Database Develop

Adhell

Has anyone been able to successfully run Adhell Adhell 2 on Note 8? Like actually having it block ads? I installed Adhell2 but it doesn't install ads. It sucks but this is one of the main reasons I liked Galaxy phones.

mehdi_s82 said:
Has anyone been able to successfully run Adhell Adhell 2 on Note 8? Like actually having it block ads? I installed Adhell2 but it doesn't install ads. It sucks but this is one of the main reasons I liked Galaxy phones.
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It's not compatible yet, We have to wait for the developers to update it. It causes restarts and other issues.

I use DNS66 and added the two OpenDNS free servers to it. it works perfectly. Haven't seen an ad yet when using Chrome Canary! They also seem to have cut down on YouTube ads as well. Which is saying something because YouTube LOVES to put ads in most of their videos.. :laugh:

I think ad block plus is working for me. Haven't had any issues with it yet

MACHEK said:
I think ad block plus is working for me. Haven't had any issues with it yet
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It doesn't work for Chrome

rawintellect said:
I use DNS66 and added the two OpenDNS free servers to it. it works perfectly. Haven't seen an ad yet when using Chrome Canary! They also seem to have cut down on YouTube ads as well. Which is saying something because YouTube LOVES to put ads in most of their videos.. :laugh:
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Didn't work for me. Ads still showing in Chrome. Did you do anything else other than adding OpenDNS servers?

mehdi_s82 said:
Didn't work for me. Ads still showing in Chrome. Did you do anything else other than adding OpenDNS servers?
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I did add two custom host files but that shouldn't matter. I turned them off and it's still blocking ads. I do use Chrome Canary though which is different than the stock Chrome that comes with our phones. It's an alpha release and is ALWAYS updated just about every day. Sometimes it crashes because the devs are trying new things but they usually fix it within a day. Until they fix it I then run Chrome beta. I never use stock Chrome.
As for the setup? All you have to do is make sure the host files that came with DNS66 are updated before you start the task. Click the "reload button" in the upper right hand corner then wait...once they are updated then press start. Here are screenshots of a web site I go to called "Project Free TV" It's HEAVY on ads. You can see what it looks like with DNS66 on and with it off. It's DEFINITELY working.
P.S. Make sure you add it to the ignore list or "white list" of apps NOT to kill if you're using a task killer like Advance Task Manager or Greenify.

I'm using BlockThis 3.0. It's like adguard and uses a VPN. The only downside is that stupid key icon. It's free and blocks ads well. The others are hit and miss and seem to be selectively blocking ads which is annoying to say the least. Now if they stopped youtube ads...
This is not on the play store but easily found.

cpufrost said:
I'm using BlockThis 3.0. It's like adguard and uses a VPN. The only downside is that stupid key icon. It's free and blocks ads well. The others are hit and miss and seem to be selectively blocking ads which is annoying to say the least. Now if they stopped youtube ads...
This is not on the play store but easily found.
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Click to collapse
I'm loathe to use any VPN tool that is not open source. You never know what traffic from your phone is sent to what server. Also VPNs in general take a toll on battery. I really hope Adhell can be fixed for Note 8

mehdi_s82 said:
I'm loathe to use any VPN tool that is not open source. You never know what traffic from your phone is sent to what server. Also VPNs in general take a toll on battery. I really hope Adhell can be fixed for Note 8
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It's done locally, so there are no risks to your privacy. VPN is a little more battery hungry compared to DNS blocking, but Adguard doesn't leave empty blocks everywhere like other adblockers do.

EP2008 said:
It's done locally, so there are no risks to your privacy. VPN is a little more battery hungry compared to DNS blocking, but Adguard doesn't leave empty blocks everywhere like other adblockers do.
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I know the vpn server is technically done locally but basically the app has access to ALL of the network traffic to/from your phone so it can do whatever with it and unless it's open source, I personally am not comfortable.

This is a good read. Might help someone out.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Having same issues with Disconnect Pro it causes lag, slow Internet and restarts
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

cpufrost said:
I'm using BlockThis 3.0. It's like adguard and uses a VPN. The only downside is that stupid key icon. It's free and blocks ads well. The others are hit and miss and seem to be selectively blocking ads which is annoying to say the least. Now if they stopped youtube ads...
This is not on the play store but easily found.
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Click to collapse
Yup I second this. BlockThis 3.0 has been working great so far with no issues for me.

I use Blokada, it blocks 99% of ads without root. I've installed it on all my employees phones too and they all love it. It's internal VPN based and open source.

_MetalHead_ said:
I use Blokada, it blocks 99% of ads without root. I've installed it on all my employees phones too and they all love it. It's internal VPN based and open source.
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Awesome! Just tried it and it works flawlessly. The only downside is the persistent vpn key icon

mehdi_s82 said:
Awesome! Just tried it and it works flawlessly. The only downside is the persistent vpn key icon
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I actually like having that notification. I find comfort in it lol

Any update on Adhell? i'd rather not use a VPN.

Mr.Ash.Man said:
Any update on Adhell? i'd rather not use a VPN.
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https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559/page10
There's the last page of the thread. Right now the dev is busy with life but is still trying to develop a working Ad Hell 2 for the Note 8. It looks like it is working for some but there is a reboot issue.

I've had Adhell 2 working on my Note 8 for over a week now, no reboots either..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/themes/adhell-2-rootless-ad-blocking-t3663559

Good ad blocker without root

Hi,
I always used Adaway on my rooted Galaxy S6 and was working perfect, especially with blocking ads in apps.
Now I have a Note 8, but from my company. I don't want to root this right now. Is there any ad blocker that is working as perfect as Adaway, but then without root?
Thanks!

I've been using adguard for over a year now. Gets the job done nicely. No complaints.

I used Adguard also but I hated how you will always see a notification icon when using it. Some people report that it's noticeable on battery life but I never noticed it. That's cause I never used it for more than a few days or so cause that's about how long I can last without rooting then I switch to AdAway.
I hear DNS66 is another good one.

I also been using Adguard for nearly 3 yrs on my pc /laptop (Windows) and my phone.(Android)
I very seldom see an advert. Also Adguard presence on XDA helps. I have had no issues with their support
services. Yes, it has subscription service etc. but worth it.
Battery usage , for me is very minimal.
If users take time to read Adguard explanations /help , on why it reflects a higher level of battery usage, you will understand that Adguard routes all website traffic
through it's VPN etc and thus its not actually
Adguard battery usage alone, but the other apps also (that it re routes.) combined, that is normally reflected.
Overall for me, the best option if you have no root.

willcor said:
I also been using Adguard for nearly 3 yrs on my pc /laptop (Windows) and my phone.(Android)
I very seldom see an advert. Also Adguard presence on XDA helps. I have had no issues with their support
services. Yes, it has subscription service etc. but worth it.
Battery usage , for me is very minimal.
If users take time to read Adguard explanations /help , on why it reflects a higher level of battery usage, you will understand that Adguard routes all website traffic
through it's VPN etc and thus its not actually
Adguard battery usage alone, but the other apps also (that it re routes.) combined, that is normally reflected.
Overall for me, the best option if you have no root.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. But I am not looking for a ad blocker only in a browser, but for all apps as well. When I see Adaway on a rooted phone, it blocks also all ads in an app (for example games etc.).
Is there any blocker for non-rooted devices that does all?
Thanks!

Morrpheus said:
Hi,
I always used Adaway on my rooted Galaxy S6 and was working perfect, especially with blocking ads in apps.
Now I have a Note 8, but from my company. I don't want to root this right now. Is there any ad blocker that is working as perfect as Adaway, but then without root?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Disconnect Pro from the Samsung app store, It's pricey $25.00 but does seem to block system wide.

Morrpheus said:
Thanks for your reply. But I am not looking for a ad blocker only in a browser, but for all apps as well. When I see Adaway on a rooted phone, it blocks also all ads in an app (for example games etc.).
Is there any blocker for non-rooted devices that does all?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard ( standalone ) does all .
Pc/laptop or Android.... ..standalone !
Block In app popups ,blocks ads (all sorts of apps)
Also has a whitelist to list websites not to block ,all type of spam filters etc . .etc .
No root required .As stated been using it for about 3 yrs ,i hardly seen an advert slip by .!
If you want full benefits ,then the subscription is best .
The free app does not work so good ( my opinion )
And i forgot ,somebody mentioned about notification in notification bar ,
Well it's there for good reason .
https://adguard.com/en/welcome.html
and
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/adguard-ad-blocker-doesnt-require-root-t2958895
Yes you also get Adguard ( extension ) for Samsung Internet .
I am not talking about this extension , i don't even use this extension .
Good luck .

I'm using dns66 and it seems to be working great and it works in many apps.

try blockada, works great for me

Blockada

Just tried blockada so far I like. I hate the key in the notification bar but really not that big of deal. As l long as blocks out ads that's what matters to me. I downloaded tried a game ad blocked opened up terrarium tv app known for lots of ads blocked 31 ads in two apps did not see one ad
So far I like

Disconnect pro from the Samsung store (yes, 20€ for an app that makes your 1000€ phone better) or adhell (in case, that is still available). They are both using the Knox firewall to block ads. Imo that is the most sensible way, better than a pseudo VPN.
Are the VPN solutions compatible with other Vons?

Adhell ... very good search the apps store for it .
Also become a beta tester

DNS over TLS in Pie

Android 9 supports "Private DNS" which uses DNS-over-TLS to provide better security and privacy, I set my X4 to "dns.google" instead of "automatic", as per this article: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2018/04/dns-over-tls-support-in-android-p.html
- looking for some insights/comments on a subject of practical benefits of this feature.
Google private DNS setup: https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using#android

A DNS over TLS connection is encrypted in the same way HTTPS is. It can also sometimes be quicker than the default DNS (correct me if I'm wrong about this). However, airports and some other places do not allow external DNS, forcing you to turn it off.

MisterFribble said:
A DNS over TLS connection is encrypted in the same way HTTPS is. It can also sometimes be quicker than the default DNS (correct me if I'm wrong about this). However, airports and some other places do not allow external DNS, forcing you to turn it off.
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Good to know that, I was setting up my new router at home the other day, so I went through some web sites getting some info and ended up changing all DNS/iPvs etc..., that's how I stumbled upon that 'tls' thing and was wondering if it has any merit to it. My desktop browser(Firefox) used to be very slow and now it's pulling pages really fast after changing to Google DNS from random default. Am suspecting my cable co. has been monitoring my web traffic, slowing it down.

With dns.adguard the phone has functional add blocker, tried several free apps from the play store and it seem to filter adverts out pretty good, no standalone app just the private dns set up:

mzsquared said:
With dns.adguard the phone has functional add blocker, tried several free apps from the play store and it seem to filter adverts out pretty good, no standalone app just the private dns set up:
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Click to collapse
I agree. But it still lets a few ads though. So if there is a better dns-over-tls alternative to adguard I'm open to trying it.

Nezzox said:
I agree. But it still lets a few ads though. So if there is a better dns-over-tls alternative to adguard I'm open to trying it.
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Click to collapse
You can try adguard.apk. I like just the simple dns thing. Here is a link w/ a lot of information about it, see all the comments below the article:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...wn-dns-service-and-it-works-with-android-pie/

mzsquared said:
You can try adguard.apk. I like just the simple dns thing. Here is a link w/ a lot of information about it, see all the comments below the article:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...wn-dns-service-and-it-works-with-android-pie/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I used blokada before. The point for me is to find something that enables me to not use a apk. The ideal solution would be to have a more aggressive dns-over-tls adblocking since it's possible in Android pie. I feel that adguard is too allowing and does not fair well in blocking ads delivered from Facebook or local ads.

VPN Adblockers

Hey, guys. New P30 Pro owner here. I'm having a bit of an issue with VPN ad blockers. I usually use Blockada, but that's now working. I'm getting ads in Chrome. Here are my findings:
Blockada - ads randomly slipping through on various websites and in some apps.
DNS66 - Not working at all, for some reason.
Block This! - Works well, but seems to slow down page loading.
Adguard Premium - I haven't tried this yet. Last time I used it on my S10 Plus, it had a disasterous impact on my battery, though it usually blocks ads reliably.
I already made battery exceptions for all of these and enabled the host files, etc. They just aren't all working as expected.
What are other people using on their P30s and what are your findings?
Thanks.

I'm using dns.adguard.com in the phones private DNS settings and it seems to be doing a good job of blocking ads. I am not currently using a VPN and this has had zero impact on battery usage.

PsychoMania said:
I'm using dns.adguard.com in the phones private DNS settings and it seems to be doing a good job of blocking ads. I am not currently using a VPN and this has had zero impact on battery usage.
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Thanks! I had considered that option, but never tried it. Does it block the ads in apps, too? Any issues with ads slipping through?

greyhulk said:
Thanks! I had considered that option, but never tried it. Does it block the ads in apps, too? Any issues with ads slipping through?
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Click to collapse
It seems to be blocking ads system wide, not noticed any in the week I've been using it.

Okay, 2 things:
I figured out why Blockada wasn't working in Chrome. I had to disable the Async DNS flag in flags. I should have remembered that.
Second, the adguard DNS only works on WiFi, so that's not an option.

greyhulk said:
Okay, 2 things:
I figured out why Blockada wasn't working in Chrome. I had to disable the Async DNS flag in flags. I should have remembered that.
Second, the adguard DNS only works on WiFi, so that's not an option.
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Click to collapse
The adguard DNS works over my mobile carrier, Three UK.

PsychoMania said:
I'm using dns.adguard.com in the phones private DNS settings and it seems to be doing a good job of blocking ads. I am not currently using a VPN and this has had zero impact on battery usage.
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Click to collapse
I've been using this too, works great - system wide including video ads in apps etc.

PsychoMania said:
The adguard DNS works over my mobile carrier, Three UK.
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I thought I had read on the adguard forums that it does not work over mobile connections. Maybe that was before Android Pie?

greyhulk said:
I thought I had read on the adguard forums that it does not work over mobile connections. Maybe that was before Android Pie?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly. It is totally free so give it a try.

PsychoMania said:
Possibly. It is totally free so give it a try.
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Click to collapse
This is from the Android instructions page, thus my confusion.
"Tap Wi-Fi on the menu. The screen listing all of the available networks will be shown (it is impossible to set custom DNS for mobile connection)"

greyhulk said:
This is from the Android instructions page, thus my confusion.
"Tap Wi-Fi on the menu. The screen listing all of the available networks will be shown (it is impossible to set custom DNS for mobile connection)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how I did it: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Private DNS > Configure Private DNS > Type: dns.adguard.com
It works perfectly on wifi and mobile data. The only time I've had to turn it off is when I was trying to connect to free wifi in a pub.

greyhulk said:
This is from the Android instructions page, thus my confusion.
"Tap Wi-Fi on the menu. The screen listing all of the available networks will be shown (it is impossible to set custom DNS for mobile connection)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just tested it and it seems to work! Awesome sauce. Thanks!

PsychoMania said:
I'm using dns.adguard.com in the phones private DNS settings and it seems to be doing a good job of blocking ads. I am not currently using a VPN and this has had zero impact on battery usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Daaamn that works perfect on O2 UK. Thanks man ??

This is how I have it set up as well. Does seem to help but you still get some ads

I've been getting good results from Windscribe VPN as well - it has ad blocking/tracker blocking built in and speeds have been decent.

Blocking Ads in Apps

Over the weekend, I purchased a Galaxy S10. It’s the Verizon variant and as such wont get root. I’m actually not interested in root as my last phone was missing the last few years updates as I did the Ron Popiel, “Set it and forget it”. I’m all good there and am rather happy with it since I had an S5 running Lollipop.
Before upgrading, I asked some questions regarding whether I needed root as my main desire was to be able to use ad blocking software and block ads in applications. I was told to use Blokada. I’ve installed it and it’s not doing what I expected. What it does:
1. It installed a VPN which I keep having to turn on and off.
2. It does not block ads in all applications.
3. It prevents some apps from working: Spectrum, NFL…
Coming from AdAway, I was looking for a program that ran in the background and simply blocked ads. This program does not and now that it installed a VPN, It’s going to cause trouble for me when I want to use the corporate VPN to access my work computer. Besides, not being unobtrusive, the fact that it’s using a VPN means that whoever built the program now has access to my data stream.
Does some know if maybe I’ve misconfigured the program or if there is another program that I should use to achieve seamless background operation.
Maybe all I need is alterative DNS servers so ads won’t load. I’m not sure what to do.

Use Blokada or Adguard, or at least that's what I've used. I actually use paid version of Adguard but the other works fine
https://blokada.org/index.html

I'm using AdGuard DNS with a Quick Settings toggle I've made with Tasker to enable and disable it on the fly.
No app needed, it's fast and works like a charm even in apps or YouTube.
I need to disable it for public WiFi with login to make the login sites work, only. If I'm logged it I re-enable it.
I was using AdAway before but I wanted to try a rootless phone after I had issues with my USB Port and I like it.

I just tried Blokada again. I found that I could use the DNS frature and be protected from ads, but spectrum tells me, "VPN Unsupported". how do I get around this and not use VPN to block Ads?