Questions - workarounds when not rooted? - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Questions & Answers

I finally pullled the trigger on this device.
The one thing I am a bit worried and need advice on is using an un-rooted device. I've never used a device as a daily driver without root. Can anyone help with some questions:
is there any way to block ads system wide without root? i've tried googling for this answer but I'm realy not sure.
Does Vanced youtube work?
that is it thus far I'm sure there will be many more after I get the device.

Blokada for ad blocking and yes vanced works great. I haven't rooted my phone in years due to the fact that there is little reason to. Honestly it's more of a hassle to do it for me (updates etc) than it is to not.
Sent from my SM-F916U1 using Tapatalk

I am using disconnect pro from Samsung store.. its not cheap but does block majority of ads system wide. And yes youtube vanced works perfectly well.

desantim said:
Blokada for ad blocking and yes vanced works great. I haven't rooted my phone in years due to the fact that there is little reason to. Honestly it's more of a hassle to do it for me (updates etc) than it is to not.
Sent from my SM-F916U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome. thanks for that info
i think the only other app i needed root for was DarQ that let you make apps dark system wide and then choose certain ones you didn't want to darken

njan_ivide said:
I am using disconnect pro from Samsung store.. its not cheap but does block majority of ads system wide. And yes youtube vanced works perfectly well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can I ask if it blocks the annoying ads in TuneIn app?
Thank you

For Youtube i suggest Samsung browser with adblock installed - no more ads in youtube and it works basically the same as youtube app. The only problem you may have if you use youtube notifications - they obviously will bring you to youtube app. Otherwise youtube in samsung browser with adblock plugin is perfect.

Karma Firewall is a simple, useful tool.
Less so probably on Q and higher due to their restrictions.
On Pie it has logging capabilities... try it and see what you got. No Ads, freeware, very low battery usage.
A compatible package blocker is highly recommended... to take out the trash.

my first few days with the fold
I'm using Adaway right now to block ads, the non root version, though any non root ad blocker goes through some type of vpn which slows things down a bit. i'd still much prefer to have root
I turned on force dark mode everywhere in dev settings and that helped darken apps good enough.
I am still trying to use Nova as my launcher as I hate the samsung launcher and rarely if ever use multi window but for some reason nova is sucking up a ton of battery
also have Vanced loaded for youtube and it is great, the only downside is there doesn't seem to be a way to use OK GOOGLE to play videos in vanced while driving, etc.

Lose Nova, it uses more resources/battery and is likely slower than the native launcher. After another 3rd party launcher cost me 2 reloads I stopped playing with them.
Can't speak for your variant but on my 10+ One UI is fast and very stable... I use the Samsung customization apps, themes and icon packs.
Got 99% of what I want and that missing 1% isn't worth the battery drain, system instability or loss of some of the functions I get with the Samsung customization.

Had no issues whatsoever with Action Launcher. Not a chance I'd use the stock launcher, no adjustable grid is a deal breaker right out of the gate. Add in all the missing features and it's like going back to an SGS2 or something using the stock launcher, woefully inadequate.

I am using nextdns.io for ad blocking
Works great, no extra load or battery drain.
Also supports newer dns standards via private dns option in android 10

Related

Android ad blocker?

I'm a long time user of AdBlock Plus, but recently switched my browser to UBlock origin. ABP hasn't been updated for android in a while, so I was wondering if there was a better alternative, or a round up review I could read. Most of what's online is from 3-5 years ago, which seems odd that we need ad blocking now as a form of anti-malware software.
What is a good system wide ad blocker on Android? I have root on my device.
I'd like it to play well with OpenVPN and cell connections too. ABP seems to break on occasion when on cell connections.
i have adaway 3.2 and minminguard xposed module and i have never seen a single ad.if u wish there is a modded and updated youtube adfree version since youtube adaway module doesn't work for most of us.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3449312
I have been using DNS66 lately and have noticed that I have almost no ads any more either in my browser or in any apps I use. Like you, I used AdBlock for a long time but also noticed it becoming less and less useful as time goes. But I read a digest type review of ad blockers recently and DNS66 was at the top. Since I have started using it, I have noticed less ads (virtually none), also a noticeable increase in page load times, app load times and most significantly in the amount of data I use each month. Between using this DNS level ad blocker and removing facebook and replacing it with Metal Pro, I am now using half the data each month, getting noticeable increases across all web related traffic and I am much happier for it.
AdAway + Minminguard + Ad-free YouTube combo is the most powerful adblocker for rooted Android.
Dns66 is fast and lightweight adblocking solution for no-root Android devices, but since it is using VPN service, you can't use it with other VPN service like openVPN as Android only allows one VPN service running.
before some days i unrooted to receive just an OTA.When i opened tapatalk i couldn't believe my eyes.in every screen there was an add that was taking muuuch place on the screen.i had to scroll many times to find what i wanted.i read that minminguard removes both the add and the token place of screen that add was.adaway i think removes only the add.i couldn't imagine my device with adds.and i definitely even would root just to install only addaway programs..
kos25k said:
before some days i unrooted to receive just an OTA.When i opened tapatalk i couldn't believe my eyes.in every screen there was an add that was taking muuuch place on the screen.i had to scroll many times to find what i wanted.i read that minminguard removes both the add and the token place of screen that add was.adaway i think removes only the add.i couldn't imagine my device with adds.and i definitely even would root just to install only addaway programs..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in my case. No root Android + dns66 combo is enough for me, as I can find alternatives for ad-bloated app almost every time. Less than 5 apps with ad banner in my device, which blocked perfectly by dns66.

Is there a good App/Package Disabler and or AdBlocker like Adhell?

Title really says everything but I will iterate, on Samsung devices they have a lot of different Package/App disablers, these get rid of pre-installed bloatware that cannot be disabled normally like SwiftKey on this phone.
Does anyone know of anything like that one here?
Thanks
whoamanwtf said:
Title really says everything but I will iterate, on Samsung devices they have a lot of different Package/App disablers, these get rid of pre-installed bloatware that cannot be disabled normally like SwiftKey on this phone.
Does anyone know of anything like that one here?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've removed without root some apps with this how-to:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
As AdBlocker I'm using Adguard - one big plus is, that some sites does not "see" Adguard and the view on the pages is permittet. It opens a local VPN and is filtering the ads. If you are rootet, you can configure Adguard as a local proxy - so you are able to open a vpn-connection with Adguard enabled.
I am using Adguard Premium as well. Excellent adblocker (you can get it lifetime license 1+1 - 1 PC and 1 android device) for about 6 euros.
Thanks guys, I was hoping for a more direct on device method for the disabling of apps that was able to be undone with a switch on the phone like on Samsung but that is fine there is not enough bloat on here to worry too much.
As for Adguard I will give that a shot and pick up premium if I like it, thanks again!

Blockada Origin

If you're anything like me you absolutely hate ads. Typically I download adaway and don't think twice about it, but in our device's currently unrooted state I needed another solution. I was browsing around the forums and stumbled across this app.
I would say it's comparable to adaway in terms of actual ad blocking ability, which is pretty good. I don't get any ads on Tapatalk, chomp sms, Spotify or quickpic, all of which I did before the app. A few will occasionally slip through on YouTube and Firefox but they are tolerable.
The only real downer is, due to lack of root the app has to stay alive in the background and adds a key icon in the status bar as well as the number of ads blocked in the notification tray.
Overall I'm satisfied with it and it's proven to be a must have without root.
filthyfnj24 said:
If you're anything like me you absolutely hate ads. Typically I download adaway and don't think twice about it, but in our device's currently unrooted state I needed another solution. I was browsing around the forums and stumbled across this app.
I would say it's comparable to adaway in terms of actual ad blocking ability, which is pretty good. I don't get any ads on Tapatalk, chomp sms, Spotify or quickpic, all of which I did before the app. A few will occasionally slip through on YouTube and Firefox but they are tolerable.
The only real downer is, due to lack of root the app has to stay alive in the background and adds a key icon in the status bar as well as the number of ads blocked in the notification tray.
Overall I'm satisfied with it and it's proven to be a must have without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've been using I love it so far
filthyfnj24 said:
If you're anything like me you absolutely hate ads. Typically I download adaway and don't think twice about it, but in our device's currently unrooted state I needed another solution. I was browsing around the forums and stumbled across this app.
I would say it's comparable to adaway in terms of actual ad blocking ability, which is pretty good. I don't get any ads on Tapatalk, chomp sms, Spotify or quickpic, all of which I did before the app. A few will occasionally slip through on YouTube and Firefox but they are tolerable.
The only real downer is, due to lack of root the app has to stay alive in the background and adds a key icon in the status bar as well as the number of ads blocked in the notification tray.
Overall I'm satisfied with it and it's proven to be a must have without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The key icon is because it is using the VPN feature to block ads. Too bad for me I actually need to use vpns so I can't use this.

Simple AdBlocker for Samsung

When you guys get the NA unlocked phones in today, can someone try SABS to see if it works on the S9? My phone doesn't come in until Wednesday, and I won't be able to test myself until I get to work that night. If it does work it'll be great, because I doubt we'll get root any time soon.
works flawless
Hi,
thanks for the Input. I tested it and it runs very well. No ADS etc.
100% working.
Hope i have helped.
Cheers.:good:
Thanks for trying it out. Now I know I'll be able to use it when I finally get my phone. It works great for disabling pesky things like Bixby too.
yep i have tried and it works.
What's the difference between this SABS program and Blokada? Which one do you all recommend?Thanks
Working well on G965F
rheylew said:
What's the difference between this SABS program and Blokada? Which one do you all recommend?Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blokada works has a vpn it eats battery since is rerouting all the info first to their servers to eliminate ads plus u will see the vpn key icon on ur notification ba all the time which i hate. (If u have use adguard ) is the same.
Sabs works with knox which i much prefer. And no vpn icon. I have tried sabs, adhell but the one i prefer is disconnect pro. U dont have to mess with adb or getting a samsung certificate licenses. It just work, no ads on browser or ads on any apps.
Some people say that adhell, sabs are better than disconnect pro ( also they are free) but i have not notice any difference. DP has blocked all ads that were also blocked with adhell.
Disconnect pro i got it from samsung app, a while ago it was free. Right now is $25 which is hell alot of money. I would not pay that much with othe free option just knowing that at one time it was free. But DP is the only one that i have use without issue of a firmware update not working, or the app been reboke.
eduardmc said:
Blokada works has a vpn it eats battery since is rerouting all the info first to their servers to eliminate ads plus u will see the vpn key icon on ur notification ba all the time which i hate. (If u have use adguard ) is the same.
Sabs works with knox which i much prefer. And no vpn icon. I have tried sabs, adhell but the one i prefer is disconnect pro. U dont have to mess with adb or getting a samsung certificate licenses. It just work, no ads on browser or ads on any apps.
Some people say that adhell, sabs are better than disconnect pro ( also they are free) but i have not notice any difference. DP has blocked all ads that were also blocked with adhell.
Disconnect pro i got it from samsung app, a while ago it was free. Right now is $25 which is hell alot of money. I would not pay that much with othe free option just knowing that at one time it was free. But DP is the only one that i have use without issue of a firmware update not working, or the app been reboke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looked everywhere for this apk, only found malicious popup pages, an IOS pro version, and a version on the Google play store that seems to only work in the Samsung browser, not across the whole system..
eduardmc said:
Blokada works has a vpn it eats battery since is rerouting all the info first to their servers to eliminate ads plus u will see the vpn key icon on ur notification ba all the time which i hate. (If u have use adguard ) is the same.
Sabs works with knox which i much prefer. And no vpn icon. I have tried sabs, adhell but the one i prefer is disconnect pro. U dont have to mess with adb or getting a samsung certificate licenses. It just work, no ads on browser or ads on any apps.
Some people say that adhell, sabs are better than disconnect pro ( also they are free) but i have not notice any difference. DP has blocked all ads that were also blocked with adhell.
Disconnect pro i got it from samsung app, a while ago it was free. Right now is $25 which is hell alot of money. I would not pay that much with othe free option just knowing that at one time it was free. But DP is the only one that i have use without issue of a firmware update not working, or the app been reboke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I just got the S9+ in today, but my main daily driver is the TM variant Note 8 (rooted), however, being that I use a VPN, the ad blocker apps that uses a VPN like protocol doesn't work as the Android system only allows one VPN connection at a time. Bummer eh...
So I too have been on the search for an ad blocker that actually works for VPN users.
For NON rooted phones NetGuard is pretty neat, but it uses a VPN protocol so no go there...
YouTube Adblocker, Adaway etc...doesn't work either as it needs the xposed framework (which we don't have for the SD variant of the Note 8, only root) ...
block-this, is also another app kind of like adaway, but it too uses a VPN protocol.
OGYouTUbe app recently kicked the bucket as well and now has ads...ie..it's broken so no go there...
Any ideas? :highfive:
allenrb2 said:
Thanks for trying it out. Now I know I'll be able to use it when I finally get my phone. It works great for disabling pesky things like Bixby too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only bad thing was you have to buy the apk editor pro to rename the package
eduardmc said:
Some people say that adhell, sabs are better than disconnect pro ( also they are free) but i have not notice any difference. DP has blocked all ads that were also blocked with adhell.
Disconnect pro i got it from samsung app, a while ago it was free. Right now is $25 which is hell alot of money. I would not pay that much with othe free option just knowing that at one time it was free. But DP is the only one that i have use without issue of a firmware update not working, or the app been reboke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Disconnect Pro have the system package disabling abilities of SABS? If so it'd be worth checking out, but if not I would stick with SABS, so I can disable things like bixby.
dhonzik said:
The only bad thing was you have to buy the apk editor pro to rename the package
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to buy the apk editor if you have a windows PC. They link to an apk editor in their instructions post. Either way it's worth it to me, knowing these phones will be locked down like fort knox, and most likely wont get a boot unlock, or full root capabilities.
123
rheylew said:
Looked everywhere for this apk, only found malicious popup pages, an IOS pro version, and a version on the Google play store that seems to only work in the Samsung browser, not across the whole system..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://apps.samsung.com/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.disconnectandroidfirewall
---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:06 PM ----------
allenrb2 said:
Does Disconnect Pro have the system package disabling abilities of SABS? If so it'd be worth checking out, but if not I would stick with SABS, so I can disable things like bixby.
You don't have to buy the apk editor if you have a windows PC. They link to an apk editor in their instructions post. Either way it's worth it to me, knowing these phones will be locked down like fort knox, and most likely wont get a boot unlock, or full root capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
Disconnect pro only remove ads from browser AND apps ( except youtube lol). Theres a disconnect pro plug in for samsung browser, is different from the actual disconnect pro app.
http://apps.samsung.com/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.disconnectandroidfirewal
Disconnect pro does not have a package disabler. But even when i was using adhell which does have a package disabler, i did not use it. Much prefer the BK PD because it actually tells how much ram each apps is using and is more organized. (Is not free though but well worth it)
Ill give u an example. I have the pixel launcher and touchwiz installed. Even when i select the pixel 2 launcher has default , BK package disable says that touchwiz still running in the background eating 147mg ram. I just disable touchwiz launcher and i know that i have the xtra ram for something else.
Below is a ui pic, of DP in action, i like ui interface
dhonzik said:
The only bad thing was you have to buy the apk editor pro to rename the package
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its available here on xda , seach for it. No need to buy
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
eduardmc said:
Blokada works has a vpn it eats battery since is rerouting all the info first to their servers to eliminate ads plus u will see the vpn key icon on ur notification ba all the time which i hate. (If u have use adguard ) is the same.
Sabs works with knox which i much prefer. And no vpn icon. I have tried sabs, adhell but the one i prefer is disconnect pro. U dont have to mess with adb or getting a samsung certificate licenses. It just work, no ads on browser or ads on any apps.
Some people say that adhell, sabs are better than disconnect pro ( also they are free) but i have not notice any difference. DP has blocked all ads that were also blocked with adhell.
Disconnect pro i got it from samsung app, a while ago it was free. Right now is $25 which is hell alot of money. I would not pay that much with othe free option just knowing that at one time it was free. But DP is the only one that i have use without issue of a firmware update not working, or the app been reboke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure about that ?
Blokada works as a "virtual" VPN - meaning that all traffic first gets redirected to a local hosts file (hence it also works without root and modification of the hosts file of the Android system itself),
thus there should be NO additional battery consumption from the blocking itself (each attempt to try to reach the IP leads to a 404 or not reacheable)
but there might be some battery consumption from the functionality of the app & VPN itself
Anyone please correct this if I'm wrong
Thanks again for everyone chiming in. I got my S9+ in today, and have SABS up, and working. This app is a sanity saver.
zacharias.maladroit said:
You sure about that ?
Blokada works as a "virtual" VPN - meaning that all traffic first gets redirected to a local hosts file (hence it also works without root and modification of the hosts file of the Android system itself),
thus there should be NO additional battery consumption from the blocking itself (each attempt to try to reach the IP leads to a 404 or not reacheable)
but there might be some battery consumption from the functionality of the app & VPN itself
Anyone please correct this if I'm wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blockada is the same has blockthis, adguard, netguard,nds666 and other vpn. I actually like blockada the most vause of.the inteeface and is lite in ram. Adguard heat up my phone and eata more battery. Blockada dos eat battery not alot that u will still notice in day to day use.
The advantage of our samsung phone is able to use ad blockers like adhell, disconnet pro etc. This apps will only work on samsung phone cause of knox and i believe they are a better ad blocking solution than vpn ads blocker. You are not really sure if they are collecting all ur info down the line of redirecting.
Adhell lets way too much stuff through.
Blokada is close to AdAway in performance. It kills ads in everything except youtube.
Thanks
eduardmc said:
Blokada works has a vpn it eats battery since is rerouting all the info first to their servers to eliminate ads plus u will see the vpn key icon on ur notification ba all the time which i hate. (If u have use adguard ) is the same.
Sabs works with knox which i much prefer. And no vpn icon. I have tried sabs, adhell but the one i prefer is disconnect pro. U dont have to mess with adb or getting a samsung certificate licenses. It just work, no ads on browser or ads on any apps.
Some people say that adhell, sabs are better than disconnect pro ( also they are free) but i have not notice any difference. DP has blocked all ads that were also blocked with adhell.
Disconnect pro i got it from samsung app, a while ago it was free. Right now is $25 which is hell alot of money. I would not pay that much with othe free option just knowing that at one time it was free. But DP is the only one that i have use without issue of a firmware update not working, or the app been reboke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing that, previously I was using a rooted phone with Adaway, now I got my S9+ a week ago and I'm not planning to root it in the near future, I Tried the SABS and its work fine with no ads.
thanks again
Thanks OP, founded this topic today, installed SABS on my Sprint GS9+, its working great.
Long time users, what apps/process are safely to disable from the GS9? I disabled sprint ones, looking to stop all bloatware.

Ad block for YouTube app?

What are you guys using to block ads in the YouTube app? I used to use an xposed module. Not sure if that will still work or if there's another method these days. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
0reo said:
What are you guys using to block ads in the YouTube app? I used to use an xposed module. Not sure if that will still work or if there's another method these days. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install the app called YouTube Vanced from their website. It will just skip right over the ads like they're not even there. You'll need to install that plus MicroG in order to be able to login.. IF you use and have Google Chrome browser running you need to force stop it and disable it until you're done signing in otherwise the sign in will just sit there and not work.. You can enable it again after it's installed and you're logged in to.. Choose one of the NON ROOT versions and install both YouTube Vanced and MicroG found here. https://www.mediafire.com/folder/773e97cz2ezx1/AddFree_Youtube_BackgroundPlay_Enabled
They released a manager (check their website) so you can check for updates and install the app and requirements easily.
I'm using 14.99 a month lol
0reo said:
What are you guys using to block ads in the YouTube app? I used to use an xposed module. Not sure if that will still work or if there's another method these days. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you use either samsung internet or beta ver., in their bucket under app settings they call ad-ons, there is an ad-block app selection called ad-block for YouTube(you'll see it in the drop-down menu), and that's probably the same one the other gentleman already responded to you with?
It's by-far, the best one I've ever test drove, as I'm not a great fan of those!:laugh:
lol I remember when you tube did not have any adds, then it was short ads every few videos, then it was ads at the beginning and end of video now there are more ads than videos. I would love to strip all the ads out of you tube, but don't want any malware installed on my phone.... lol
Vanced
Fatmonk8 said:
Vanced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting
https://youtubevanced.com/
I use utube less and less now especially for movies. Give Google time and they will screw up the their best apps.
Remember how good gmail -was- over a decade ago?
Liberals think everything needs fixed and proceed to do so until broke:silly:
blackhawk said:
Interesting
https://youtubevanced.com/
I use utube less and less now especially for movies. Give Google time and they will screw up the their best apps.
Remember how good gmail -was- over a decade ago?
Liberals think everything needs fixed and proceed to do so until broke:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know this was a political question. I simply said Vanced...
Try this manager its
one all in one
https://vancedapp.com/
Im very new to Android and finally made the switch after over a decade using iPhone, Question that I can't find a true answer to is would I possibly get banned for using YouTube Vanced and being logged in on my main google account on the app?
I-Siamak-I said:
Im very new to Android and finally made the switch after over a decade using iPhone, Question that I can't find a true answer to is would I possibly get banned for using YouTube Vanced and being logged in on my main google account on the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No mate I have no issues using vanced
Vanced...since years now..another reason for sticking to android
I-Siamak-I said:
Im very new to Android and finally made the switch after over a decade using iPhone, Question that I can't find a true answer to is would I possibly get banned for using YouTube Vanced and being logged in on my main google account on the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My advice would be plain and simple.
Use Samsung Internet Browser.
I know it's not perfect, but for me not bad at all.
I'm sure it's a good alternative.?
I really got so fed up with YouTube ads that i looked for a good straight forward alternative...
(I also did not want to use YouTube Vance etc..)
Saw remarks about Samsung internet browser,
started using it,
Very surprised, it was fast smooth etc.
With Samsung offering , free to install, add ons, to the browser....
AdBlockers and also a free to install, YouTube AdBlocker,
See screenshot.
i must admit i have not seen one advert, when browsing YouTube.
Note
I'm logged into YouTube with my Google account.
So my advice is to use Samsung Internet Browser
to browse YouTube until you get a better option.?
Good luck.
papubhai said:
Vanced...since years now..another reason for sticking to android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This and notifications making me stick with Android ..
Cercube is available on iOS too . IN jb you can install tweak in even latest version of youtube app.
The beauty of vanced if you turn your screen times off
YouTube will continue to play
Perfect for me as I do a lot of driving...
Just tried it with Samsung browser screen times out youtube stops playing
Something for you to maybe think about?
I use YouTube Premium to block all ads while still supporting my favorite creators.
Vote for Vanced. The latest version has an option to remove (+) button even. It allows to hide all these distracting tiles, gifs, stories etc, leaving the pure video clips only.
I'm a long time Adguard user, no adds in apps, browser, nowhere

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