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User reports zero ads on brave desktop despite i phone

Users Report Zero Ads on Brave | Frustration Grows

By

Thomas Moreau

Jan 24, 2026, 09:33 AM

Edited By

Rajesh Mehra

2 minutes to read

A computer screen showing the Brave browser with no ad notifications, while a smartphone displays ad notifications. The user appears confused.

A rising number of people are expressing discontent after a user reported no ads through the Brave browser on desktop but received them on mobile. This discrepancy has sparked debate within the community over the effectiveness of Brave's ad system.

Despite trying various troubleshooting methods, including reinstalling the app and toggling notification settings, the issues persist for desktop users. One frustrated individual stated, "I don’t think it's a location problem I’ve turned the rewards on and off again."

A Split Experience with Ads

Many people who use Brave's Basic Attention Token (BAT) rewards are caught between great expectations and sobering reality. Some report ads appearing only on their mobile devices while desktop users struggle to see any ads at all.

  • No ads at all: Some desktop users shared their experiences stating, "No ads at all, not even Brave ads." They felt that the only promotional content they saw was for VPN services or golf-related ads.

  • Inconsistent Performance: The inconsistency raises questions about how Brave manages its ad delivery across platforms. With mobile being favored and desktop left in the dark, users are voicing their concerns more than ever.

  • Support Struggles: One comment mentions a challenge within the user community where newer accounts find it tough to seek help due to community moderation restrictions.

Community Reactions

The sentiment appears mixed among Brave users, with a notable frustration toward the ad system.

"This post has been removed because our automoderator determined that your account is too new to post here"β€”reflecting how new users may find it difficult to communicate their issues.

Users are calling for clarity from Brave regarding their ad delivery system. Some are questioning if the features they've been promised are meeting expectations or if changes need to be made.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ”΄ Users are reporting a lack of ads on desktop while mobile users receive them.

  • ⚠️ Frustrated desktops users are expressing concerns over inconsistent performance.

  • πŸ—¨οΈ "There’s only ads for their VPN and golf," indicates limited advertising content being shown.

With growing concerns about ad delivery on Brave, the company may need to address these inconsistencies to maintain user trust. It's unclear how long these issues will persist, but user frustrations are reaching a boiling point.

Future Trends for Brave's Ad System

As frustrations mount, there’s a strong chance Brave will have to rethink its ad delivery strategy in the coming months. Users are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, which could push the company to issue a patch or update aimed at addressing these inconsistencies. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that Brave will prioritize user feedback, implementing more reliable ad targeting across both desktop and mobile to retain its audience. Without such changes, user attrition could lead to challenges for Brave in maintaining its market position as a leading crypto-based advertising platform.

A Flashback to Early Streaming Platforms

Consider the evolution of early streaming platforms in the 2010s, where many faced criticism for uneven content availability across devices. Similar to Brave, platforms like Hulu struggled to align user experience between smart TVs and laptops, leading to user complaints that echoed throughout forums. Just as Hulu adapted by refining its offerings and streamlining content delivery, Brave might find itself at a crossroads, needing to value its users’ input and adapt quickly to competition in the crowded crypto advertising space.