Your phone is sitting in your pocket when the screen suddenly lights up – revealing a full-screen Android ads. Sometimes it’s prompting you to download a game; other times, it’s displaying an alarming message claiming your phone is riddled with viruses. Close one, and another pops up. This is a major issue with Android ads that plagues millions of people in India. And honestly, I’ve been there too – my old Redmi phone suffered from this exact problem last year. Ads every two minutes, ads on the lock screen, ads in the notification bar – it was so frustrating that I felt like smashing the phone.
But smashing the phone isn’t the solution. If you’re facing the same issue, don’t panic. In this guide, I’ll explain why these sudden ads appear, who is behind them, and – most importantly – how to stop them. Read the whole thing; every step is useful.
Where do these sudden Android ads come from?
First, it is important to understand the source of these ads; unless you know where they originate, you won’t be able to stop them.
Here are the main reasons:
In-App Ads in Free Apps
Some apps are free, but their business model relies on advertising. These apps display ads while they are open. This is normal behavior; however, if ads continue to appear even after you have closed the app, that indicates a problem.
Adware Apps
This is the biggest culprit. Many apps – such as photo editors, flashlights, QR scanners, cleaners, and battery savers – may look normal but are actually adware. They run in the background and repeatedly display ads. Hundreds of such apps have been found on the Play Store in India and subsequently removed by Google.
Browser Notifications
Have you ever visited a website and seen an “Allow Notifications” pop-up? If you clicked “Allow,” that website gained the ability to send notifications to your phone whenever it wants. Most such websites use this feature solely to send advertisements.
Malware/Viruses
Some APK files downloaded from third-party websites contain hidden malware. Once installed on your phone, this malware continuously displays ads – sometimes even on the home screen.
Phone System Apps
Manufacturers – particularly Xiaomi (MIUI), Realme UI, and some Samsung models – display ads within their own system apps. While this isn’t technically adware, it is certainly annoying.
How do you find out which app is showing ads?
This is the most important step. Nothing will happen until you identify the app that is displaying the ads.
Method 1 – Identify via notifications
- When an advertisement appears in your notifications, long-press it.
- Android will show you which app the notification came from.
- From there, you can turn off notifications for that app or uninstall the app.
Method 2 – Check Recent Apps
- When a full-screen ad appears, press the Recent Apps button (the square button).
- Check which app is displayed at the top – that is the app showing the ad.
Method 3 – Use the free app “AppWatch.”
- AppWatch (Available for free on the Play Store, $0)
- This app runs in the background and identifies which app has recently performed an activity.
- Whenever an ad appears, open AppWatch to check – it will show the name of the app that displayed the ad.
Method 4 – Check via Settings
- Go to Settings > Apps > Sort by last used.
- The app that was active when the advertisement appeared will appear at the top of the list.
Ways to Stop Android Ads – A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get down to business. Each method is explained in detail below. Follow them one by one, from top to bottom.
Method 1 – Uninstall suspicious apps immediately
As soon as you identify which app is displaying ads, remove it immediately.
Keep a close watch on apps in these categories:
- Cleaner/Booster apps – Apps like “Phone Cleaner,” “Super Booster,” and “Speed Master.” These are mostly useless and riddled with adware.
- Flashlight apps – Nowadays, every phone has a built-in flashlight; there is no need for a separate app.
- Battery saver apps – Instead of saving battery, these apps actually consume more power.
- Free VPN apps – Many free VPN apps sell your data and display advertisements.
- Unknown games – Minor games with low ratings on the Play Store.
How to uninstall:
- Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Uninstall
- Or, long-press the app on the home screen and select “Uninstall”.
If the ‘Uninstall’ option is not visible:
Sometimes, certain malware apps obtain ‘Device Administrator’ permissions. In such cases:
- Go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators
- Check which apps are listed here
- Tap “Deactivate” next to the suspicious app
- Now, go back and uninstall it
Method 2 – Turn off browser notifications
This is a very common problem. You might have accidentally granted a website permission to send notifications in the Chrome browser, and now they just won’t stop.
Steps to turn off notifications in Chrome:
- Open Chrome
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Notifications (or Site Settings > Notifications)
- You will see a list of all the websites you have granted permission to send notifications to
- Select “Block” next to any suspicious website
- Or, simply turn off “Sites can ask to send notifications” at the top
Check the same in other browsers (Firefox, Opera, Samsung Internet) as well – every browser has a Notifications option in its settings.
Method 3 – Scan with Google Play Protect
Google has its own security tool that is free and comes pre-installed on every Android phone.
Steps:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap on your profile picture
- Go to Play Protect
- Press the “Scan” button
- It will scan all the apps on your phone
- If a harmful app is found, it will show an “Uninstall” option
Keep Play Protect turned on at all times – it automatically scans apps in the background.
Method 4 – Perform a deep scan with Malwarebytes
If Play Protect didn’t find anything, but Android ads are still appearing, use a reliable anti-malware tool.
Malwarebytes (available on the Play Store)
- Price: $0 (the free version is sufficient)
- Premium version: Approximately $3.33/month (but the free version is enough to remove adware)
- It detects adware, malware, and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs)
- Install it, run a full scan, and remove any dangerous apps found
Other free options:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free – $0, lightweight and fast
- Sophos Intercept X – $0, ad-free (yes, this antivirus doesn’t show ads itself!)
Method 5 – Review App Permissions
Many apps request more permissions than necessary. Why would a simple calculator app need access to your contacts, camera, or the ability to send notifications? If an app asks for unnecessary permissions, be cautious.
Steps to check permissions:
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Tap on each app and check “Permissions.”
- Select “Deny” for any permissions that are not necessary
Check these permissions in particular:
- “Display over other apps” – This is the permission used to show full-screen ads.
- “Draw over other apps” – Disable this for apps you do not trust.
- Settings > Apps > Special Access > Display over other apps – You will find the full list here.
Method 6 – Disable system ads on MIUI, Realme UI, and Samsung devices
The best-selling phone brands in India – Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung – display ads within their system apps. This is not adware; rather, it has been intentionally included by the companies. However, these ads can be disabled.
On Xiaomi / MIUI:
- Settings > Passwords & Security > Authorization & Revocation – Turn off “msa” (MIUI System Ads)
- If “msa” is not visible, check Settings > Additional Settings > Authorization & Revocation
- Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, File Manager – Go to each of these, open Settings, and turn off the “Receive recommendations” or “Show ads” option
- Themes App > Settings > Turn off “Show Ads.”
In Realme UI:
- Settings > Additional Settings > Turn off ‘Get Recommendations.’
- Phone Manager > Settings – Turn off the ad option
In Samsung One UI:
- Settings > Privacy > Turn off Customization Service
- Samsung Internet Browser > Settings > Turn off “Samsung Push Notifications.”
Method 7 – Set up Private DNS (Free Ad-Blocker)
Few people are aware of this method, yet it is highly effective. Android 9 and later versions include a Private DNS option. By configuring an ad-blocking DNS here, you can block most advertisements without installing any apps.
Steps:
- Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS (on some phones: Settings > Connection & Sharing > Private DNS)
- Select “Private DNS provider hostname.”
- Type this: dns.adguard.com
- Save
That’s it! Ads on most apps and websites will now be blocked automatically. This is a $0 solution, and there is no need to download any additional apps.
Note: Some apps may not work properly when Private DNS is active. If this happens, switch the setting back to “Automatic.”
Method 8 – Identify and remove adware by entering Safe Mode
If the issue isn’t resolved by the methods above, Safe Mode will be very useful. Only system apps run in Safe Mode – no third-party apps. If the ads stop appearing in Safe Mode, it confirms that a third-party app is responsible.
How to enter Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the power button.
- Long-press “Power Off”.
- “Reboot to Safe Mode” will appear – select OK.
In Safe Mode:
- Check if ads are appearing.
- If they are, uninstall recently installed apps one by one.
- After removing each app, switch back to normal mode and check.
- The app that stops the ads when removed is the culprit.
Method 9 – Disable Pop-ups and Redirects in Chrome
The Chrome browser has settings that block pop-up ads.
Steps:
- Open Chrome > Three dots > Settings
- Go to Site Settings
- Pop-ups and redirects – Set this to “Blocked.”
- Ads – Set this to “Blocked” as well (Chrome blocks intrusive ads by default)
- Automatic Downloads – Set this to “Ask first.”
Method 10 – Review recently installed apps
In most cases, the issue with Android ads begins when you install a new app. So, first consider this: when did the ads start appearing? Which app did you install just before that?
How to check:
- Google Play Store > Profile > Manage apps & device > Manage
- Sort by “Recently updated” or “Recently installed.”
- Carefully review apps installed in the last few days
- Immediately remove unfamiliar apps
Free tools that help block Android ads.
| Tool name | What does it do | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Malwarebytes | Scans for adware and malware. | $0 (Free) |
| AppWatch | It shows which app has become active in the background. | $0 (Free) |
| Blokada | DNS-based ad blocker, without root | $0 (Free) |
| AdGuard DNS | Blocks ads by setting up Private DNS. | $0 (Free) |
| Bitdefender Free | Lightweight antivirus; detects adware. | $$0 (Free) |
Visit fixtech.in for more detailed guides and Android security tips – you will find plenty of useful guides there related to adware removal and phone security.
How to avoid Android ads and adware in the future?
Once you have disabled the ads, keep these points in mind to avoid them next time:
When installing apps:
- Only download apps from Google Play Store – avoid third-party APKs
- Please read reviews and ratings before installing
- Check download count – If there are fewer than 1000 downloads and the rating is also low, be careful
- Check Permissions – If the Calculator app is asking for the camera and mic, something is wrong
- Check developer name – Avoid apps from unknown developers
While browsing:
- Never accept “Allow Notifications” on any website (unless the site is highly trustworthy).
- Never click on pop-ups like “Congratulations! You’ve won!” – these are 100% scams.
- “Your phone is infected! Download this app NOW” – this is also a scam; never download it.
Phone settings:
- Keep Google Play Protect turned on at all times
- Keep “Unknown Sources” disabled (unless necessary)
- Update your phone’s software on time – security patches are essential
- Keep Private DNS (dns.adguard.com) enabled
When to understand that there is Malware in the phone, not just Adware?
Adware just shows ads – irritating but not too dangerous. But if the following things are happening, the matter may be serious:
- The phone is overheating for no apparent reason
- The battery is draining very quickly
- Mobile data is being consumed excessively
- Unknown apps are installing themselves automatically
- The phone has become very slow
- Strange activity is visible in banking or UPI apps
If these symptoms appear, then:
- Run a full scan with Malwarebytes immediately
- Remove suspicious apps
- Change your banking passwords
- Perform a factory reset if necessary (after backing up your data)
- Check the detailed malware removal guide at fixtech.in
FAQs – About Android ads
Q1: I’m seeing ads on my phone’s lock screen; how do I stop them?
Lock screen ads are usually caused by specific apps—often wallpaper, weather, or cleaner apps. Check your recently installed apps and remove any suspicious ones. On Xiaomi phones, go to Settings > Lock Screen and turn off “Wallpaper Carousel.”
Q2: Does using Private DNS slow down internet speed?
No, in fact, speeds often improve because ads don’t load. Both AdGuard DNS and Cloudflare DNS are fast. However, if an app stops working, you can switch the Private DNS setting back to “Automatic.”
Q3: Is an antivirus app necessary for Android?
If you only download apps from the Play Store and browse carefully, Google Play Protect is sufficient. However, if you install APKs or browse extensively, having an app like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender is a good idea.
Q4: Can ads in Xiaomi system apps be completely disabled?
Yes, most can be turned off. Disable MSA (MIUI System Ads), turn off “Receive Recommendations” within each system app, and enable Private DNS. You might not eliminate 100% of them, but about 90% of the ads will be stopped.
Q5: Can adware be removed without a factory reset?
Absolutely. The methods outlined in this guide can stop most adware and Android ads. A factory reset is a last resort—try the other solutions first.
Q6: I see apps on my phone that I didn’t install—what should I do?
This is a serious sign of malware. Boot your phone into Safe Mode and uninstall those apps. Remove them from the “Device Administrator” list and run a scan using Malwarebytes. If apps continue to install themselves automatically, a factory reset might be necessary.
Q7: Are ad-blocker apps safe?
Well-known apps like Blokada and AdGuard are safe to use. However, avoid unknown ad-blocker apps—some are actually adware themselves. It is better to use Private DNS; you won’t need an app at all.
Final Thoughts
Sudden Android ads are not just annoying; they can sometimes pose a threat to your privacy and security. The good news is that dealing with them isn’t all that difficult – you just need to know the right approach. Follow the 10 methods outlined in this guide one by one; one of them is bound to solve your problem. And if anyone else is facing issues with ads on their phone, do share this article – after all, almost every other Android user in India struggles with ads and adware at some point.