📅 Last Updated: May 2025
Block Ads on Your Phone by Changing DNS to dns.adguard.com
Ads can slow down your phone, drain your battery, use up data, and make apps or websites feel cluttered. If you’re tired of pop-ups and unwanted banners while browsing, there’s a simple fix that doesn’t require installing any app: change your DNS to dns.adguard.com.
What Is dns.adguard.com?
dns.adguard.com is a free DNS (Domain Name System) service by AdGuard that blocks ads, trackers, and phishing websites before they even load. It works at the network level, meaning it filters out ads across all apps and browsers on your phone.
You don’t need to root your device or install any third-party apps. Just change your DNS settings, and it starts working immediately.
Why Do Ads Annoy Us?
They slow down website loading
They use more mobile data
They interrupt videos, games, and scrolling
They track your activity for targeted ads
They clutter the screen, making it harder to find content
Benefits of Using AdGuard DNS
🚫 Blocks most ads in apps and browsers
🔒 Improves privacy by stopping trackers
🚀 Speeds up browsing
🧠 Helps avoid malware and scam sites
💰 Saves mobile data
Downsides to Know
Some sites or apps may not work properly (like ad-based rewards or login prompts)
Doesn’t block YouTube in-app ads
May need to reset if you switch networks frequently
How to Use It
All you have to do is change your phone’s DNS settings to use AdGuard’s server:dns.adguard.com (or 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 as IPv4 options)
Real-Time Use Case or Scenario
Sarah uses a free news app and several mobile games daily. After switching to AdGuard DNS, most pop-ups and banner ads disappeared across her apps—without installing anything or changing how she uses her phone. It even saved data during her daily browsing
Step-by-Step Guide to Configure
✅ Android Phones
Note: Steps may vary slightly based on your Android version and phone brand.
Open Settings
Go to Network & Internet
Tap Private DNS
Select Private DNS provider hostname
Type in:
dns.adguard.comTap Save
That’s it! Ads should now be blocked system-wide.
✅ iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad)
iOS doesn’t support custom DNS on mobile data through built-in settings, but you can still do it for Wi-Fi networks:
Open Settings
Tap Wi-Fi
Tap the (i) icon next to your connected Wi-Fi
Scroll down to Configure DNS
Choose Manual
Delete any existing DNS entries
Tap Add Server
Enter:
94.140.14.14and then94.140.15.15Tap Save
Now all traffic on that Wi-Fi will block most ads.
Comparison with Other Ad Blocker Services
| Feature | AdGuard DNS | AdGuard App | Blokada | DNS66 | Browser Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works System-Wide | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Browser only) |
| Needs App Installation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Requires Root Access | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (for full features) | ❌ No |
| Blocks Ads in Apps | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Blocks YouTube Ads | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial (via browser) |
| DNS-Based Filtering | ✅ Yes | ✅ Optional | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom Filtering Rules | ❌ No (only default filters) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Limited | ✅ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Privacy Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Battery Friendly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ May use battery | ⚠️ Depends on use | ✅ Yes |
| Easy to Set Up | ✅ Very easy | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Complex | ✅ Easy |
📝 Key Takeaways:
AdGuard DNS is the easiest to set up — no app needed, just change DNS.
If you want more control and full app filtering, AdGuard App or Blokada offer more features.
Browser extensions only block ads while browsing, not in apps.
Tools like DNS66 work well but may need root or complex setup.
Optional: Use AdGuard App (for more control)
If you want to block ads on mobile data or get more settings (like blocking adult content, or allowing specific sites), you can download the AdGuard app.
Final Thoughts
Changing your DNS to dns.adguard.com is a fast, easy, and free way to reduce most of the annoying ads on your phone. It helps improve your browsing speed, saves your mobile data, and makes your phone experience much cleaner.
It won’t block every ad (especially inside YouTube), but it does a great job with the rest. And the best part? You don’t have to install anything or root your phone.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips
DNS Not Saving on Android?
Make sure Private DNS is set to “hostname” and not “automatic.” Restart your phone if needed.Not Working on Mobile Data (iOS)?
iPhones only support custom DNS over Wi-Fi unless you’re using an app like AdGuard Pro.Still Seeing Ads?
Some apps like YouTube use embedded ad delivery, which DNS blockers can’t fully block. Consider using a browser with built-in blocking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is AdGuard DNS?
AdGuard DNS is a free DNS service that blocks ads, trackers, and harmful websites before they load. It works without needing to install any app and filters content at the network level.
Q2. Does AdGuard DNS block ads in all apps?
Yes, it blocks ads in most apps and browsers. However, it may not block ads inside YouTube or in apps that load ads in unique ways.
Q3. Can I use AdGuard DNS on mobile data?
On Android, yes. You can use AdGuard DNS with mobile data by changing the Private DNS setting. On iPhone, this works only on Wi-Fi connections unless you use a dedicated app.
Q4. Is AdGuard DNS safe to use?
Yes, it is considered safe. AdGuard is a trusted name in ad-blocking and privacy tools. The DNS does not log or sell your data.
Q5. Will AdGuard DNS affect my internet speed?
In most cases, no. It may even speed things up by blocking unnecessary ad content, which reduces data usage and loading time.
Q6. Can I go back to normal DNS later?
Yes. You can switch back anytime by changing your DNS settings to “Automatic” or “Default.”
Q7. What are the DNS IPs for AdGuard if I can’t use the hostname?
You can use these IPv4 addresses:
94.140.14.1494.140.15.15
Q8. Is it better to use AdGuard DNS or the AdGuard app?
For basic ad-blocking, DNS is easier. If you want more features and control, the app gives you more options like filtering, whitelists, and parental controls.
