How to block ads on smart TVs in US

Smart TVs have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a wide range of features and content. However, one of the downsides of smart TVs is the ads that are often displayed on the home screen, in menus, and even during playback.

These ads can be intrusive and annoying, and they can also collect your personal data. If you're tired of seeing ads on your smart TV, there are a few things you can do to block them.

Method 1: Change your DNS server

One of the easiest ways to block ads on your smart TV is to change your DNS server. A DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, which allows your devices to connect to websites and other online services.

By changing your DNS server to a third-party server that blocks ads, you can prevent your smart TV from connecting to the ad servers that deliver these ads.

To change your DNS server on your smart TV, follow these steps:

1.      Go to the Network settings on your smart TV.

2.      Select DNS Settings.

3.      Set the DNS Mode to Manual.

4.      Enter the following DNS server addresses:

o    Primary DNS Server: 176.103.130.130

o    Secondary DNS Server: 176.103.130.131

5.      Click Save.

Method 2: Use a network-wide ad blocker

Another way to block ads on your smart TV is to use a network-wide ad blocker. A network-wide ad blocker is a software program that can be installed on your router to block ads and tracking across all of your devices.

One popular network-wide ad blocker is AdGuard Home. To use AdGuard Home to block ads on your smart TV, follow these steps:

1.      Install AdGuard Home on your router.

2.      Configure AdGuard Home to block ads and tracking.

3.      Connect your smart TV to the AdGuard Home network.

Method 3: Use an ad blocker app

If you have an Android TV, you can also use an ad blocker app to block ads. There are a number of different ad blocker apps available on the Google Play Store.

One popular ad blocker app is Blokada. To use Blokada to block ads on your Android TV, follow these steps:

1.      Install Blokada from the Google Play Store.

2.      Open Blokada and enable ad blocking.

3.      Connect your Android TV to the same network as your device.

Method 4: Use a VPN

A VPN, or virtual private network, can also be used to block ads on your smart TV. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another location. This can be used to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is not available in your region.

However, a VPN can also be used to block ads by routing your traffic through a server that blocks ad servers.

One popular VPN service that can be used to block ads is NordVPN. To use NordVPN to block ads on your smart TV, follow these steps:

1.      Install NordVPN on your smart TV or another device on your network.

2.      Connect to a NordVPN server.

3.      Enable ad blocking in the NordVPN settings.

Additional tips for blocking ads on smart TVs

In addition to the methods listed above, there are a few other things you can do to block ads on your smart TV:

·    Disable personalized ads. Most smart TVs collect your viewing data and use it to show you personalized ads. You can usually disable personalized ads in the settings menu on your smart TV.

·     Limit data collection. Smart TVs also collect your personal data for other purposes, such as tracking your search history and app usage. You can usually limit data collection in the settings menu on your smart TV.

·   Use a privacy-focused browser. If you use a web browser on your smart TV, you can use a privacy-focused browser like DuckDuckGo to block ads and trackers.

·   Use a streaming device. If you have a streaming device like a Roku or Fire TV Stick, you can use the ad blocking features on those devices to block ads on your smart TV.

Conclusion

There are a number of ways to block ads on smart TVs. The best method for you will depend on your specific smart TV model and your technical expertise.

If you're looking for a simple and easy-to-use solution, changing your DNS server or using a network-wide ad blocker are good options. If you're more technical, you can use an ad blocker app or a VPN to block ads on your smart TV.