Menu
EN

AdGuard for Android v2.8

Hello!

Today we have good news for Android users. New version of Adguard was released today, and we hope everyone will find something right for his or her needs there. More details just in a moment.

So, what's new? Ad blocking quality was brought to the next level with several big novelties such as Simplified domain names filter or extended CSS support. Also, you can now run Adguard as a DNS-level adblocker - find out how is it different. New low-level settings give new possibilities, for example, for better YouTube in-app filtering. And much more!

Extended CSS

[Added] Support for Extended CSS and Extended Selectors #810

This is a lot of scary technical words :) What hides behind it? Extended CSS support is a very important addition in terms of future (and present) possibilities that it opens for an ad blocking. Now, with such powerful tool on our hands, we can much more easily create some filtering rules that were very, very hard to create earlier. Notably, this concerns rules required to block such things as 'Sponsored posts' on Facebook. Just compare:

Facebook Sponsored ads

If you are a tech-savvy person and want to know all ins and outs of how it works, you will find our dedicated repository in GitHub very useful.

New way to use Adguard

Under this very general heading we collected several different tools which, when added together, let you run Adguard as a DNS-level ad blocker. And this, conveniently, saves battery resources of your device.

A little bit of history first: more than a year ago, we added a 'DNS filtering' feature to Adguard. In order to understand its meaning, let's first examine what DNS is and how it works.

Adguard low-level settings

If an app or browser wants to refer to any domain (ad or not), first it retrieves the address on which that domain is located from DNS server.

With DNS filtering enabled, Adguard intercepts every DNS request and returns 'blocking' response if the request happens to be from ad or tracking server.

And here new features come into play:

[Added] pref.vpn.ipv4.bypass low-level setting #909

If this option is enabled, Adguard will ignore all IPv4 connections. This might appear weird and unnecessary, but in reality this is what allows to use Adguard as a 'DNS-level' ad blocker. Adguard will cease filtering other apps' traffic, and will only block ad domains on the DNS requests level.

[Added] Simplified domain names filter #876

Fresh addition to the Adguard filters family. Simplified domain names filter is composed of several filters (English filter, Social media filter, Spyware filter, Mobile ads filter, EasyList and EasyPrivacy), modified specifically for better DNS filtering. This filter is not crucial for DNS filtering, but will help immensely with blocking ads in browsers.

So, to switch Adguard to DNS-level adblocker you only need to enable the following options:

  • pref.vpn.ipv4.bypass
  • pref.vpn.ipv6.bypass
  • DNS requests filtering
  • Simplified domain names filter

As a result, ad blocking quality will drop and Firewall functionality will not be available, but also there will be close to zero performance penalty.

And on top of that:

[Changed] "Filter DNS requests" feature is now available for non-premium users #875

With Adguard DNS introduced and being free, there is no point in keeping this Adguard for Android feature paid. Now it will be equally accessible for all users alike. There is still plenty of good stuff in the Premium version of the app :)

More detailed description of Adguard DNS filtering and related issues can be found in the previous blog article.

YouTube ad blocking

[Added] pref.root.clear.youtube low-level flag #907

This option will allow rooted users to automate Youtube app data removing, which appears to be crucial for blocking ads in it. By the way, in one of the previous articles in our blog you can find a detailed guide to blocking ads in YouTube app.

A little something for Android N users

[Added] A Quick Settings tile for Android N and up #767

Basically, now all Android N users can add Adguard icon to the quick settings panel. This may not look like much, but believe me, it is a very helpful addition. Just try it!

Adguard quick settings icon

Minor and compatibility issues

Lots of other minor issues and compatibility fixes. The full list can be found in our GitHub repository.

So, did you find anything useful for you in this release? Were you expecting something else? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and this will help us make the next version even better!

Liked this post?
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard for Windows

AdGuard for Windows is more than an ad blocker. It is a multipurpose tool that blocks ads, controls access to dangerous sites, speeds up page loading, and protects children from inappropriate content.
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard for Mac

AdGuard for Mac is a unique ad blocker designed with macOS in mind. In addition to protecting you from annoying ads in browsers and apps, it shields you from tracking, phishing, and fraud.
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard for Android

AdGuard for Android is a perfect solution for Android devices. Unlike most other ad blockers, AdGuard doesn't require root access and provides a wide range of app management options.
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard for iOS

The best iOS ad blocker for iPhone and iPad. AdGuard eliminates all kinds of ads in Safari, protects your privacy, and speeds up page loading. AdGuard for iOS ad-blocking technology ensures the highest quality filtering and allows you to use multiple filters at the same time
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard VPN

74 locations worldwide

Access to any content

Strong encryption

No-logging policy

Fastest connection

24/7 support

Try for free
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard Content Blocker

AdGuard Content Blocker will eliminate all kinds of ads in mobile browsers that support content blocker technology — namely, Samsung Internet and Yandex.Browser. While being more limited than AdGuard for Android, it is free, easy to install and still provides high ad blocking quality.
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard Browser Extension

AdGuard is the fastest and most lightweight ad blocking extension that effectively blocks all types of ads on all web pages! Choose AdGuard for the browser you use and get ad-free, fast and safe browsing.
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard Assistant

A companion browser extension for AdGuard desktop apps. It offers an in-browser access to such features as custom element blocking, allowlisting a website or sending a report.
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS is a foolproof way to block Internet ads that does not require installing any applications. It is easy to use, absolutely free, easily set up on any device, and provides you with minimal necessary functions to block ads, counters, malicious websites, and adult content.
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard Home

AdGuard Home is a network-wide software for blocking ads & tracking. After you set it up, it’ll cover ALL your home devices, and you don’t need any client-side software for that. With the rise of Internet-Of-Things and connected devices, it becomes more and more important to be able to control your whole network.
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard Pro for iOS

AdGuard Pro has much to offer on top of the excellent iOS ad blocking in Safari already known to the users of the regular version. By providing access to custom DNS settings, the app allows you to block ads, protect your kids from adult content online, and safeguard your personal data from theft.
By downloading the program you accept the terms of the License agreement
Read more
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard for Safari

Ad blocking extensions for Safari are having hard time since Apple started to force everyone to use the new SDK. AdGuard extension is supposed to bring back the high quality ad blocking back to Safari.
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard Temp Mail

A free temporary email address generator that keeps you anonymous and protects your privacy. No spam in your main inbox!
18,298 18298 user reviews
Excellent!

AdGuard for Android TV

AdGuard for Android TV is the only app that blocks ads, guards your privacy, and acts as a firewall for your Smart TV. Get warnings about web threats, use secure DNS, and benefit from encrypted traffic. Relax and dive into your favorite shows with top-notch security and zero ads!
Downloading AdGuard To install AdGuard, click the file indicated by the arrow Select "Open" and click "OK", then wait for the file to be downloaded. In the opened window, drag the AdGuard icon to the "Applications" folder. Thank you for choosing AdGuard! Select "Open" and click "OK", then wait for the file to be downloaded. In the opened window, click "Install". Thank you for choosing AdGuard!
Install AdGuard on your mobile device