This guide explains how to hide or report individual ads that are served by Google across the web and in apps.
- What you'll learn: How to "Mute this ad", why it might be missing, and how to report ads that violate safety policies.
- What this is not: This is not a tool to block all advertising on your device or to manage ads served by companies other than Google.
Before you start, check the ad for one of these icons:
Mute this ad
Close
If you don't see these icons, the ad may be served by a different company. In that case, the steps below will not work, and you should look for the website’s own "Report" or "Feedback" buttons.
Quick start: Stop seeing a specific ad
If you see a Google ad you don't like or aren't interested in:
- Click or tap the
- Select "Stop seeing this ad" or "Mute this ad".
- (Optional) Select the reason why (for example, "Already purchased" or "Repetitive") to help show you better ads in the future.
Many users find that the Mute this ad or
Close icon button is missing. This is usually due to one of these specific scenarios:
- It's a "Reservation" ad: Some ads are bought directly from a site owner (like a specific news site) rather than through Google's auction. These formats often do not support muting.
- You're signed out: You need to be signed into your Google Account so we can remember to hide that ad for you on your other devices.
- Ad personalization is off: If you've disabled personalized ads in your ad customization settings, the system cannot process specific "Mute" requests for you.
- Browser interference: Some third-party ad-blockers or "privacy" extensions can break the overlay that shows the "Mute" button.
How to solve other issues
Individual muting is a temporary fix. If you are trying to solve a more significant problem, use these paths instead:
I want to block entire categories (like Gambling or Alcohol)Muting one ad won't stop the whole category. To reduce ads for specific sensitive topics, go to Customize the ads you see in "My Ad Center" and select the "Sensitive" tab.
If an ad makes a website unusable, it may be a "pop-up" or "interstitial." You can manage these in your browser settings (for example, in Chrome settings).
For safety concerns, non-consensual content, or illegal products, do not just mute the ad. Submit a formal Ad policy report. These reports are prioritized for manual review.
Next steps and resources
| If your problem is... | Use this resource... |
|---|---|
| Too many ads in general | Adjust your browser's pop-up settings |
| Persistent technical issues | Google Ads Help Community |
| Privacy or legal concerns | Report content for legal reasons |
| Seeing ads for things you just bought | Clear cache and cookies |