yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] andrewscool101:
Because it's against the play stores terms and conditions, probably because it's losing Google revenue.
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
There is a link in the OP with some explanation. Basically, Google decided a couple of years ago that the Store should not contain any app that alters the way servers are accessed. Since AdAway and similar applications can prevent access to specific servers (via DNS resolution), it had to be removed. It's unfortunate for developers and users alike, but what Google wants Google gets, whether it makes sense or not.

That decision is actually rather silly since all AdAway does is make it easier to edit the hosts file. To be consistent, Google should also ban all root-enabled file managers that have the same ability, as well as anything that can potentially use a proxy or VPN. The irony is that such ability is built into Android itself and that many carriers even automatically enable a proxy in their APN. Even Google's own Chrome browser defaults to bypassing the hosts file and going through a mysterious proxy. I was being kind when I said "silly" but I'm trying to be nice... ;)

This is really not a big deal since nothing says that only apps from the Play Store can be installed. Depending on your Android version, you might need to enable the "Install from unknown sources" setting (usually under "Security"), but there's no actual security risk as long as you get your apps from trusted sources such as XDA.

Install AdAway and you will gain control over which servers your device accesses. AdAway can only help prevent some data from being accessed. It doesn't have the ability to bring in any undesirable content. In many ways, it reduces the risk of getting unwanted "stuff" on your system and effectively increases security... ;)

EDIT:

[MENTION=3355398]mrRobinson[/MENTION], maybe add a similar brief explanation to the OP so that users don't think AdAway is part of some evil conspiracy? ;)
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
The short answer is: it can't. I'm not sure what you mean by "disabling the hosts". Your hosts file may have been created/edited by AdAway but AdAway merely uses whatever source files you ask it to load. Once that's done, AdAway has no control over how that hosts file is used. If somehow you are redirecting the server from which you tried to get the apk that gives you trouble, get rid of that entry (or that source file) but it's difficult to imagine a DNS-related scenario where a "corrupt" file would be consistently downloaded. Temporarily revert to the default hosts file and uninstall AdAway if you wish, but your trouble lies somewhere else, such as a bad connection, a forgotten proxy, a misbehaving Xposed module, etc.
[Android Apps and Games] IMMORTALKING69:
Can't download please help. Keep getting this on chrome and regular browser.
[Android Apps and Games] 2WhiteWolves:
Just tried in CM Browser downloaded fine
[Android Apps and Games] IMMORTALKING69:
It just worked for me to. I tried for like 5 times in 10 minutes and gave me that message. Scared me lol.
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
'

It seems the proxy used by AFH had some trouble earlier but it seems to be back to normal.

You know how wild those Canadians can be... ;)
[Android Apps and Games] sledge3n8:
Look at khanxay's solution in post #3062. This worked for me.
[Android Apps and Games] carlospr21:
Adaway new host files is giving me fc on hangout google+ chrome ebay how con i fix it or im i the only one
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
What new host files? AdAway doesn't have the ability to cause anything to FC. The only instances where there might be a small connection is when users try to load huge source files, such as the terrible "mother of all Ad Blockers" monstrosity (mahakala.is) which consumes huge amounts of memory but that's unrelated to AdAway itself. In general, sticking to the default source files in AdAway is more than enough. On my own device, I don't even load them all and I haven't seen an ad in ages... ;)
[Android Apps and Games] jboukaram:
Hi i have reroot my device an it look that everything is working but i have a problem when i close the app the webserver stop and i can't make it work any solution ???
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
Not much information to go on. Make sure you have a full correct root and a recent toolbox, but first check your log and see if there are any references to "adaway" or "webserver". The webserver is supposed to be launched at boot time as long as it's enabled in the AdAway preferences. While I don't know how or why you "close"(?) the app, AdAway doesn't need to be running for the webserver to run. Remember to reboot after making any changes.

I seem to recall similar issues (webserver starts but stops immediately) when Lollipop/CM12 first came out, but AFAIK this has all been resolved in current AdAway builds.
[Android Apps and Games] BACARDILIMON:
I agree on the fc issues. But disagree with the stock adaway blocking all ads. Tapatalk still has ads and so do a few random sites .yeah moab sucks a ton of ram and lags the phone but as with all of these things you have to tweak and refine.

BAD ASS NOTE 4
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
The default source lists block most ads for most people and only need a handful of blacklisted servers to provide a largely ad-free browsing experience. If Tapatalk is showing you ads and those ads are gathered via local DNS (many are shortened and redirected URLs instead), simply add those few servers to your blacklist.

There is no good reason to blindly add almost one MILLION servers, most of which you'll never even try to access, and choke your system just to get rid of a handful of ads. Your opinion may differ but I stand by my advice that the MOAAB monstrosity should NOT be used on mobile devices, with or without AdAway. That thing is wholly unreasonable and its claims are totally unrealistic at best.

Note that considering Tapatalk's cavalier attitude about linking, one way to avoid its ads is to not use Tapatalk, but that has nothing to do with AdAway.! ;)
[Android Apps and Games] negativzeroe:
All of the sudden this doesn't block Chrome ads anymore. Why?
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
Could it be that you enabled Chrome's "data saver" option which bypasses all local DNS?
[Android Apps and Games] negativzeroe:
Just might be lol thanks. I just turned it on earlier and forgot about it.
[Android Apps and Games] MarinaBelle:
Thanks!
[Android Apps and Games] jboukaram:
I'm using V3.0 on the the stock firmware .
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
Sorry but nobody will be able to help you unless you share a little bit more information, at the very least which device you have. Since "stock firmware" on most any device is typically unrooted, AdAway wouldn't be expected to work.
[Android Apps and Games] jboukaram:
I'm using an Xperia Z3 Compact rooted with the stock firmware the AdAway is working well except the webserver is not running and i can't make it run it turn off anytime i close the app .
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
Oh now I remember your similar posts but when you don't refer to previous exchanges it's difficult to keep track of who has which problem with which device. There are some indications that your problems (failure to copy, dying webserver, etc.) are related to an incomplete root complicated by an apparently locked bootloader. Since you provided no log and I have never seen touched or wanted a locked Sony device, I'm afraid I can't help you, sorry, but you may want to investigate alternative rooting methods. ;)
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
Adaway keeps disabling itself. I'm unlocked, rooted Running AICP 9.0(CM12) on a Nexus 6. It happens randomly. Any ideas?
[Android Apps and Games] thereal_bigjake:
If the rom comes with a built-in ad blocker it could be the cause. I've noticed this with other roms that have one built-in.
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
It does have a built-in ad blocker but I never used or enabled it
[Android Apps and Games] thereal_bigjake:
I didn't enable it either but found I was forced to use the built-in ad blocker in the end.
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
I'll give it a shot. Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
You may want to ask whoever put your ROM together how to completely remove that ad blocker. Even if it's not specifically enabled, it might still interfere with standard DNS resolution. Apparently, some implementations rely on renaming/replacing the default /system/etc/hosts and you may want to try deleting any hosts.* files in that directory (hosts.org, host.bak etc.). Remember to reboot after making any such changes.
[Android Apps and Games] nitramus:
Is there a way to unblock for specific app/dev
[Android Apps and Games] arf8:
I have not installed adaway so excuse my ignorance, but why not just install firefox and use the adblock edge add-on? I'm curious why there is a need for adaway? Does adaway just block ads on the native android browser, or does it block ads as well on free apps?

Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
AdAway only deals with the systemwide /system/etc/hosts and local DNS. To deal with specific apps (as opposed to servers), you would need to "patch" those apps separately, a practice not suitable for discussion here.

---------- Post added at 04:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------

The addon you mention only prevents Firefox from accessing specific hosts. AdAway allows you to edit the global /system/etc/hosts file used by any process that goes through local DNS resolution, a separate matter altogether.
[Android Apps and Games] rgshah3:
It was working fine for quite some time

But suddenly, it has stopped blocking all ads

Random popups I get even on the home screen nowadays

Host files are updated to the latest version

Anyway I can start blocking my ads again?

Cm12.1

No inbuilt ad blocker
[Android Apps and Games] mindfreak2u:
Cant use adfly or linkbucks :/

Im having this probelm where sites who have adfly or linkbucks attached dont open and i get error connection refused. What can i do to fix this? This problem has started quite recently .. also i notice the same link opening when i disable adaway and open the site via mobile net. anytime i connect from wifi it gets connection refused error. Help me guys please ! :|

P.S. - adding www. dosent solve the problem and also the links do not have "adf".ly in url.. I am also noticing that some sites on chrome are not adfree and still popus of ads do come up.
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
If your /system/etc/hosts contains all the recent additions (i.e. more than a few lines ) but the ads are still not blocked, that suggests that your system is NOT going through local DNS resolution but is instead using a proxy. Check your APN settings or, if going through WiFi, try a different access point.

---------- Post added at 06:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 AM ----------

Unless you check the tcpdump log (search this thread for details), it's difficult to guess which sites are accessed by what. Depending on which source files you use, you may have to whitelist the sites giving you trouble but if your trouble is only through WiFi, it suggests that something in that access point (probably the router but possibly the service provider) is blocking/redirecting some sites on its own.

For Chrome-related issues, make sure you don't use the Chrome proxy as mentioned many times in this thread.
[Android Apps and Games] jackdubl:
Try opening log dns request, start the dump, use the app w/ads, and go back and check the log to see what may be causing the ad. Then add it to your blacklist. This was the only way I got all ads out of Yahoo Fantasy apps.
[Android Apps and Games] qandrav:
Wow thanks for advice,very useful so now I fan block specific ad,thanks
[Android Apps and Games] jackdubl:
You should jerk around in the app forma while, then keep checking the log to see what hosts appear, then blacklist them one by one and see if you can block it. Can take some trial and error.
[Android Apps and Games] GrandAdmiral:
Where is this file located if you don't mind me asking?
[Android Apps and Games] bombina:
Are blacklists share able, and if so, do you mind sharing it? Thanks!
[Android Apps and Games] Swiftks:
Looks like the default 4 hosts sources haven't been updated in a while... Anyone have any good alternatives?

Sent from my SGS III
[Android Apps and Games] jackdubl:
Hit menu within the app.
[Android Apps and Games] GrandAdmiral:
Totally lost right now. Which app? The one accessing the the data.

Edit... Found it. Thanks.
[Android Apps and Games] Brandroid28:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=276021

There's a link at the bottom you can add.
[Android Apps and Games] ew:
Thanks for the advice. Do I need to reboot after adding something to the blacklist?

I ask cause I tried to add the entries I saw and my adds were not blocked
[Android Apps and Games] jackdubl:
You have to hit update after adding to a list, but don't have to reboot. It explains all this in the help menu, I believe. And adding entries won't necessarily bock ads. Adding the correct entry will block the ads.
[Android Apps and Games] deck91:
Very useful ;)
[Android Apps and Games] mindlesSheep:
Hi, for some reason I cant install adaway on nexus 4... nexus 10 is without problem, but N4 wont allow me to click on next/install, cancel works fine though

solved, caused by screen filter app (like screen filter or twilight)
[Android Apps and Games] Erica Law:
Force install? Put it in /data/app and reboot?
[Android Apps and Games] mrRobinson:
And why we use open source...

http://techcrunch.com/2013/07/06/go...edly-pay-adblock-plus-to-show-you-ads-anyway/
[Android Apps and Games] Greatness83:
thanks my dude for supplying this
[Android Apps and Games] G7Baker:
Awesome about to try it out now
[Android Apps and Games] jawz101:
OP -have you taken a look at some of the recent commits? Looks like there's some fixes to address the host file surviving reboots.
[Android Apps and Games] Shebee:
You can get 2.3 from the developer, should I get it from there?
[Android Apps and Games] Namoi:
Yep, but they use to do it even with non paying company. Every single one can ask to be on the whitelist, and they do it for free for a lot of little companies when the adds are considered as "not too much invading".... the biggest companies have to pay a fee though. This is not new, except now it is google ;)
[Android Apps and Games] arf8:
Ok thanks, so in essence it also blocks ads in apps which display them.
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
Let's try again... ;)

As pointed out countless times,

AdAway doesn't "block" anything

. It simply makes it easier to edit the /system/etc/hosts file which is used by any process that needs to translate a server name (e.g. google.com) into a numeric IP (e.g. 216.58.218.206). The hosts file is queried before any such request is passed on to an external Domain Name Server (DNS). This is the default behavior (for Android and many other operating systems) but processes have the ability to bypass it, use alternative methods, or go through a proxy. Furthermore, if the process uses the numeric IP directly, then hosts and DNS become irrelevant.

Note that this doesn't really have anything to do with "blocking" or "ads" in particular even though the hosts file is commonly used for that purpose by redirecting ad servers to "127.0.0.1" (effectively a "do nothing" location). The same approach can be used to redirect any server to any IP for any reason. AdAway is merely a convenient tool to achieve the common desire to get rid of some annoying ads, among other goals. There are many ways to do the same thing, it can't get rid of all ads for all apps, and most importantly it doesn't do anything on its own and relies on you, the user, to tell it which servers to redirect where when you select source files.

Want to know more: let http://216.58.218.206 help you... ;)
[Android Apps and Games] arf8:
Good explanation, I'm well aware of what the hosts file does in Windows, DNS, etc. The app name itself implies '"Ad"away' so you can see why someone who has not read over 340 pages would assume it is an ad blocking app ;)

With that said, it is only as good as the user willingness to manage the file manually, and as you stated ads which are redirected are even more of a problem, this app is very useful in its own right but unlike the lists created and updated through adblocking apps it can be quite cumbersome for the avg user who wants to browse without ads and browsers that have ad blocking plugins. Not to take away anything from this app however!

Thanks for the info, would be great to have this on the first post.

Cheers
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
I'm not sure AdAway is any more or less "cumbersome" than whatever adblocking apps and plugins you have in mind since most do exactly the same thing. The only difference is that plugins typically deal with one application (browser) instead of providing systemwise redirection. Most have "ad" in the name because that's what users usually search for but my previous comments about local DNS resolution and use of the "hosts" file also apply to those. Download and install AdAway then let it do its job. It seems most users get in trouble when they try to "improve" on the default source lists (those lists are updated automatically by default without user intervention), but then I see similar reports for anything dealing with the hosts file under various platforms. DNS issues are very simple but somehow tend to confuse people... ;)
[Android Apps and Games] arf8:
Not having installed Adaway, I'm under the impression there is no list and the user manages the list and adds to the hosts file. As you know plug-ins for browsers usually have lists which are automatically updated and there is very little user intervention unless you want to add or remove from the list manually. Just so I'm clear are you saying the Adaway app includes a managed list of known hosts to block and is also automatically updated? Is it updated by the developer or is it a public list managed by users held in some sandbox?

Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
To make it short: AdAway is just like those plugins you are referring to except that it works systemwide and not just for a particular browser. AdAway comes with a default set of publicly available and regularly updated lists (same as those plugins).

How to use:

download AdAway from the OP

install AdAway

review the few preferences if you want

relax and forget about it

If you are not yet ready to use AdAway, at least glance at the

FAQ

, the

Wiki

or even <GASP!> browse this thread! ;)
[Android Apps and Games] arf8:
I'll give it a go now that I know there is a list out there. Cheers
[Android Apps and Games] dorpmuller:
Works on Lollipop but keeps disabling itself, can't get it to stay running.

Anyone else got this?

Rich
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
I assume you refer to the webserver, not AdAway itself. If you read this thread you will see that others have reported similar symptoms. Apparently, this is often triggered by an incomplete root and/or interference from builtin "adblockers" that create duplicate hosts files. Without any details, it's difficult to give you specific advice, sorry.
[Android Apps and Games] JahmanSoldat:
Works well on Nexus 5 android 5.1 stock rooted, peace bro! Good work, TY!
[Android Apps and Games] hiimimtayaz:
Sorry if this has been asked before but plz help me this ....(image).... :(

Running M preview...

Plz brief me how to get rid of this.
[Android Apps and Games] marf28101995:
Just simple as its written .. Not enough space in system partition

Delete the preloaded gapps that you don't use and it'll work ;)
[Android Apps and Games] hiimimtayaz:
Reply was quick.....I just came back to edit the post saying problem solved after deleting gapps and found the reply.

Thanks for quick answer....?
[Android Apps and Games] rpr69:
[MENTION=5200554]hiimimtayaz[/MENTION] What app is giving you that info (CPU, network etc) in the status bar?
[Android Apps and Games] hiimimtayaz:
Here is the link.....

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ds.cpuoverlay
[Android Apps and Games] MatVekk:
3.0 is OK in Android M

Inviato dal mio Nexus 5 M
[Android Apps and Games] rpr69:
Awesome, thanks! Checking it out now.
[Android Apps and Games] hiimimtayaz:
Yes.... It works flawlessly.....
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
Adaway keeps disabling itself! I'm running the latest AICP rom(cm12)!!
[Android Apps and Games] Skripka:
Almost 100% nothing to do with AdAway...AICP has a built in ad blocker last I knew, and said built-in is probably disabling AdAway.
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
I've never enabled the built in.
[Android Apps and Games] infectedorganism:
Delete /system/etc/hosts.* files. Apply Adaway and it will work.
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
It's a bit too early to know for sure but so far it seems that Android "M" hasn't changed anything significant dealing with the hosts file and DNS resolution so I would expect AdAway to run fine as long as you have full root and write access to /system, pretty much the way it currently is for Lollipop.
[Android Apps and Games] jwhyte:
+1 if that doesn't work select custom location which should default to data/etc/hosts apply and approve simlink and that should make it stick.
[Android Apps and Games] Pkt_Lnt:
Start reading here for replies to this issue with this AICP ROM.

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=61070550&postcount=3387
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
Just tried that. Hope it works. Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] KhalidSA:
2.9.2 version.

Dose 2.9.2 version. Still getting update?
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
The current version is 3.0 as listed in the OP but if 2.9.2 works for you there is no obvious reason to update. The main changes were dropping support for Android 4.0 and earlier, and addition of a "material" look for Android 5.0 and later.
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
Still didn't stick. I'm done. Must be a conflict with the built in Ad Blocker. Smh
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
Unfortunately those "buitin adblockers" tend to conflict with proper local DNS resolution (and therefore AdAway), whether they are specifically enabled or not. Ideally it would be best to completely remove those adblockers but you might need to seek advice from whoever supports your ROM for the specific steps required. Some users report that simply deleting all /system/etc/host.* files restores default DNS processing (including the ability to install and update AdAway and its webserver). As usual when dealing with such matters, remember to reboot before testing the results.
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
I'll PM the AICP dev and see what he thinks. Thanks everyone for the troubleshooting
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
From a cursory glance at a recent CM-based AICP ROM, I suspect that simply deleting the extraneous /system/etc/host.* files (and making sure the builtin adblocker is OFF) should suffice.
[Android Apps and Games] Mudvayne622:
I've tried all of those suggestions. Still disables itself after a few hours. It's not that it's hard to re-enable it, but it would be nice to not have to.
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
deleted (wront thread)
[Android Apps and Games] Mike B.:
The only way to get to the bottom of this would be for you to review your logs and maybe discuss the matter in the relevant AICP thread. I wish ROM modders would remember that local DNS resolution (hosts file) is already included in all Android builds and that there's no need to muck with it at the system level...
[Android Apps and Games] :
I'd love to see AdAway on Windows/Linux environment. I've used Hostsman, but the program doesn't clear old entries from the Hosts file.
[Android Apps and Games] lowspeed:
Does this need Root? if so the title of the thread should be updated.
[Android Apps and Games] mrRobinson:
Good point
[Android Apps and Games] rbird2:
Yes. Root is required to update Hosts file.
[Android Apps and Games] Dor71:
AdAway is not working in Resurrection Remix with mobile date; with Wifi is working well.
[Android Apps and Games] lou2s:
Have u checked if there is any proxy setting in the APN setting?

Sent from my AK-Skulled Euphoria 1.1 A0001