I couldn't find a guide to show how to eliminate most ads for non-root users anywhere. Some of the steps are scattered across different articles. Spending the last several days setting up my Android 12 OnePlus 8T to block ads, I decided to post a quick and easy guide that others can use. Let's go.
Download:
YouTube Vanced, last version (yes Vanced still works, version 17.03.38):
apkpure.com
Microsoft Edge (playstore)
AdAway:
f-droid.org
1) First step is to setup YouTube Vanced. You'll need to allow the app to install from unknown sources, which should pop up automatically. Install the nonroot MicroG version. You click the arrows next to MicroG first, then YouTube and YouTube music. It will take a minute or two for each. After it installs, open YouTube Music Vanced and enter in your Google account details when MicroG pops up. Now open up YouTube Vanced and verify it shows your Google account in the top corner.
2) Get rid of stock YouTube / YouTube Music (we need to do this to associate Vanced with YouTube links). Go to your app drawer. Long click on YouTube. Choose "Disable" - get through the warnings and it should be gone from your app drawer. Do the same for YouTube Music.
3) Associate Vanced with YouTube web links. Open Settings, type in the search bar "default apps," click on it. Scroll to the bottom and select "Opening links." Select YouTube Vanced then click on "Add link." Select all 4 options that come up, then click "Add." Do the same for YouTube Music Vanced. Now anytime you click on a YouTube link it will open Vanced instead.
4) Install AdAway. You have to allow installation from unkown sources since it's an APK, which should pop up while installing. Select the Nonroot version. This will setup a VPN service to block "most" ads. Click Start, note you have to turn this back on after every reboot.
5) Install Edge. Click the 3 dots in the center / bottom of the screen. Go to "Settings," "Privacy and security," click "Block ads" and toggle "Block ads." This adds AdBlock Plus to help with web ad filtering.
6) Make Edge the default web browser. Open Settings, type in the search bar "default apps," click on it. The top entry is "Browser app," click on it and select Edge.
That's it! Note some ads will still get through, like some Google ads and other tricky advertising sites. But most will be gone. If you need any help feel free to ask.
Download:
YouTube Vanced, last version (yes Vanced still works, version 17.03.38):
YouTube Vanced APK for Android Download
YouTube Vanced 17.03.38 APK download for Android. Modded version of YouTube with many features such as adblocking, background playback and PIP mode, etc.
Microsoft Edge (playstore)
AdAway:
AdAway | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
A free and Open Source ad blocker for Android.
1) First step is to setup YouTube Vanced. You'll need to allow the app to install from unknown sources, which should pop up automatically. Install the nonroot MicroG version. You click the arrows next to MicroG first, then YouTube and YouTube music. It will take a minute or two for each. After it installs, open YouTube Music Vanced and enter in your Google account details when MicroG pops up. Now open up YouTube Vanced and verify it shows your Google account in the top corner.
2) Get rid of stock YouTube / YouTube Music (we need to do this to associate Vanced with YouTube links). Go to your app drawer. Long click on YouTube. Choose "Disable" - get through the warnings and it should be gone from your app drawer. Do the same for YouTube Music.
3) Associate Vanced with YouTube web links. Open Settings, type in the search bar "default apps," click on it. Scroll to the bottom and select "Opening links." Select YouTube Vanced then click on "Add link." Select all 4 options that come up, then click "Add." Do the same for YouTube Music Vanced. Now anytime you click on a YouTube link it will open Vanced instead.
4) Install AdAway. You have to allow installation from unkown sources since it's an APK, which should pop up while installing. Select the Nonroot version. This will setup a VPN service to block "most" ads. Click Start, note you have to turn this back on after every reboot.
5) Install Edge. Click the 3 dots in the center / bottom of the screen. Go to "Settings," "Privacy and security," click "Block ads" and toggle "Block ads." This adds AdBlock Plus to help with web ad filtering.
6) Make Edge the default web browser. Open Settings, type in the search bar "default apps," click on it. The top entry is "Browser app," click on it and select Edge.
That's it! Note some ads will still get through, like some Google ads and other tricky advertising sites. But most will be gone. If you need any help feel free to ask.
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