How to permanently remove pop-up advertising windows on Android: from viruses to system settings

Pop-up windows with advertisements on Android are one of the most annoying problems that users face. They appear on top of all applications, block the screen, slow down the smartphone and often lead to fraudulent sites. In 80% of cases, the reason lies in adware software (advertising viruses), but sometimes legitimate applications with aggressive monetization or even browser system settings are to blame.

This article will help completely clean the device of annoying pop-up windowseven if standard methods like disabling notifications do not are working. We will analyze both manual removal of suspicious applicationsand system tricks for Samsung One UI, MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi), EMUI (Huawei/Honor) and stock Android. We will pay special attention to cases when advertising appears even on a locked screen this is a sure sign of infection.

Before you start, check: do you have any applications installed from unknown sources (like APK files from torrents)? Advertising viruses are often disguised as “charging boosters”, “VPN for free Internet” or “mods for games”. If yes, the first step is obvious.

1. How to determine the source of pop-up advertising

Before blocking advertising at random, it is important to identify it original source. This will save time and prevent banners from appearing again. Here are the key signs by which you can identify the culprit:

• 🔍 Advertising appears in the browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet, Opera) - the problem is in the site settings or extensions.
• 📱 Banners pop up on top of all applications - installed software is to blame (often disguised as system utilities).
• 🔒 Advertising on a locked screen —a 100% sign of an adware virus with administrator rights.
• 🎮 Pop-ups only in games —aggressive monetization of the application itself (for example, Among Us or Subway Surfers).

The fastest diagnostic method is go to "Recent running applications" (Settings → Applications → Recent). If an application like "Super Cleaner" or "Battery Doctor" is active before the ad appears, you need to delete it immediately. For advanced users, the utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable, which will show all active processes:

adb shell dumpsys window | grep mCurrentFocus

⚠️ Attention: Some viruses block access to application settings. If, when you try to open Settings → Applications you are redirected to an advertising site, go straight to section about resetting to factory settings.

If advertising appears only in the browser, check the list of allowed notifications:

1. Open Chrome (or another browser).
2. Go to ⋮ → Settings → Site settings → Notifications.
3. Remove all suspicious domains (for example, push-notifications.top or ads-service.xyz).

2. Removing suspicious applications - step-by-step guide

Most ad viruses are disguised as useful ones utilities: memory optimizers, VPNs, launchers or even system updates. Their main feature is no icon in the application menu, but they are displayed in the list of installed software. Here's how to find and remove them:

Pay special attention to applications with the following names:

• 🚨 Clean Master, DU Battery Saver, GO Keyboard - well-known distributors of advertising.
• 📦 com.android.system.update, com.google.play.service - fake system services (real ones have another package!).
• 🔋 Battery Doctor, Super Cleaner, Speed Booster —90% chance that this is adver software.

If the standard removal does not work (the button Delete is inactive), then the application has rights device administratorTo revoke them:

1. Go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators (on Xiaomi: Settings → Passwords and Security → Permissions → Administrators).
2. Uncheck the suspicious application.
3. Go back to the list of applications and delete it.

⚠️ Attention: Some viruses (for example, HiddenAds) create duplicates after removal. If the advertisement returns after 10-15 minutes, check your phone for the presence of root access (applications like Magisk or KingRoot may be compromised).

For reliability, after deletion, perform clear the cache:

1. Open Settings → Storage.
2. Click Clear cache (not data!).
3. Restart the device.

Symptom of a virus	Probable source	Removal method
Advertising on the locked screen	Application with administrator rights	Revoke rights in Settings → Security
Pop-ups in games (for example, Free Fire)	APK mod or cheat app	Delete the game and install with Google Play
Advertising in the browser when opening new tabs	Malicious extension or hijacker	Reset Chrome settings (Settings → Reset settings)
Banners on top YouTube or TikTok	Fake app update	Remove and install the official version

3. Setting up the browser: how to disable pop-up notifications

If advertisements appear only in browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet, Opera), the problem lies in site permissions or malicious extensions. Even legitimate resources (like Mail.ru or Ozone) sometimes abuse push notifications. Here's how to disable them:

B Google Chrome:

1. Open the menu (⋮) → Settings.
2. Go to Site settings → Notifications.
3. Disable the switch at the top or remove suspicious sites manually.
4. In the section Extensions delete everything except official ones (for example, AdBlock or uBlock Origin).

V Samsung Internet:

• 🔧 Go to ⋮ → Settings → Sites and downloads → Site notifications.
• 🚫 Click Delete all or disable permissions for individual domains.
• 🛡️ Enable Pop-up blocker in the same menu.

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open ☰ → Settings → Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll to Permissions and tap Settings next to "Notifications".
3. Remove all sites from the list or block them one by one.

⚠️ Attention: Some malicious sites spoof the browser's home page. If after opening Chrome you see not google.combut search-bars.com or a similar domain, reset your browser settings to factory settings (Settings → Reset settings).

If advertising appears even after resetting the browser, check your phone for the presence of DNS-hijacking (traffic redirection). data-i="194">Choose a reliable DNS (for example,

1. Install the application DNS Changer from Google Play.
2. Choose a reliable DNS (for example, 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare or 8.8.8.8 from Google).
3. Reboot your device.

4. Blocking ads at the system level (without root)

If standard methods do not help, you can block advertising domains at the level DNS or use specialized applications. This method even works. for built-in advertising in games (for example, in Candy Crush or Clash of Clans).

The simplest option is edit DNS server on the device:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi (or Mobile network).
2. Click on your network → Advanced (or IP Settings).
3. Select Static and enter:
   • DNS 1: 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare with blocking malicious sites)
   • DNS 2: 1.0.0.3

Save and reboot your phone.

For more flexible settings, use blocker applications:

• 🛡️ Blokada — blocks ads and trackers without root (works via VPN).
• 🚫 AdGuard — has a database of filters for Russian and foreign advertising networks.
• 🔒 DNS66 —an open blocker based on a host file (requires minimal settings).

If you have Android 9+, you can use the built-in function Private DNS:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Other settings → Private DNS.
2. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
3. Enter dns.adguard.com and save.

⚠️ Attention: Some blockers (for example, Blokadamay conflict with banking applications due to the use of VPN. Before logging in SberBank Online or Tinkoff temporarily disable the blocker.

For users Samsung there is an additional trick - disabling self-notifications:

1. Open Settings → Notifications → Advanced.
2. Disable Self-created notifications (this blocks pop-ups from applications).

How to check if it's working blocker?

Open your browser and go to the test site https://d3ward.github.io/toolz/adblock.htmlIf the blocker is active, you will see a green message "Ads are being blocked."

5. Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If none of the methods helped, but advertising still appears on the locked screen or interferes with work - the last option remains: complete device resetThis will delete all data, including viruses, but will require backing up important information.

Before resetting, do:

Reset instructions:

1. Open Settings → System → Reset (on Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
2. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
3. Enter the PIN code or pattern.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (takes 5-15 minutes).

After the reset:

• 🔄 Do not restore data from a backup copy, created after advertising appears - the virus can return.
• 📥 Install applications only from Google Play (disable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security).
• 🛡️ Immediately install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) and an ad blocker (AdGuard).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI 12+) the reset may not remove viruses integrated into firmware. In this case, only flashing via Fastboot or contacting a service center will help.

If after resetting advertising still appears, this is a sign malware in the firmware (often found on Chinese smartphones without Google Services).In this case:

1. Check the phone model on the website 4PDA there may be instructions for clean firmware.
2. Contact the service center with a request to reflash the device to official version of the software.

6. How to protect Android from ad viruses in the future

The best protection against ad viruses is prevention. By following these rules, you will reduce the risk of infection by 90%:

• 📥 Install applications only from Google Play (even APKs with APKMirror can be modified).
• 🔍 Check before installing reviews and rating - viruses often have 1-2 stars and complaints about advertising.
• 🔒 Disable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
• 🛡️ Use an antivirus with real-time protection (for example Bitdefender or Kaspersky).
• 🔄 Update regularly Android and applications —vulnerabilities are closed in new versions.

Take special care with:

• 🎮 Mods for games (for example, GTA San Andreas with unlimited money).
• 📺 Applications for watching movies for free (like Cinema HD or TeaTV).
• 🔋 Battery optimizers and memory cleaners — 99% of them contain advertising.
• 🌐 VPN services with “free unlimited traffic” (for example, Turbo VPN or Super VPN).

If you still need to install an APK from a third-party source:

1. Check the file hash on VirusTotal (upload the APK to the website virustotal.com).
2. Use APKMirror or official developer sites (never download from torrents!).
3. Before installation, turn off the Internet - some viruses are activated only the first time you connect.

⚠️ Attention: Even legitimate applications (for example, Facebook or AliExpress) sometimes show aggressive advertising In their settings, you can disable personalized ads. (Account Settings → Advertising → Disable).

For additional protection, set up Google Play Protect:

1. Open Google Play Market.
2. Click on the profile icon → Play Protect.
3. Enable Scan your device for threats.
4. Activate Improved threat detection (requires sending data to Google).

💡

The most reliable way to avoid viruses is to use a smartphone on stock firmware (without root access and custom recovery). Even official firmware from the manufacturer (for example, MIUI or One UI) are less likely to contain vulnerabilities than modified versions.

7. Frequent mistakes when removing advertising viruses

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to get rid of pop-up ads. Here's what cannot be doneand why:

• 🚫 Ignore Android updates - in older versions. (for example Android 8) there is no protection against new viruses.
• 🔧 Delete system applications without root —this leads to bootloop (infinite reboot).
• 📲 Install antiviruses from unknown sources —many of them contain advertising themselves.
• 🔄 Restore data from a backup after reset —the virus may return.
• 💻 Connect your phone to public Wi-Fi without a VPN —hackers can introduce adware through vulnerabilities in the router.

Common myth: "Just turn off notifications for the application". In fact, many viruses bypass this limitation by using system alerts (for example, SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW). To block them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Special access → Appear on top of others windows.
2. Disable permission for all suspicious applications.

Another mistake is using "cleaners" like Clean Master. These apps not only do not remove viruses, but also display advertisements themselves. Instead, use:

• 🛡️ Malwarebytes —specializes in adver software.
• 🔍 Bitdefender Mobile Security —has a signature database for Russian advertising networks.
• 🔒 AdGuard —blocks advertising at the system level.

If after all the manipulations advertising remains, check your phone for presence pre-installed software (bloatware). Some manufacturers (for example Xiaomi or Realme) install their own advertising SDKs, which cannot be removed without root. In this case, it will help:

1. Disabling the application through ADB:

   adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics

2. Using Debloater tools (for example, Universal Android Debloater).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Why does the advertisement appear again after removing the virus?

Most likely, the virus was created scheduled task (via AlarmManager) or restored from a backup copy Try:

1. Delete all tasks in Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Autorun.
2. Disable synchronization with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
3. Reset to factory settings without data recovery.

❓ Is it possible to remove ads without resetting the settings?

Yes, in 90% of cases they help:

• Removing suspicious applications (see section 2).
• Blocking advertising domains via Private DNS or Blokada.
• Resetting browser settings (if advertising is only in Chrome).

Resetting is a last resort if the virus is deeply integrated into system.

❓ Why do advertisements appear even on new phones?

Reasons:

• Pre-installed software (for example, MIUI shows advertisements in system applications).
• Fake firmware (often found on Chinese clones branded smartphones).
• Advertising from the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline embed banners in the SIM menu).

Solution: disable system notifications in the settings or contact a communication store for a replacement SIM cards.

❓ How to remove ads on phones without Google (Huawei, Honor)?

On devices with EMUI (without Google Services):

1. Use Huawei Mobile Services to scan to viruses.
2. Disable Huawei Recommendations in Settings → System → Recommendations.
3. Install AdGuard via AppGallery (it works without Google).

If advertising is built into the firmware, only flashing to the European version will help. EMUI.

❓Is ad blocking legal?

Yes, ad blocking on personal device does not violate the law. However:

• Some applications (for example, YouTube Premium) can block access when an adblock is detected.
• In Russia, restrictions on blockers for state resources (for example, Government services).

We recommend using blockers selectively, disabling them for legitimate services.