How to Manage and Reduce Adverts on WhatsApp

You cannot completely stop adverts on WhatsApp. The platform, owned by Meta, displays sponsored content in the ‘Updates’ tab (within Status and Channels) but never in your private chats. Your messages remain end-to-end encrypted and are not used for ad targeting. This guide shows you the controls that do exist and how to use them.

Where adverts appear and why

WhatsApp uses Meta’s advertising system. Adverts are based on general information: your country code, language, device type, and which Channels you follow. If you have linked your WhatsApp account to Facebook or Instagram through Meta’s Accounts Center, information from those platforms may also personalise what you see.

There is no setting to turn off all advertising. The options below let you influence the content and reduce what feels intrusive.

Managing ad preferences inside WhatsApp

WhatsApp provides an in-app tool to review and manage adverts you have recently seen. This is not an ‘Ads’ menu (which does not exist), but a specific ‘Ad preferences’ section.

To find it:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the Updates tab.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select Ad preferences.
3. You will see Recent ad activity and Advertisers you’ve seen.
4. Select an advertiser and choose Hide ads from this advertiser.

You can also reach this by going to Settings > Account > Ad preferences for Status & Channels. If your account is linked via Meta Accounts Center, preferences are managed there instead.

Hiding or reporting individual adverts

You can act on adverts as they appear:

• In Status: Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) on the ad and select ‘Hide ad’.
• In a promoted Channel: Tap ‘Ad’ below the channel name, then ‘Hide ad’.
• To report: Use the same menu to select ‘Report ad’ if the content is inappropriate or looks like a scam. WhatsApp will review your report.

Hiding an ad tells WhatsApp you are not interested. Reporting flags potential violations.

Adjusting settings across Meta platforms

If you use Facebook or Instagram, you can manage how your data is used for adverts across all Meta platforms, including WhatsApp. This affects what you see but does not remove adverts.

1. In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Accounts Center.
2. Tap Ad preferences.
3. Review settings for Ad topics and Audience-based advertising.

Choosing to see fewer ads on certain topics (such as alcohol or gambling) on Facebook applies that preference to linked accounts. You can also manage whether information from ad partners is used to show you ads.

Checking for adware on your device

If you see pop-up adverts or unusual ad behaviour outside the ‘Updates’ tab, your device may have adware. Adware is unwanted software that displays adverts and can arrive bundled with apps from unofficial sources.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advises keeping your device and apps updated and only installing software from official app stores.

If you suspect adware:

• Review installed apps: Go to your phone’s settings and check the list of applications. Uninstall anything you do not recognise or remember installing.
• Run a security scan: Install a security application from a reputable provider and scan for malware.

Avoiding scams and suspicious links

Scammers use WhatsApp to spread malicious links that can lead to adware or phishing attempts. WhatsApp displays a warning for links sent from unknown numbers. Be cautious of messages that ask you to click a link to claim a prize, offer a job, or request personal information.

If you receive a suspicious message, report the user directly to WhatsApp. The NCSC runs a Suspicious Email Reporting Service and provides guidance on reporting scams. For fraud, contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre.

What does not work

Recognise ineffective methods to avoid wasting time and compromising your security.

There is no ‘off’ switch. No setting in WhatsApp disables all adverts.

Third-party ad blockers are ineffective. Ad blockers designed for web browsers cannot intercept adverts served directly within the WhatsApp application.

Clearing the cache has no effect on ads. While clearing the app cache can resolve performance issues, it does not remove or reduce the number of adverts you see.

Related resources

For more information on managing your privacy and security on messaging platforms, visit the NCSC’s guidance on mobile device security. If you are concerned about scams or fraud, Action Fraud provides detailed advice on recognising and reporting suspicious activity.