Most browsers now block pop-ups automatically, but stopping them in programs, apps and games isn’t as obvious Robert Irvine explains how it’s done
Block ads in software using Ad Muncher
Millions of web users use Adblock Plus (adblockplus.org) to filter online ads and pop-ups. and you may even be familiar with uBIock (bit.ly/ublock360), which we’ve recommended several times this year. But effective though they are, both these tools rely on your browser to be running, which means ads can still reach your PC via other means.
Ad Muncher (www.admuncher.com) is a more versatile option. It's a powerful ad- and pop-up blocker that until recently cost $29.95 (£19), but is now completely free with no catches. Because it is a standalone program rather than a browser add-on, it can block ads in other software that connects to the web, including Winamp, ICQ and FeedDemon. It works quietly in the background, so you don’t need to worry about configuring settings or installing filter lists, although there are plenty of options to improve its filtering. For example, to block text ads as well as image-based ones, open Ad Muncher’s Options panel, click Filtering and deselect 'Leave small, text-only adverts alone’. On the same tab, you can also remove images with suspected adult content, remove background images and block music and sounds. All the pop up-blocking options, including messenger windows, are enabled by default, but you can override them by holding down the Ctrl key.
Stop pop-ups appearing in Android apps
The smaller screens on mobile devices make pop-ups even more of a menace than on desktop PCs, especially when they obstruct your view when you’re trying to read a news story or play a game. The easiest way to combat pop-ups and other ads on your phone or tablet is to turn off Wi-Fi and/or mobile data, so your device can’t connect to the ad server. Of course, this is no good if you need to be online, but it’s a useful temporary trick if pop-ups are invading your gameplay.
It's also worth finding out which apps are causing the annoying ads. Lookout’s free tool Ad-Network Scanner & Detector (bit.ly/lookout360) scours your Android device for adware, then names and shames the apps that are using known ad networks. It also explains how these apps behave, such as displaying ads in your notification tray, and the type of data they collect. You can tap a button to opt out of targeted advertising or uninstall the offending app altogether. Alternatively, try Airpush Ad Detector (bit.ly/airpush360), which was updated more recently than Lookout's tool. This usefully lets you sort apps 'by concern’, based on their permissions.
Install AdblockPlus on your Android device
The most reliable way to block pop-ups and other annoyances on your Android phone or tablet is to install the AdblockPlus app (adblockplus.org/android). Because ads are Google’s bread and butter, this isn’t available through the Play store, and nor are any other decent ad blockers for non-rooted devices. Instead, you’ll need to go to Settings, Security on your phone or tablet and select the option to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources. Scan the QR code on the AdblockPlus website to install the app, or download the APK file to your PC and copy it to your device.
Once it is installed, open the app, ensure filtering is enabled and update the filter subscription. You may also want to deselect the option to allow acceptable ads, and choose to make the Adblock Plus icon invisible in your notification tray.
For ad blocking to work, you'll also need to set up a proxy server, which is slightly fiddly but worth the trouble in the long run. Go to Settings, Wi-Fi and connect to the desired network (if you aren't already). Long-press the name of the connected network, tap 'Modify network config’ and select ‘Show advanced options'. Scroll to 'Proxy settings’, choose Manual and set the 'Proxy hostname' to localhost and the 'Proxy port’ to the number specified by Adblock Plus in its notification message - usually 26571 or 2020. Once this is done, you can relax and hopefully enjoy an ad-free mobile experience.
Block pop-ups in your mobile browser
The option to block pop-ups should be turned on by default in Chrome, but if you’re being bothered by ads in your phone or tablet’s browser, double-check by tapping the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the app. Choose Settings, ‘Content settings’ and make sure that the ‘Block pop-ups’ option is enabled. You can also select the 'Reduce data usage’ option on the Settings page to stop annoying video adverts filling your screen, and speed up page-loading times.
If you use the Firefox Browser for Android, you can install the Adblock Plus add-on and avoid the hassle involved in configuring the app (as described previously). Just go to Tools, Add-ons in the browser, tap ‘Browse all Firefox Addons' and search for Adblock Plus. Tap ‘Add to Firefox' to install the add-on.
Prevent pop-ups on your iPhone or iPad
Apple is more tolerant of ad blockers than Google, so there are several good tools in the iTunes store that can stop pop-ups and other adverts on your iOS device. One is AdBlock for iOS (bit.ly/adblockios360), which lets you browse the web on your iPhone or iPad without worrying about banners, layer ads or pop-ups. It’s essentially an alternative browser to Safari, with similar tools and the bonus of no adverts. However, the free version of the app only blocks ads for a limited time, after which you’ll be prompted to buy the unlimited Pro version for £2.49. You could also try Adblock Web Browser (bit.ly/adblockweb360), which is free and filters ads automatically, although it lacks other features.
If you’d prefer to keep browsing with Safari or Chrome, but without adverts, consider splashing out £1.49 on Weblock (bit.ly/weblock360). This highly rated ad blocker works on any Wi-Fi-enabled iOS device and filters banner and pop-up ads, social-media widgets and irritating Tapatalk messages. Unlike the tools mentioned above, it blocks ads in apps as well as on websites, which makes it well worth the small outlay.
Another way to prevent browser pop-ups on your iPhone or iPad is to go to Settings, choose Safari and select Block Pop-ups under General. You can also turn on Do Not Track to stop ad networks (and Apple) following you, and block cookies from third parties and advertisers. In the Privacy section, select Advertising and make sure Limit Ad Tracking is turned on.