Popup ads on your Android phone or tablet aren’t just irritating — they can also be an early warning sign of a virus. Scammers often use “adware” to infect your device, forcing ads to appear or tricking you into clicking harmful links.
What’s Causing Pop-up Ads to Suddenly Appear on Your Android?
While encountering a few pop-ups during online browsing is normal, a sudden surge of them (or if your phone seems overrun by pop-up ads) may point to one of the following causes:
1. **Adware infection**: Malicious third-party apps created by hackers can infect your device with adware, triggering endless pop-ups, redirecting you to shady websites, or even hijacking your browser. If pop-ups are appearing on your home screen, lock screen, or in your web browser, adware may be the culprit.
2. **App permissions**: Some apps request permission to show pop-ups, send push notifications, or track your location. These requests may appear during installation or updates. Granting such permissions could allow the app to display pop-ups and potentially track your activity, which might even be sold to marketers or on the Dark Web.
3. **Website notifications**: Certain websites prompt you to enable notifications, allowing them to send unwanted alerts and potentially scam-filled ads.
4. **Ad-blocker disabled**: If your ad-blocking app has been accidentally disabled, pop-ups and ads will start flooding in again. If you didn’t disable it yourself, this might indicate a malware infection.
There are several options available to help you remove ads from your Android phone or tablet. Here’s how to stop ads from taking over your device
1. Use an Ad Blocker:
– Install a reputable ad blocker app from the Google Play Store. Apps like AdBlock Plus, AdGuard, or Blokada can help block intrusive ads across various apps and websites.
2. Update Your Browser:
– Use an up-to-date web browser. Modern browsers often have built-in ad-blocking features or allow you to install ad-blocking extensions.
3. Enable Pop-up Blockers:
– Most web browsers offer built-in pop-up blockers. Ensure that this feature is enabled in your browser settings to prevent pop-up ads.
4. Configure In-App Ad Settings:
– Many apps allow you to customize ad preferences in their settings. Check if the app you’re using has an option to limit ad tracking or personalize ad content.
5. Limit Ad Personalization:
– In your Android settings, you can restrict ad personalization. Go to “Settings” > “Google” > “Ads” and enable “Opt out of Ads Personalization.” This won’t stop ads but may make them less relevant.
6. Install a Security App:
– Consider using a security app that includes ad-blocking features. Some antivirus and security apps offer ad-blocking functionality as part of their services.
7. Be Cautious with App Downloads:
– Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources. Stick to trusted app stores like the Google Play Store, where apps are more likely to adhere to ad policies.
8. Check App Permissions:
– Review the permissions granted to apps on your phone. Some apps may abuse their permissions to deliver more ads. Revoking unnecessary permissions can help.
9. Clear Cache and Cookies:
– Periodically clear the cache and cookies in your web browser. Advertisers often use cookies to track your online behavior.
10. Consider a VPN:
– Some VPNs offer ad and tracker blocking as part of their services. These can help protect your privacy and reduce ads while browsing.
11. Report Intrusive Ads:
– When you come across particularly intrusive or inappropriate ads, report them within the app or website you’re using. This feedback can help improve ad quality.
Remember that while ad blockers can be effective in reducing unwanted ads, they may also impact the revenue of websites and content creators who rely on advertising. Consider whitelisting sites you want to support or use ad blockers responsibly.
