado, check the summarized changelog (it was hard to summarize a one year development)

    • Add new home screen
      • Provides all main controls from one screen
      • Displays currently blocked, allowed and redirected domains
      • Displays current hosts sources status and control to force apply
    • Add non root ad-blocking feature
      • Uses a builtin local VPN to filter DNS request to blocked domains
      • Based on the work of dns66 by julian-klode
      • Allows to excluded system applications and per user applications
    • Add builtin updater with changelog display
    • Add feature to quickly pause and resume ad-blocking
    • Add wizard screen for first run setup
    • Add feature to display and filter all blocked, allowed, redirect domains
    • Improve preferences screen
    • Add broadcast receiver to control ad-blocking from third party applications
    • Update Android target to Android 10
    • Improve root and shell support
    • Split translation files to easier understand their context
    • Add GitHub action test and build tasks

    Download:

    AdAway 5.0.0 beta (sha2: 200fd7789b174735d3af5925b4e568b09475bb3f39a79d24d6617af4b19cd19d)

    If you like my work, feel free to support me. Check my sign for donation links. Thanks all! :highfive: