If you see ads even in the TV's start menu, you are not alone: ​​more and more Smart TVs show banners, recommendations and promos as soon as it's turned on. It's not a bug; it's part of many manufacturers' business model to keep hardware prices down. The good news is there's a simple fix that can help you minimize that barrage of ads without disassembling anything or voiding the warranty.
This setting involves changing the DNS server your TV uses. It's a trick that, although it sounds technical, is done in just a few steps and is reversible. By using a DNS with ad filters, the TV can no longer contact the servers that provide intrusive banners and suggestions in the interface, so system ads stop loadingBelow, we'll explain why it works, how to use it on Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS), and Google TV, which DNS to use, what its limits are, and a couple of alternatives if you want to take it a step further.
Why your Smart TV shows ads even in the menus
Modern televisions are permanently connected to the Internet to update the system, display recommendations, and record certain usage preferences; this constant communication is how ads reach the interface. As you navigate through the menu or before opening some applications, the system consults the manufacturer's servers to download promotional content and "personalized" suggestions, which translates into segmented advertising impacts for each household.
This advertising appears on very popular brands and platforms such as Samsung with Tizen, LG with webOS, Google TV, or even Amazon Fire TV. Under the guise of suggestions, banners, or featured cards, the TV shows you sponsored content because it's a key source of revenue for the industry. In return, you get a cheaper device, but you pay the cost in the form of attention, privacy and visual space onscreen.
The radical way to prevent anything from entering would be to disconnect the TV from the Internet, but then you'll be left without the smart features for which you bought a Smart TV. Fortunately, there's a middle ground: blocking ad server addresses from the root using a DNS that filters these requests before they reach their destination.
The method that works: change the DNS to block system ads
The DNS (Domain Name System) acts as a guide that translates domain names (e.g., example.com) into IP addresses. Every time the TV loads ads from a manufacturer's domain, it first asks the DNS where that server is located. If you use a DNS provider with block lists, when the TV attempts to resolve those domains, The query is blocked and the ad is not downloaded.
Typically, our routers use the operator's DNS, which generally work well without filters. You may also have configured the most common public DNS, such as Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), which prioritize speed and availability. However, some DNS providers add anti-ad, anti-tracking, and anti-phishing filters. These are the ones we're interested in if we want to use them. clean the Smart TV interface.
How a DNS with filters blocks advertising
DNS blocking maintains lists of domains associated with advertising, tracking, or malware. When your TV requests the IP address of one of those domains, the DNS server responds with a null response or completely prevents resolution; as a result, the TV can't connect to the ad server, and those domains are blocked. Banners and recommendations are not displayedIf the domain isn't on any blocklist, the resolution continues and everything works normally.
The big advantage is that you don't have to touch the TV's operating system. Changing the DNS is done from the TV's network settings (or the router, if you want a comprehensive solution for the entire home), and you can always revert it. If something isn't working, simply return to an unfiltered DNS, such as 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1, and you'll get your performance back. original in seconds.
Steps to change the DNS on your Smart TV
Although each manufacturer places the setting in a slightly different location, the general scheme is similar: go to Settings, go to Network or Network Settings, change to Manual/Advanced Configuration, and enter the DNS address you want to use. Once you accept, it's a good idea to restart the connection and, sometimes, the TV itself so that the change becomes effective. the new DNS starts leaking.
- In general terms: open Configuration, go into Network or Network Settings, choose Advanced configuration or manual and edit the DNS address.
- Enter the chosen DNS address (for example, 94.140.14.14 from AdGuard) and save the changes.
- Restart the connection and, if you see it necessary, turn the TV on and off to ensure that DNS resolution uses the new server.
Samsung (Tizen OS)
On Samsung TVs with Tizen, go to Settings > General > Network > Network Settings > IP Settings > DNS Settings. There you can change the DNS server IP and enter the one you want. After applying the changes, your TV will use that server for all name resolutions, allowing a DNS with filters to work. block connections to ad domains.
LG (webOS)
On LG TVs with webOS, open Settings > All Settings > General > Network. Select the network you're using (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), tap Edit, and then tap Advanced Settings. There you'll see the field for the DNS server and you'll be able to enter the address of your chosen provider. Confirm, wait for the network to reconnect, and you're done.
Google TV
On Google TV, go to Settings > Network & Internet > IP Settings, change to Static, and in the DNS field, enter the address you want to use. Once you confirm, the system will start using that server for resolution, and therefore prevents banners from loading dependent on blocked domains.
Which DNS to use to block TV ads?
There are many public DNS servers, but not all of them include filters. For the purpose of reducing ads on your Smart TV system, these services are especially useful because they offer pre-built anti-ad lists and, in most cases, are free to use or very easy to configure. Below are some options that have proven to work well for clear the home screen:
- AdGuard (94.140.14.14): Easy-to-use, free DNS with ad, tracker, and phishing blocking.
- NextDNS (188.172.217.27): Flexible service with anti-ad lists and advanced controls, ideal for customizing filters.
- Control D (76.76.2.2): Allows you to choose blocking profiles, with a focus on privacy and performance.
- Mullvad DNS (194.242.2.3): Privacy filter option aligned with Mullvad's philosophy.
- DeCloudUs (78.47.212.211): alternative aimed at avoiding tracking and advertising services at the DNS level.
If you notice that an app is behaving strangely after the change (for example, it stops loading some of its content), the domain it needs is probably on the DNS block list. It's okay: go back to an unfiltered DNS (for example, 8.8.8.8 from Google or 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare) and you will see that the service is working normally again.
What you can expect after the change: improvements and real limits
By using DNS blocking, most promotional cards, banners, and "sponsored" recommendations from the main menu disappear, and on some models, even the clips or previews that the system loads before opening certain applications are reduced. This change is very visible on the home screens of Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS), and Google TV, where the interface is much cleaner.
Now, there are two important limitations. First, the method targets advertising that relies on the manufacturer's system and its servers, not ads served by apps like YouTube, Pluto TV, or other streaming apps; if you want, you can learn how to do it. disable ads on Netflix. Second, an overly aggressive filter can block legitimate services by mistake; if that happens, it restores an unfiltered DNS and that's it, without affecting the image quality or hardware.
You may also experience slight latency with some DNS providers, which in certain scenarios can result in minor slowdowns when navigating through menus or launching apps. This is usually anecdotal, but if you notice any issues, try switching to a different DNS with filters or returning to the defaults and see if fluidity returns to normal.
If you want to measure the effect, open an ad-blocking test website from your TV's browser. This way, you can verify which elements are being filtered and whether your DNS is doing its job. This short test helps you decide whether to keep that server or try another alternative. different block lists.
Configuring router blocking and "pro" solutions
Instead of changing the DNS only on your TV, you can edit it on your router so that all the devices in your home (phones, tablets, laptops, and Smart TVs) go through the same filter. This is a way to achieve a global blocking at the network level without adjusting each device, although the process to change the DNS depends on the router model.
For users looking for fine-grained control, a popular option is to set up a local DNS blocker with a Raspberry Pi and Pi-hole. This solution allows you to create and combine blocklists, view statistics, and add exceptions with a click. It's more advanced, but it gives you a very granular management of what you filter and what you let pass.
And if you'd rather not touch anything on your network, there are services like AdGuard DNS that activate simply by entering the server address, without any additional apps. It's a pragmatic alternative: easy to set up and free, with basic protection against ads, trackers, and phishing.
Other ways: Use a VPN to reduce region-based advertising
If changing the DNS isn't working for you or you find it isn't enough for you, an alternative is to use a VPN on your TV (or router) to access the internet from another region. Depending on the country, you'll see fewer promotions in the interface or different recommendations, and in some services, the advertising load is reduced. It's not a universal guarantee, but it can help.
The idea is simple: install the VPN app or set it up on your router, choose a country, and try out several locations until you find the one that bothers you the least with TV ads. Providers like NordVPN or Surfshark offer apps for many devices and let you switch servers with a tap to see which one. you have the best experience.
App advertising: why it doesn't disappear with DNS
It's worth emphasizing: DNS blocking blocks ads from the TV's interface and anything else that depends on the manufacturer's domains, but it doesn't invalidate the ads embedded by streaming apps within their own content. YouTube, Pluto TV, and other platforms manage their ads through their own servers and internal mechanisms; therefore, you'll still see ads in those apps even if you use a filtered DNS, since that flow doesn't go through the same "blockable" resolution path.
This doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Many people notice a reduction in "personalized recommendations" and promotional elements from the system, which, coupled with disabling ad personalization where possible, helps improve privacy without sacrificing features or functionality. break the user experience.
Android TV and Google TV: Reset or delete your advertising ID
On devices with Android TV or Google TV, there is one advertising identifier per device. It is not possible to completely disable ads, but you can manage how they are personalized. If you reset the ID, a new one is generated; if you delete it, another one is not automatically created and you will no longer receive ads based on that specific identifier, although apps may still show you ads based on other factors, such as data you have provided. This is a complementary adjustment to the DNS change that helps reduce advertising profiling.
To manage it on your Android TV: go to the home screen, go to Settings > Device Preferences > About (or an equivalent menu depending on the manufacturer). Look for the option related to "Advertising ID" and choose between reset or erase. On some models, when you focus on "Erase Advertising ID" you'll have to use the directional pad and confirm with the Select button. It's a safe, reversible process that doesn't affect your device. content playback.
Possible problems and how to solve them
Slowdowns on streaming platforms: Some DNS servers may experience slight latency. If you notice this, please switch to another DNS with filters or return to one without filters to see if your experience returns to normal. just as fluid.
Accidentally blocking legitimate content: If a DNS is too strict, it can prevent a necessary website or feature from loading properly. In that case, return to the default DNS, such as 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1, or add exceptions if your DNS provider allows them. custom lists.
Apps that stop working: If a particular app refuses to load, it likely needs a domain that is being filtered by the DNS. Temporarily switch to an unfiltered DNS, use the app, and if you want to block it again, try a provider with a DNS filtering policy. less aggressive lists.
If you're not sure if the blocker is active: Visit an ad blocking test page from your TV's browser. If the tests pass, your DNS is working properly and the system banners should be working. clearly reduced.
FAQs
What is a DNS and how can it block ads?
A DNS translates domains into IP addresses. If you use a DNS with anti-ad lists, when the TV tries to resolve an advertising domain, the query is blocked and the banner doesn't load. That's why switching to a server with filters helps. reduce promotional elements without touching the system.
Is it safe to change the DNS on my Smart TV?
Yes. It's a completely reversible network change with no impact on your warranty. If something doesn't work for you, simply return to the default DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) and your TV will resume normal operation. of manufactures.
Can it affect speed or streaming?
In most cases, no, but some DNS servers add latency. If you notice this, change your provider or return to your usual DNS server. The adjustment doesn't alter the picture quality or the TV's performance, only the path the DNS servers follow. name queries.
If you're fed up with seeing sponsored links and suggestions you don't care about in your Smart TV's menu, changing your DNS is the simplest, cleanest, and most effective way to get back a more peaceful interface. By applying a DNS with filters (such as AdGuard, NextDNS, Control D, Mullvad, or DeCloudUs), domains serving ads stop resolving and banners disappear from the system. If an app complains, you can always go back to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1, try another DNS with less stringent filters, or even use global network solutions like changing your router or using a Pi-hole. Complement the adjustment by managing the advertising ID on Android TV to reduce ad personalization and, if you're brave enough, try a regional VPN. With these changes, the TV maintains all its smart features, and you you regain control of the screen.
