Have you ever felt like your phone is listening to you? If you’ve chatted with a friend about buying a product, then had ads pop up on Facebook for that product, it may have felt a bit spooky.

When you shop online or search the internet, websites can track information about your buying habits. You may be disclosing more personal data than you know. That may not be what you signed up for.

You may get tons of unwanted Facebook ads when all you want to do is see the latest news about your friends. If browsing Facebook has become more of a hassle than a form of entertainment, you can stop those ads. Keep reading to find out how to block these ads by using an ad blocker and adjusting your Facebook settings. 

How to stop ads on Facebook

When you want to stop seeing all those Facebook ads, you can use ad blockers, internet browsers that block ads — and there are Facebook preferences that you can change.

Facebook lets you block specific types of ads, or hide the ads you don’t like. You can go into the settings and adjust the preferences to reflect your tastes. You have more control than you may think over the ads you see on Facebook. You can even hide ads from a certain advertiser and not see them again. We will discuss specific steps about these options so you can choose the right one(s) for you.

1. Use an ad blocker

An ad blocker removes advertisements that intrude while you’re on the internet. When you visit a site, the ad blocker checks for anything that’s blacklisted and flags it as advertising material.

Blocking ads on Facebook is helpful when it comes to malware, also. Many ads contain viruses you could potentially download to your device. It is always best to have antivirus software installed on your devices, in addition to other ad-blocking techniques.

Many ad blockers will remove Facebook ads, but not all of them work. You may have to experiment to find the best one.

You can choose ad blocker apps for your mobile device or download ad-blocker extensions that work with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Many will work with other browsers, as well.

A few of the popular options for ad blockers include the following:

• Total Adblock: Total Adblock is an easy, hands-free solution ad blocker. The free browser extension blocks ads, pop-ups, videos, and third-party tracking. However, the free version limits the amount of ads you can block. Total Adblock's paid plan blocks unlimited ads and browser notifications, plus it includes antivirus protection.

  Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review
  

• NordVPN: NordVPN is an excellent VPN service that includes ad blocking in its plans. NordVPN's program, Threat Protection, blocks pop-ups, ads, and banners with its mobile app, desktop app, and desktop extension. It also stops third-party websites from collecting your information.

  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• PrivadoVPN: Privado is another VPN service that includes an ad blocker. Privado offers a Control Tower, which enables the user to block ads, malware, and tracking cookies with a simple toggle. Additionally, it includes parental control features to restrict social media platforms and adult content.

  Get PrivadoVPN | Read Our Privado Review

• uBlock Origin: uBlock Origin is a free, open-source ad blocker. It works on most browsers and offers customization options, such as enabling region-specific blocklists and using filters to block domains that are known to contain malware.

  Get uBlock Origin | Read Our uBlock Origin Review

• Ghostery: Ghostery blocks ads and offers customized options, such as access to data analytics and different browsing options. You also get analytics that show you what sites or companies have tracked you online.

  Get Ghostery | Read Our Ghostery Review

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Total Adblock

• Remove ads & trackers on YouTube, Facebook, and most websites
• Hands-off ad-blocking experience
• Easy to set up
• Free version excludes top 15,000 websites

2. Use a browser that blocks ads

If you’re using one of the most popular browsers to go online, the chances are good that you’re not using an ad-blocking web browser. Popular browsers such as Google Chrome may allow websites to collect personal data when you shop or search online.

Some browsers have built-in ad blockers. These browsers detect ads and block the scripts, loading the pages faster without advertisements. When you use a browser that blocks ads, you may even be able to use it on an older device or with a slower internet plan, because the pages load up to 90% faster.

Getting quick load times and ending online stalking by websites will make your Facebook experience much better. There are a few web browsers that offer ad-blocking protection for social media and other internet uses:

1. Brave: The Brave browser claims to block ads and trackers on every website you visit. That gives you better load times and longer battery life on mobile devices.
2. Opera: Opera lets you browse ad-free on your desktop and mobile device. You can also sync your devices and share files. You also get a free VPN for extra security.
3. UR Browser: This is a customizable browser that has three levels of privacy, two of which include an ad blocker. It claims to perform up to four times faster than other browsers.

3. Hide ads

If you don’t want the hassle of downloading special browser extensions or changing the browser you already use, you can choose to hide the ads instead. You won’t need a third-party app, different browser, or app to do this.

Facebook makes hiding unwanted ads simple. It only takes a few steps to complete the process.

According to Facebook’s terms of service, you can’t opt out of seeing ads, but hiding them will influence what the social media platform allows to come across your news feed in the future.

Once you do this, you give Facebook feedback on the advertisements you don’t want to see. Here are the easy steps to hiding ads on Facebook:

1. Click the ellipses (three dots) at the top right of the ad. Select Hide ad.

2. If you want to hide all posts from a certain Facebook page or advertiser, you can choose the option to hide all from that specific company.

3. You can also click on the three dots, then Why am I seeing this ad? and click the Hide button next to Hide all ads from this advertiser.

4. Block certain types of Facebook ads

You may have specific types of ads you don't want popping up while you scroll through your news feed. Scrolling your Facebook news feed may feel less intrusive and creepy when you control the types of ads you do see.

Facebook allows you to choose to see fewer ads for certain topics while on the platform. That includes different topics such as alcohol, elections, politics, and social issues.

An example of blocking certain ads might be during campaign times. You may be sick of politics and the last thing you want is to see more campaign ads while you’re online. Other topics may go against your beliefs or dietary restrictions, and you don’t want to see ads that revolve around them.

Adjusting your Facebook ad preferences is simple:

1. Log into your Facebook account and click on your profile picture in the top right corner.

2. Go to Settings & privacy, then click on Settings.

3. Click Ads in the left menu, then Ad Topics. Click the topics you want to see less of and then click See Less.

5. Turn off personalized ads on Facebook

Facebook may use your data to show you personalized ads based on your interests and past searches. If your interests have changed, or you simply don’t want Facebook using your profile information to make these suggestions, you can turn this setting off.

To change your personalized preferences, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Settings > Ads > Ad Settings > Data about your activity from partners.

2. Turn the toggle button to Not Allowed.

6. Report inappropriate ads

If you’re seeing inappropriate ads on Facebook, you can block them.

But why are you seeing these ads? This can happen for different reasons. You may have been logged into Facebook while browsing certain products.

You may also fit a target demographic that a business requested their ads get shown to. Another reason could be that you’ve purchased from that company before and it’s specifically targeted you.

No matter the reason for getting those inappropriate ads, you can put a stop to them. Facebook allows you to report ads for the following reasons:

• Misleading or scam
• Sexually inappropriate
• Offensive
• Violence
• Advertisers pretending to be someone else
• Prohibited content
• Spam
• False news
• Political candidate or issue
• Other

When you want to block an ad you believe is inappropriate, you can follow the steps below:

1. In your news feed, click the three dots next to the ad you’re reporting.

2. Click on Report Ad, then follow the instructions to select the reason you are reporting it.

7. Use antivirus software

One of the best methods to use when you want to block ads on Facebook is to get an antivirus program that includes an ad blocker. This solution gives you malware protection and works to protect your private data as well as removes those annoying ads. Many of the best antivirus programs also protect against phishing scams, which are sadly fairly common on Facebook and Facebook Marketplace. 

Here are some of the top antivirus security suites we recommend:

• TotalAV: This antivirus and its ad blocker, Total Adblock, are two of our favorites after testing. TotalAV also includes phishing protection, and its WebShield feature tells you if a site or link is safe. On top of that, the TotalAV Antivirus Pro plan starts at a reasonable annual price, so you won't have to completely redo your budget.
  
  Get TotalAV | Read Our TotalAV Review
• Bitdefender: Another low-cost antivirus program, Bitdefender doesn't skimp on security features. Along with phishing protection, it also includes a password manager and VPN to help you browse the internet the way you want to — without ads. Plus, you'll get parental controls with the Bitdefender Internet Security plan so you can keep your kiddos safe online too.
  
  Get Bitdefender | Read Our Bitdefender Review
• AVG: A recognizable name in the antivirus business, AVG keeps up with modern cyber threats. Its free version protects you against browser threats, but we advise grabbing the AVG Internet Security plan for full phishing protection. If you want to block ads with AVG, it's as simple as using its Secure Browser, which has an ad blocker included.
  
  Get AVG | Read Our AVG Review

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• High level of antivirus protection
• Protection from malicious viruses, malware and dangerous websites
• User-friendly interface and overall app
• Lacks firewall protection

Why is your Facebook feed full of ads?

There are several reasons why you may see ads on Facebook and they all have to do with the fact that Facebook attempts to personalize the ads you see. When you show interest in specific products while you browse online, Facebook may use that to tailor the advertisements or products you see on your newsfeed.

Here’s a breakdown of some different reasons why you might see so many ads on your Facebook feed.

1. Retargeting

If there are websites you’ve visited previously, you may receive retargeted advertisements. Sites use retargeting ads to send out advertisements to prior visitors or to people in an email contact list.

One of the goals of retargeting is to draw in new customers through social media ads and email. If you haven’t heard of a company, retargeting shows you more information about the company’s product or service and makes the message more personal by appearing in your news feed.

Retargeting ads come in two flavors: pixel-based and list-based retargeting.

Pixel-based retargeting

Pixel-based retargeting uses JavaScript to place a pixel, or cookie, on a site visitor’s web browser. The cookie alerts the retargeting platform when the visitor leaves the site and continues browsing the internet so the retargeting platform can serve up ads on the new sites they visit. These ads are often related to the specific pages the visitor viewed on the website.

List-based retargeting

This type of retargeting allows the site owners to upload a contact list to use in a social media advertising campaign. The ad platform uses the contact list to identify individuals who use the same contact info on the social media site and serves up retargeting ads to them.

2. Sponsored ads

Sponsored ads are paid advertisements launched from a Facebook business page. These ads get sent to a target audience to get reactions, likes, shares, comments, and views.

A sponsored ad is an attempt by a business to draw in a larger audience that may also convert into more customers who purchase the advertised products or services.

3. Demographics

Businesses use demographics to create marketing strategies. Demographics identify audience members by their characteristics, wants, and needs, and include data like age, gender, location, and income. Companies use this data to understand who buys their products and what items appeal to different groups in a population.

With demographic data, companies can send targeted marketing ads to people they think are more inclined to make a purchase. Demographic data can also keep ads from going to the wrong audience.

4. Interests

When you show interest in products or services, Facebook may use that data to send you specific ads. The platform collects tons of information about your behaviors and preferences. Different sources provide this data, including the entire Facebook ecosystem as well as third-party data providers.

Another way Facebook gathers this data is through pixel-based retargeting and a Facebook cookie that picks up user data from other websites.

If you’ve engaged with social media posts, groups, or visited websites, that data can be used to gain insights into your interests. It isn’t a perfect science, though. You may comment on a friend’s page about a new iguana pet and even put a cute emoji at the end, but that doesn’t mean you want one, too.

5. Behavior

Facebook also uses your behavior on the platform to show ads on your news feed. The idea is to send you ads based on your purchase behaviors or buying intentions.

If you put an item in your shopping cart, that may show you intend to buy the product. When you show Facebook how you spend your money, that gives marketers the knowledge of what you might purchase in the future.

Facebook ad FAQs

Bottom line

If you’re tired of seeing so many ads when you’re on Facebook, you’re not alone. You may not agree that the ads Facebook sends are relevant to you. Or it could be that you feel the content is inappropriate, and you don’t want to see those kinds of ads.

The good news is that you can use various methods to block some of the ads you don’t want. (You may still get ads on your news feed as Facebook generates income from these advertisers.) When you want to block those pesky ads, you can try one of these options:

• Use an ad blocker
• Use a browser that blocks ads
• Hide the ads
• Turn off personalized ads
• Report inappropriate ads
• Install antivirus software with an ad blocker

4.5

Limited-time offer: 80% off

Learn More

On Total Adblock's website

---

Total Adblock

• Remove ads & trackers on YouTube, Facebook, and most websites
• Hands-off ad-blocking experience
• Easy to set up
• Free version excludes top 15,000 websites

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a freelance writer who specializes in all things technology. Her expertise includes antivirus software, online security strategies, and safety practices. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and extensive experience working in the IT field. In her spare time, Patti is an avid reader and researcher, and loves spending time with her pets. She currently shares an office with her cat, Beau.