Getting rid of ads on Facebook is a common desire for users who want a cleaner, more streamlined experience. By following some straightforward steps, users can significantly reduce or even eliminate the ads they see on their Facebook feed. This guide will walk you through the process of minimizing or blocking ads on Facebook in just a few easy-to-follow steps.
How to Get Rid of Ads on Facebook
This section will guide you on how to limit or block ads on Facebook. By tweaking your ad preferences and using browser extensions, you can create a more pleasant browsing experience.
Step 1: Go to Your Facebook Settings
Head to your Facebook account settings by clicking on the small downward arrow at the top right of the screen.
Your account settings page is the control center for all your Facebook preferences. Once there, you’ll be able to navigate to the section specifically for ads.
Step 2: Select “Ad Preferences”
In the settings menu, find “Ad Preferences” and click on it. This will take you to the area where you can manage the ads you see.
The “Ad Preferences” section is where Facebook gives you some control over the types of ads you’re shown. You’ll find options to manage your interests, advertisers you’ve interacted with, and even the data Facebook uses to show you ads.
Step 3: Adjust Your Ad Settings
Under Ad Preferences, you’ll see several categories like “Your Interests,” “Advertisers,” and “Ad Settings.” Click on each category to make adjustments.
In “Your Interests,” you can remove topics that Facebook thinks you’re interested in. Under “Advertisers,” you can hide ads from certain advertisers. In “Ad Settings,” you can choose not to see ads based on your online activity.
Step 4: Use an Ad Blocker
For more control, install an ad blocker extension on your web browser, such as Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin.
An ad blocker can completely eliminate ads from your Facebook feed when you browse on a desktop. These tools work by blocking requests to ad servers, making your browsing experience faster and cleaner.
Step 5: Report Unwanted Ads
If you still see ads that are intrusive or irrelevant, use the “Report Ad” feature on Facebook to let the platform know.
Reporting ads helps Facebook understand what types of ads you find inappropriate or annoying. Over time, this can result in fewer ads that you find bothersome.
After completing these steps, you should notice a significant reduction in the number of ads on your Facebook feed. While it’s hard to completely eliminate all ads, these methods will make your browsing experience much more enjoyable.
Tips to Get Rid of Ads on Facebook
- Update Your Interests Regularly: Keep an eye on your ad preferences and update them periodically to ensure you’re not shown ads for topics you’re no longer interested in.
- Clear Your Browser Cookies: Cookies can track your browsing behavior. Clearing them regularly can help reduce targeted ads.
- Use Private Browsing: Incognito or private browsing modes can help prevent the collection of data that leads to targeted ads.
- Limit App Permissions: Be cautious about the permissions you grant to apps connected to your Facebook account. Some apps share data that can be used for ads.
- Stay Informed: Facebook’s ad policies and settings change frequently. Stay updated to make sure you’re using the latest options to control ads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely remove ads from Facebook?
Not entirely. While ad blockers and adjusting your preferences can significantly reduce the number of ads, completely removing them is not possible.
Why does Facebook show me ads?
Facebook uses ads to generate revenue. They show you ads based on your interests, behaviors, and data from third-party websites.
Do ad blockers work on mobile devices?
Ad blockers can work on mobile browsers but are less effective on the Facebook app itself. Consider using a browser with built-in ad blocking for mobile use.
Will using an ad blocker affect my Facebook account?
No, using an ad blocker won’t affect your Facebook account. It simply blocks ads from appearing on your feed.
How often should I update my ad preferences?
It’s a good idea to review and update your ad preferences every few months to ensure you’re seeing the most relevant content.
Summary
- Go to Your Facebook Settings
- Select “Ad Preferences”
- Adjust Your Ad Settings
- Use an Ad Blocker
- Report Unwanted Ads
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of ads on Facebook can dramatically improve your social media experience. By adjusting your ad preferences, using ad blockers, and reporting unwanted ads, you can take control of what you see on your feed. Remember, while it may not be possible to completely eliminate all ads, these steps will help you minimize them significantly.
For further reading, explore Facebook’s own help center or look into advanced ad-blocking tools that offer more customizable options. Happy ad-free browsing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.