Additionally, you can set Android to use an ad-blocking DNS server without apps. In Settings > Network & Internet > DNS, select “Private DNS” and set the hostname to a custom server, like base.dns.mullvad.net (Mullvad’s DNS server is free to the public, does not require a VPN subscription).
The per-app controls sound neat! I might give that a try. Google killed the ability to restrict apps’ network access years ago, specifically so ads would always work. I’ve never tried a local VPN as a workaround.
Horrific read!
Yet another reason why I use F-Droid and RethinkDNS with “Block newly installed apps by default” in the universal firewall rules enabled.
Only the absolute neccessary apps that I can’t live without (like my Swedish bank’s app) will be installed from Play Store.
Additionally, you can set Android to use an ad-blocking DNS server without apps. In Settings > Network & Internet > DNS, select “Private DNS” and set the hostname to a custom server, like base.dns.mullvad.net (Mullvad’s DNS server is free to the public, does not require a VPN subscription).
The per-app controls sound neat! I might give that a try. Google killed the ability to restrict apps’ network access years ago, specifically so ads would always work. I’ve never tried a local VPN as a workaround.
That works too, if you don’t use the DNS within RethinkDNS. At the moment, I subscribe to over 100 lists that mainly blocks ads.
deleted by creator
Yepp. I have used the Wireshark servers from Mullvad VPN for at least 1 year in RethinkDNS now. Works flawlessly.