4.0
Remarkable сhanges in AdGuard v4.0 for Android
Finally, we are ready to reveal the result of titanic efforts! Let’s take a closer look at AdGuard v4.0 for Android and talk about what has changed since version 3.6.
Total reengineering
We've overhauled the entire app, meticulously rewriting every line of code from the ground up. This transformative revamp has resulted in an app that's not only faster, but also smoother than ever before.
Complete redesign
We've reimagined the design to make the app interface simpler and bring core features to the forefront. Now, to turn on Ad blocking, Tracking protection, Annoyance blocking, or DNS protection along with their filters, you can just tap the corresponding icon above the main switch.
We've also added a separate Protection section. Accessible by tapping the shield icon at the bottom of the screen, this section gives you even more control. Apart from the above-mentioned “core” features, this section allows you to manage Firewall, Browsing Security, and even AdGuard VPN. From the Protection screen, you can turn these modules on or off as you wish and access their settings.
Firewall
We've uncovered an exciting feature from the depths of AdGuard for Android — Firewall – and given it a full-fledged, independent status. With it, you are the master of your domain, deciding which apps can indulge in mobile data or Wi-Fi when the screen is off. It is designed to keep you in the know with real-time notifications of app activities, so nothing escapes your attention.
And for those lightning-fast modifications, head over to the Quick actions section where updating firewall rules has never been simpler. With Firewall, you can also block apps from accessing the Internet while in roaming, saving your precious megabytes abroad.
Detailed statistics
A dedicated tab offers comprehensive statistics about all apps, companies, and domains. Wondering which company's requests are blocked most often? Which apps are trying to send your data and to whom? You can quickly identify and block anything suspicious.
Integration with AdGuard VPN
As we wrote above, Integrated mode with AdGuard VPN was introduced in AdGuard v3.5 for Android. Until then, users had to go through seven circles of hell to get our ad blocker and VPN to work simultaneously. All because normally two different network-filtering apps can’t work alongside each other on Android.
With the release of AdGuard v4.0 for Android, Integrated mode has become more stable than ever. Previously, each time AdGuard or AdGuard VPN was updated or reinstalled, Integrated mode had to be reconfigured. Now, you configure it once and it will withstand updates and reinstalls while maintaining the integration. In addition, more frequent information exchange between AdGuard Ad Blocker and AdGuard VPN enhances the stability of Integrated mode without affecting performance.
Changes in Integrated mode are synced between AdGuard v4.0 for Android and AdGuard VPN v2.3 for Android. Be sure to update both apps to the latest versions to enjoy their most stable and smooth simultaneous operation in Integrated mode.
Selective app proxying
Before AdGuard v4.0 for Android, you could route all of your web traffic through a specified proxy server. With the Apps operating through proxy feature, located at Settings → Filtering → Network → Proxy, you can now choose which apps will work through your proxy. In addition, Apps operating through proxy allows you to specify which apps will route their traffic through AdGuard VPN when operating in Integrated mode.
Root access perks
For all the tech enthusiasts out there, the term “root” is no stranger to you. Rooting is essentially unlocking your device to gain more privileged control. If your Android device is rooted, AdGuard v4.0 for Android offers you unprecedented capabilities beyond any previous version of AdGuard Ad Blocker.
Traditionally, AdGuard routes network traffic to its CoreLibs filtering engine by establishing a local VPN. But now, with root access, you can switch AdGuard to the Automatic proxy mode. Just navigate to Settings → Filtering → Network → Routing mode and switch to Automatic proxy. This action takes local VPN out of the picture and instead configures iptables to accomplish the same goals. And there are several benefits to this change.
Firstly, AdGuard is now able to apply DNS filtering to IPv6 requests, something that was not possible before. Secondly, we've ironed out a few issues that hampered AdGuard from accurately associating web requests with their respective apps. This fine-tuning will enhance the performance of Firewall, Filtering log, and so forth. For those of you with rooted devices, this AdGuard update takes your control and customization to a whole new level!
Low-level settings rework
Diving into the realm of Low-level settings? Found under Settings → General → Advanced, these options are designed with the tech-savvy user in mind. It's a powerful playground, but it's also a place where it's all too easy to mess things up if you're not careful. Despite all the warnings we’ve placed, it's human nature to explore and experiment, often without fully understanding the consequences.
In response to this, we've made the Low-level settings more user-friendly and intuitive. It's now easier to understand what each setting does, and even if you do make a mistake, we've implemented security measures like validation checks for entered values to protect you from major missteps.
As for the settings themselves, we've added new ones, retired old ones, and have continued to refine this advanced toolset. A comprehensive guide on Low-level settings is available in our Knowledge base. So get ready for an enhanced, yet safer deep dive into the depths of customization with AdGuard's advanced settings!