Best App To Block Ads On Mac

I am using this app for a year and believe me I don’t have any tension. The best thing is you can download Facebook video on it. It can save you battery, storage, and internet data. It is just an 8MB app and has over 1 million-plus install in the Play Store. It will stop pop up, sponsored, and video ads also. Block Facebook Ads using Friendly. Block ads in Safari using Reader mode Strictly speaking, if you want to block adverts in Safari on the Mac you'll need to install third-party ad-blocking software - and we'll talk about that in a. SEE ALSO: 6 Best Pomodoro Timer Apps for Mac to Enhance Productivity Install These App Blocker Apps to Boost Productivity. Not being able to procrastinate when there is a world full of entertainment waiting in your phone is not an easy task, but with the help of the aforementioned app blocker apps, it doesn’t seem that difficult after all. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings Safari and turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning. On your Mac, you can find these options in Safari Preferences. The Websites tab includes options to block some or all pop-up windows, and you can turn on fraudulent site warnings in the Security tab. Pop-ups and ads in Safari.

  1. Best App To Block Ads On Mac Computer
  2. Best App To Block Ads On Macbook Air

Ads are the cornerstone of the digital economy. That’s why blocking them becomes more difficult each year. And, sadly, ad blockers cannot eliminate all ads that keep popping up on your screen. In this article, we’ll teach you a few methods of reducing web pop-ups, and we’ll take a look at some of the best Mac ad blocking options.

Yes, Macs might be safer from viruses and malware, but not from ads, adware, pop-ups, and cookies that help advertisers retarget ads at you wherever you go. Digital adverts are everywhere. The more time you spend online, the more you will see, even embedded in apps and Facebook messenger.

But first, a more effective way how to remove ads on Mac is to clear out potential web pop-ups that continue to direct ads to your Mac. What this usually means is you are infected with malware. Some signs of this include:

  • More pop-ups and ads than you would normally expect when browsing the web;
  • Suddenly getting redirected away from a page you were visiting;
  • ‘Recommended updates’ and other indicators that you need a certain piece of seemingly legitimate software.

Why remove ads?

Blocking ads don't just improve your browsing experience. Hp utility software download for mac. It could also prevent malware and other viruses from gaining a foothold in your Mac. Cybercriminals are getting smarter. They need to find clever ways to steal data, find your payment details, passwords, and sell or make use of this online.

It is worth installing anti-virus to add another layer of protection to your Mac. Adware scripts (that you may not be aware of) drain your browser memory. This renders even a new Mac unbearably slow. The good news is Mac anti-viruses are too getting smarter these days.

For example, CleanMyMac X by MacPaw has found a niche in removing macOS-specific viruses. Its anti-virus database lists a few hundreds of latest adware infections.


Now, onto the issue of finding the most suitable solutions for blocking ads.

How to remove ads on Mac?

  1. Block ads in Safari

Safari users have huge control over pop-ups in this browser. Safari lets you manage the list of websites allowed to show pop-ups and then blocks pop-up windows on those particular sites. To set these restrictions, go to Safari Preferences, choose the Websites tab, and block pop-ups on the currently open websites.

Safari does all it can to prevent pop-ups and any fraudulent website warnings. These are ads that use phishing techniques to make you think you need to download something from Apple or other legitimate software companies. We will outline ways to remove these nasty pieces of software further down this article.

Another way to remove pop-ups in Safari is to check Extensions. You should find this menu option in the same place and should have the same option to remove any browser extensions that you don't want or need. You should recognize every extension because at one point you would have had to agree to download and install (Safari doesn't let it happen any other way); malware and other viruses hide in other places across your Mac, so they are unlikely to appear with other browser extensions.

When you are browsing the web, and a pop-up appears, Apple recommends going to a new browser tab and closing the original. Interacting with a pop-up could cause you to click through to it or accidentally download malicious software. Many pop-ups are legitimate adverts; however, some are there to trick people, with ‘close’ buttons that send web visitors through to the link, with some of them ending up in a rough neighborhood of the web.

Destroying hidden adware extensions

Some extensions behave more covertly than that. There are entities called launch agents that play a supporting role for other apps on your Mac. And after you’ve deleted the main app, its launch agent could still be bombarding you with notifications.
To find such hidden extensions on your Mac you may use a free version of CleanMyMac X.

  1. Install the CleanMyMac X (this tool is notarized by Apple)
  2. Open the tab called “Extensions”
  3. Find all suspicious items and click Disable

Look through the tabs under Internet Plugins and Preference Panes. Be vigilant: adware may have perfectly innocent names.

Common adware extensions

Some of the most common include VSearch, Conduit, Genieo, GoPhoto, Jollywallet, Savekeep, MacShop, Yontoo, Shopper Helper Pro, Slick Savings, PallMall, and Awesome Screenshot. These malicious pieces of tech are bundled into other seemingly legitimate downloads or email attachments, even social media images, and videos, and once you've clicked accept, most anti-virus programs believe they're approved by the Mac user.

2. How to remove ads from Google Chrome

Always make sure you are using the most up-to-date version of Chrome. Security updates prevent some of the latest viruses and cyber threats, making it always worthwhile to click 'yes' to an update.

To manage pop-ups in Chrome, enter chrome://settings into the browser address bar and then go to 'Privacy and security.' Here, click 'Site settings.' Make sure the 'Pop-ups and redirects' are blocked.

Now, let's check your extensions and make sure there are no adware-related ones.

  1. Launch the Chrome browser.
  2. Enter this line into the address bar: chrome://extensions

If you find any extension you either don't need or don't recognize, click the Remove button.

Now, we'll reset settings to refresh your Chrome

  • Click Chrome > Preferences.. (in the top menu).
  • Click on Advanced > Reset settings.

Now everything that was causing pop-ups and unwanted ads to appear, including software that uses phishing tactics and browser extensions that are a cover for malware, should be removed.

3. Block ads in Firefox

Make sure you are using the latest version of Firefox. Preventing the latest cyber threats is one of the main reasons software companies insist on so many updates.

To make sure pop-ups are disabled in Firefox, enter about:preferences in the browser address bar. Then, go to Privacy&Security. Here, check the box next to 'Block pop-up windows.'

To check for malicious extensions in Firefox, you can follow this set of steps:

  1. Launch Firefox.

  2. Go to the Apple menu bar, click Tools.

  3. Tools > Add-ons.

  4. This takes you to the Add-ons manager page. In the left-hand side pane, you will find Extensions. If you find anything suspicious or that you don't need anymore, click Remove. You can also find these same options within the latest version of Firefox, within a series of menu options in the top right hand of your browser, below the tabs.

  5. To reset Firefox, go to Help and select Troubleshooting Information.

  6. On this page, you will find Reset Firefox to its default state. Click Reset Firefox.

Best App To Block Ads On Mac Computer

With that done, all add-ons and extensions will be automatically removed, which should remove a lot of the problems caused by unwanted ads and pop-ups.

Remove adware with CleanMyMac

Best App To Block Ads On Mac

So far we've been using the built-in security tools of your browser. But to fully eliminate ads, you'll likely need a dedicated ad cleaner. Most ad blockers block ad offers proactively and this is fine. But to deal with adware infections, you will need to somehow detect their existing presence on your Mac.
CleanMyMac X is a tool that has been recently notarized by Apple. You can use it in 3 ways:

  • To delete browser extensions (including the hidden ones)
  • Uninstall apps that could contain ads
  • Detect malware and viruses

According to 'Objective by the Sea' (a security conference), 20% of Macs contain PUPs or potentially unwanted applications. This type of malware is exactly what CleanMyMac X detects. It also checks for hidden cryptocurrency miners, spyware, and worms that are also found on Macs.

  1. Launch CleanMyMac X.
  2. Choose Malware Removal in the sidebar.

While you are in CleanMyMac X, choose Uninstaller in the sidebar. It will dig out all software that is installed on your Mac. This includes normally hidden and unused apps.

You may also want to download ad-blocking software, so here are a few that are recommended.

Use third-party Ad blockers

1. AdBlock Plus (ABP) is a popular option to block ads in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. It comes with custom filters, including a “non-intrusive advertising” whitelist, so you can keep helping media and websites you like while not seeing ads and pop-ups you don’t.

2. AdBlock - not related to ABP - has Safari, Chrome, and Opera options. Ads are blocked from known adservers and you can add others to your blacklist while maintaining a whitelist, similar to ABP.

3. AdBlocker Ultimate comes with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and is proud to have taken no money from media companies and blocks everything it possibly can. AdBlocker Ultimate also blocks known malware, adware, and tracking domains.

There are, of course, dozens of more options for how to remove ads on Mac. Safe to say, your browser should be an ad, pop-up, and malware-free if you take the steps outlined in this article.

Frequently asked questions

How to find out what app is causing pop-ups?

It’s not often apparent what app is showing pop-ups on your Mac. The best way to detect malicious app or program is to scan your Mac with antivirus software. You can run a malware scan with CleanMyMac X. It identifies the malicious agents and offers immediate removal.

How to get rid of Google ads?

Google ads are usually displayed on various websites, and unfortunately, you can’t completely close or control them manually. You could use some of the ad blockers we listed above. They block all pop-ups and banners that appear on most websites.

These might also interest you:

If you have a teenager or a kid in the house, then you should certainly consider using porn blocking apps. If they get access to porn at such an early age, then it can tamper with their natural mental growth. So it is parents' duty to protect kids from any indecent or inappropriate content, including porn. Thankfully, there are different ways of blocking porn. In this guide, we will suggest you the 10 best porn blocker apps so that you can easily learn how to block porn on your kid's smartphones.

10 Best Porn Blocking Apps of 2020

Best App To Block Ads On Mac

To avoid this, you can use porn blockers. These apps can restrict their access to any indecent or inappropriate website. Most of these apps also have an automatic content filter that will make sure your kids would only access age-appropriate content. You can enable these filters and even manually block certain websites (or apps) that you find inappropriate.

1. FamiSafe Porn Blocker App

FamiSafe porn blocking App is certainly the best porn blocking app that you can use. Since it is extremely user-friendly and can block porn content in an all-round way, you won't face any trouble learning how to block porn apps or adult sites on your kid's phone. Besides, parents can also monitor social medial texts containing porn keywords or detect porn images. The porn filter app is compatible with every leading Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Kindle Fire devices.

  • Enable SafeSearch to filter out explicit search results on mainstream browsers.
  • Block porn keywords to be searched on search engines.
  • Remotely block any porn app or adult website on different types of devices.
  • Automatic filter porn website and monitor deleted or private browser history.
  • Send alerts when kids open porn apps or search porn.
  • There is an easy solution to allow certain websites, add exceptions, and block them anytime you want.
  • It also has an advanced explicit text messages detection on main social media apps.
  • It can track porn images on kids' phone galleries and send alerts to parents on time.

Best App To Block Ads On Macbook Air

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  • Web Filter & SafeSearch
  • Screen Time Limit & Schedule
  • Location Tracking & Driving Report
  • App Blocker & App Activity Tracker
  • YouTube History Monitor & Video Blocker
  • Social Media Texts & Porn Images Alerts
  • *Works on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire

2. Norton Family Parental Control

The next spot on our list is from the house of Norton. The parental control tool has a dedicated feature to block all kinds of content that would be inappropriate for your kids.

  • It has an automatic content filtering feature
  • It can also filter content with respect to the age of your kid.
  • Comes with other parental control features too
  • Supports Android and iOS

3. Safe Surfer Porn Blocker Android App

If your kids use an Android phone, then you can use this app for blocking porn websites. The only drawback is that your kids can bypass this filter by uninstalling the app.

  • It supports all kinds of entertainment apps and all the leading browsers like Safari, Chrome, Opera, etc.
  • You can manually enter the websites you wish to block
  • Free with in-app purchases
  • Supports Android 5.0+

4. OurPact Porn Blocking App

OurPact is a user-friendly app that brings the entire family together. Besides accessing its scheduling features, you can also use it to block porn as well.

  • You can filter the content related to your kid's age
  • It can help you control how much time your kids spend on their phones.
  • Automatic web filtering feature
  • Works on leading Android and iOS devices

5. Kidslox Porn Blocking app

With this user-friendly app, it would be quite easy to learn how to block porn on any smartphone remotely.

  • You can remotely block any porn website on the target device
  • Advanced content filtering
  • Your kids can't uninstall the app
  • Supports cross-platform integration (Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac)

6. xBlock Porn Blocker

This is one of the most widely used porn blocking apps for iOS devices. After making a one-time purchase of $14.99, you can start using it to block porn and inappropriate content.

  • It has an inbuilt list of hundreds of pornographic websites.
  • Password protection is integrated
  • Compatible with all the major browsers
  • Works on iOS 10 and later versions

7. Spin Safe Browser

Spin is a safe browser that can actively be used for blocking porn. It supports all the major search engines and has an advanced algorithm for automatic content filtering.

  • Support safe browsing on leading search engines
  • Dynamic content filtering is provided
  • Available for free
  • Supports Android and iOS devices
  • Easy to bypass restrictions by uninstalling the app

8. SecureTeen Parental Control

If you have a teenager in the house, then you should certainly consider using this porn blocking app. Besides smartphones, you can apply restrictions on computers too.

  • Content filtering algorithm to block violent and pornographic content
  • You can also block any app remotely
  • View their browsing history and internet activity
  • Works on iOS, Android, and Windows

9. Porn Block Plus

Out of all the iOS apps available for blocking porn, this one is highly recommended. Freely available, it can set automatic porn filters.

  • Can block porn websites on Safari and other browsers
  • The app is solely dedicated for blocking porn
  • Freely available (basic version)
  • Works on iOS 9.0 and later versions

10. Anti Porn App

The app certainly lives up to its name. It is available for leading Android devices and will let you filter inappropriate websites on the go.

  • Simply enable or disable the porn blocking shield with a tap.
  • Available in different languages
  • Freely available
  • Supports Android 4.0 and later versions

What can FamiSafe do more than blocking porn?

As you can see, out of all the provided options, FamiSafe is considered as the best way for blocking porn on your kid's smartphones. But FamiSafe can not only can block porn apps and sites but also can monitor dangerous porn messages and images on kids' devices. Here are some of the specific reasons that make it the best choice to block porn:

  • There are automatic content (website and app) blocking and filtering features that FamiSafe offers.
  • You can also remotely track your kids or know their past location history and get alert when they are in a dangerous place.
  • It can also help you set strict schedules for the device usage or block the device for a certain location or duration like sleep time, homework time, or school time.
  • Monitor the app activity of the phone and get reports and alerts whenever a new app is installed.
  • There is no need to root/jailbreak the device
  • Monitor dangerous social media messages with keyword alerts, covering Instagram, Facebook, Kik, YouTube, and other main social apps.
  • Also, FamiSafe can detect porn pictures on kids' phone galleries and then send real-time warnings to parents.

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  • Web Filtering & Blocker
  • Location Tracking & Geo-fencing
  • App Blocker & App Activity Tracker
  • Screen Time Limit & Schedule
  • Social Media Texts & Porn Images Monitoring

Now when you know about all these major porn blocking apps, you can certainly provide a safe online environment for your kids. Simply block all porn on your kid's smartphone and start monitoring the way they use their device. Enable content filters and restrictions on the device remotely and take a thoughtful step towards rightful parenting.