You can filter some in-app ads on a Samsung Galaxy by setting Android’s Private DNS to a DNS provider that blocks advertising domains. The setting is available in Samsung’s Connections menu, but it is not a new One UI 9 ad-blocking feature: Android has supported Private DNS since Android 9, and the available evidence does not establish that One UI 9 introduced a separate ad blocker.
What this setting does—and what it doesn’t
Private DNS sends DNS lookups through an encrypted connection to a provider you choose. To block ads, that provider must filter ad-serving domains; simply entering any private DNS provider does not guarantee ad blocking. Android documents DNS-over-TLS support and provider-hostname configuration for Android 9 and later in its network security documentation.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Filtering happens at the domain level, not by inspecting or removing individual elements inside an app. It can block requests to known advertising domains, but it cannot reliably distinguish an ad from other content when both come from the same domain. For that reason, DNS filtering does not reliably remove ads in services such as YouTube’s official app. Results depend on the provider’s filters and the way each app serves its ads.
Set a filtering DNS provider on a Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections, then More connection settings.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname, if that option appears.
- Enter the hostname supplied by a DNS provider that filters ads, then tap Save.
Samsung documents this menu path and the option to configure and save a Private DNS connection in its Galaxy connection settings guidance. Labels or availability can differ by device and software version. One example hostname cited in a current how-to is dns.adguard-dns.com; it is an example, not a Samsung recommendation. Confirm the hostname and service details with the provider before entering it.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If apps or websites stop connecting
A mistyped hostname or a DNS provider that cannot be reached can interfere with name resolution, making some apps or sites fail to load. Return to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Private DNS, choose Automatic, and save to restore the default behavior. If the problem persists, check the provider’s status and hostname before trying again.
How Private DNS compares with other ad-blocking approaches
| Approach | Where it can work | Android VPN slot | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtering Private DNS | DNS requests made by apps and the device while the setting is in use | No dedicated blocker app using the VPN slot is required | Blocks by domain; cannot reliably filter ads served from the same domain as content |
| Local VPN-based blocker | Potentially broader device traffic, depending on the app and its configuration | Uses Android’s VPN capability | Coverage and trade-offs vary by app; no particular product is established here as a tested winner |
| Browser-based blocker | Pages viewed in the browser where the blocker is enabled | Does not inherently require Android’s VPN slot | Does not generally filter ads inside unrelated apps |
Private DNS is a straightforward option if you want domain-level filtering without installing a dedicated blocker. Choose another approach if you need page-element filtering or a different scope, and check its permissions and limitations before enabling it. No single option is guaranteed to remove every ad.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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.
