Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 28, 2026

1. Overview

BlockAds ("we", "our", or "the app") is a free, open-source ad blocker for Android. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect (or rather, what we don't collect) and how the app works.

2. Data We Collect

2.1 We Do NOT Collect

  • Personal information (name, email, phone number)
  • Device identifiers or advertising IDs
  • Location data
  • Browsing history
  • Usage analytics or telemetry (unless explicitly opted-in)
  • Any data transmitted to external servers without your consent

2.2 Data Stored Locally

The following data is stored only on your device and is never transmitted to any server:

  • DNS Query Logs: Records of DNS queries processed by the app, including the domain name, timestamp, and whether the query was blocked. These logs are stored in a local SQLite database.
  • App Settings: Your preferences such as filter list selections, DNS server configuration, theme mode, and whitelisted apps/domains.
  • Filter Lists: Cached copies of ad-blocking filter lists downloaded from public sources.
  • Crash Reports & Logs: If you manually export local logs or explicitly opt-in to telemetry during onboarding, anonymized crash logs may be sent to help us improve the app.

3. Dual Routing Modes (VPN & Root Proxy)

BlockAds offers two routing modes to filter DNS queries: a local VPN tunnel and a Root Proxy (iptables).

  • VPN Mode: Creates a local VPN tunnel. It does not route your traffic through any external server.
  • Root Proxy Mode: Uses iptables to redirect DNS traffic directly, requiring Root access but no VPN interface.
  • In both modes, only DNS traffic (port 53) and optionally HTTPS/DoH is intercepted locally. All other internet traffic passes through normally.
  • No internet traffic content is logged, inspected, modified, or transmitted externally.

4. Filter Lists

BlockAds downloads filter lists from publicly available sources (e.g., ABPVN, AdGuard DNS, EasyList). These downloads contain only the filter list data — no personal information is sent to the filter list providers.

5. Third-Party Services

BlockAds generally does not integrate mandatory third-party tracking services. However:

  • Crash reporting services: Only enabled if you explicitly opt-in. We prioritize your privacy above all.
  • We emphatically do not use Advertising SDKs or Social media trackers.

6. Advanced Features (HTTPS & WireGuard)

We offer advanced features such as HTTPS Filtering (Beta) and WireGuard profile imports:

  • HTTPS Filtering: This feature may install a local certificate to inspect encrypted traffic for ad blocking purposes. All inspection happens 100% locally on your device.
  • WireGuard Imports: Custom VPN profiles are stored locally and only used to establish connection to your specified endpoint.

7. Data Retention & Deletion

All data is stored locally on your device. You can delete all stored data at any time through:

  • Settings → Clear All Logs to delete DNS query logs
  • Uninstalling the app to remove all app data

8. Children's Privacy

BlockAds is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children.

9. Export & Import

The app allows you to export your settings to a JSON file and import them on another device. This file is created and managed entirely by you — it is not uploaded to any server. The exported file contains only your app configuration (filter lists, DNS settings, whitelisted apps/domains).

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: contact@pwhs.app