Menu
EN

What are filters?

We know what online ads are. They don’t relate to the content of the page, they are annoying. They are designed to make us pay. If you click an ad, another website will open (and in the worst-case scenario, a malicious file can be downloaded). We know what ads are because we're human.

An ad blocker is a program. To teach an ad blocker to recognize ads, developers use a special language: the language of filtering rules.

What filtering rules look like

A rule is a line of code written with a special syntax. It might look like this:

||example.org^

Or like this:

example.org#%#//scriptlet("abort-on-property-read", "wpsite_clickable_data")

A rule can block an element on a website: for example, an ad banner. A cosmetic rule can make a website look as if it’s never contained ads.

Some rules prohibit loading ads from websites — this also saves traffic. Others, on the contrary, may prevent the program from blocking ads on a particular site.

What filters are

Usually, rules with a similar purpose are combined into one group called a filter. AdGuard has filters that block ads on websites in a certain language: English, Swedish, Chinese, and others. Annoyance filters block popups, cookie consent forms, widgets, and other irritating elements. The URL Tracking filter removes analytics tags from website addresses.

How filters are created

Filters are manually assembled from up-to-date filtering rules. Some rules can be applied to multiple websites at once, others — to one website only. That’s why there are so many people involved in creating filters: AdGuard filter developers, enthusiasts, and even regular users.

If you’ve noticed an ad that’s not blocked by AdGuard, tell us about that by following the Report incorrect blocking or Contact support button, or simply fill out the form. The developers will be able to add a new rule to one of the filters, and many other people will see even less ads.

What AdGuard filters are responsible for

There are dozens of filters built into AdGuard. They are responsible for blocking ads, trackers, and annoyances, as well as for DNS protection. Most filters are quite unnoticeable: for example, there is a separate one behind the “Block search ads” function. On the contrary, in the Browser extension and AdGuard for Mac, filters are in plain sight.

By default, AdGuard enables the Base filter and the filter that blocks ads on websites in your language. You can see the full list of AdGuard filters in our Knowledge base.

How to add and where to find third-party filters

The pre-installed AdGuard filters are usually enough to block ads, trackers, and annoyances. But you can also add other filters to customize ad blocking to your needs.

To add a new filter, enter a link to it or import it from your device — AdGuard will recognize it automatically. In the AdGuard apps for Windows and Mac, you can also “subscribe” to filters from the list.

  • In AdGuard Browser extension, new filters may be added in Custom filters.
  • In AdGuard for Android, it can be done under Filters in the Content blocking section.
  • In AdGuard for iOS — under Safari protection.
  • In AdGuard for Windows, you can do this by clicking the Add filter button in the Ad blocker section.
  • In AdGuard for Mac, click the “+” button in the Filters section.

A large collection of filters is available at filterlists.com. You can search by name, description, language, and tags.

You can activate as many filters as you want. But be careful: if you enable too many, some websites may work incorrectly.

How to add your own rules

User rules also make up a filter. All AdGuard apps have a section with rules that users can add themselves. In the Browser extension, user rules are located on the settings screen. In AdGuard for Windows and Mac, they are hidden in the Filter editor.

You can add your own rules:

  • Manually. Be sure you’re acquainted with the rule syntax.
  • By importing them from your device. For example, if you use AdGuard on different devices and want the same ads to be blocked everywhere. Or if someone has shared their list with you.
  • By blocking an element on a website. To do that, click “Block ads on this website”. In most cases, a rule will be added automatically — you don’t need to do anything else.
  • By asking AdGuard filter developers to create a rule for you. If a website you’ve reported has low traffic, the developers may consider it unnecessary to update the general filters. Though, they may suggest you to add a user rule — the ads for you will be blocked.
Liked this post?
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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.
15,142 15142 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.
15,142 15142 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.
15,142 15142 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.
15,142 15142 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
15,142 15142 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.
15,142 15142 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!
15,142 15142 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