How to Stop Ads on My Phone

Stopping ads on your phone involves a combination of using built-in settings, downloading ad-blocking apps, and adjusting your browser settings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you reduce or stop ads on your Android or iOS device:

1. Block Ads on Android Devices

A. Using Built-In Settings

  1. Disable Personalization
  • Go to Settings > Google > Ads.
  • Turn on Opt out of Ads Personalization.
  1. Restrict Background Data
  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
  • Select the app you want to restrict and toggle Restrict Background Data.

B. Using Ad-Blocking Apps

  1. AdGuard
  • Download AdGuard from the AdGuard website or the Play Store.
  • Follow the installation instructions and enable the necessary permissions.
  1. Blokada
  • Download Blokada from the official website or the Play Store.
  • Open the app, and enable ad blocking.

C. Using a Private DNS

  1. Configure Private DNS
  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
  • Select Private DNS provider hostname.
  • Enter a provider like dns.adguard.com or dns.quad9.net and save.

D. Adjusting Browser Settings

  1. Chrome Browser
  • Open Chrome and go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects.
  • Toggle the switch to block pop-ups and redirects.
  • Go to Settings > Site settings > Ads and toggle to block ads.
  1. Firefox Browser
  • Open Firefox and go to Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection.
  • Choose Strict to block trackers and ads.

2. Block Ads on iOS Devices

A. Using Built-In Settings

  1. Limit Ad Tracking
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising.
  • Toggle Personalized Ads to off.

B. Using Ad-Blocking Apps

  1. AdGuard for iOS
  • Download AdGuard from the App Store.
  • Follow the setup instructions and enable ad blocking in Safari.
  1. 1Blocker
  • Download 1Blocker from the App Store.
  • Open the app, configure the settings, and enable it in Safari via Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.

C. Adjusting Browser Settings

  1. Safari Browser
  • Go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.
  • Enable your chosen content blocker (e.g., AdGuard, 1Blocker).
  • Go to Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups and toggle to on.
  • Go to Settings > Safari > Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and toggle to on.

3. General Tips for Both Android and iOS

A. Avoiding Intrusive Apps

  1. Check App Permissions
  • Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications) > Select an app > Permissions.
  • Disable unnecessary permissions that may allow intrusive ads.
  1. Uninstall Ad-Heavy Apps
  • Identify and uninstall apps that are known for displaying excessive ads.

B. Using a Secure Browser

  1. Download Brave Browser
  • Brave Browser blocks ads and trackers by default. Download it from the Play Store or App Store.

C. Using a VPN with Ad-Blocking

  1. NordVPN or ProtonVPN
  • Some VPNs, like NordVPN or ProtonVPN, offer built-in ad-blocking features.
  • Download and subscribe to a VPN service with ad-blocking capabilities, then enable the ad-blocking feature in the app settings.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce or stop ads on your Android or iOS device, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable mobile experience.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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