I used to always unlock bootloaders, install TWRP, flash clean Android and load up AdAway until my latest S20 acquisition. The intention was to wait out the 2yr warranty period and then do it until I learned that ad blocking was possible using the Private DNS setting.
Over the first days of using my new S20 I was really shocked at the volume of crap blasting at me that AdAway was blocking in the past, so trying out Private DNS was a welcome relief (dns.adguard.com).
It's only been a few days since I've done this and I just applied the setting to the wife's (stock) Huawei P20 Pro, and yes a large volume of ads are now missing, a sight for very sore eyes.
Just wondering if others have had positive and/or negative experiences using Private DNS for ad blocking. I saw Pixel 2s were rebooting but I'm sure the latest versions of Android would have sorted this by now. I haven't experienced anything untoward so far but I'm a very light user and only had the phone 4 days.
Works great for me! No more Blokada, DNS66, et al. Been using this since my Note 9.
Install youtube vanced and you're all set.
Tried dns.adguard.com before but some ads were still going through so i stuck to blokada, but now it seems to work fine, no more vpn icon
Used AdAway on rooted devices too ... with dns.adguard.com i had no problems while using it .... if you want, try this.. dns.keweon.center ..which i currently use...also excellent DNS
No need to use VPN Ad blockers.
Instead of dns.adguard.com use nextdns.io
Get free account and configure it as You want, with many filters full loging etc. It's better than AdAway.
Then You can set private dns to Your custom nextdns config.
krogoth said:
No need to use VPN Ad blockers.
Instead of dns.adguard.com use nextdns.io
Get free account and configure it as You want, with many filters full loging etc. It's better than AdAway.
Then You can set private dns to Your custom nextdns config.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this tip.
I've just set it up after a week of quite successful dns.adguard.com ad blocking but I really like the enormous flexibility of nextdns.io and its (potential) threat protection, as well as the logging (in CH) and analytics. Reminds me of OpenDNS but with ad blocking as well!
I have recommended it to a friend with two younger boys, he might appreciate the content filtering side for them, but generally the one thing that has irked me about smartphones is the potential for accidentally landing on a new malware site even if it is unlikely to infect Android.
The problem with the any DNS or VPN based blocking method: Chrome will randomly stop functioning whenever I am connected to any wifi network.
It will just stop loading random sites, not show all pictures in Google Image search, not show anything anymore when you click back and forward or just stop loading anything at all.
Go to mobile connection, it immediately works. Disable the DNS/VPN blocker, it immediately works.
Reconnect wifi, it will work again for a while. Can be two days, can be ten minutes. It's completely random.
I am not able to figure out ANY reason why this is happening.
I know Chrome has its own DNS resolver and you should disable it when using DNS based blocking methods (disable async dns resolver and clear dns cache), and while this fixes the problem that not all ads are blocked in a reliable way, it doesn't fix the wifi connection loss.
Using DNS or VPN based blockers only cause problems in Chrome, no other app.
I know I could just switch browsers, its just that I use Chrome on desktop as well and like the synced bookmarks.
Does anyone have any idea why using a VPN/DNS based adblocker would cause Chrome to specifically stop working randomly only in a wifi network, but not via mobile?
I have had this issue over several devices and Android versions for years now and I can't figure it out.
fBx said:
Does anyone have any idea why using a VPN/DNS based adblocker would cause Chrome to specifically stop working randomly only in a wifi network, but not via mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it happen only on your home network? If so, are you using additional adblockers such as Pi-hole or dns.adguard..com as your router's default DNS?
Interesting that it happens only with mobile Chrome. Just another reason to stop using Chrome....
just use Disconnect Pro instead, Adblock through KNOX.
Sorry guys you all lying to urselfs... best adblock is still only via root available! Energized or AdAway is where it's at.
chieco said:
Sorry guys you all lying to urselfs... best adblock is still only via root available! Energized or AdAway is where it's at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks captain obvious! Now go root my north american snapdragon s20...
Adguard for Android is nice, not the app store version either. It's on adguard.com
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
[email protected] said:
just use Disconnect Pro instead, Adblock through KNOX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a fantastic solution!
[email protected] said:
just use Disconnect Pro instead, Adblock through KNOX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this! I missed adhell so much since it worked through Knox as well. Right now I'm running private dns on my phone from adguard and I'm going to use this app along with it as well.
Just go buy a Raspberry Pi Zero W and throw an SD card into it, install Pihole on it and VPN into your home network. Most modern routers have a VPN server built into them, Samsung phones all have a VPN client built in, and you can get a Pi Zero for $10 (or under $20 bundled with an MicroSD if you don't have one lying around from an old phone).
No root or special software on the phone end needed, and once the Pi is set up it's plug and play.
---------- Post added at 05:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:40 PM ----------
sublimaze said:
Does it happen only on your home network? If so, are you using additional adblockers such as Pi-hole or dns.adguard..com as your router's default DNS?
Interesting that it happens only with mobile Chrome. Just another reason to stop using Chrome....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome is purposely crippled to do this - there's even a dev flag to disable the behavior. It's the main reason I stopped using it and disabled it entirely. I went to Samsung's browser and have actually been really happy with it - the dark mode actually makes all web sites dark, even the ones that don't work with Chrome's.
Thank you.
Do you see any issues accessing very secure sites like banks thru the DNS blocks?
sublimaze said:
Does it happen only on your home network? If so, are you using additional adblockers such as Pi-hole or dns.adguard..com as your router's default DNS?
Interesting that it happens only with mobile Chrome. Just another reason to stop using Chrome....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rustyram02 said:
Do you see any issues accessing very secure sites like banks thru the DNS blocks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the blocker is doing its job correctly, it shouldn't have issues with any legit site. This actually protects you since most of the blockers also block malicious domains so if you accidentally click a phishing link it *might* keep you from getting to it.
The problems you WILL see if that sponsored results in search engines will stop working, because they route through an ad site rather than directly to the thing you want to go to. Once you get used to ignoring the top few results in Google, it's not so bad. There's also the issue of sites that block you if they detect an ad blocker. Most sites aren't smart enough to be able to detect a DNS based blocker, but if they are you will either not be able to use the site, or you'll need to turn the DNS blocker off or whitelist the site while you do.
Illrigger said:
If the blocker is doing its job correctly, it shouldn't have issues with any legit site. This actually protects you since most of the blockers also block malicious domains so if you accidentally click a phishing link it *might* keep you from getting to it.
The problems you WILL see if that sponsored results in search engines will stop working, because they route through an ad site rather than directly to the thing you want to go to. Once you get used to ignoring the top few results in Google, it's not so bad. There's also the issue of sites that block you if they detect an ad blocker. Most sites aren't smart enough to be able to detect a DNS based blocker, but if they are you will either not be able to use the site, or you'll need to turn the DNS blocker off or whitelist the site while you do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I stopped clicking the top search results a long time ago. I was an avid AdGuard user, but their app used too much battery. I changed my default DNS to dns.adguard.com and it blocks ads as well as their app, without the battery hit.
In 2017, I purchased two Adguard lifetime licences for $10/each ($20 total), one of my best purchased ever! Now the same license is $70/each.
Have not had a need to root and still no ads on our phones for years now!
Related
For months now i've had problems using xda. The loading would hang and wait. If I looked at the developer tools in chrome, I can clearly see that for some reason it was constantly pending loading at objects attached to hosts like this:
www1-lw.xda-cdn.com
www2-lw.xda-cdn.com
forum.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-1.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-2.xda-cdn.com
It was failing to load with Chrome on Android, Linux, and Windows. Firefox would load correctly. Interesting thing is that when I connect via a VPN and then test with Chrome it would load fine. I would say it is just my IP address and routing but this has been over a period of time when my ISP IP address has changed. I've verified that and it is still an issue. I have no other issues with any other site.
If there are details I can provide, let me know. If this is the wrong forum for a problem like this, let me know that too. I've gotten to the point that I block the listed cdn addresses in my hostfile so that they immediately fail and my pages load but obviously that rids me of images and other elements along with not letting you guys recoup cost for ADs.
There seems to be something with the CDNs XDA uses.
calisro said:
For months now i've had problems using xda. The loading would hang and wait. If I looked at the developer tools in chrome, I can clearly see that for some reason it was constantly pending loading at objects attached to hosts like this:
www1-lw.xda-cdn.com
www2-lw.xda-cdn.com
forum.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-1.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-2.xda-cdn.com
It was failing to load with Chrome on Android, Linux, and Windows. Firefox would load correctly. Interesting thing is that when I connect via a VPN and then test with Chrome it would load fine. I would say it is just my IP address and routing but this has been over a period of time when my ISP IP address has changed. I've verified that and it is still an issue. I have no other issues with any other site.
If there are details I can provide, let me know. If this is the wrong forum for a problem like this, let me know that too. I've gotten to the point that I block the listed cdn addresses in my hostfile so that they immediately fail and my pages load but obviously that rids me of images and other elements along with not letting you guys recoup cost for ADs.
There seems to be something with the CDNs XDA uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how is your internet connection? and do you use a an add blocker?
simms22 said:
how is your internet connection? and do you use a an add blocker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Connection is fine. Its a 100M UP/DOWN connection. No adblocking. Zero issues for anything else. I stream a lot of data from various sources. Im a very heavy user and never have any issues with any site but XDA. The fact that it works over the VPN is interesting since it would route it through a different path. The fact that it loads fine without the VPN connection in firefox only is also interesting. As I said, this has been going on for a long time. I'm quote sure it isn't my 'connection'. Of course it could be routing or a problem with the CDNs.
All other page elements load correctly except for all the CDN URLs according to the developer tools in Chrome. The problem is the page won't actually 'render' anything until the CDNs timeout.
calisro said:
Connection is fine. Its a 100M UP/DOWN connection. No adblocking. Zero issues for anything else. I stream a lot of data from various sources. Im a very heavy user and never have any issues with any site but XDA. The fact that it works over the VPN is interesting since it would route it through a different path. The fact that it loads fine without the VPN connection in firefox only is also interesting. As I said, this has been going on for a long time. I'm quote sure it isn't my 'connection'. Of course it could be routing or a problem with the CDNs.
All other page elements load correctly except for all the CDN URLs according to the developer tools in Chrome. The problem is the page won't actually 'render' anything until the CDNs timeout.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know ill probably get a talking to, but try an ad blocker. xda is chalk full of ads, very very many! that could have an affect. btw, i use adfree http://adfree.odiousapps.com/adfree.apk
It goes further. Even with an adblocker, the page doesn't load properly. Some of those CDNs load real elements. So even with ads being blocked, page would still not load.
Same here. Browser is irrelevant. "Waiting for www1-lw.xda-cdn.com..."
I'm having the same issue. "Waiting for www1-lw.xda-cdn.com..."
calisro said:
For months now i've had problems using xda. The loading would hang and wait. If I looked at the developer tools in chrome, I can clearly see that for some reason it was constantly pending loading at objects attached to hosts like this:
www1-lw.xda-cdn.com
www2-lw.xda-cdn.com
forum.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-1.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-2.xda-cdn.com
It was failing to load with Chrome on Android, Linux, and Windows. Firefox would load correctly. Interesting thing is that when I connect via a VPN and then test with Chrome it would load fine. I would say it is just my IP address and routing but this has been over a period of time when my ISP IP address has changed. I've verified that and it is still an issue. I have no other issues with any other site.
If there are details I can provide, let me know. If this is the wrong forum for a problem like this, let me know that too. I've gotten to the point that I block the listed cdn addresses in my hostfile so that they immediately fail and my pages load but obviously that rids me of images and other elements along with not letting you guys recoup cost for ADs.
There seems to be something with the CDNs XDA uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using chrome 53? Upgrade to Chrome application and platforms with version 55, then try again.
https://knowledge.rapidssl.com/supp...ntent&id=ALERT2165&actp=LIST&viewlocale=en_US
---
My chrome will load slow/hang if i visit xda(open many tabs) with whitelisted adblock(ublock). When hang I can see under taskmanager the page consuming 1gig+ ram. Sites like gsmarena is fine whitelisted, no performance issues so maybe you can see what they're doing right.
I haven't been able to go to the main xda page for over a week now on Chrome, with or without adblock on, it loads in IE but who wants to use that?
dave2103 said:
I haven't been able to go to the main xda page for over a week now on Chrome, with or without adblock on, it loads in IE but who wants to use that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try Upgrade to Chrome application and platforms with version 55.
I have the same issue. The issue is not present in Firefox. Difference ? MAYBE due to the limit of open connections pr host in google is lower than in Firefox.
---------- Post added at 01:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:33 PM ----------
Actually, disabling adblock plus helps.
jakobfriis said:
I have the same issue. The issue is not present in Firefox. Difference ? MAYBE due to the limit of open connections pr host in google is lower than in Firefox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is also present on Firefox and is rather network related. I often have issues loading xda at home and it stucks at opening www1-lw.xda-cdn.com, but at work it works fine almost ach time. This is happening for at least half a year now and there are days (not often tho) where everything loads instantly.
calisro said:
For months now i've had problems using xda. The loading would hang and wait. If I looked at the developer tools in chrome, I can clearly see that for some reason it was constantly pending loading at objects attached to hosts like this:
www1-lw.xda-cdn.com
www2-lw.xda-cdn.com
forum.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-1.xda-cdn.com
forum-lw-2.xda-cdn.com
It was failing to load with Chrome on Android, Linux, and Windows. Firefox would load correctly. Interesting thing is that when I connect via a VPN and then test with Chrome it would load fine. I would say it is just my IP address and routing but this has been over a period of time when my ISP IP address has changed. I've verified that and it is still an issue. I have no other issues with any other site.
If there are details I can provide, let me know. If this is the wrong forum for a problem like this, let me know that too. I've gotten to the point that I block the listed cdn addresses in my hostfile so that they immediately fail and my pages load but obviously that rids me of images and other elements along with not letting you guys recoup cost for ADs.
There seems to be something with the CDNs XDA uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should disable add blocker.
Same issue, waiting for www1-lw.xda-cdn.com on XDA frontpage, been like this for around a year now. uBlock is disabled. To remedy this, I have to load the XDA Forums in another tab, refresh XDA Frontpage and it's all working good
Same here. I would logon to the site way more often if this dind't happen.
Same here, @theBIGone, I see you're in Amsterdam as well, maybe it's location based as well?
Netherlands here too. Exact same issue.
I was having terrible lockups whilst browsing XDA for ages, to the point that I thought xda was running one of these CoinMining scripts on users. I actually enabled adblockers and the issue totally vanished. Weird.
Has anyone made anything that roots the pixel xl, the variant from the google store with the unlocked bootloader? I want to root my device, no need for custom recovery and install a system wide adblocker.
lovenokia said:
Has anyone made anything that roots the pixel xl, the variant from the google store with the unlocked bootloader? I want to root my device, no need for custom recovery and install a system wide adblocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet. Partitions are different on the Pixel compared to other phones which is going to create a different method for root. It will happen when the devs figure it out. I am looking forward to tinkering with my new Pixel.
lovenokia said:
Has anyone made anything that roots the pixel xl, the variant from the google store with the unlocked bootloader? I want to root my device, no need for custom recovery and install a system wide adblocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chain fire is waiting for his to be delivered to his country. Once he gets it then he will start working on root. He says it will be a little harder so it will take a little longer. Also the dev beanstown is on the waiting list for November so we will start seeing root and custom Roms by December I bet.
lovenokia said:
Has anyone made anything that roots the pixel xl, the variant from the google store with the unlocked bootloader? I want to root my device, no need for custom recovery and install a system wide adblocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried Adguard, no root needed and easy to toggle on/off, I started using it on my work phone and have found that it works very well, enough that I've switched to it on my personal phone and on the desktop.
Local link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/adguard-ad-blocker-doesnt-require-root-t2958895
If you find a need for the premium functions googling "adguard stacksocial" will give you a much cheaper option for multi device usage.
rgbc said:
Have you tried Adguard, no root needed and easy to toggle on/off, I started using it on my work phone and have found that it works very well, enough that I've switched to it on my personal phone and on the desktop.
Local link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/adguard-ad-blocker-doesnt-require-root-t2958895
If you find a need for the premium functions googling "adguard stacksocial" will give you a much cheaper option for multi device usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is totally speculation, but since Adguard appears to use the android VPN to block ads, I imagine this may have some kind of negative affect on Wi-Fi assistant (if you have it enabled). I would test it, but honestly I don't trust that this company is tunneling all the traffic of all your apps through them. Seems a bit sketchy to me, but to each their own.
EDIT: Seems I misunderstood how the application functions. I'll still be waiting for root, but thanks to rgbc for the info.
bigbabys said:
This is totally speculation, but since Adguard appears to use the android VPN to block ads, I imagine this may have some kind of negative affect on Wi-Fi assistant (if you have it enabled). I would test it, but honestly I don't trust that this company is tunneling all the traffic of all your apps through them. Seems a bit sketchy to me, but to each their own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app sets up a local (on-device) VPN for ad filtering, web traffic isn't being routed through Adguard's servers.
I don't use wifi assistant (traffic routed through Google's servers) as I use a third party VPNfor all public wifi however when Adguard senses a remote VPN connection being setup it disabled it's self automatically. It also has a root option for alternative filtering methods for use with VPNs.
Cheers,
Rob
rgbc said:
The app sets up a local (on-device) VPN for ad filtering, web traffic isn't being routed through Adguard's servers.
I don't use wifi assistant (traffic routed through Google's servers) as I use a third party VPNfor all public wifi however when Adguard senses a remote VPN connection being setup it disabled it's self automatically. It also has a root option for alternative filtering methods for use with VPNs.
Cheers,
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, as I said total speculation. Didn't mean to spread mis-information. I'm probably still going to wait for root, but it's nice to know there is an alternative.
Alright, I'm in that nice panic stage where you've learned enough to scare yourself but don't know enough to reassure yourself.
Had a factory reset recently, seems likely it was due to 3rd party lock/wipe app i triggered while dealing with my dog. (But not 100% sure there was a drop just prior and I've had stability issues since school has required me add a work profile but, of course tech support for both Microsoft and my school have zero response to inquiries)
Any way, user certificates now has two:
FindMyMobile
AttestationKey_com_wssyncmldm
And I have no idea how to verify those in any way. Its quite possible isn't it that an app could have actually installed them right?
Findmymobile, obviously is such a cert, allowing for find my mobile. It has a key a CA cert and user cert.
AttestationKey_com_wssyncmldm
Has a user key and user cert
I would say it's the school/work profile. Microsoft InTune is for enterprise IT management. If your school's IT managers don't know how to configure it, it can screw things up for everyone.
Try deleting your school profile and see what happens.
My company recently migrated from Google to Microsoft services and when I added my company as a work profile, my phone started acting wonky.
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
I would reload and not put the crapware back on it.
It's your phone... my favorite word is No!
I have zero faith in the new MS; don't run any of their cloud junk on my 10+ and never will.
Find my device is normally present. You can disable it as a device administrator in advanced security settings.
It will auto enable on reboot or sometimes when you go to Playstore.
HungryRobotics said:
Alright, I'm in that nice panic stage where you've learned enough to scare yourself but don't know enough to reassure yourself.
Had a factory reset recently, seems likely it was due to 3rd party lock/wipe app i triggered while dealing with my dog. (But not 100% sure there was a drop just prior and I've had stability issues since school has required me add a work profile but, of course tech support for both Microsoft and my school have zero response to inquiries)
Any way, user certificates now has two:
FindMyMobile
AttestationKey_com_wssyncmldm
And I have no idea how to verify those in any way. Its quite possible isn't it that an app could have actually installed them right?
Findmymobile, obviously is such a cert, allowing for find my mobile. It has a key a CA cert and user cert.
AttestationKey_com_wssyncmldm
Has a user key and user cert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are these both normal then?
sirv said:
So are these both normal then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. I don't have a work profile set, and I show no user certificates.
The names seem off too. I see why the OP was a bit shook up. I'm running a AT&T 10+
Here's how they show on my 10+, it's running fast and clean.
sirv said:
So are these both normal then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find my mobile is for find my mobile being active when you have a VPN that may block it.
The other I still don't know but may be Knox related under same circumstances.
Thank you, @blackhawk and @HungryRobotics
I had a similar guess, that findmymobile was the Samsung service. Since I was using a VPN-based ad block (Adguard), it makes sense that it appeared there.
As for the other one (AttestationKey_com_wssyncmldm), I'm still not sure, but I wonder if it was for the Link to PC service.
It's alarming to find anything in User Certificates, honestly, and there seems no way to get information that they are legit. My hope is that it is only the system apps that can install certificates without user intervention.
sirv said:
Thank you, @blackhawk and @HungryRobotics
I had a similar guess, that findmymobile was the Samsung service. Since I was using a VPN-based ad block (Adguard), it makes sense that it appeared there.
As for the other one (AttestationKey_com_wssyncmldm), I'm still not sure, but I wonder if it was for the Link to PC service.
It's alarming to find anything in User Certificates, honestly, and there seems no way to get information that they are legit. My hope is that it is only the system apps that can install certificates without user intervention.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wssyncmldm is the infamous AT&T updater usually listed as in my previous screen shot.
Seems it might have something to do with this.
My guess is it has to do with setting up the work profile.
If it was there on the AT&T stock rom, after a factory reset it should be ok.
Maybe check with AT&T.
blackhawk said:
wssyncmldm is the infamous AT&T updater usually listed as in my previous screen shot.
Seems it might have something to do with this.
My guess is it has to do with setting up the work profile.
If it was there on the AT&T stock rom, after a factory reset it should be ok.
Maybe check with AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have AT&T, but it could be an updater for my carrier.
sirv said:
I don't have AT&T, but it could be an updater for my carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those apps have every permission under the sun. Check to see what is set as system administrators. Find my Device will be there.
I don't know.
Maybe it's nothing but what if it's something
I found these and other User Certificates on another device, too. It's disconcerting. Is it known, can any app install User Certificates?
This may be helpful:
How To Remove all Stored Certificates on Android - Technipages
Ever been greeted by a popup saying, "The certificate doesn't come from a trusted authority?" when trying to access a website? These security certificates
www.technipages.com
Lockdown time, add Karma Firewall, a VNP based freeware app that uses almost no battery and has logging. Can run at boot up.
I also use this setting to globaly block ads...
blackhawk said:
This may be helpful:
How To Remove all Stored Certificates on Android - Technipages
Ever been greeted by a popup saying, "The certificate doesn't come from a trusted authority?" when trying to access a website? These security certificates
www.technipages.com
Lockdown time, add Karma Firewall, a VNP based freeware app that uses almost no battery and has logging. Can run at boot up.
I also use this setting to globaly block ads...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's strange, I can find nothing online about common entries in User Certificates on Android. My thought is that they get generated when VPN is used, such as AdGuard.
Thanks for the Private DNS tip for ad blocking. In the meantime, I have been using Disconnect Pro (based on Knox).
sirv said:
It's strange, I can find nothing online about common entries in User Certificates on Android. My thought is that they get generated when VPN is used, such as AdGuard.
Thanks for the Private DNS tip for ad blocking. In the meantime, I have been using Disconnect Pro (based on Knox).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you delete them?
If you don't do/want OTA updates wssyncmldm isn't needed.
I'm still happily running on Pie...
I traditionally have used Nord VPN. And have enjoyed it. I don't see much in slow down. And am able to use almost everything I want. I just received an email declaring they were changing their terms of service. And one of those things is able to identify type of device. This brings some worry to me as a user. Since they are able to identify that, what else can they identify? And so, I'm curious. What VPN are you all using, and why?
None... you can't hide on the internet if DOD etc really wants to find you or where you've been.
Lol, they wuv playing games, a challenge; probably better off hiding in plain sight.
When using a VPN they can usually see everything you do it's just hiding you from others that will abuse the info you are using its just like having a isp that won't Share your info as far as I know of I use windscribe personally and have no issues whatsoever with anything.
jolly_roger_hook said:
When using a VPN they can usually see everything you do it's just hiding you from others that will abuse the info you are using its just like having a isp that won't Share your info as far as I know of I use windscribe personally and have no issues whatsoever with anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wifi is turned off and use Brave browser most of the time.
No issues after years of running like this so VPN would eat more battery and resources for what?
I find I prefer the hiding from the ISP more then from the gov. The ISP sells the info I put into my internet whenever I am on my devices. I prefer that info not being sold. I know that's hard in modern days, and I'm not always successful. But it's worth trying to prevent.
blackhawk said:
My wifi is turned off and use Brave browser most of the time.
No issues after years of running like this so VPN would eat more battery and resources for what?
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I use brave as well but I also like to watch movies which my isp doesn't allow unless it's a legit stream service (Netflix, Amazon, ect...) so things like cinahub and cinema hd get my internet cut off so I use VPN for that as well as some shows and games come out in other country's a few days before America so having the ability to get them earily is another reason to have a VPN and it literally eats next to no battery life
jolly_roger_hook said:
I use brave as well but I also like to watch movies which my isp doesn't allow unless it's a legit stream service (Netflix, Amazon, ect...) so things like cinahub and cinema hd get my internet cut off so I use VPN for that as well as some shows and games come out in other country's a few days before America so having the ability to get them earily is another reason to have a VPN and it literally eats next to no battery life
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May I ask which country you are in and which VPN app you're using?
Lol, Brave is a bit hard on battery but without it some sites be completely impossible to be on with ads jumping everywhere.
blackhawk said:
May I ask which country you are in and which VPN app you're using?
Lol, Brave is a bit hard on battery but without it some sites be completely impossible to be on with ads jumping everywhere.
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I live in the USA. Where if you don't use a VPN you get bombarded with ads like nobody's business. I've found Nord VPN isn't super heavy on battery life.
jolly_roger_hook said:
I use brave as well but I also like to watch movies which my isp doesn't allow unless it's a legit stream service (Netflix, Amazon, ect...) so things like cinahub and cinema hd get my internet cut off so I use VPN for that as well as some shows and games come out in other country's a few days before America so having the ability to get them earily is another reason to have a VPN and it literally eats next to no battery life
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Click to collapse
ptko15 said:
I live in the USA. Where if you don't use a VPN you get bombarded with ads like nobody's business. I've found Nord VPN isn't super heavy on battery life.
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Might try it again. Don't have too much trouble with ads since Brave is my primary browser.
The major failing with a Android that's not rooted is no easy firewall. Big security risk and system drain.
blackhawk said:
Might try it again. Don't have too much trouble with ads since Brave is my primary browser.
The major failing with a Android that's not rooted is no easy firewall. Big security risk and system drain.
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I find with my note 10 plus. If I've disabled all of the bixby "stuff", and disable the device personalization from google. And few other apps. And then run my VPN, I'm pretty good. I make it through a day easy. Unless I start downloading or using super heavy.
ptko15 said:
I find with my note 10 plus. If I've disabled all of the bixby "stuff", and disable the device personalization from google. And few other apps. And then run my VPN, I'm pretty good. I make it through a day easy. Unless I start downloading or using super heavy.
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All the Google junk is disabled, Samsung and carrier feedback. Still not enough though.
Samsung and some 3rd party apks are prime offenders.
I hate bixby... dead as Zed.
blackhawk said:
My wifi is turned off and use Brave browser most of the time.
No issues after years of running like this so VPN would eat more battery and resources for what?
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Click to collapse
Have you tried bromite? Its open source and a completely ungoogled chrome with built-in add block as well. Fastest browser I've used
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
andy242 said:
Have you tried bromite? Its open source and a completely ungoogled chrome with built-in add block as well. Fastest browser I've used
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
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No. I don't do much side loading, I try to limit trying Playstore apps as well.
One of the ways I avoid reloads and keep the system fast and stable.
blackhawk said:
May I ask which country you are in and which VPN app you're using?
Lol, Brave is a bit hard on battery but without it some sites be completely impossible to be on with ads jumping everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the USA and I use use windscribe it does not eat battery life I can get a whole 6-7 hours screen on time and a full. Day of battery on my note 10+ with it on the whole time I've never had a problem using it plus you can use it on as many devices as you want with just one account no restrictions no slowdowns and the price is unbeatable
jolly_roger_hook said:
I'm in the USA and I use use windscribe it does not eat battery life I can get a whole 6-7 hours screen on time and a full. Day of battery on my note 10+ with it on the whole time I've never had a problem using it plus you can use it on as many devices as you want with just one account no restrictions no slowdowns and the price is unbeatable
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The Karma Firewall is running very well and uses almost no battery. Wow.
This apk pleasantly surprised me.
I have a lifetime account on CyberGhost VPN but due to some concerns that seem to appear about them not being really full logging free I just changed to SurfShark. Both seemed to be ok for me but I got some extra options on SurfShark like kill switch, true adds filtering, GPS location spoofing to the VPN location , etc. Also they still have a really great offer and I got like 3 years for unde 2$ per month.
I've ask this question before of other phones in other forums....and didn't have a good solution.
I have a new, unrooted US TMo S22. I'd like to replace the Hosts file to block the tons of ad sites while browsing.
Without having to root the phone...
1) does anyone know of a way to replace hosts?
2) or to redirect hosts lookup by browser to a location in the open storage file system location where I can transfer my preferred hosts file?
One solution may be to replace the DNS lookup to a custom server that blocks ads... Anyone tried that?
tia
I use a pihole dns server on my home network, works great at reducing ads.
Thanks! I use dual Pi-Holes on my home network and 2M line block list, yeah it works great.
I'm interested in when I'm away from home mostly. Or on 5G cellular.
I'm trying out Custom DNS entry for now, using DNS.AdGuard.com.
Wisiwyg said:
Thanks! I use dual Pi-Holes on my home network and 2M line block list, yeah it works great.
I'm interested in when I'm away from home mostly. Or on 5G cellular.
I'm trying out Custom DNS entry for now, using DNS.AdGuard.com.
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You can also try blokada or adaway which work without root as VPN. Be sure to get them from f-droid
Wisiwyg said:
Thanks! I use dual Pi-Holes on my home network and 2M line block list, yeah it works great.
I'm interested in when I'm away from home mostly. Or on 5G cellular.
I'm trying out Custom DNS entry for now, using DNS.AdGuard.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set up a NextDNS account. You get more control over what you filter and what you don't. Free version gives you 300k blocks a month, which should be more than enough for a single device. I put it on my entire network though, so I pay the yearly $30 fee.