Tips on deleting unwanted browser ads

Several readers say they still find it nearly impossible to eliminate Amazon pop-up ads from their iPhone Safari Web browsers, despite my earlier suggestions.

The ads appear to be generated by unwanted software on the phone (it’s unclear if they are really from Amazon or just use the name to encourage people to click on something). As a result, readers should try to get rid of the ads by turning off some browser helper programs called “extensions.”

Desirable extensions add new browser features. Undesirable extensions, which may be secretly installed by some websites, often show pop-up ads.

To find the Safari extensions on an iPhone, open the browser and view any website. At the bottom of the screen, click on the icon that looks like a square with an upward arrow through it. You will see two rows of buttons; the top row consists of “share extensions” and the bottom row contains “action extensions.” By scrolling to the right in either row you will find a button with three dots that is labeled “more.”

In the top row, click the “more” button to find exten- sions that are either on (green color next to slider button) or off (white color next to slider button). If you see a questionable extension, move the slider beside it to the off position. Click “done.” Do the same thing in the bottom row.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, the fix may have to come from Apple in the form of a software update. If that’s the case, consider using an alternative Web browser. You can download the free Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers via the App Store.