What is HTTPS?

HTTPS is an encrypted version of HTTP (the 'S' stands for secure) that is used to protect the transmission of personal information such as credit card numbers or medical info.

Why should I use this?

Most major websites, like YouTube and Chrome, are moving to HTTPS for added security, which requires advertisers to change their ads to work over HTTPS. To block those ads, you must enable HTTPS filtering.

Why do I need to use a screen lock?

Android requires that, when there are user-trusted certificates installed, users must lock their phones when the screen goes to sleep. Currently, you can use a PIN code, password, or pattern lock. Some Android versions offer only one or two of these options. If your phone is rooted, you can bypass this requirement while still using HTTPS filtering. While this can be tedious, most users find a straight-lined pattern or a short PIN to be the least time intensive.

How does HTTPS filtering work?

If this was easy, HTTPS wouldn't be secure. In order to filter secure traffic, AdClear will create two secure connections. One to a browser, or other application; and another to a server. It is important that in this case the browser "trusts" AdClear and its created connection. For this purpose AdClear generates and installs a special root certificate in the system and, if necessary, in certain browsers e.g. Firefox.

Is my data safe?

Yes! The connection between your browser and the site operates like normal. For extra precaution, AdClear does not filter apps by default except apps that we have tested and determined to be safe to intercept. You may also add sites to our domain whitelist.

How can I enable it?

  1. Install the certificate.
  2. Set a lock screen password or pattern. This is required by Android.
  3. Turn filtering back on.

How do I delete the certificate?

  1. Go to Settings > Security > Trusted Credentials.
  2. Select the User tab.
  3. Select the certificate for SEVEN Networks.
  4. Select Remove from the dialog window.