Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Seoul desk14 min

How to Allow Ads for Specific Apps on a Samsung Galaxy Phone

Android lets you block an app from saving ad suggestions, while Samsung offers advertising ID and app-permission controls. Neither creates a general allowlist for ads inside selected apps.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can’t use Samsung Galaxy or Android’s documented settings to create a general allowlist that turns ads on for selected apps. Android does offer a per-app setting for whether an app can save ad suggestions with Android, but that setting blocks suggestions; Google says ads related to a blocked app may still appear. Other controls affect ad-personalization signals or sensitive app permissions, not whether an app displays ads.

If you’re trying to change how ads are personalized, use Android’s Ads privacy settings. If you mean an app’s camera or microphone access, use Samsung’s Permission manager instead. The paths below can vary by Galaxy model, software version, and region.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The distinction matters because an app can display its own advertisements regardless of whether Android shares ad topics, whether the app saves suggestions with Android, or whether ad measurement is enabled. Those options govern specific privacy features; they are not a master control for the ads shown inside each app. Use the instructions below for the specific feature you want to change, and check the app itself if your goal is to control its in-app ads.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What “allow ads for specific apps” means on a Galaxy phone

The phrase can mean two different things: allowing an app to contribute to Android’s ad-personalization features, or allowing advertisements to appear inside that app. The controls documented by Google and Samsung address the first meaning and related privacy settings. They do not provide a general switch to allow or suppress in-app ads for selected apps.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones | IPX5 Waterproof,2 Mics for AI Calls,Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case,32 EQ via App Black
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.

Android’s Ads privacy area separates three controls: ad topics, app-suggested ads, and ad measurement. Samsung also documents an Ads entry for the advertising ID. Those settings govern particular ad-related signals or features. They should not be treated as an ad blocker or an app-by-app permission to show advertisements.

In practice, first decide what you mean by “allow.” If you want the app to keep showing its advertisements, the settings covered here do not give you a per-app display switch. If you want to manage the way Android’s ad features use information associated with apps, use the relevant Ads privacy control. If you are trying to make a feature such as the camera or microphone work, review that app’s permission instead. These are different settings families, with different purposes and effects.

Setting What it controls What it does not promise
Ad topics Whether Android shares ad topics with apps as part of the feature That related ads or advertisements will disappear
App-suggested ads Whether a selected app can save ad suggestions with Android An allowlist for in-app ads; Google says related ads may still appear when an app is blocked
Ad measurement Whether apps can share certain data with Android to measure ad performance That ads stop appearing
Advertising ID Samsung’s documented controls to reset the ID or disable apps from using it A documented setting to enable ads for only chosen apps
Permission manager Supported app permissions, such as camera or microphone access A control for ad personalization or ad display

The useful comparison is scope. Ad topics, app-suggested ads, ad measurement, and the advertising ID are related to ad privacy features. Permission manager is about an app’s access to supported device features or data. Neither group is documented as a general in-app advertising allowlist, and changing one does not automatically change the others.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Change Android’s ad privacy settings

On Android, open Settings > Google > All services > Privacy & security > Ads > Ads privacy. Menu wording and availability can differ. If the path does not match your phone, search Settings for “Ads” or “Ads privacy.” The options are separate: changing one does not automatically change the others.

Once you reach Ads privacy, choose the control that matches your goal rather than assuming there is one setting for all ads. Ad topics concerns topics Android may share with apps. App-suggested ads concerns suggestions an app can store with Android. Ad measurement concerns information apps share for measuring ad performance. You can review these separately and leave other settings unchanged.

If you do not see Ads privacy, or a particular option is absent, that does not mean you have overlooked a universal advertising switch. The menu path and feature availability can vary, and Google notes that some ad privacy details may not appear until the feature is fully available and apps begin using it. Search the phone’s Settings for “Ads” or “Ads privacy” to see whether the feature is available under a different label or location.

Review ad topics

  1. Open Settings > Google > All services > Privacy & security > Ads > Ads privacy.
  2. Tap Ad topics and review the available control, including Allow ad topics if it appears.
  3. Turn the feature off or remove topics you do not want Android to share, using the options shown on your device.

Google says Android can share up to three topics at a time with an app. Removing a topic stops Android from sharing that topic again, but you may still see ads related to it. Android deletes ad topics after four weeks. The setting may not show a topic list until the feature is fully available and apps begin using it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.

That means removing a topic is a choice about Android sharing that topic again through this feature, not a promise that every advertiser or app will stop showing related material. A topic list may also be empty or unavailable if the feature is not yet fully available on your phone or apps have not begun using it. The four-week period describes how long Android keeps ad topics; it is not a deadline by which all ads based on a topic will vanish.

Block one app’s suggestions stored with Android

  1. In Ads privacy, open App suggested ads.
  2. Choose the app you want to manage and block it if you do not want it to save ad suggestions with Android.

This is the closest documented per-app option, but it does the opposite of allowing an app’s suggestions: it blocks that app from saving them with Android. Google says the app’s associated suggestion data is deleted, while ads related to that app may still appear. It is not a way to guarantee that the app’s own advertisements are enabled or disabled.

Google’s Android Help puts the limitation plainly: “Blocked apps will no longer store ad suggestions with Android, but you may still get ads related to those apps.” So if your reason for looking for an allowlist is that you want advertisements from one particular app to keep appearing, do not confuse unblocking suggestions with turning on the app’s ad display. This setting concerns suggestions stored with Android, not a command to show that app’s ads.

Conversely, if your goal is to stop every advertisement associated with an app, blocking its suggestions is not enough to guarantee that result. The documented effect is narrower: the app will no longer store suggestions with Android, and the associated suggestion data is deleted. Google specifically cautions that related ads may still appear.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Manage ad measurement

  1. From Ads privacy, open Ad measurement.
  2. Turn Allow ad measurement on or off according to your preference.

Google describes this control as limiting the data apps share to measure ad performance—for example, information about the time of day an ad was shown. It is not a switch for showing ads in an app.

Think of measurement as a question about evaluating an ad, not whether the ad is displayed. Turning the option off changes the data sharing covered by the measurement feature; it does not create a list of apps that may or may not show ads, and it does not promise that the app will stop showing them. If you want to change this setting, choose it separately from ad topics and app-suggested ads.

Find Samsung’s advertising ID control

Samsung’s current US support guidance places Samsung and Google privacy options at Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings. Under Google, Samsung lists Ads, where users can reset the advertising ID or disable apps from using it. The available wording and controls may vary by device; Samsung cautions that not all features are available on all devices.

Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Security and privacy > More privacy settings.
  3. Under the Google section, tap Ads.
  4. Choose the advertising ID option available on your phone, such as resetting the ID or disabling apps from using it.

Samsung documents these as advertising ID controls, not as a way to select apps that may display ads. If More privacy settings or Ads is missing, use the Settings search field and search for “Ads” or “advertising ID.” A different Galaxy model, software version, or region may expose a different menu.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Resetting the advertising ID and disabling apps from using it are the available types of control Samsung lists in this area. The description does not establish a choice to keep the ID available to some chosen apps while withholding it from others, nor does it say these options switch advertisements on or off. Treat them as privacy controls for the ID, and use the exact options presented on your own phone.

This path is separate from Android’s Ads privacy area described above. If you find the Samsung-listed Google Ads page, you can review its advertising ID options there; if you want to manage ad topics, app-suggested ads, or ad measurement, look for Android’s Ads privacy controls. Similar wording does not make the controls interchangeable.

Use Permission manager only for app permissions

If your concern is that an app has access to the camera, microphone, or another sensitive feature, Samsung’s documented route is Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Permission manager. Choose a permission category, select the app, then choose among the options available for that permission. Depending on the permission and device, choices may include Allow, Don’t allow, Allowed only while using the app, or Ask every time.

  1. Open Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Permission manager.
  2. Select the permission category you want to review, such as camera or microphone.
  3. Choose the app whose access you want to change.
  4. Select an available permission option and return to the app to check whether its relevant feature works as expected.

Android’s general permission controls also include choices such as allowing access while using an app, allowing it only this time, or not allowing it. Permission controls concern access to protected device data or features; they are not an advertising toggle. Revoking an unrelated permission is not a documented way to turn an app’s ads on or off, and it can stop a legitimate app feature from working.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For example, if an app needs microphone access for a feature you use, changing that permission can affect that feature. It is not a documented route to make the app show or hide ads. Review the permission because you want to control access to the corresponding device feature, not as a workaround for advertising. The precise permission choices can depend on the category and device, so select only from the options shown for the permission you chose.

Samsung’s Permission manager route is useful when you want to answer a specific question such as “Which apps can use the camera?” It is not a list of apps approved to show advertisements. Keeping that distinction in mind avoids revoking a permission that an app legitimately needs while leaving the actual advertising question unanswered.

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.

Choose the setting that matches your goal

  • You want to control ad personalization: Review ad topics, app-suggested ads, or ad measurement in Android’s Ads privacy area.
  • You want to stop one app saving suggestions with Android: Use App suggested ads to block that app, understanding that related ads may still appear.
  • You want to manage advertising ID use: Look under Samsung’s Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Ads path and use the option available on your device.
  • You want an app to use the camera, microphone, or another protected feature: Change that permission in Permission manager, not in Ads privacy.
  • You want advertisements to appear or disappear inside a particular app: The settings documented here do not offer a general per-app in-app-ad switch. Check the app’s own settings or help information for any controls it provides.

A quick way to choose is to name the outcome you want before opening Settings. If the outcome is about what Android shares or stores for ad-related features, use Ads privacy. If it is about advertising ID use, look for the Ads entry in Samsung’s documented privacy settings. If it is about device access, use Permission manager. If it is about the presence of ads inside a particular app, look for a control in that app; the system settings described here do not provide the general allowlist implied by the question.

These paths also differ in scope. A setting in Android’s Ads privacy area applies to the named ad feature, with the per-app selection specifically concerning an app’s suggestions. Permission Manager lets you review a permission for a selected app. The advertising ID option is documented as a reset or a way to disable apps from using the ID. Do not assume that one of these choices will change a separate setting or produce a broader result than its description promises.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why ads may still appear after changing a setting

These settings limit specific ad-related features or signals; they are not documented as a guarantee that advertisements will stop. In particular, Google explicitly states: “Blocked apps will no longer store ad suggestions with Android, but you may still get ads related to those apps.” Turning off ad topics or measurement likewise changes those features, not the basic fact that an app may display ads.

Seeing an ad after changing a setting therefore does not necessarily mean the setting failed. The setting may have changed a particular data-sharing or suggestion feature while leaving the app’s ability to display ads untouched. Google’s explicit warning applies to blocked app suggestions: related ads may still appear. For topics and measurement, the stated effect is on those features, not the removal of advertisements.

Galaxy Store developer rules require user consent before ads or push messages based on user data and prohibit requiring more permissions than necessary for app functions. Those rules concern developers’ obligations; they do not create a user-facing allowlist or a troubleshooting switch for ads in every third-party app.

That distinction is useful if you are considering changing permissions because an app displays ads. Samsung’s Permission manager addresses supported permissions, while the Galaxy Store requirements describe developer obligations. Neither turns a permission setting into an ad-display control. Do not grant an unrelated permission just to try to enable ads, and do not revoke an app’s needed permission expecting its advertisements to stop.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If a setting is missing or behaves differently

  • Menu names do not match: Search Settings for “Ads,” “Ads privacy,” “Permission manager,” or “advertising ID.” Samsung warns that feature availability differs among devices, and there is no single documented path established for every Galaxy model, One UI release, Android version, or region.
  • There is no topic list: Google notes that the ad privacy interface may not show topics until the feature is fully available and apps begin using it.
  • You blocked an app but still see related ads: That is consistent with Google’s stated limitation. Blocking affects suggestions the app stores with Android; it does not promise to suppress every related advertisement.
  • An app feature stops working after a permission change: Return to the relevant permission in Permission manager and select an access option that supports the feature you intend to use. Permission changes are independent of ad settings.
  • You cannot find an app-specific ad display control: The Android and Samsung settings described here do not establish a general allowlist. Look for an option provided by the app itself rather than changing unrelated permissions.

Because Samsung says not all features are available on all devices, avoid relying on a menu path as if every Galaxy phone must display the same entries. Search Settings by the relevant phrase if a menu is absent. A different result may reflect a difference in device, software version, or region; it does not establish that there is a hidden allowlist for in-app ads.

If you are changing several settings, make one change at a time and keep track of which page you changed. Ad topics, app suggestions, measurement, advertising ID use, and permissions are separate. This makes it easier to understand the effect you see and to restore a previous choice if an app feature is affected. It also prevents confusing an ad-privacy change with a camera or microphone permission change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I allow ads for only certain apps on a Samsung Galaxy phone?

The documented Samsung and Android settings do not provide a general allowlist for in-app ads. Android does have a per-app App suggested ads control, but it blocks an app from saving suggestions with Android; it does not enable that app’s advertisements.

If I block an app under App suggested ads, will its ads disappear?

Not necessarily. Google says the app will no longer store ad suggestions with Android and its associated suggestion data is deleted, but ads related to the app may still appear.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Where are Android’s ad privacy settings on a Galaxy phone?

The Android path is Settings > Google > All services > Privacy & security > Ads > Ads privacy. Labels and availability may vary. If you cannot find it, search Settings for “Ads” or “Ads privacy.”

What does Ad topics do, and how many topics can Android share?

Ad topics controls whether Android shares topics with apps as part of the feature. Google says Android can share up to three topics at a time. Removing a topic stops Android from sharing it again, but related ads may still appear; Android deletes ad topics after four weeks.

What does Ad measurement control?

It controls whether apps share certain data with Android to measure ad performance, such as the time of day an ad was shown. It is not a switch for whether an app displays advertisements.

How do I find Samsung’s advertising ID setting?

Samsung’s current US support guidance places it at Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Ads, under Google. The available options may include resetting the advertising ID or disabling apps from using it. Not every feature is available on every device.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Does Permission manager control ads?

No. Permission manager controls supported permissions such as camera or microphone access. Changing an unrelated permission is not a documented way to turn advertisements on or off and may interfere with an app feature.

Why can’t I see any ad topics on my phone?

Google notes that the interface may not show a topic list until the feature is fully available and apps begin using it. Availability and menu labels can also differ across devices.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: A Galaxy phone’s documented settings do not let you create a general allowlist to turn in-app ads on for chosen apps. Android’s per-app App suggested ads control blocks suggestions stored with Android, and Google says related ads may still appear. Use Ads privacy for ad topics, suggestions, or measurement; Samsung’s Ads entry for advertising ID options; and Permission manager only for app access to sensitive features. For the ads displayed inside one app, check that app’s own settings or help.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.