If you’re wondering how to stop ads on Facebook, you are not the only one. Facebook is nice in so many ways but its recent monetization experiments leave much to be desired. With so many sponsored posts and newly arrived in-messenger advertising, it’s not surprising you want to block Facebook ads completely.
The bad news is that Facebook cares about its revenue, which is why there’s no magic “remove ads” button in your profile settings. All Facebook allows you to do is customize your ad preferences. This doesn’t mean you’ll see fewer ads, but at least they’ll be better tailored to your interests. The good news is you can stop ads on Facebook completely with quality, third-party software.
How to Remove Facebook Ads that Are Irrelevant to You
There are 2 things you can do to start seeing more relevant ads on Facebook. The first one is to provide regular feedback. This option won’t help you remove all Facebook ads, but at least you will get rid of the most unhelpful ones. Here’s what to do:
- When you see a sponsored post you don’t like, click the three-dots button in the upper right corner of the post.
- Click “Hide Ad” if you want to see fewer ads of this kind in the future or “Report Ad” if you find it offensive in some way.
- If you choose to hide the ad, Facebook will ask you to explain your reason. You can mark the ad as irrelevant, misleading/offensive, or as one that’s been chasing you for too long.
The second option is to head over to your profile settings and customize your preferences in more detail. Here’s how:
- Click the small triangle in the upper right corner of your Facebook page and pick “Settings.”
- Pick the “Ads” section in the left part of your screen. This will take you to your Ad Preferences dashboard.
- Click “Your Interests” and make sure the information is accurate. The more details about your interests you reveal, the more personalized ads you will see.
- Click “Your Information” to see and adjust the categories you’re part of (age, relationship status, job title, etc). Some advertisers use this information as their targeting criteria.
- Click “Ad Settings” and indicate whether or not you allow Facebook to use data of your behavior on sites and apps other than Facebook for targeting purposes.
- Click “Hide Ad Topics” to ban ads on specific topics such as alcohol, parenting, or pets.
How to Stop Ads on Facebook with an Ad Blocker
If customizing ads is not enough for you (and this is something we totally relate to), there is a plan B. Luckily, you can completely stop Facebook ads by outsmarting the platform.
Recommended for You
Webcast, March 22nd: Automating App Retention and Engagement
All you need is to install a system-level ad blocker and let it do the job for you. Not only will this help you stop ads on Facebook, but it will also block different types of ads on other websites and apps (unless you choose to set your preferences otherwise).
Unlike the majority of ad blockers that work as browser extensions, StopAd works on a deeper level, which makes it possible to block ads in apps, too. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about installing an ad blocker for every browser you use. Other benefits of StopAds quality, system-level ad blocking software include:
- Complete out-of-the-box ad blocking, for pop-ups, banners, auto-play, and video ads—no exceptions
- Powerful security and protection features to stop data tracking, malware, and phishing attacks
- Effective cryptomining and cryptojacking protection
- Simple whitelisting and customization options
- Quick 24/7 customer support
How to Block Ads in Facebook Messenger
In-messenger ads are likely the most intrusive form of advertising we’ve seen on Facebook so far. Unlike sponsored posts in your newsfeed, which at least look native, in-messenger ads are highly distracting. They take more space on your screen than actual dialogues with your friends and make navigating your inbox frustrating.
Since in-messenger ads on Facebook are relatively new, there is currently no technology for blocking these ads—yet. We take complete ad blocking seriously.