Tired of those pesky ads popping up on your Infinix phone? You're not alone! Many Infinix users find these ads annoying, but the good news is that there are several ways to block or at least minimize them. This guide will walk you through various methods to eliminate those unwanted ads and enjoy a smoother, ad-free experience on your Infinix device. So, let's dive in and reclaim your phone's screen!

Understanding Why Ads Appear on Your Infinix Phone

Before we jump into the solutions, it's helpful to understand why you're seeing so many ads in the first place. Here's a breakdown of the common culprits:

• Pre-installed Apps (Bloatware): Many Infinix phones come with pre-installed apps, some of which are ad-supported. These apps are often the biggest source of unwanted ads. These apps are often the biggest source of those irritating pop-ups and notifications that are trying to get your attention all the time, some users find them useful and some find them an abomination. Bloatware has been a debate since the first smartphone ever created.
• Free Apps: Free apps often rely on advertising revenue to support their development. While this is understandable, some apps can get a bit aggressive with their ad placements, leading to a frustrating user experience. Most of the developers trying to get your attention by placing the ads so that the app can stay free for everyone to use.
• Browser Notifications: Websites you visit might ask for permission to send you notifications. If you've accidentally granted permission to a site that sends spammy ads, you'll see them popping up regularly. This is a very common problem on Android devices.
• Infected Apps: In rare cases, malware or adware can infiltrate your phone and display intrusive ads. It's important to be cautious when downloading apps from unofficial sources.

Methods to Block Ads on Your Infinix Phone

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are several methods you can use to block ads on your Infinix phone:

1. Uninstall or Disable Pre-installed Apps (Bloatware)

This is often the first and most effective step. Go through your app drawer and identify any pre-installed apps you don't use. Here's how to get rid of them:

• Uninstall (if possible): For some pre-installed apps, you'll have the option to uninstall them completely. Simply long-press the app icon and select "Uninstall." The option to uninstall the apps are very helpful because it will free up some space and also will stop the ads that the apps are displaying.
• Disable (if uninstalling isn't an option): If you can't uninstall an app, you can usually disable it. Disabling an app prevents it from running in the background and displaying ads. To disable an app, go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Disable. This method is very effective to prevent ads from appearing.

2. Revoke Notification Permissions for Problematic Websites

If you're seeing ads popping up as notifications, it's likely due to a website you've granted notification permissions to. Here's how to revoke those permissions:

• Chrome: Open Chrome, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Settings > Site Settings > Notifications. Here, you can see a list of websites that have permission to send you notifications. Block any sites that are sending you unwanted ads. If you see a website that is unfamiliar, then you can just block it immediately. This method is very useful for users who likes to browse on the internet using Chrome.
• Other Browsers: The process is similar for other browsers like Firefox or Opera. Look for notification settings within the browser's settings menu. You can just search for the website that is sending you the ads notification then block it.

3. Use a VPN with Ad-Blocking Features

Some VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps come with built-in ad-blocking features. These VPNs can filter out ad traffic before it even reaches your phone, providing a system-wide ad-blocking solution. This method is very effective and can prevent the ads from appearing.

• Popular VPNs with Ad-Blocking: Several VPNs offer ad-blocking capabilities, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access. Do some research and choose a VPN that suits your needs and budget. Using a VPN has a lot of advantages, such as encrypting your connection, preventing your location from being tracked, and also it can be used to access contents that is not available in your country. *Please note that while some VPN providers advertise "free" services, it’s crucial to understand that there are almost always underlying costs. These can manifest as data collection, bandwidth limitations, or the very ads they claim to block. The saying "if you're not paying for the product, you are the product" often applies in these situations. Thoroughly vet any VPN provider, especially those offering free services, before entrusting them with your data.

4. Install an Ad-Blocking App

Several ad-blocking apps are available on the Google Play Store. These apps work by filtering out ad traffic, preventing ads from loading in your apps and browser. Using ad-blocking apps is a very popular solution for android users.

• Popular Ad-Blocking Apps: Some popular ad-blocking apps include AdLock, Blokada, and AdGuard. Download and install one of these apps and follow the instructions to configure it. Some ad-blocking apps might require you to grant them special permissions. Make sure that the apps are safe and trusted before granting them the permissions.

5. Use a Private DNS Server with Ad-Blocking

This is a more advanced method, but it can be very effective. You can configure your phone to use a private DNS (Domain Name System) server that filters out ad traffic. Using a private DNS server is very effective to block ads system wide.

• Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1: Cloudflare offers a free DNS service that includes ad-blocking. To use it, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS and select "Private DNS provider hostname." Enter one.one.one.one or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com. You can also use other DNS providers like AdGuard DNS. This method is very effective to block ads system wide.

6. Check App Permissions

Some apps request excessive permissions that they don't really need. Review your app permissions and revoke any unnecessary ones. Here's how:

• Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions. Here, you can see a list of permissions that the app has requested. Revoke any permissions that seem suspicious or unnecessary. Be careful when revoking permissions, because it might cause the app to not function properly.

7. Scan for Malware

In rare cases, your phone might be infected with malware or adware that's displaying intrusive ads. Install a reputable antivirus app and scan your phone for malware. This method is very important because if your phone is infected with malware, it can cause a lot of problems.

• Popular Antivirus Apps: Some popular antivirus apps include Norton, McAfee, and Avast. Download and install one of these apps and run a full system scan. Make sure that the antivirus apps that you installed is safe and trusted.

8. Reset to Factory Settings (as a Last Resort)

If all else fails, you can try resetting your phone to factory settings. This will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up your important files before proceeding. Resetting your phone to factory settings is the last resort if all other methods are not working.

• Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Follow the instructions to reset your phone. After resetting your phone, you'll need to set it up again from scratch. This method will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

Tips to Prevent Ads from Returning

Once you've successfully blocked ads on your Infinix phone, here are some tips to prevent them from returning:

• Be Cautious When Installing Apps: Only download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store. Pay attention to the permissions that apps request before installing them.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Be wary of clicking on links in emails, text messages, or websites that seem suspicious. These links might lead to malware or adware.
• Keep Your Software Up to Date: Regularly update your phone's operating system and apps to patch security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
• Review App Permissions Regularly: Periodically review the permissions that your apps have and revoke any unnecessary ones.

Conclusion

Blocking ads on your Infinix phone can significantly improve your user experience. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can eliminate those unwanted ads and enjoy a smoother, ad-free experience on your device. Remember to be proactive in preventing ads from returning by being cautious when installing apps and clicking on links. Good luck, and enjoy your ad-free Infinix phone!