How do you get rid of ad popups that antivirus apps can't?

[Rabia Baloch]

Recently I have started seeing random ads pop up while im using my phone. At first I downloaded MalwareBytes but it said there was nothing wrong. I also tried other antivirus apps but they all said there wasn't a problem. Can you please help me because these ads stop my app to show pictures and it is really annoying.

 

[smorizio]

try adblocker for the phone. a lot of free apps now are just ads. if you cant get them to stop you better off backing your phone up and nuking it and starting with a fresh install.

 

[JoshRoss]

Is it in the browser? If so, as Smorizio said, get some form of adblocker, otherwise, you can look into your extensions and see if there is anything suspicious there. If it's system wide, gonna be a little bit more troublesome....

Have you tried looking at your currently installed apps or running apps? Could try removing them manually. Before that, I would strongly recommend turning off your internet, restarting your phone and attempting to do what I mentioned previously then. If that doesn't work out, your best option would be a factory reset. If you do not have back-ups of your files, then get them through your PC. Good luck!

 

[Rabia Baloch]

Its system wide so adblockers arent doing anything but i dont wanna reset my phone

 

[JoshRoss]

If you want to save your data, plug your phone into the PC, extract any files that you need and factory reset your phone afterward. There really isn't anything much else you can do.

 

[JoshRoss]

I know this question will probably come up multiple times, so I decided to fill in on some material for people who like reading and want thorough solutions.

First and foremost it is always good to educate yourself. Read about Android viruses (https/www.lookout.com/know-your-mobile/android-virus).

Afterward, you can try a more thorough approach and explanation on removal(http/www.2-spyware.com/remove-android-virus.html).

Lastly, don't forget to educate yourself about potential threats and malicious applications. Read about them before downloading, if you suspect something even slightly off, investigate. More about one of the threats here (http/thehackernews.com/2017/06/android-google-play-app-malware.html)

 

[mdd1963]

So we are to offer advice knowing only that you have an issue with.... 'a phone'....? 🙁

 

[JoshRoss]

The point is, that most people are not aware they have to provide information for us to determine the problem accurately. Which is why I like to generalize everything I can. Most of the solutions, material and so on will work for the average user. However, if the problem is more specific, I will then attempt to ask multiple questions and provide a better answer.

I have had experience with tech support, and the golden rule is always to assume that user is just a casual internet user and apply the least amount of strain and problems possible.