Help I can't get rid of ads that pop up EVERYWHERE (even the home screen!)

[filipchito]

I've been having this issue for almost 2 weeks now and I'm really angry right now. for one hour I've been trying to remove this adware by installing tons of apps that supposedly should remove the adware from my phone. Nothing wors. These apps literally pop up everywhere: on my home screen, in-browser, in-game! This is how the ad looks like http://imgur.com/vx3vAeY. I don't recall downloading any malicious software so I have no idea how this started. It has a button that says "Opt out" and it takes me to a website that says that in order to opt out I need to either download their "opt-out app" or enter my IMEI number. I tried both (I know, terrible idea, but I was desperate to get rid of the ads) and NOTHING WORKS!!! I tried tons of anti-virus apps and anti-adware, nothing works. I went to the google app and selected opt out, still nothing. I don't want to factory reset my phone.. Please help!!!

 

[The_Chief]

SOMETHING has likely installed itself as a system app. Which is worse, because a factory reset will not affect the system partition and you'll probably still get them. At this point, you may need to (a) root the phone and use a file explorer like ES or Root Explorer to remove or freeze the offending app with Titanium Backup (this will probably void your warranty); or (b) have the phone's stock software image re-flashed to overwrite the system partition. Neither presents an easy fix: but the system overwrite WILL wipe your phone, which you're trying to avoid.

 

[Crashdamage]

Not trying to pile on, but as an example of what NOT to do this is a good one. As you found out the hard way, never, EVER click on ad pop-ups or do ANY of the things they suggest you should do! You will only install more and more malware. Any money spent buying suggested additional software or 'upgrades' is only turning your money into theirs. Giving away your IMEI number was a particularly poor decision. It's your phone's equivalent to giving away your Social Security number.

The_Chief is correct that at this point you've cooperated and clicked on enough stuff that even a factory reset may not cure your phone. Still, it's at least worth giving that a try before going all the way to reflashing the software image.

After resetting, DO NOT reinstall all you apps, either automatically or manually. You likely would just reinstall your problem. Pick what you reinstall VERY carefully. Install only apps from the Play store or maybe Amazon.

I'm going to use this as an opportunity to post some links regarding bad apps and security practices. Hopefully it will keep some others from getting into a situation like filipchito.

There is a list of some apps and vendors to avoid here:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ge...591608-antivirus-android-not.html#post4752098

That list only scratches the surface. There's literally thousands of apps in the Play store that should be avoided.

This is some suggestions on how to pick apps safely:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-apps/580448-how-do-you-pick-app-install.html#post4721352

This is some suggestions on how to stay secure using your phone, in two parts. The second part is for the more paranoid among us:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?p=4749114

 

[Jhayzone]

Next time around you should download a browser with ad-block just so you don't accidentally click an ad again in the future. And don't be pressure by a pop-up that says you have a virus on your phone and you have to install this and that, ignore it and carry on with your life. You don't get any kind of virus until the moment you install those malicious apps that they endorse.

 

[Dm47021]

Are you rooted, if so i have a solution that wont require you to change your browser or install extra software

 

[JimmieCD]

This I what I did to fix my problem with redirects/popups:
1. Clear browser history/cookies etc.
2. From Settings, Application Manager, go to your browser then Clear Data.
3. After data is cleared then uninstall browser updates or uninstall browser.
4. Power off.
5. Clear Cache Partition
6. Reboot
7. Reinstall browser/browser updates.
This worked for me.
Good luck.

 

[filipchito]

Not trying to pile on, but as an example of what NOT to do this is a good one. As you found out the hard way, never, EVER click on ad pop-ups or do ANY of the things they suggest you should do! You will only install more and more malware. Any money spent buying suggested additional software or 'upgrades' is only turning your money into theirs. Giving away your IMEI number was a particularly poor decision. It's your phone's equivalent to giving away your Social Security number.

The_Chief is correct that at this point you've cooperated and clicked on enough stuff that even a factory reset may not cure your phone. Still, it's at least worth giving that a try before going all the way to reflashing the software image.

After resetting, DO NOT reinstall all you apps, either automatically or manually. You likely would just reinstall your problem. Pick what you reinstall VERY carefully. Install only apps from the Play store or maybe Amazon.

I'm going to use this as an opportunity to post some links regarding bad apps and security practices. Hopefully it will keep some others from getting into a situation like filipchito.

There is a list of some apps and vendors to avoid here:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ge...591608-antivirus-android-not.html#post4752098

That list only scratches the surface. There's literally thousands of apps in the Play store that should be avoided.

This is some suggestions on how to pick apps safely:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-apps/580448-how-do-you-pick-app-install.html#post4721352

This is some suggestions on how to stay secure using your phone, in two parts. The second part is for the more paranoid among us:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?p=4749114

Thanks, I rooted my phone and that deleted my data but the problem is gone. I made a backup and even with all of my old apps installed there are no more ads!

 

[Sahil jeet]

Hi
Bro

I was having same problem.
Like apps were get automatically get installed etc..
This solution will definitely
work.
For every problem


U should install custom rom on ur phone
.


It will work...

 

[kerrco]

This I what I did to fix my problem with redirects/popups:
1. Clear browser history/cookies etc.
2. From Settings, Application Manager, go to your browser then Clear Data.
3. After data is cleared then uninstall browser updates or uninstall browser.
4. Power off.
5. Clear Cache Partition
6. Reboot
7. Reinstall browser/browser updates.
This worked for me.
Good luck.

Thank u so much. Problem solved.