Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords) are everywhere you turn online. From search results to the websites you visit, they’re a powerful way for businesses to reach you. While Google Ads can be helpful in discovering new products or services, they can sometimes feel overwhelming or irrelevant.

Luckily, you have control over the Google Ads you see. Whether you want to fine-tune your ad experience, learn how to set up your own Google Ads campaigns, or completely stop Google Ads from appearing, this guide has you covered.

Let’s start by understanding how Google Ads work. Knowing the basics will empower you to make informed choices about your online experience.

How to Control the Ads You See?

It’s important to understand that Google Ads are often tailored to your online activity. This means you might see ads based on your previous searches, websites you visit, and even the content of your emails. Here’s how to adjust your experience:

1. Google’s Built-In Tools

My Ad Center: The hub for personalizing your ads, found at https://myadcenter.google.com/. Here, you can:

• Like or dislike specific ad topics or brands.
• See a history of ads Google has shown you.
• Block individual ads that you find irrelevant or annoying.

Personalized Ads Settings: Navigate to your Google Account settings and find “Privacy & Security.” Controlling whether personalized ads are “on” or “off” greatly impacts the types of ads you see.

2. Browser-Based Blocking

Ad-Blocking Extensions: Tools like AdBlock Plus, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery can be installed on most popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.). They work by blocking a wide range of ads across different websites.

These extensions might disrupt the functionality of some websites that rely on advertising for income.

3. Reporting Offensive Ads

• When to Report: If you see a Google Ad that promotes false information, is offensive, or violates Google’s ad policies, reporting is the best action.
• Instructions: Most Google Ads have an option to “Report this ad.” This sends feedback to Google and helps protect other users.

You don’t have to accept every ad Google shows you. These tools offer varying levels of control, from tweaking preferences to broader ad blocking.

Limiting Ads on Specific Devices

The way you manage Google Ads will differ slightly depending on whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Let’s break it down:

1. Android Settings

1. Go to your device’s Settings app.
2. Locate the “Privacy” section (sometimes within “Google” settings).
3. Tap on “Ads.”
4. You can:

• Reset your Advertising ID. This gives you a fresh start with less targeted ads.
• Delete your Advertising ID for even less personalization.

2. iPhone/iPad Settings

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to “Safari.”
3. Toggle on “Prevent Cross-site Tracking.” This limits how advertisers follow you across different websites.
4. Tap “Privacy & Security” then “Tracking” to restrict ad tracking within apps.

3. Chrome Settings

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings.
2. Select “Privacy and Security.”
3. Here, you can:

• Adjust your ad personalization settings (this impacts ads on Google services like Search and YouTube).
• Block intrusive pop-ups and redirects. This stops annoying ads from taking over your screen.

These settings won’t stop all ads. Many apps and websites use their own advertising systems.

Why I’m Still Seeing Google Ads?

Even after adjusting your settings and using ad-blocking tools, you might still encounter some Google Ads. Here’s why that happens and what you can do:

• The Importance of Personalized Ads: Surprisingly, turning personalized ads “off” can sometimes lead to more ads, just less relevant ones. Consider experimenting with this setting to see what works best for you.
• Retargeting: Have you ever visited a website, then seen ads for the same product elsewhere? This is retargeting – extremely persistent, and hard to escape completely.
• Beyond Google’s Network: Many websites use other ad networks. Settings changes within Google won’t necessarily block these.
• Advanced Techniques: For the most tech-savvy users, options like firewall settings and specialized ad-blocking software offer the deepest control (but with increased complexity).

Tips: Browser extensions plus adjusting Google’s own settings provide a multi-pronged approach. In today’s ad-heavy internet, complete elimination is difficult. These strategies focus on maximizing your control.

Alternatives to Google’s Ad Network

While Google dominates online advertising, it’s not the only option. Here are a few alternatives to explore:

1. Privacy-Focused Search Engines

• DuckDuckGo: Emphasizes not tracking your search history, making targeted ads less prevalent (https://duckduckgo.com/).
• Startpage: Utilizes Google search results but anonymizes your searches, ensuring your data isn’t used for ad targeting (https://www.startpage.com/).
• Other options: Explore search engines like Qwant or Brave Search for their privacy-centric approaches.

2. Social Media Advertising

• Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer targeted advertising options.
• Ads can sometimes blend more seamlessly into social feeds, potentially feeling less intrusive.

3. Direct Outreach and Content Marketing

• Building an email list for your own business? This bypasses ad networks entirely.
• Creating valuable content (blogs, videos, etc.) attracts audiences organically, reducing the need to rely on paid advertising.

Note: Privacy-focused search engines might have fewer “smart” features compared to Google. Exploring different ad platforms or content marketing takes time and a different skillset.

When You Run Google Ads: Pausing or Cancelling Campaigns

There are times when you might want to take a break from running Google Ads, or stop them altogether. Here’s the breakdown:

• Pausing vs. Cancelling