Adguard for Windows, Android, iOS

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AdGuard for Windows version 7.6:

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AdGuard URL Tracking filter

Meet AdGuard URL Tracking filter! This filter strips query parameters from pages’ URLs.

Not that the functionality itself is anything new. Actually, AdGuard Stealth mode has always offered an opportunity to remove tracking parameters. So why reinvent the wheel creating a new filter, one might ask. You'll find out soon! But first, let's understand what these tracking parameters are.

What tracking parameters are and how they are used

Generally, the parameters in the page address are used for tracking. You have probably seen parameters like utm_source or utm_campaign in the website URLs — they represent tracking parameters.

Let’s look at an example.

1. A link is made on the website A: https://example.org/?utm_source=news_pag...edium=link.
   
2. When you click it, the website B sees where exactly you came from, what you clicked to open it, whichever information website A sends.
   
3. Google Analytics and others know about the tracking parameters, they also see this information and record it.
   

Which is not bad, as it might seem, what’s wrong in merely seeing it? But there are some problems:

1. Sometimes such tracking parameters include identifying information that was known only to the website A, not to B. This often happens due to an oversight.
   
2. This information might be exposed to third-party trackers (e.g., Google Analytics), not to mention the owners of the website B.
   
3. There are tracking parameters that make it possible to track a particular person. For instance, gclid parameter identifies a specific click on an ad link in Google search. Then an advertiser notifies Google, asking whether the click at the specific link with the specific search entry has led to the expected result.
   

Why you need to remove certain parameters from URLs and why we created a new filter for this purpose

The reason for removing UTM and other tracking parameters seems self-explanatory after reading the points above. You hardly want your personal information to be exposed to third-parties, let alone being tracked, do you?

Now let's move on to our second question. We at AdGuard are doing pretty well when it comes to filtering — there are not just ordinary filter developers in our team, but enchanters, sorcerers, and wizards, after all. We contionuously refine and update filters, and do it on a daily basis, taking into account new developments. But the problem is that the list of the stripped off parameters was embedded into the program, it cannot be augmented in the way that we do with our filters.

So we decided that it was time to put all the popular tracking parameters into one filter. The result has been AdGuard URL Tracking filter, the hero of the moment, and we undertake to update and enrich it as vigorously as we do with the other filters. And the best part is that now you can remove tracking parameters using this one filter.

In future versions of our products we'll elaborate Stealth mode so that it will enable AdGuard URL Tracking filter.

Now AdGuard URL Tracking filter can be used in AdGuard for Windows, Mac, and Android. The users of our browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera will see it in the next v3.6 update. Stay tuned!
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It's been a while since we published a blog post about the AdGuard Browser Extension release. But no worries, we're still developing it, as you can see by checking our Github repo. In this post, we'll tell you what's changed in the version 3.6.

In addition to "Do-Not-Track", another signal appeared in the Stealth Mode settings — "Global Privacy Control". These signals are sent to the websites you are visiting not to track you. Besides, we've added support for the $removeparam modifier and AdGuard URL Tracking filter that removes tracking parameters from page URLs — this filter is already in AdGuard for Windows and Mac, and now it's time to add it in AdGuard Browser Extension, too. Finally, we've updated scriptlets, redirects and extended CSS.

Global Privacy Control signal
Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a signal transmitted over HTTP. It sends a request to the websites or services visited by the user not to sell or share their (user's) personal data with third parties.

Why GPC appeared and why it is necessary
As you probably know, many companies abuse their capabilities: they violate users' privacy by collecting, analyzing and selling their data, or share it with third parties. And while there are legal frameworks that allow users to demand privacy protection, doing so is inconvenient and impractical — the user has to reassert their position at each visited website: reject cookie notices or ask a website/app not to track.

California Attorney General's Final Statement:
Given the ease and frequency by which personal information is collected and sold when a consumer visits a website, consumers should have a similarly easy ability to request to opt-out globally.

By enabling the GPC signal, you inform the websites of your privacy preferences. For instance, whether you want your personal information to be sold or shared (we have no doubt that you don't). Your browser sends signals to the websites you visit, and the ones that support GPC will respect your right to privacy. GPC is supported by many organizations, AdGuard included. You can see some of them on the official Global Privacy Control website.

GPC will soon be added to other AdGuard products with Stealth Mode.

AdGuard URL Tracking filter
Not so long ago we told about the new AdGuard URL Tracking filter, explaining what tracking parameters are, how they are used, and why they should be removed, but we can't help but describe the filter here as well.

AdGuard URL Tracking filter has incorporated all the most popular tracking parameters. The best part about it is that you can now remove tracking parameters simply by turning this filter on. Before it was created, there was a problem with the list of parameters: they were embedded into the program, and it wasn't easy to add new parameters to it. By creating the URL Tracking filter, we opened the door for its regular updating and augmenting, and we intend to augment it as actively as we do with the other filters.

By adding $removeparam modifier support, we managed to get rid of the former "Remove Tracking Parameters" setting and replace it with a new one that includes our URL Tracking Filter. This ensures that you'll always be using the most up-to-date database of tracking parameters, thanks to the standard filter update mechanism.

You are now familiar with the latest changes to the AdGuard Browser Extension. As always, we'd love to hear your impressions of the new version, please tell us if everything works well or what you especially like. Or maybe you'd like a new feature to be added in the extension? Any feedback is welcome, moreover, it helps us make our products better. So, waiting for your reviews

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To all AdGuard for Safari users

We've made a mistake and published a faulty update.

DO NOT update to v1.9.17!

If you've already updated, download this standalone build and move it to applications: https://agrd.io/safari_release

We'll roll out the fix as soon as possible.

https://twitter.com/AdGuard/status/14022....108563%2F

[harlan4096]

AdGuard 4.2 for iOS: Extension for blocking ads on YouTube, rules converter and more

It took us nearly four months from the previous release to develop two betas and review everything carefully before releasing v4.2. So, what's new?

Extension for blocking ads on YouTube

If you were attentive enough while reading the latest blog posts, you probably know about the events leading up to this release. Long story short:

1. In March YouTube started to employ a new algorithm for showing ads
   
2. AdGuard users started seeing ads on YouTube in Safari and complained to us about it.
   
3. We've come up with a solution — developed a temporary workaround and then created a shortcut which needed to be installed manually.
   

But we wanted to go one step further and turn the shortcut into a built-in extension to make it as user-friendly as possible. Developing such a solution was incredibly important to us, and we're happy that after all the hassles with YouTube algorithms and the unexpected ads in Safari, we figured out a way to solve this problem in an elegant and simple way.

After you update your app to v4.2, this extension will be installed automatically — unlike with the shortcut, you don't have to follow any complicated instructions. It is enabled by default and starts dealing with ads right away. Other than ads, the extension removes the placeholder remaining after blocking on iPads. Plus, videos are now played automatically again and you don't have to make an extra tap.

To activate the extension and block ads on YouTube, do the following:

1. Open Safari.
   
2. Open youtube.com.
   
3. Tap Share.
   
4. Tap "Block YouTube Ads (by AdGuard)".
   

N.B. In some cases the AdGuard extension may be not displayed. If you don't see it, try to follow the instruction again or restart your device.

Improved rules converter

Rules converter is a specific thing for iOS. It is required to convert AdGuard filtering rules to the ones of Safari, as its syntax differs from the commonly accepted one. In this version we've improved the performance of our rules converter, added support for new modifiers ($specifichide, noop, and $denyallow) and fixed conversion errors.

The other changes are relatively minor: we've updated DnsLibs and eliminated all the bugs spotted.

As always, looking forward for your feedback on the new version. Share your impressions here in the comments section or on the social networks. See you!
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AdGuard v1.9.19 for Safari: M1 support and updated Safari rules converter

We're back with an update of AdGuard for Safari. Though the last time we covered its release was quite a while ago, the product has been growing and developing all this time. Below you can find out what's new in the latest version.
 

You may have noticed that we had already released AdGuard for Safari. Sadly, we found a critical error that forced us to cancel v1.9.17. Now that we've fixed everything, we are re-releasing it feeling confident: the extension operates smoothly!

Apple silicon support

In November 2020, Apple began the switch from Intel processors to self-developed M1 chips. At the Apple Event, the manufacturer unveiled the new MacBooks with Apple silicon and the new M1 chip. But what is the fundamental difference between Intel and M1? We will try to explain it without getting too technical.

The brand new M1 processor is the first one in the family of ARM-based (Advanced RISC Machine) processors. M1 is a so-called system on a chip (SoC) that integrates components: USB controllers, Wi-Fi, Thunderbolt (interface), processor cores, video cards, and random-access memory (RAM). Unlike the old motherboard-based PC architecture, which separates components based on function, the new ARM аrchitecture brings them as close as possible. SoCs are great in terms of speed, as they allow to minimize latency for some functions: when elements are laid out in close proximity to each other, the interconnection delays can be minimized, while the data communication speed between modules, functional units, and memories is maximized.

We've been trying hard to make Macs with the new architecture compatible with the AdGuard extension for Safari, and are happy to introduce the result: a universal build that operates on both Intel and M1 processors.

Updated rules converter

We use rules converter only in two our products — AdGuard for iOS and AdGuard for Safari. It is required to convert AdGuard filtering rules into the ones of Safari, as their syntax differs from the commonly accepted one. In v1.9.17, we've added support for the
 

$denyallow

and

$specifichide

modifiers, cosmetic rules and Generic rules (exception rules modifiers), and fixed conversion errors.
Besides the converter, we've updated the app icon. And we couldn't do without fixing minor bugs, UI related and others.

Download AdGuard for Safari and share with us your thoughts on the new version. We'll be waiting for your feedback!
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AdGuard v3.6.3 for Android: Android 12 compatibility and more

If you happen to read the release notes of AdGuard for Android on GitHub, you might giggle at the fact that the coming release of v4.0 has become sort of a local meme.

We've been waiting for it passionately and, at times when the release data was delayed, rushed things saying "Well, now it’s definitely the latest version before the Big Release".

But the dawning of a new era as we call it does not rule out the necessity of the intermediate builds and certainly does not invalidate the changes made and all the scope of work done. The changes in the recent v3.6.3 are abundant but they all are ‘under the hood’, so to say. We used to consider such tasks difficult to comprehend and not interesting for a regular user, but truth be told, they are the core of our product.

One thing that's easy enough to understand is Android 12 compatibility. We've tested the new version extensively on the new OS and happy to say that they are 100% compatible. Feel free to try it yourself if you're one of the early testers for the Android 12.

And if you'd like to get into the thick of things, here are some more changes that were introduced in the v3.6.3 update. In this version we focused on updating CoreLibs. Namely, we dealt with the priority of existing modifiers and added several new ones: $denyallow, $redirect-rule, $removeheader, and $specifichide. It might be of interest to users who'd like to create their own ad filters. Besides, we've made userscript exclusions work properly and fixed all issues found.

Release notes:

• [Fixed] Proxy gets disabled after each AdGuard VPN update #3680
  
• [Fixed] Stealth mode settings configured in the setup wizard are not applied #3747
  
• [Fixed] AdGuard doesn't let users of the MEGA app log in #3837
  
• [Fixed] "NetworkCallback was not registered" error when stopping protection #3870
  
• [Fixed] Instagram doesn't work in Local HTTP Proxy mode (root access) #3879
  
• [Fixed] NektoMe doesn't work when AdGuard is enabled #374
  
• [Fixed] If a phone has access to an IPv6 connection, AdGuard for Android fails to connect to DNS-over-QUIC servers that are only accessible over IPv4 #3927
  
• [Fixed] The issue with changing the language in the DNS section #3731
  
• [Fixed] Root + Local HTTP proxy slowdown on Android 7 #3844
  
• [Fixed] Check proxy connection status error #3848
  
• [Fixed] TikTok doesn't work when AdGuard is enabled #3866
  
• [Fixed] Wrong exclusions suggested for $removeparam rules in the filtering log #3873
  
• [Fixed] Don't pass DNS64 settings to DNSLibs if IPv4 network interface is present #3886
  
• [Fixed] Connection issues on Fujitsu devices
  
• [Fixed] Issue with an expired security certificate
  
• [Fixed] Extend public networks list to force IPv4 default route
  
• [Fixed] com.android.browser connection issues on several devices
  
• [Fixed] Stealth mode screen can't be scrolled
  
• [Enhancement] Updated DnsLibs to v1.6.29 #3952
  
• [Enhancement] DNS-over-QUIC (Removed "experimental" label) #3842
  
• [Enhancement] Turkey - Turkcell VoWifi new IP address #3864
  
• [Enhancement] Fanboy's Annoyance List's Subscription URL is broken #3865
  
• [Enhancement] Enable HTTPS filtering by default for Edge Dev, Edge Beta, and Styx Browser #3897
  
• [Enhancement] Do not hardcode excluding AdGuard VPN package from filtering #3923
  
• [Enhancement] Added Yandex Browser to the list of browsers #3951
  

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Why AdGuard VPN is the better option

When getting ready to commit to a long-term VPN subscription, users most frequently evaluate its speed, security, and price. Those are very important points but there is so much more! There is a baker’s dozen of key assets that make AdGuard VPN unique. Let’s look at each of them separately to see why AdGuard VPN is one of a kind and how to use it to its fullest extent.

To start with, let’s go over AdGuard VPN’s unmatched features that you won’t find in any other VPN.

1. Proprietary protocol

From the very outset, we resolved to develop and deploy an in-house VPN protocol instead of picking a canned solution — that’d be too easy, plus, we weren’t satisfied with existing protocols. The result has become the AdGuard VPN protocol.

Choosing a VPN service, people often face a trade-off between fast vs. safe. The AdGuard VPN protocol is a perfect blend of speed and security, so you don’t have to bear slow internet connection or make privacy sacrifices. Among other things, it disguises itself as regular traffic and it’s much harder to detect and block it.

2. Exclusions lists

There are two operation modes in AdGuard VPN. In Regular mode, VPN works everywhere except websites added to exclusions. And vice versa, in Selective mode, VPN works nowhere but on websites added to exclusions. You can easily import/export exlcusions lists — a nice-to-have, isn’t it?Now, you may ask, which mode to choose? Practice shows that users prefer Selective one which makes sense, given the use cases. Most often users need VPN only on certain websites, the blocked ones or the ones that might mine extensive amounts of data. To save VPN traffic and not to sacrifice speed, using Selective mode seems sound. But other users might prefer absolute protection, and using Regular mode is the optimum solution for them.
 

In less than a month we will add a new feature. There will be a list of services sorted by category that you’ll be able to add to exclusions at the touch of a button.

3. Choosing a DNS server

No more relying on the DNS server provided by your ISP by default! First, it’s not safe: your ISP most likely has access to your browsing history. Second, People often underestimate DNS, yet it can remove ads and trackers, protect your device from malware or, for instance, enable safe search and block adult content.

From now you can choose DNS servers from known DNS providers such as AdGuard, Cisco, Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9, or even configure to use your own DNS server.

4. Fastest locations

Another feature that makes AdGuard VPN stand out from the crowd is that you can select a location based on its ping. In a nutshell, ping is the time it takes the data packet sent from your computer to reach the server and return. When in doubt, use a rule of thumb: the lower the ping, the closer the server, the higher its speed. We are constantly expanding the number of locations so that you can choose from a variety.
 

Note that to access all VPN server locations, you need to purchase an AdGuard VPN subscription.

5. Compatibility with AdGuard ad blocker

With desktop apps and browser extensions this goes without saying — there’s rarely any conflicts between apps, save for antiviruses and other similarly oriented software.

With mobile devices, on the other hand, it’s not that simple. In the vast majority of cases, two VPN-based apps will not work together, just because certain OS-induced limitations exist that prevent that from happening, both on Android and iOS.

However, we managed to find a solution to befriend AdGuard VPN and AdGuard ad blocker. When you have both AdGuard apps installed on one device simultaneously, they will automatically become compatible without any input required from you. This is a unique opportunity to take advantage of two sets of features, which you would normally have to choose between.

6. QUIC support (experimental)

QUIC is a cutting-edge protocol that has many perks. The main advantage is it can improve connection quality in non-ideal conditions – for example, on mobile devices or when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Although the new protocol won’t affect speed when the connection is fine and stable, it will definitely make the situation better for users with slow internet.
 

QUIC support is currently in the testing stage and may not work correctly at the moment. In the near future we will fix all the problems and tell you more about this protocol.

Now let’s switch to the item set that any decent VPN can't do without.

7. Kill Switch

Kill Switch is essential if you, for instance, often use a mobile network or connect to public Wi-Fi networks in malls, cafes, on the subway or at the airport. For the simple reason — if VPN will suddenly drop and the connection will become insecure, chances are that your sensitive information will be exposed to fraudsters or cyber criminals.

If for some reason your VPN connection is interrupted, Kill Switch will automatically disconnect the internet connection, keeping attackers away from seizing your information. With Kill Switch, rest assured that you are in safe hands. If you’re concerned about privacy or at least value your personal data, don’t overlook this bulletproof method.

8. Split tunneling

This feature resembles the exclusions lists mentioned above. The only difference is that here you can exclude apps instead of websites.
 

Split tunneling is currently available in AdGuard VPN for Android, Windows, and Mac.

9. Auto-Protection

This feature has been developed specifically for unsecured networks. For the convenience of users, we made it impossible to forget to enable VPN when visiting public places. Should you pop into a coffee shop and connect to a local Wi-Fi network, you’ll be automatically connected to AdGuard VPN.
 

Auto-protection is currently available in AdGuard VPN for iOS, it’ll appear in AdGuard for Android in 2 weeks since the publication. Also, this feature is coming soon on AdGuard VPN for Windows and Mac.

10. Simultaneous connection allowance

AdGuard VPN offers five simultaneous connections to its paid users. We place special emphasis on the word ’simultaneous’, and here is why. Some VPN providers only allow to log in to their service on five devices max. With AdGuard VPN, there’s no limit to the number of devices that can be logged in to your account, but you can have five VPN connections enabled at the same time. Those who don’t have a subscription can use AdGuard VPN on two devices, which gives us another trump card to play against competitors — most of the VPN services only have one device in their free versions.

11. Streaming support

According to statistics, about 20% of VPN users install it primarily to binge-watch shows, series and films on streaming services. The problem is it’s not easy to outsmart streaming services as they can detect VPNs and block sneaky users access to their platform.

We strived to implement streaming support so that AdGuard VPN could easily bypass the restrictions, operate seamlessly on all most popular streaming services and stay undetected by them. And it seems like we’ve managed to!

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VPN use cases: Tinder tricks, cheaper trips, avoiding risks, and more

What is so special about VPN, you might think. It just masks your location. Of course, it’s good to gain access to something unavailable in your country. Or hide something from those greedy for your personal data for no matter what reasons.

But this “digital immigration”, or rather “IP tourism”, can be handy in unexpected (or at least not yet thought about) ways.

VPN is not just good for spoofing your geolocation for websites and apps that happened not to love the original one. It makes your connection secure and encrypted, saves the sensitive private data from abuse, so it is not only your location that you “hide”. Actually, if you connect to a public Wi-Fi network in a cafe or on the subway, you'd better hide anything you can.

We have hand-picked some of the important use cases where you definitely need a VPN. Let's have a look at them.

How VPN makes your life better: a couple of cases out of so many1. Shopping abroad

Quite a pleasant feeling: to shop while abroad and buy some rare products that are not easy to find back home.

Nowadays you don't really need to physically go abroad, there is a great option of online shopping around the globe while sitting comfortably at home.

But sometimes it's hard because of the difference in payment systems and terms (specific cards are accepted, specific documents are required) for different countries.

Using a VPN and changing your virtual location to the store's country of origin you can avoid these difficulties and make your online shopping experience much more pleasant.

2. Saving money, again: cheaper airline tickets and hotels

Smart algorithms do a lot nowadays, for example, personalize prices for goods and services. An Uber ride becomes more expensive if your battery is low, or it starts to rain, or it’s Friday night, or you have the latest iPhone. How cool, right? You have your own price, made up exclusively for you!

Not quite. There is always a chance robots confuse you with a Rockefeller’s nephew (or you actually are Rockefeller’s nephew, but it is no reason for you to throw money away).

Airlines and booking agencies use your personal data to adjust prices: they want to show you a ticket’s cost not so high you’d go look for a better deal, but not too small as they want to profit. Change you location from a fancy Frisco district to, say, some Canadian outback and see what happens.

Maybe nothing. In this case, try some other locations — VPN services allow you to choose a server in different countries of the world (and it also may be helpful to use an alternative browser or clear the cookies in the one you used and search in the Private or Incognito mode). Search for the same flight day and destination on the same site — a couple of experiments will show you that prices actually differ.

A VPN masks not just your IP, it protects other kinds of personal data from being harvested by companies for price personalization. Well, if you are on an air company’s blacklist, it won’t help, so please behave in the air and on earth.

You can encounter price personalization when booking a hotel or renting a car as well. The advice is the same: change location, clear cookies, swap browsers, open a tab in Incognito or Private mode, experiment, finally, google it: people share all sorts of tips and tricks.

3. More content available

Now, imagine. The new superhero blockbuster is out! On the popular streaming platform, of course. But the trouble is, it’s only available for the US audience.

And you are out of the country. Quite unfair, that you are the last to watch and the first to catch spoilers... And that's where a VPN comes to the rescue.

Streaming services have different libraries of available content for different countries. So with a VPN you can change your location and enjoy movies and TV shows to your liking.

Check here to see which of the popular streaming services AdGuard VPN supports.

4. An escape from corporate slavery into the world of reasonable adults

Offices, schools, campuses, universities, and all types of institutions set up their own networks for people who have to use it. Sometimes they restrict nearly everything except for Wikipedia or work-related resources. If you know you tend to procrastinate and waste your productive hours on Facebook, just reconcile and be grateful to the network administrator. But if you have some things to be done, and a website in need is blocked, help yourself to some VPN.

There is actually another good reason for strict network restrictions: security. Corporate data leaks are a global problem, public organizations suffer too, schools, oh, well, even kindergartens are subjects to cyberthreats. Use VPN to secure your connection and help the network owners be safe: the data will be encrypted.

5. Digital remigration

It’s when you have your body abroad but need your soul to be at home. Superfluous romantic aside, you just might be willing to reach your favorite geo-restricted site or app when being on an abroad vacation or a business trip.

6. Tinder: more freedom, less money wasted with a VPN

There are at least three ways VPN can help enrich your Tinder experience and solve possible problems.

Change your location to meet people from other countries — without overpaying

By default, you’ll be shown possible matches near you. You can choose a wide range, but you’ll virtually stay in your city or town (with suburbs). If you are in California but want to chat with someone from Paris, just buy Tinder’s paid subscription. But it is more expensive than most VPNs and works only for Tinder, while VPN… see above.

Unfortunately, VPN can help you with that only if you use Tinder via its website tinder.com and have forbidden your browser to detect your location in the settings. Tinder knows when you are using GPS, not IP (when it asks you to "turn on device location for better experience" it means their experience, of course, that’s why you are not allowed to say "no, thanks"). There are some ways for the mobile apps too… But do not count on a VPN in this case.

VPN is not only for pretending to be somewhere else but also for pretending not to be where you are

Tinder may be blocked in your country, in your office, at your school (which is especially upsetting if you are a teacher). Use VPN to get rid of the restrictions. Facebook may also be blocked in some countries or networks. Facebook is not essential for using Tinder, but if you log in via your Facebook account, you need it to be accessible.

Tinder on its side can block you as a user

Not neсesserily because you were naughty and did bad things to other users. Some people get blocked for resetting their account too frequently, for example.

Use VPN to try to create another account, although there is no guarantee you’ll succeed: Tinder uses other ways besides IP detection to catch those who try to break back in through the back door.
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AdGuard v3.6.4 released:

This quick update fixes a bug that could have happened to our long-term users. If you have been using AdGuard for a few years and your security certificate expired, it could have lead to an HTTPS filtering failure. After this update, you will see a notification on the app’s main screen. Tap on it and follow on-screen instructions to reinstall the certificate and resume HTTPS filtering.

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