According to a recent Brave blog post, version 1.78 of the mobile browser added a new Shields option called Block Elements. This feature lets users tap any on-page annoyance and hide it. The post explains:

"Most websites are crowded with visual clutter, largely due to third-party advertising. This problem is even worse on mobile devices, where limited screen real estate makes every banner feel even more intrusive, especially on news or recipe websites."

How to hide annoying elements in Brave

Anyone who's ever visited an ad-heavy site on a mobile browser has experienced this problem firsthand and finds it a major frustration, which is why Brave developers added the feature.

Also: The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested

Brave on mobile

With the new release, you can hide any annoying elements by following these steps:

1. Tap the Shields icon in the address bar.
2. Tap Advanced controls.
3. Tap Block element.
4. Tap the page element you want to block.
5. Press the Block Elements button.

Also: 5 great Chrome browser alternatives that put your privacy first

I've tested the new feature, and it works perfectly. In fact, it's so impressive that I'm considering adopting Brave as my default Android browser. By using Block Elements, I know most sites will be readable, even if I have to block several page elements.

Brave on desktop

This feature is also available in the desktop version of Brave. The process for blocking elements on desktop differs slightly from mobile:

1. Right-click on the page you're viewing.
2. Select Block elements.
3. Select the element you want to block.
4. Press the Block Elements button.

How to clear blocked elements in Brave

In both mobile and desktop versions, you can clear blocked elements in two steps:

• Open Shields.
• Click or tap Clear all blocked elements.

Also: 5 lightweight browsers that can make your old PC feel like new again

Update Brave now

If you're using a version of Brave older than 1.78, head to the Google Play Store and update as soon as possible so you can benefit from the new feature. Trust me when I say this is a game changer for mobile browsing.

Also: 5 Android browsers that are better than Chrome (and why I prefer them)

You can find out which mobile Brave browser version you're using by going to Settings > About Brave. One thing I noticed is that although the official blog post states version 1.78 is required for the feature, I found it in version 1.77.101.

Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with ourTech Today newsletter.

Featured

Only 8% of Americans would pay extra for AI, according to -Aberdeen research

5 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard

We've tested the best iPads of 2025. Here are the ones worth your money

7 ways to lock down your phone's security - before it's too late

• Only 8% of Americans would pay extra for AI, according to -Aberdeen research
• 5 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard
• We've tested the best iPads of 2025. Here are the ones worth your money
• 7 ways to lock down your phone's security - before it's too late