How to Use a Free Ad Blocker for Chrome
Online users know that to access the internet, you’ve got to put up with various annoyances like pop-ups, ad-tracking, and dodging malware. We’re all familiar with closing ads that pop-up over what you’re actually trying to read. And we do our best to stay vigilant so that we don’t accidentally click on ads infected with malware. Thankfully, there’s a solution that helps you take back control over your web experience. All you need is a free ad blocker for Chrome! Preferably, AdBlock for Chrome, though we admit we may be a little biased.
Using a free ad blocker like AdBlock is easy to do.
- Head to getadblock.com from your Chrome browser and install our extension.
- …That’s it! AdBlock immediately begins working to block pop-ups and other intrusive ads the moment you install it.
If all you’re looking to do is block annoying ads, then you can install AdBlock and promptly forget about it. It’s that simple.
And if you’d like to customize the way you browse even more, keep reading!
Block Trackers with a Free Ad Blocker for Chrome
While you browse the web, advertisers use ad trackers to learn more about you. These trackers collect your personal information to build a profile about you so that advertisers can show you relevant, targeted ads. The goal of this is to make it as likely as possible for you to make a purchase.
While ad tracking can be helpful when it comes to showing users exactly what they need, it can also feel invasive. Ad trackers gather information like your search history and the web pages you’ve previously visited. They can collect how you interact with ads including when you click on them. They also collect purchase data — like what you have in your online shopping carts and what you’ve actually bought. What you share on social media is also useful information for ad trackers — like your age, location, interests, religion, etc. Trackers can also access your IP address, which gives advertisers an idea of your location. All of this information is used to show you ads tailored to your interests. This makes it much more likely that you’ll want to interact with the ad and make a purchase.
With AdBlock, you can block some of these ad trackers using the EasyPrivacy filter list. EasyPrivacy can prevent ads from tracking your online activities by blocking the trackers advertisers use to know what sites you visit. If you’d like to learn more about subscribing to this filter list, you can find the instructions here. (Please note that using this filter list may cause issues on sites that rely on third-party trackers, like many banking sites do. You can typically work around that by adding sites to your allowlist, though this will unblock ads on those sites, too.)
Reduce Malicious Ads with a Free Ad Blocker for Chrome
Malicious ads are ads infected with malware — software that sneaks onto your computer in order to steal data and/or damage your device. There are many different types of malware, including viruses and spyware. Some ads contain malware, infecting your device if you click on them.
When you use AdBlock for Chrome, you’re blocking pop-ups and intrusive ads, which means you’re reducing the chances of seeing a malicious ad. AdBlock also blocks ads that trick people into installing malware disguised as genuine apps, which can steal passwords and install ransomware. And it can act as an alert system to the potential for adware on your computer. If you’re inundated with pop-ups and AdBlock is turned on, it’s a good idea to check your computer for malware.
Support a Healthy Web with a Free Ad Blocker for Chrome
At AdBlock, we believe that a healthy web means a balanced ecosystem between users, publishers, and advertisers. Ad revenue helps many websites and content creators survive so that they can continue to publish their work. That’s why when you use AdBlock for Chrome, you’re able to be in control of which content creators you’d like to support, if any. All you have to do is allow ads on the specific site or YouTube channel that you want to support. Of course, the control is in your hands! And you can just as easily remove a site if you no longer want to see ads there. For instructions on adding to your allowlist, click here.
Using a free ad blocker for Chrome is as easy as 1–2–3. In fact, it’s even easier since all there is to do is the one step of downloading the extension! With AdBlock for Chrome, you’ll be blocking pop-ups and other intrusive ads right away. And you can further customize your web experience by blocking trackers and supporting creators YOU want to.
To give AdBlock for Chrome a try, head to getadblock.com from your Chrome browser. And let us know if you have any questions at help@getadblock.com.
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