Sometimes AdSense shows ads you would rather not have on your blog: a competitor, a product you are promoting with your own affiliate link, low-quality or spammy advertisers, or categories that do not fit your audience. Google lets you block them in a few clicks. Here is how to do it in the current AdSense dashboard.
What Kinds of Ads Should You Block?
- Competitors: other blogs or businesses in your niche that could take your readers.
- Products you promote as an affiliate: if your review of a hosting company shows an ad for the same company, readers may click the ad (earning you a few cents) instead of your affiliate link (earning you a commission).
- Low-quality or misleading ads that could hurt your readers’ trust.
- Sensitive categories that do not suit your audience, such as gambling, dating, or alcohol.
Block carefully. Every block reduces the number of advertisers competing for your space, which can lower your earnings. Only block ads with a clear reason.
How to Find Which Ads Are Showing
You must never click your own ads, so do not open them to see where they go. Use these safe methods instead:
- Ad review center: in AdSense, go to Brand safety > Content > Blocking controls > Ad review center. It shows ads that have appeared on your sites, and you can block any of them directly.
- Hover, do not click: hover over a text ad to see the advertiser’s domain, or right-click and copy the link address without opening it.
How to Block Specific Advertisers
- Sign in to AdSense.
- Go to Brand safety > Content > Blocking controls.
- Choose All sites to block for your whole account, or select a specific site.
- Open Advertiser URLs.
- Enter the domains you want to block (for example,
competitor.com), one per line, and click Block URLs.
Blocks usually take effect within a few hours.
How to Block Ad Categories
In the same Blocking controls area:
- General categories: block whole groups of advertisers such as Apparel or Finance. AdSense shows how much each category contributes to your earnings, so check before blocking big ones.
- Sensitive categories: block categories such as gambling, dating, or religion that may not fit your audience.
Tips for Smart Blocking
- Review your blocks every few months and unblock any that no longer matter.
- Avoid blocking high-earning general categories unless they are a real problem.
- For affiliate posts, block the specific brands you promote rather than the whole category.
- Track your RPM before and after blocking to see the effect.
Accidentally clicked your own ad? See what to do after an accidental AdSense click. You can also learn how to block low-paying ads and categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does blocking ads reduce AdSense earnings?
It can, because fewer advertisers compete for your ad space. Block only what you have a clear reason to block.
How long does it take for blocked ads to stop showing?
Usually a few hours, sometimes up to 24 hours.
Can I block ads on just one site?
Yes. In Blocking controls, select the specific site instead of All sites.
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