Online advertising has become ubiquitous in our digital lives. As we browse the web, watch videos, play games, and use apps, we’re bombarded with ads. While some accept online ads as an inevitable part of the internet, many find them distracting, annoying, or an invasion of privacy. If you want to reduce the number of ads you see online, there are steps you can take to opt out of personalized ads and block ads altogether.
Understanding Online Ads
Before learning how to opt out of online ads, it helps to understand how they work. Online ads are delivered by advertisers through ad networks. Ad networks are third-party companies that advertisers use to display their ads across different websites. The largest ad networks include Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, and more.
When you visit a website, the ad network auctions ad space on that site in real time. Advertisers bid on the opportunity to show you an ad based on data about your interests, demographics, browsing history, and more. This data allows advertisers to target their ads—a practice known as behavioral advertising or personalized advertising.
Some common types of online ads include:
- Banner ads – Rectangular ads that appear at the top or sides of a web page.
- Pop-up ads – Ads that open in a new window.
- Video ads – Video commercials that play before or during online video content.
- Search ads – Sponsored results that appear above or alongside organic search engine results.
- Native ads – Ads that match the look, feel, and function of the media format they appear in.
- Social media ads – Sponsored posts and ads placed in social media feeds.
While many websites rely on ad revenue, some users find certain ad practices too intrusive. Fortunately, you have options to limit ad tracking and block ads.
Opting Out of Personalized Ads
If you’re uncomfortable with advertisers targeting you based on your personal data, you can opt out of personalized ads from some of the major ad networks.
Opting Out of Google Ads Personalization
Google allows you to opt out of personalized ads served by them and their advertising partners. This prevents Google from using your Google account activity and information to target ads. Here’s how to opt out:
- Go to adssettings.google.com while signed into your Google Account.
- Turn “Ad Personalization” off.
- You can also reset your advertising ID, which clears the data associated with that ID.
Keep in mind that opting out does not mean you’ll see fewer Google ads, just that they will be less relevant to your interests.
Opting Out of Facebook Ads Personalization
Facebook allows you to control the types of ads you see and advertisers who can target you in Ad Preferences. Here’s how to adjust your preferences:
- Click on the arrow in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy.”
- Go to “Settings” and click on “Ads.”
- Under “Ad settings” you can hide ad topics or block advertisers entirely.
- You can also turn off future ad targeting under “Ad targeting preferences.”
Keep in mind Facebook will still show you ads, they just won’t be based on your activity and information.
Opting Out at Other Ad Networks
Most major ad networks allow you to opt out of personalized advertising in one form or another. Look for an opt-out page or privacy settings within each network. Some common opt-out links include:
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/adpreferences
- Twitter: twitter.com/personalization
- Pinterest: help.pinterest.com/en/article/personalization-and-data
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/psettings/advertising (while signed in)
- Yahoo: ads.yahoo.com/online-advertising/
Opting out through these links prevents those companies from using your data to personalize ads shown by their ad networks. However, it does not prevent other ad networks from targeting you.
Using Your Browser to Block Ads
In addition to opting out of personalized ads, you can take broader action by blocking online ads altogether. The most effective way is to install an ad blocker in your web browser. Here are some top ad blockers to consider:
| Ad Blocker | Browsers Supported | Features |
|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera | Open source, lightweight, advanced filtering options |
| Adblock Plus | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Android | Customizable filters, easy opt-out lists, works across devices |
| AdBlock | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Opera | Blocks pop-ups, malware, tracking; whitelist trusted sites |
| Privacy Badger | Chrome, Firefox, Opera | Blocks invisible trackers; learns which to block over time |
These ad blocker extensions work by blocking requests to ad network domains or hiding ad content before it loads. Most allow you to customize filters to fine-tune which ads get blocked. Some even block invasive trackers that profile your browsing.
Note that mobile ad blocking is more limited. While there are some browsers and apps that block ads on mobile, this usually requires a third-party browser or a premium app subscription.
Consider supporting sites you value
Before blocking all ads, consider their role in supporting your favorite sites and content creators. Many websites rely on ad revenue to create valuable free content and services. If you block ads, consider supporting sites you value in other ways like:
- Paid subscriptions with ad-free options
- One-time donations or tips
- Affiliate links that give sites a small commission
- Merchandise purchases like apparel
- Enabling acceptable ads on sites you trust
Supporting sites financially can help ensure they stick around even if you opt to block their ads.
Other Ways to Reduce Ad Clutter
In addition to ad blocking tools, there are other techniques you can use to clean up your online ad experience:
- Avoid clicking ads: Clicking ads tells networks to send you more of that type.
- Browse privately: Use private/incognito browsing to prevent tracking.
- Clear cookies: Deleting cookies removes data used for ad targeting.
- Use password managers: Generate secure passwords to avoid data collection.
- Read privacy policies: Understand how sites collect and use your data.
- Monitor permissions: Be selective when enabling app permissions.
Being more mindful of how you browse, share data, and engage with ads can also let you take back some control.
Conclusion
Online advertising doesn’t have to be an unavoidable nuisance. While no single solution eliminates all ads, the strategies outlined above give you more control. Opting out of personalized ads, using ad blockers, and browsing smarter are all steps towards reducing disruptive, irrelevant, and invasive ads.
Keep in mind that quality online content often relies on ads to survive. Be selective about the tools you use and sites you block. Support trusted sites through paid memberships, donations, or enabling acceptable ads. With the right balance, you can browse more smoothly while still sustaining a healthy online ecosystem.
