How to Use VPNs to Block Annoying Ads | VeePN Blog (2024)

Let’s admit it, online ads are annoying. They often distract us from our browsing experiences, taking up space on web pages, and leaving no chance to escape. However, an unwanted pop-up or an obtrusive banner is not the worst thing you can deal with. Some ads don’t just spoil your user experience but may pose real threats, from slowing down the Internet connection and compromising your online privacy to infecting devices with malware.

As a result, many users prefer to block advertisem*nts with specific software. But are ad blockers suitable when it comes to online security? And will a VPN stop ads more effectively? Keep reading this post to find out.

What is ad blocking, and is it legal?

An ad blocker is a browser extension tool that helps users avoid advertising materials when surfing the web. Once you visit a specific page, whether a social media site or any other resource, an ad blocker will remove or replace the advertising content.

Today, ad blockers are quite popular among Internet users who want to skip annoying ads and enjoy seamless online activity. However, while being perfectly legal, ad blockers are not always relevant. So if you’re using this kind of software, you might sometimes want to turn it off. Why? Well, here are a few most common reasons:

1. Some websites try to prevent ad blocking. Many publishers, including social media bloggers and celebrities, earn income from online ads. That is why they often ask to switch a blocking tool off when viewing their content. Some may even ban access for users with built-in ad blockers in their browsers.
2. Your favorite websites or publishers may lose their actual income. If you are a fan of someone’s content and want to help them get paid for the ads, consider turning off the ad blocker. Content creators will appreciate it.

How does ad blocking work?

When you visit a web page, an ad blocker instantly examines it for advertisem*nts. The sites or scripts are compared to the blocker’s list containing all types of content it’s supposed to toss away. When detecting an ad, the blocker doesn’t allow it to load. This way, ad blockers can stop intrusive ads, website banners, pop-ups, and video ads.

However, most ad blockers are designed for a specific browser, like Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. It means you won’t be able to use a single solution on all platforms and devices. Besides, such tools won’t fully protect you from trackers and malware when surfing the web. But about that in a while.

The benefits of ad blocking

According to the latest surveys, nearly 40% of people use ad blocking software. Here are the most common reasons.

Ad blocking provides people with a better user experience and helps them avoid frustration and distraction from unwanted content when surfing the web. Here are several key benefits of using ad blocking tools.

1. Online security

As mentioned above, Internet ads are often dangerous since they may infect your device with malware. This risk is particularly high when opening suspicious links or unreliable websites without an extra security layer. An effective ad-blocking tool can help you mitigate such challenges.

2. Anonymity

Some ads may collect your personal data about your browsing habits you will likely prefer not to share with third parties. Trustworthy ad blockers, especially VPN-based browser extensions, can help you enhance your privacy when surfing the web.

3. Better loading speed

Did you know that ad scripts may slow down your browsing speed by up to 2.5 seconds? An effective ad-blocking tool can help you not just avoid annoyance, but also speed up the websites’ loading time.

4. Smoother user experience

Statista reports that only 10% of users do not find online ads annoying. According to the survey, most people complain about autoplay video and audio ads, as well as advertising materials based on the users’browsing experiences. Luckily, ad blockers can address that frustration.

What is the difference between adblock and VPN?

A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool helping users to connect to secure remote servers and surf the web more privately. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your data so that no online snoopers can monitor your online activity.

Can you use a VPN app or extension instead of ad blocking software?

A VPN is a more ultimate solution than an ad blocker. Unlike common ad-blocking browser extensions, reliable VPNs provide users with many additional features, like VeePN’s extra slots that help protect several devices at the same time.

Most VPN tools are focused on covering the following online security and privacy aspects:

1. Protecting against malicious websites and cyber threats
2. Preventing online trackers and third-party monitoring
3. Providing users with more online freedom and access to various content

Also, many VPN providers have ad blocking tools included, yet not every adblock VPN is trustworthy. Instead of blocking ads, they may slow down your Internet connection, intentionally enable specific targeted ads, or even install malware on your device. That’s why you should be careful when choosing a tool for blocking advertisem*nts and stay away from malicious apps.

How to use an adblock VPN?

VPN services use built-in ad blockers that help avoid certain advertising materials, just like common browser extensions do. For example, VeePN blocks intrusive ads and pop-ups with the help of NetGuard. This powerful feature will ensure no ads will bother you regardless of your device, platform, and browser.

This is how you can utilize the VeePN app to stop unwanted ads in a few easy steps.

1. Install the VeePN app on your device. In our example, it’s an app for macOS. However, you can take the same steps with VPN for PC, iOS, and Android.

2. Start the app and click Privacy Settings.

3. Switch on the Block Ads feature.

4. Turn VPN on. It will offer you an optimal IP address location. Now you can surf the web without being distracted by annoying ads.

Alternatively, you can set the VeePN extension in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser – a lightweight solution of the client app.

1. Find the Extensions icon in your browser and select VeePN or install the extension, if you haven’t got it yet.

2. Select Blocked ads and malicious content.

3. Switch AdBlock on.

4. Turn VPN on. The extension will provide you with a secure IP address. From now on, you can enjoy your ad-free browsing experience.

Note that when using some websites, social media and apps, you might find it challenging to avoid ads. That is because Google, Facebook, YouTube, and some other platforms use more complex approaches to implementing advertisem*nts. In particular, these are targeted ads based on your preferences and browsing habits.

However, you can prevent some of them (not all, though) by following several simple steps.

How to turn off Google ads?

Apart from using a VPN ad blocker like VeePN to avoid the most intrusive ads, you may also stop personalized advertisem*nts that collect information about your browsing habits, interests, and preferences. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log in to your Google account.
2. Open the Privacy and personalization tab.
3. Open Ad settings and select Ad personalization.
4. Turn off Ad personalization.

How to turn off Facebook ads?

On Facebook, you can filter the advertising materials you’re receiving and opt out of most targeted ads. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Facebook account and enter the Settings section.
2. Pick the Ad settings tab in the Ads section.

3. Select Not Allowed for each category in the list.

Do VPNs block ads? – VeePN does!

Advertising materials can be not just annoying, but dangerous, as they often violate your privacy, collect private data, and may even spread malware. So if you decide to get rid of ads and make your browsing activity truly secure, VPN is a perfect solution. It doesn’t just help you avoid unwanted ads, but protects you from various cyber threats, including third-party monitoring and malicious websites.

Looking for an effective way to block unwanted advertisem*nts? Check out VeePN! It’s a powerful ad blocking VPN tool that will help you get rid of annoying pop-ups, intrusive ads, and online trackers. VeePN stops annoying advertising content and protects your browsing activity from any other potential threats. And, if the connection fails, the Kill Switch feature will provide you with extra security measures.

FAQs

Can VPN block ads?

Yes, you can use a VPN to block ads! A trustworthy VPN service like VeePN offers a powerful NetGuard feature, which can block annoying ads and trackers. Such a tool will allow you to avoid online monitoring and make your browsing experience smoother. To learn more about how VPNs block ads, read this detailed guide.

Are VPN ad blockers safe?

Unfortunately, not all VPNs that block ads are trustworthy. There are many fake VPN tools that, in fact, are malicious apps. Such software is dangerous for your cybersecurity as it can steal sensitive information and spread viruses. So you should be very careful when choosing a VPN. We recommend you try the VeePN service since it’s a credible VPN solution offering multiple powerful features.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.