How to Use Tachiyomi Without Ads | Complete Guide
Tachiyomi is one of the most popular open-source manga readers available for Android. It is free, highly customizable, and supports hundreds of manga sources through extensions. However, many users report encountering ads while using the app and assume the app itself is monetized through advertising. The truth is slightly different, and understanding where these ads come from is the first step toward eliminating them completely.
Does Tachiyomi Have Built-in Ads?
No. Tachiyomi is a completely open-source application with no built-in advertisements whatsoever. The app does not generate revenue through ads, in-app purchases, or subscriptions. It is maintained by volunteer developers and the source code is publicly available on GitHub for anyone to verify.
If you are seeing ads while using Tachiyomi, the source of those ads is almost certainly the third-party manga extensions or sources you are using inside the app, not the app itself.
Where Do the Ads Actually Come From?
Tachiyomi works by connecting to external manga sources through a system of extensions. These extensions pull content from third-party websites such as MangaKakalot, MangaFox, and similar platforms. These websites are independently operated and many of them are heavily monetized through display ads, pop-ups, and redirect scripts.
When Tachiyomi loads content from these sources using its built-in WebView browser, it also loads the ad scripts attached to those websites. This is why users experience ads even though the app itself is clean.
Understanding this distinction is important because it means the solution is not to find a different app but to control what sources you use and how those sources load content.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Tachiyomi Without Ads
Step 1: Download Tachiyomi From the Official Source
Before anything else, make sure you have the legitimate version of Tachiyomi. Several unofficial APKs circulate on the internet and some of them contain actual adware baked into the application itself.
Always download from the official GitHub repository. Avoid third-party APK download sites entirely.
Official source: github.com/tachiyomiorg/tachiyomi
Step 2: Choose Ad-Free or Low-Ad Extensions
The single most effective way to avoid ads in Tachiyomi is to use sources that do not rely on heavy advertising. Some extensions connect to websites that are far cleaner than others.
When browsing extensions under the Browse section of the app, research the source website before installing the extension. Websites that are community-funded or officially licensed tend to have fewer or no ads.
Step 3: Disable WebView When Not Required
Tachiyomi uses a WebView component to load certain content from source websites. This WebView is essentially a browser embedded in the app and it loads everything the source website sends, including ad scripts.
You can limit WebView usage by going into Settings and adjusting source-specific preferences where available. Some sources have a toggle that allows you to bypass the WebView entirely and load only the raw image content without the surrounding webpage.
Step 4: Use a System-Wide Ad Blocker
Installing a DNS-based or VPN-based ad blocker on your Android device is one of the most effective solutions. These tools work at the network level and block ad requests before they even reach the app.
Recommended options include AdGuard for Android and Blokada. Both work without requiring root access and provide system-wide coverage that extends to all apps including Tachiyomi and all its sources.
Step 5: Download Chapters for Offline Reading
If a particular source is unavoidable but heavily loaded with ads, the best workaround is to download the chapters for offline reading. Once a chapter is downloaded and stored locally on your device, Tachiyomi reads it directly from storage with no network requests, meaning zero ads.
You can download individual chapters or entire manga series directly from within the app by tapping the download option on any chapter list.
Tachiyomi Forks Worth Considering
Over time, several forks of Tachiyomi have been developed by the community. These forks maintain the same ad-free core but add additional features, better source support, or improved performance. All of them are equally free of built-in ads.
| Fork Name | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mihon | Official successor to Tachiyomi | General use, clean interface |
| TachiyomiSY | Enhanced features and source support | Power users |
| Tachiyomi J2K | Improved UI and reading experience | Users focused on design |
| TachiyomiAZ | AZ reader integration | Specific regional content |
| Neko | Built specifically for MangaDex | MangaDex-only readers |
All of the forks listed above are open-source and contain no built-in advertisements.
Best Ad-Free Sources to Use Inside Tachiyomi
Not all manga sources are equally problematic when it comes to ads. The table below gives a quick overview of popular sources and their general ad situation.
| Source | Ad Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MangaDex | Very Low | Community-run, minimal ads |
| Bato.to | Low | Clean interface, occasional banners |
| MangaKakalot | High | Heavy pop-ups and redirects |
| MangaFox | High | Aggressive ad scripts |
| MangaSee | Medium | Some ads but generally manageable |
| Webtoons | Low | Official platform, light advertising |
Where possible, prioritize MangaDex and similar community-supported platforms for the cleanest reading experience.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Experience Ad-Free
- Always keep the Tachiyomi app and its extensions updated. Developers sometimes patch sources to improve content loading and reduce exposure to ad-heavy web elements.
- Avoid enabling JavaScript in the app settings unless a specific source requires it. JavaScript is the primary delivery mechanism for most online ads and pop-ups.
- If you are rooted, consider using a hosts file blocker such as AdAway, which provides even deeper ad blocking at the system level.
- Regularly audit the extensions you have installed. Remove any sources you are not actively using, especially those from websites known for aggressive advertising.
Final Thoughts
Tachiyomi itself is and has always been completely free of advertisements. The ad problem that many users experience is entirely tied to the external sources and extensions being used within the app. By choosing cleaner sources, enabling a system-wide ad blocker, and making use of the offline download feature, you can have a completely ad-free manga reading experience.
If you are still facing issues after following the steps above, switching to one of the maintained forks such as Mihon is a reliable and equally ad-free alternative that continues to receive active development support.
