How to block ads in Chrome

The short answer

Install a free ad-blocking extension like uBlock Origin Lite from the Chrome Web Store — it blocks most ads automatically with no setup needed.

This is the most effective method for blocking ads in Chrome:

Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store (search “Chrome Web Store” in Google)
Search for uBlock Origin Lite
Click Add to Chrome, then click Add extension in the popup
The extension icon will appear in your toolbar — ads are now blocked automatically

uBlock Origin Lite is free, lightweight, and trusted by millions of users. Other solid options include AdBlock and Adblock Plus.

Chrome has a built-in feature that blocks the most intrusive ads:

Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings
Scroll down to Additional content settings and click Intrusive ads
Make sure “Ads can be blocked on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads” is selected

This won’t block all ads, but it will stop the most aggressive ones like full-page popups and auto-playing video ads.

If ads are only bothering you on certain websites:

Click the extension icon in your toolbar on that site to check it’s active
Some ad blockers let you add custom filter rules for specific sites
You can also block pop-ups per site by clicking the lock icon next to the URL, then adjusting Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects

If you’re still seeing ads after installing a blocker:

Update your extension — outdated filter lists miss new ads
Check that the extension is enabled by clicking the puzzle icon in Chrome’s toolbar
Clear your browser cache to remove any stored ad scripts
Some sites detect ad blockers and ask you to disable them — you can choose to allow ads on sites you trust to support their content