how to get rid of ads on pinterest
# How to Get Rid of Ads on Pinterest: A Comprehensive Guide
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform that allows users to find and share ideas ranging from home decor to fashion inspiration. While the platform offers a wealth of creativity and inspiration, many users find the presence of ads intrusive. If you’re seeking a more ad-free experience on Pinterest, this article will guide you through various methods to minimize or eliminate ads, while also providing insights into why ads are present and how they function on the platform.
## Understanding Pinterest Ads
Before diving into solutions for reducing ads, it’s essential to understand what Pinterest ads are and how they work. Pinterest ads, also known as Promoted Pins, are paid advertisements designed to blend seamlessly into users’ feeds. They appear as regular pins but are marked as “Promoted” to differentiate them from organic content. Businesses use these ads to reach a broader audience, drive traffic to their websites, and increase brand awareness.
The ads are targeted based on user behavior, interests, and demographics. This means that if you’ve been searching for DIY projects or home improvement tips, you might see related ads in your feed. While these ads are often relevant, they can disrupt the user experience, particularly for those who prefer a clean, ad-free environment.
## Why Are Ads a Common Complaint?
The presence of ads on Pinterest is a common complaint among users for several reasons:
1. **Disruption of User Experience**: Ads can interrupt the flow of browsing, making it difficult for users to focus on the content they want to discover.
2. **Relevance**: Sometimes, the ads displayed are not relevant to a user’s interests, leading to frustration.
3. **Over-saturation**: As Pinterest continues to grow, the number of ads can become overwhelming, detracting from the platform’s original intent as a source of inspiration.
4. **Privacy Concerns**: Some users are uncomfortable with how their data is used to target ads, leading to a desire to limit ad exposure.
## Method 1: Adjusting Your Pinterest Settings
The first step in reducing the number of ads you see on Pinterest is to adjust your account settings. Here’s how you can do this:
1. **Log into Your Pinterest Account**: Start by logging into your Pinterest account on your desktop or mobile device.
2. **Go to Settings**: Click on the down arrow in the top-right corner of the screen, then select “Settings.”
3. **Ad Preferences**: Navigate to the “Privacy and Data” section. Here, you can manage your ad preferences. By disabling “Personalized ads,” you can limit the types of ads that are shown based on your activity on Pinterest.
4. **Search History**: Clear your Pinterest search history periodically. This action can help reset the algorithm that determines which ads are shown to you.
5. **Interests**: Review the interests you’ve selected. If certain interests are causing irrelevant ads to appear, consider unselecting them.
By customizing your settings, you can significantly reduce the relevance of the ads you see, which may lead to a less intrusive experience.
## Method 2: Utilize Browser Extensions
Another effective way to block ads on Pinterest is by using browser extensions. Many users turn to ad-blocking software to enhance their online experience. Here are a few popular options:
1. **AdBlock Plus**: This extension is widely used and can block different types of ads, including those on Pinterest. Once installed, it works automatically, filtering out ads as you browse.
2. **uBlock Origin**: This is a lightweight and efficient ad blocker that can be customized to block specific types of ads. It’s particularly popular among tech-savvy users due to its advanced features.
3. **Privacy Badger**: Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, this extension focuses on blocking trackers and ads that violate your privacy. It learns as you browse and can effectively minimize unwanted ads.
To install these extensions, simply visit the Chrome Web Store or the equivalent for your browser, search for the desired extension, and click “Add to Browser.” Once installed, these extensions will automatically filter ads from your Pinterest feed.
## Method 3: Creating a New Account
If you are willing to start fresh, creating a new Pinterest account can be another way to reduce the number of ads you see. Here’s how it works:
1. **New Email Address**: Use a different email address to create a new Pinterest account. This will enable you to start with a clean slate, free from previous search history and interests associated with your old account.
2. **Limit Interests**: When setting up your new account, be selective about the interests you choose. This can help prevent the algorithm from serving you ads based on previous behaviors.
3. **Minimal Engagement**: Try to limit your engagement on the new account initially. The more you interact with content, the more the algorithm learns your preferences and begins to show you targeted ads.
While this method requires some effort, it can be effective in creating an ad-free experience for those who are frustrated with their current account.
## Method 4: Use Pinterest Alternatives
If ads on Pinterest continue to be a source of irritation, it may be worth exploring alternative platforms. Several visual discovery and bookmarking sites offer similar functionalities without the same level of ad saturation. Here are a few options:
1. **Instagram**: While primarily a social media platform, Instagram allows users to discover and save content in a visually appealing format. The presence of ads is also notable, but the experience can be more focused on personal connections.
2. **Tumblr**: This platform allows users to create and share multimedia content. Although it has its own set of challenges, it can provide a more organic browsing experience with less emphasis on ads.
3. **We Heart It**: This is a visual discovery platform similar to Pinterest, focused on sharing and curating images. It has a less commercial feel, making it a great alternative for those seeking inspiration without the ads.
4. **Dribbble**: If you’re looking for design inspiration, Dribbble showcases creative work from designers worldwide. It’s a niche platform but can serve as an excellent alternative for specific interests.
These alternatives may not have the same vast library of content as Pinterest, but they can offer a refreshing change of pace without the ad overload.
## Method 5: Provide Feedback to Pinterest
Another approach to reducing ads on Pinterest is to provide feedback directly to the platform. Companies often rely on user feedback to improve their services. Here’s how you can do this:
1. **Feedback Button**: Look for the feedback or help button on Pinterest’s website or app.
2. **Detailed Feedback**: Clearly articulate your concerns about the ad experience on the platform. Mention how the ads impact your enjoyment and suggest that they consider reducing the number or improving relevance.
3. **Engagement**: Engage with Pinterest’s community forums or social media pages to express your thoughts. Companies often monitor these platforms for user sentiment.
While there’s no guarantee that your feedback will lead to immediate changes, voicing your concerns can contribute to a broader conversation on user experience.
## Method 6: Practice Mindful Browsing
In addition to technical solutions, practicing mindful browsing can help reduce the impact of ads on your Pinterest experience. Here are some tips:
1. **Set Time Limits**: Allocate specific times for browsing Pinterest to minimize mindless scrolling, which often leads to increased ad exposure.
2. **Curate Your Feed**: Regularly update your boards and unfollow accounts that don’t align with your interests. A more curated feed can make your experience more enjoyable and less cluttered.
3. **Use “More Like This” Feature**: When you find a pin that resonates with you, use the “More Like This” feature to discover similar content. This strategy can help you focus on organic content rather than ads.
4. **Engage with Content**: Engage with the content you love by saving pins or following accounts that inspire you. This can help the algorithm serve you better recommendations, potentially reducing irrelevant ads.
By being intentional about your browsing habits, you can cultivate a more enjoyable experience on Pinterest.
## Conclusion
While ads are an inherent part of the Pinterest experience, there are numerous strategies to minimize their impact. From adjusting your settings and using browser extensions to exploring alternatives and providing feedback, you have several options for creating a more ad-free environment. Remember, while ads can sometimes be relevant and helpful, your comfort and enjoyment on the platform should always come first. By implementing these strategies, you can reclaim your Pinterest experience and focus on what truly matters: finding and sharing inspiration.
how do i hide apps on my phone
In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. From making calls and sending messages to checking emails and browsing the internet, our phones have made our lives easier and more convenient. With the ever-growing number of apps available for download, our phones have also become a hub for various applications that cater to our different needs. However, with the increasing number of apps on our phones, it can become overwhelming and cluttered, making it difficult to find the apps we use frequently. This is where the need to hide apps on our phones arises. In this article, we will discuss various methods on how to hide apps on your phone.
Why hide apps on your phone?
Before we dive into the methods of hiding apps, let’s first understand why one would need to hide apps on their phone. There can be various reasons for this, some of which include:
1. Privacy concerns: With the amount of personal information we store on our phones, it is natural to be concerned about our privacy. Hiding apps can prevent others from accessing sensitive information or personal data.
2. Organizational purposes: As mentioned earlier, the increasing number of apps on our phones can make it challenging to find the apps we use frequently. Hiding apps can help declutter our home screen and organize our apps in a more efficient manner.
3. Parental control: Parents may want to hide certain apps on their children’s phones to restrict their access to inappropriate content or prevent them from using certain apps without their knowledge.
Now that we understand the reasons for hiding apps on our phones, let’s explore the various methods one can use to hide apps on different mobile devices.
How to hide apps on an iPhone?
Apple’s iOS does not have a built-in feature to hide apps, but there are a few workarounds that can help you achieve the desired result. These methods are:
1. Create a folder: One of the easiest ways to hide apps on an iPhone is by creating a folder and placing the apps you want to hide in it. To create a folder, press and hold an app until it starts to wiggle, then drag and drop it onto another app. This will create a folder, and you can name it whatever you like. You can then move the apps you want to hide into this folder.
2. Use the App Library: iOS 14 introduced a new feature called the App Library, which automatically organizes all your apps into categories. This feature also allows you to hide apps from your home screen. To do this, press and hold an app until it starts to wiggle, then tap on the “Remove App” option. This will move the app to the App Library, making it invisible on your home screen.
3. Enable restrictions: Another way to hide apps on an iPhone is by enabling restrictions. This feature allows you to restrict access to certain apps, including the App Store, Safari , and other pre-installed apps. To enable restrictions, go to Settings > General > Restrictions and enter a passcode. Then toggle off the apps you want to hide.
How to hide apps on an Android?
Similar to iOS, Android does not have a built-in feature to hide apps, but there are a few methods you can use to achieve the same result. These methods are:
1. Use a third-party launcher: Android users have the option to use third-party launchers, which offer various customization options, including the ability to hide apps. Some popular third-party launchers are Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and microsoft -parental-controls-guide”>Microsoft Launcher. These launchers allow you to hide apps by creating a hidden folder, hiding apps from the app drawer, or even setting a password to access certain apps.
2. Use the “Disable” option: Another way to hide apps on an Android device is by disabling them. This option is available for pre-installed apps that cannot be uninstalled. To disable an app, go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager, select the app you want to hide, and tap on the “Disable” button. This will remove the app from your home screen and app drawer.
3. Use a file manager: If you don’t want to use a third-party launcher, you can also use a file manager to hide apps on your Android device. Some file managers, such as ES File Explorer, offer the option to hide apps. You can also move the app to a hidden folder or rename the app’s file extension to make it invisible.
How to hide apps on a Samsung phone?
Samsung phones, running on the Android operating system, have a few additional ways to hide apps. These include:
1. Secure Folder: Samsung phones have a built-in feature called the Secure Folder, which allows users to hide apps and files. To use this feature, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder. You will have to set up a Samsung account and a PIN or password to access the folder. Once done, you can move the apps you want to hide into the Secure Folder.
2. Use the “Hide Apps” feature: Some Samsung phones have a “Hide Apps” feature, which allows you to hide apps from the app drawer. To use this feature, go to the app drawer, tap on the three-dot icon, and select “Hide Apps.” You can then select the apps you want to hide and tap on “Apply.”
3. Use a third-party app: Similar to third-party launchers for Android, Samsung users can also use third-party apps such as Apex Launcher or Nova Launcher to hide apps on their phones.
How to hide apps on a Huawei phone?
Huawei phones, running on the EMUI operating system, also have a few methods to hide apps. These include:
1. Use App Lock: Huawei phones have a built-in feature called App Lock, which allows you to hide apps. To use this feature, go to Settings > Security & privacy > App Lock. You can then select the apps you want to hide and set a password or pattern to access them.
2. Use the “PrivateSpace” feature: Huawei phones also have a feature called PrivateSpace, which creates a separate space on your phone, accessible through a different fingerprint or password. You can move the apps you want to hide into this space, and they will be invisible from your main home screen.
3. Use a third-party app: Huawei users can also use third-party apps such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher to hide apps on their phones.
In conclusion, hiding apps on your phone can be beneficial for various reasons, and with the methods mentioned above, you can easily achieve the desired result. However, it is essential to note that these methods only hide the apps and do not delete them. The apps will still be accessible through the settings, and they will continue to take up storage space on your device. Also, some methods may not be available on all phone models, so it is best to check your device’s user manual or do some research before attempting to hide apps. With the ever-evolving technology, we can expect more advanced methods to hide apps on our phones in the future. Until then, these methods should suffice in keeping your apps hidden from prying eyes.