Block ads in Android apps and browsers with AdGuard without rooting the device.
AdAway
Block ads system-wide on Android with AdAway using hosts-file or VPN-based filtering, without root access.
About AdAway
AdAway is a free, open source ad blocker for Android. It blocks ads system-wide using a hosts file or local VPN-based filtering. Local VPN mode does not require root access. Root is optional and supported through the Systemless Hosts option in Magisk.
Users can add their own hosts file sources and set custom allowlist, blocklist, and redirect rules. The homepage states that AdAway is not available on Google Play because it was removed for a violation of section 4.4 of the Developer Distribution Agreement. It recommends installing from F-Droid. The homepage lists Android 8 and above (v5) and Android 4.1 and above (v4) as requirements. The homepage states that AdAway will not work reliably on mobile networks such as 3G, and it gives a workaround for that case.
Key features
- Blocks ads system-wide using a hosts file or local VPN-based filtering
- Local VPN mode works without root access
- Root support through the Systemless Hosts option in Magisk
- Add custom hosts file sources
- Custom allowlist, blocklist, and redirect rules
- Optional redirection lists for blocked DNS requests in China
Best for: Android users who want system-wide ad blocking, open source software, and control over hosts sources and rules, including users without root access.
Good for
- Fully open source and licensed under GPLv3+
- Local VPN mode does not require root access
- Supports custom hosts sources and custom rules
Watch out for
- Not available on Google Play; the homepage directs users to F-Droid
- The homepage states it will not work reliably on mobile networks such as 3G
- Some apps may stop working, and ads in some apps or in Chrome may not be blocked unless specific workarounds are applied
AdAway at a glance
- Website
- adaway.org
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Ad & Tracker Blockers
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Android, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
AdAway alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Block ads across a system with TBlock, an open-source Python tool that uses the hosts file.
Block ads and trackers in Safari and other apps on iPhone and iPad with AdGuard.
Filter DNS requests on a local network with Blocky, a DNS proxy and ad blocker written in Go.
This project deploys AdGuard Home as a network-wide ad blocker and DNS server on balenaCloud, with optional Tailscale VPN support.
Filter DNS requests with personalDNSfilter, which supports encrypted DNS and Java-enabled devices including Android.
Open source
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AdAway FAQ
Why are ads not blocked on a mobile data connection?
The homepage states that AdAway will not work reliably on mobile networks such as 3G. It advises removing the value in the proxy field of the selected APN to deactivate that proxy.
Where can I find more hosts sources?
The homepage says additional hosts sources are available on the AdAway GitHub Wiki.
What should I do if ads in a specific app are not blocked?
The homepage recommends following a guide on the AdAway site to find the corresponding hostnames and report them.
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