How to Remove Unity Ads from Your Android Phone

Unity Ads are a common form of advertising integrated into many Android applications and games, developed using the Unity engine. While these ads can be a source of revenue for developers and allow users to access content for free, they can also become intrusive and disruptive. This guide provides comprehensive, fact-checked methods for removing or minimizing Unity Ads on your Android device in 2024-2025.

Understanding Unity Ads

Unity Ads is a monetization platform that allows game and app developers to integrate advertisements within their creations. These ads can take various forms, including rewarded videos, interstitial ads (full-screen ads that appear between content), and banner ads. The Unity Ads SDK is embedded within apps, and ad content is downloaded when connected to Wi-Fi, making it available even offline.

It’s important to note that Unity Ads are not inherently malicious or viruses. They are a legitimate advertising tool. However, some apps might misuse this system, leading to an excessive or intrusive ad experience.

Methods to Remove Unity Ads

There are several effective strategies to combat intrusive Unity Ads on your Android device. These range from system-level settings to dedicated ad-blocking applications.

1. Modifying DNS Settings (Android 9 Pie and Above)

One of the most effective methods for blocking ads system-wide, including Unity Ads, is by changing your device’s private DNS settings. This method does not require root access and is compatible with Android 9 Pie and newer versions.

Steps to Change DNS Settings:

• Navigate to your phone’s Settings.
• Search for “Private DNS” or find it under “Network & Internet” > “Advanced” (the exact path may vary by device manufacturer).
• Select the option “Private DNS provider hostname”.
• Enter “dns.adguard.com” or “one.one.one.one” (Cloudflare’s DNS) and tap “Save”.

By using a private DNS server that filters ad-serving domains, you can significantly reduce or eliminate in-app ads and browser advertisements.

2. Utilizing Ad-Blocking Applications

Dedicated ad-blocking applications offer a robust solution for removing ads across your entire device, including within apps and games that utilize Unity Ads. These apps often work by creating a local VPN or filtering network traffic.

Recommended Ad Blockers for Android (2024-2025):

• AdGuard for Android: This is a highly recommended option that blocks ads in browsers and apps without requiring root access. It also offers privacy protection and browsing security features.
• Blokada: A popular, free, and open-source ad blocker that works system-wide for all apps and browsers. It requires no root access.
• Surfshark CleanWeb: While primarily a VPN service, Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is an effective ad and tracker blocker.
• Total Adblock: Praised for its affordability and effectiveness, Total Adblock can block various types of ads, including those in games and browsers.
• NordVPN Threat Protection: Similar to Surfshark, NordVPN includes a threat protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
• Brave Browser: This browser comes with a built-in ad blocker, offering an ad-free browsing experience.
• Avast Secure Browser: Another browser with integrated ad-blocking capabilities.

When choosing an ad blocker, consider its features, effectiveness, and whether it requires root access. Many of these applications offer free trials or versions, allowing you to test them before committing.

3. Managing Browser Settings

If your primary concern is ads within web browsers, you can adjust your browser’s settings to block pop-ups and intrusive ads.

Steps for Chrome:

• Open the Chrome app.
• Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
• Go to Settings > Site settings.
• Under “Content”, tap “Pop-ups and redirects” and ensure it’s toggled off.
• Also, under “Content”, tap “Intrusive ads” and ensure it’s toggled off.

Some browsers, like Brave and Samsung Internet, have built-in ad-blocking features or allow extensions for enhanced ad blocking.

4. Disabling Internet Connection (Temporary Solution)

For some games or apps that rely on an active internet connection to display ads, temporarily disabling your internet connection (by enabling Airplane Mode) can prevent ads from loading. This is a temporary workaround and will not remove ads permanently.

5. Identifying and Uninstalling Ad-Heavy Apps

If specific apps are consistently bombarding you with intrusive Unity Ads, even when the app is closed, it might be necessary to identify and uninstall those applications.

How to Identify Problematic Apps:

• When an ad appears, try to quickly access your recent apps screen. The app causing the ad might be visible at the top of the ad or in the recent apps list.
• Review your installed apps and uninstall any that you don’t recognize, that have generic names (e.g., “System Update,” “Cleaner”), or that you suspect are causing the ad issues.
• If an app’s uninstall button is grayed out, you may need to disable its device administrator privileges first. Go to Settings > Security > Device admin apps and disable the app’s access, then try uninstalling again.

Always download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store to minimize the risk of installing malware or adware.

6. Checking for Unity Ads Cache Files (Manual Removal)

In some instances, Unity Ads may leave cache files on your device. While this is less common as a primary method for ad removal, it can help clean up residual data.

Steps to Locate and Delete Cache Files:

• Open your phone’s File Manager app.
• Search for folders named “UnityAdsCache” or similar variations.
• Delete any found folders. Be aware that some cache files might be hidden or have random names.
• If your default file manager doesn’t show all files, consider installing a third-party file manager app.

This method is generally less effective for preventing future ads compared to ad blockers or DNS changes.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• App Permissions: Be mindful of the permissions you grant to apps during installation. Apps that request excessive storage or other permissions might be more prone to displaying intrusive ads.
• Source of Apps: Always download applications from trusted sources like the Google Play Store. Avoid third-party app stores or unofficial download links, as these can be sources of malware and adware.
• Regular Scans: Install a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app and perform regular scans to detect and remove any malicious software that might be causing unwanted ads.
• App Updates: Keep your Android operating system and all your applications updated. Updates often include security patches that can protect against malware and improve system stability.
• Unity’s Privacy Settings: For developers, Unity provides tools to manage user privacy and consent for targeted advertising. Users can often manage their ad preferences within the app itself, usually by tapping an information icon on the ad.

Conclusion

While Unity Ads are a standard part of the mobile app ecosystem, intrusive advertising can detract from the user experience. By implementing methods such as changing DNS settings, using reputable ad-blocking applications, managing browser preferences, and being cautious about app installations, you can effectively remove or significantly reduce Unity Ads on your Android device. Staying informed about app permissions and regularly scanning your device for malware are crucial steps in maintaining an ad-free and secure mobile environment.