Get Rid of Those Pesky Personalized Ads on Your Android Device
While personalized ads can be useful, there are times when it’s hard to ignore the creepy factor of these ads. We usually become aware of them when an ad pops up on our screens that we’re pretty sure we didn’t search for or click on—and which definitely has nothing to do with our interests or needs. If you find this happening on your Android device, here are some steps you can take to opt out of personalized ads while still getting information and offers that are relevant to you.
What Are Those Annoying Notification Ads?
If you’ve got an Android device, you’re probably familiar with those annoying notification ads. You know, the ones that pop up on your screen out of nowhere and try to sell you something? Well, it turns out that there’s a way to get rid of them. Here’s how
- go to Settings
- scroll down until you see Google
- tap Ads from the list of options
- make sure Opt out of Interest-Based Ads is turned on by sliding the switch all the way over to the right
What’s the deal with showing me an ad for something I was just searching for?
You know how it is. You’re minding your own business, scrolling through your Facebook feed when all of a sudden, an ad pops up for the very thing you were just talking about with your friend. Or maybe you were just searching for a new pair of shoes on Amazon and now every website you visit has ads for that same pair of shoes. It’s annoying, right? And not to mention, a little bit creepy.
How do I stop these kinds of ads from popping up on my phone?
If you’re not a fan of personalized ads, there’s good news: you can opt out of them. Here’s how to stop those pesky personalized ads from popping up on your phone:
- Go to Settings – tap Google and then tap Advertising ID (or if it doesn’t show up just search for it) and turn the toggle off.
- The next time you use an app or open a new tab in your browser, the app will ask for your permission to show personalised ads based on your interests. Click No and that should do the trick!
Why Are These Notifications Still Showing Up On My Phone?
I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about those pesky personalized ads that keep showing up on your Android device, even after you’ve opt out of them. Here’s the deal: these notifications are still appearing because you have not disabled the Google Ads setting on your phone. To do this, simply go to Settings > Google > Ads and toggle off the Opt out of interest-based ads setting. This will stop Google from using your personal information to serve you targeted ads.
When Did I Opt Into Getting App Notifications Like This?
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t opt into getting notifications like this when I downloaded an app. Maybe it was in the fine print that I missed, or maybe these are just a new thing. But either way, I find them to be incredibly annoying. If you’re like me and want to get rid of them, here’s a quick guide on how to do so. First, open up your settings menu by going to your home screen, pressing the gear icon at the top right-hand corner of your screen and scrolling down until you see Settings. Next go to Apps under device settings.
