Block Ads in Android Apps

**ndno** · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2011, 04:08 PM

EDIT: You don't need my instructions below unless you want to experiment. manekineko says is simpler just to download AdFree from the Market.

OK, I just tested this out and it works. Basically, listed below are the instructions to block ads from showing up in Android Apps (usually the free ones from the market). I found this trick by searching through Google.

Quote:

This modification blocks advertisements from being displayed on your phone as well as statistics data that may be collected by websites you visit. These statistics can include your location, browser type, device type, how long you’re on a web page, and more. This mod blocks that info from being sent as well. Enjoy your ad-free Android phone.

So here are the instructions. This assumes you know how to edit the conf/froyo.user.conf file. For illustration purpose, I assume your Android files (zImage, rootfs.img, system.ext2, startup.txt, etc) are located in the "andboot" directory on your SD card (if not, adjust the instructions below accordingly):

Download the attachment (hosts.zip) and extract it. The extracted file is "hosts"; copy it to your "andboot" directory on your SD card.
Edit the froyo.conf.user file located in your andboot/conf directory and add the following line to the custom_shells section at the end:

Quote:

mount --bind /sdcard/andboot/hosts /system/etc/hosts
Save froyo.conf.user
That's it! When you boot into Android, the ads should be blocked.

NOTE: I don't know of any bad side effects as I just started testing for a couple hours. I hope this prevents wasted data communication bandwidth used to download unwanted ads.

EDIT: I have tested this on the FRX04 and Tiad8's BLAZN builds.
Hope you enjoy this "early" easter egg.

**arrrghhh** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2011, 04:14 PM

Say goodbye to free apps...

**ndno** · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrrghhh

Say goodbye to free apps...

Hmmm... you're right. That's how Google makes their money.

**arrrghhh** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndno

Hmmm... you're right. That's how Google makes their money.

Yea as much as I hate the ads, that's how they're able to provide so many free apps... As I understand it, the Apple Store doesn't have nearly as much free stuff... I don't want to see that happen to the Market.

manekineko · #5 (**permalink**) 02-24-2011, 04:35 PM

There's a lot easier way. If you want to block ads, you can just download AdFree, which does the same thing with the hosts file for you.

**ndno** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-24-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manekineko

There's a lot easier way. If you want to block ads, you can just download AdFree, which does the same thing with the hosts file for you.

I guess I'm a moron. Didn't know such an app existed. It'll be an irony if there's ads showing up in AdFree. I'm surprised Google allowed that app on its Market. Thanks for the heads up.

I was searching how to replace the phone dialer in the FRX04 build last night and came across the "hosts" hack but I guess I never researched a little more.

EDIT: that hosts file is HUGE! I guess the negative effect of this (besides Google taking away free apps) is that IP stack has to go through that huge list every time there's a DNS request, which means more processing time or slower connection time.

slipdoozy · #7 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 12:43 AM

Hi guys just trying the ad removing script. i currently have this...

.....allow allocation)
}

# custom shell commands, these commands run last
custom_shells{
chmod 777 /etc/dbus.conf
#echo "Hello!!!" # example
rm -f /sdcard/*.rec
modprobe ipv6
}
question is where do i imput this line of code below oh yeah im not using andboot so i took out the andboot folder and using this instead if thats ok?

"mount --bind /sdcard/hosts /system/etc/hosts" i know remove the quotes right? help very new to this. i do not have any problems running andriod right now. even OC'd to 787 no problems at that speed. except battery life SUCKS... Thank you for your help guys.

**ndno** · #8 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipdoozy

Hi guys just trying the ad removing script. i currently have this...

.....allow allocation)
}

# custom shell commands, these commands run last
custom_shells{
chmod 777 /etc/dbus.conf
#echo "Hello!!!" # example
rm -f /sdcard/*.rec
modprobe ipv6
}
question is where do i imput this line of code below oh yeah im not using andboot so i took out the andboot folder and using this instead if thats ok?

"mount --bind /sdcard/hosts /system/etc/hosts" i know remove the quotes right? help very new to this. i do not have any problems running andriod right now. even OC'd to 787 no problems at that speed. except battery life SUCKS... Thank you for your help guys.

Just download AdFree from the Market; it's a lot easier.

bilson · #9 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 02:11 PM

AdFree works great. It pays to check the most popular & can't live without app threads.

slipdoozy · #10 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndno

Just download AdFree from the Market; it's a lot easier.

i know it would be easier but im thinking i dont really need another app running and taking up cycles and memory. just a thought for my own "sh*ts and giggles". thank you for the responce. ill just guess where the line goes.