[Q] Adblocking in ICS - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

To those of you who use some sort of adblocking in ICS, have you noticed any oddities?
Either I use a ROM that integrates an adfree hosts file or if I use an app that creates a hosts file (such as AdAway), I have found that ads are blocked when using wifi but not when I'm using 3G.
I thought it was ICS browser but I found that it was true for most apps. For instance, the ad banner in ScoreMobile app is gone on wifi but it shows up when I'm on 3G. It's as if the phone is ignoring the hosts file when on 3G.
But now.. I installed Opera and to my surprise, ads are being blocked while on 3G and no, Opera Turbo is not enabled so the traffic is not being rerouted elsewhere.
So I found this inconsistency a little odd. As far as I remember, every ICS rom I've tried so far as been this way. I'm currently using AOSP+ though. Anyone else experience this?

I just installed AdFree, updated the host file, and rebooted. It seems too be blocking ads just fine on both WiFi and 3G.

mattkroeder said:
To those of you who use some sort of adblocking in ICS, have you noticed any oddities?
Either I use a ROM that integrates an adfree hosts file or if I use an app that creates a hosts file (such as AdAway), I have found that ads are blocked when using wifi but not when I'm using 3G.
I thought it was ICS browser but I found that it was true for most apps. For instance, the ad banner in ScoreMobile app is gone on wifi but it shows up when I'm on 3G. It's as if the phone is ignoring the hosts file when on 3G.
But now.. I installed Opera and to my surprise, ads are being blocked while on 3G and no, Opera Turbo is not enabled so the traffic is not being rerouted elsewhere.
So I found this inconsistency a little odd. As far as I remember, every ICS rom I've tried so far as been this way. I'm currently using AOSP+ though. Anyone else experience this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mattallica76 said:
I just installed AdFree, updated the host file, and rebooted. It seems too be blocking ads just fine on both WiFi and 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, been using adfree since the moment i updated to ics. works flawlessly.

Well, I was able to figure out what the issue was. It had nothing to do with the ROM or kernel. So here it is for future reference if anyone else comes upon this.
It was actually my wireless carrier using a proxy on 3G that, for some reason, would bypass the hosts file. All I did was delete the proxy via APN settings and all is well.

Related

[APPQ] Adfree stopped. Anything work?

Rooted N1 and adfree used to work great. Updated host file and noticed it no longer works with any browser. Anything available that works to block ads?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
I use this hosts file method. Works fine for me.
It still seems to be working for me. Have you tried rebooting your phone?
Big_O said:
Rooted N1 and adfree used to work great. Updated host file and noticed it no longer works with any browser. Anything available that works to block ads?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Android system still uses the hosts file for DNS lookups before using your internet connection's DNS server. Therefore ALL apps installed on the system will respect the entries placed in the hosts file. The only way around this is if ads in apps used actual IP addresses rather than hostnames or websites with ads used links with IP addresses pointing to the ads rather than resolvable hostnames.
You can't block or redirect an IP address via the hosts file (this would be reverse DNS), it only handles hostname resolution.
I re-rooted the N1 and re-installed adfree. It's working again. Noticed the install edited the system host file automatically without the need to adb or manually edit anything. Adfree is excellent and worth rooting just for this app.

c spire blocking tethering apps

easytether, pdanet, wifi tether for root, native tethering
none of them work. they take you to a page asking you to pay $20 per 1GB.
anyone else having similar issue?
EDIT: after further testing, the block seems to be browser based. I was able to play RIFT via tether. My guess is they are blocking via user-agent string in browser (edit #2: confirmed!)?
confirmed
You're right. If you use a user agent switcher add-on/extension with Firefox or Chrome, it'll look like you're on a Android device or Iphone.
I am using FireFox and I downloaded Super User Agent from the addons! What it does is it shows up as a mobile browser instead of a PC browser! They are blocking all PC browser from using their service to tether! After downloading it you can select what you want it to show up as, like Android, iPhone, Opera Mobile and even FireFox! I am using the Firefox 10 option that they have not blocked yet! But I am really still using Firefox 12! Hope this helps you and please spread the word to other C Spire users having this problem!
But now, with the User Agent switch, I can't watch Netflix while tethered. Anyone got that one figured out?
It might be due to the 30 minute video pass per month that they just started.
Nah, the reason that I can't get Netflix to work like that is because the site thinks I'm using a phone and is asking me to add the android or iphone app.
Fixmo Extend
Hi I just signed up here to let you know so far the only tethering app that works that I know of is Fixmo Extend. CSpire has went down hill with this move
PDAnet has an option to hide tethering information and that seems to work for now.
I just installed FoxFi and the FoxFi addon which lets you enable a proxy server on port 8000. It works perfect.
Foxfi nolonger works are there any other apps
not a iphone =)
cspiresucks said:
Foxfi nolonger works are there any other apps
not a iphone =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FoxFi works fine if you're not on jelly bean and you have not updated to the newest version (where they automatically downgraded their free version to a poor trial).
I'm on gingerbread and my version of foxfi won't start hotspot unless you upgrade.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using xda app-developers app
You can also go into a browsers dev tools and change the user agent to Safari/Firefox 4 or lower/Internet Explorer 6/iOS/Android. Ive gotten this to work with the 4.1 native hot spot on my Galaxy S using Google Chrome and Internet Explorer 9. Also i think it was mentioned but a User agent switcher extention works fine. Right now i use Safari 5 as it gives me a desktop experience. Dev tools are also nice in case you are on another machine and cant download an extension to a browser.

Adfree Fatal Error

I just started receiving this error on my GSM Samsung GNex when attempting to update the hosts file. "Hit Fatal Error, this copy of Adfree is too old." In searching older xda threads, a workaround was found back then by setting the device's date back to 2010. Tried this method and now AF updates normally. Set back to 2012... broken again. Mid last year, a fix was released by the developers and the problem seemed to be addressed. Although this phone is only a week old (and the app), I uninstalled and re-installed via Market. Thought it might be related to su, but no issues with other programs requiring root, ie. TB, RE, etc. Is this likely a problem with my configuration, or the app? Thanks.
I got the same problem which is started from 20May2012.
Use Adaway instead, it's a better app anyway
I'll give Adaway a whirl. Thanks for the tip.
Same problem with adfree so i installed adaway. Looks good, thank you for the tip.
Sent from my LG-P970 using xda premium
same
same problem wtf?
now i have ads on angry birds wtf
Tried ada too, because adfree doesn't work for me either.
Works nice no ads.
Thanx!
Sent from my Desire S using XDA
Same problem
Is this kernel related?
2 days ago I've made a kernel update.
v12xke said:
I just started receiving this error on my GSM Samsung GNex when attempting to update the hosts file. "Hit Fatal Error, this copy of Adfree is too old." In searching older xda threads, a workaround was found back then by setting the device's date back to 2010. Tried this method and now AF updates normally. Set back to 2012... broken again. Mid last year, a fix was released by the developers and the problem seemed to be addressed. Although this phone is only a week old (and the app), I uninstalled and re-installed via Market. Thought it might be related to su, but no issues with other programs requiring root, ie. TB, RE, etc. Is this likely a problem with my configuration, or the app? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem today.
Now i use ad away it is much better
SeNd FrOm mY GaLaXy AcE
ROM Toolbox also has a built-in ad blocker, can use this aswell..
same error here, now trying adaway
Same Error
I am switching to AdAway which is much better and a slightly smaller hosts file is used - 737K which is better than 950K. Here is a market link:
Play Store AdAway Link
Same "Hit Fatal Error" 05-20-2012... Tring AdAway! Thanks
I'm having the same issue with my G2 and my G2X phones. Installed AdAway on the G2X for now since I just put new ROM on it last night and needed ads gone.
-------
After the new update all is working again.
m0h1t said:
ROM Toolbox also has a built-in ad blocker, can use this aswell..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ad blocking lists in rom toolbox are not updated as regularly as the ones in adaway...something to consider...I still use it for it's other features but also run adaway.
Update
There is an update today.
And after, Addfree works fine.
photolarry said:
I am switching to AdAway which is much better and a slightly smaller hosts file is used - 737K which is better than 950K.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switch to AdAway a couple weeks back. I think its better. It lists which hosts files it uses and allows you to add your own hosts file. AdFree is anyone's guess what source it uses for its hosts file.
Same problem. :crying:
Trying adaway...
maxhpm said:
Same problem. :crying:
Trying adaway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figured it out...There is a new version of Adfree with a new market link. You have to uninstall v.0.8.44 and install this one (v.0.8.45). Don't know why this was done, but it works for me.
I got it to work by doing the following:
1. Go to settings and change your year to 2009
2. Open the app and boot normally
3. It should work now
4. After updated the host file, change the year back to 2012!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

AdFree doesn't remove ads

My phone is rooted and running JellyBelly 0.1.4. I ran the AdFree app, rebootedm but I still get ads in various apps.
When I was on ICS and now on JB, AdFree didn't remove all the ads.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.adaway try this
adfree worked well on ics, on jb it doesnt
Adaway is much better
Sent from my Nexus S™
+1 for AdAway
zgomot said:
My phone is rooted and running JellyBelly 0.1.4. I ran the AdFree app, rebootedm but I still get ads in various apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing that I always do to completely remove ads is to just disable all data connectivity, turn off Wi-Fi and Cellular Data (3G/4G/LTE). It is kind of a pain, but you have to install anything and you save battery life and storage (some apps' ads use more battery than the actual app itself, plus the storage space to download those ads)
chronophase1 said:
+1 for AdAway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Droidwall
I use Droidwall (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.googlecode.droidwall.free&hl=fi) and prevent ad showing apps from accessing the network most of the time and only temporarily allow network access for them if they sometimes need access. If an app needs network all the time and shows ads, I let it show ads.
I also use DroidWall but jumping between the app seems a little inconvenient. At least with AdAway, you don't need to worry about forgetting to enable/disable network access
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give adaway a try.
Sent from my Nexus S

Can't make adway work.

Hello xda users.. today im facing a big problem..
I have op6 with rooted (magisk installed). oos 9.02
Ive installed latest adway 4.0.11. Everything works fine (adway gets permisions.. etc). But he does not stop the ads.
In magisk i have ticked systemless hosts same for adway in prefs. What i am doing wrong?
I am missing something?
zubyro said:
What i am doing wrong?
I am missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't routed a phone for a few years now but I seem to remember Adaway wrote its hosts file to the system partition. And isn't it the way of Magisk to not write anything to system?
I use Adguard directly from Adguard.com. It just works, (apart from the odd time Oneplus closes it ,) and I ALWAYS have Google Pay working too - so no hassle at checkouts.
Ended up using dns66.. cant make adway to work..
zubyro said:
Ended up using dns66.. cant make adway to work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Adaway running on my rooted OP 6, but I'm not using that systemless switch you mentioned...
zubyro said:
Ended up using dns66.. cant make adway to work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use AdAway v3.3. I have it working perfectly fine.
croques said:
I haven't routed a phone for a few years now but I seem to remember Adaway wrote its hosts file to the system partition. And isn't it the way of Magisk to not write anything to system?
I use Adguard directly from Adguard.com. It just works, (apart from the odd time Oneplus closes it ,) and I ALWAYS have Google Pay working too - so no hassle at checkouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. Adaway just doesn't do anything for me. Adguard just works, and it works very well.
On unrooted phones, the VPN adapter is used to reroute traffic. As I use a normal VPN permanently to prohibit carrier deep packet inspection, any adblocker relying on the VPN approach is a nogo for me as Android only supports one VPN connection at a time.
akxak said:
On unrooted phones, the VPN adapter is used to reroute traffic. As I use a normal VPN permanently to prohibit carrier deep packet inspection, any adblocker relying on the VPN approach is a nogo for me as Android only supports one VPN connection at a time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you totally. I would much prefer your way of a permanent VPN and to block ads some other way.. However,
I need Google Pay to work all the time and not be in an arms race with Google;
I need to block ads;
I need a VPN that always has good connection speeds for downloads and not just a high burst speed for a few seconds..
That little list just won't work together. And that last point seems impossible to achieve - certainly with the many VPN services I've tried. I'm currently using Mullvad when I need security but cannot recommend it for speed
I use an OP6 with Android 9, OOS 9.0.1 routed with Madison 17.2
I have Google Pay, Adaway and my permanent VPN with OpenVPN.
I use NordVPN for which I pay but it's reliable and fast, allows multiple connections from my home router and my mobile.
Reliable and without any problems.
akxak said:
On unrooted phones, the VPN adapter is used to reroute traffic. As I use a normal VPN permanently to prohibit carrier deep packet inspection, any adblocker relying on the VPN approach is a nogo for me as Android only supports one VPN connection at a time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard works both in vpn or in proxy mode. But for proxy mode, root is required. Using Adguard for an year ans its always my fav adblocker.
If you're using Magisk, both Magisk and Adaway need to be set to systemless via the settings in each application.
For some reason Adaway 4.x just ignore the restart warning and then just press check for updates again and it'll start properly downloading the host files.
My Adaway has the systemless setting grayed out and not ticked. I'm using Adaway 3.3 from F-Droid which is the latest version, there's no version 4. It's not available on Google Play.
akxak said:
I use NordVPN for which I pay but it's reliable and fast, allows multiple connections from my home router and my mobile.
Reliable and without any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well and good for you. TrustPilot (UK) gives them only 5.8/10. There are some good and bad comments - as to be expected -but this is recent post. It chimes with my own experiences of paid VPN - more promises than delivery.
Extremely slow server
Extremely slow servers. Absolutely horrible app. They make it next to impossible to select a specific server you've used in the past and instead give you an unsorted list of thousands of servers to manually scroll through and try to find the one you want. You can search for a server but if you do it this way you can't add it to favourites.
They advertise as fast for p2p, yet my speeds are the slowest I've ever experienced with a VPN, including those lousy free vpn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware this is off-topic for Adaway; apologies to OP for possible thread hi-jacking; but if you are in to ad-blocking the next step is VPN
I use the app OpenVPN which gives me more control, speed of servers vary but I am satisfied.

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