Mobile users often encounter intrusive advertising and unexpected windows from the operator that block the screen at the most inopportune moment. This is especially true for Tele2 subscribers, whose service notifications may appear every time they connect to the Internet or receive an incoming call. This behavior of the system is not only annoying, but also wastes traffic, and also interferes with normal navigation through the smartphone interface.
There are several ways to solve this problem, ranging from simple settings in the phone menu to more complex manipulations with USSD codes. Pop-up windows can be caused by various reasons: from active subscriptions to system errors in the "My Tele2" application. Understanding the source of the problem is the first step to effectively eliminating it without losing important communication functions.
In this article we will look at all the current methods for blocking unwanted ads and menus. You will learn to distinguish between operator system notifications and third-party applications, and also learn what security settings need to be changed in Android. Follow the step-by-step guide to regain full control of your device.
Diagnosing the source of pop-up windows
Before taking drastic measures, you need to determine exactly what exactly causes the menu to appear on the screen. Users often confuse system ones with regular advertising in the browser. If the window appears immediately after turning on the phone or when switching between 3G/4G networks, then with a high degree of probability this is a service message from the operator. USSD requests with regular browser advertising. If the window appears immediately after turning on the phone or when switching between 3G/4G networks, then with a high degree of probability this is a service message from the operator.
Pay attention to the appearance of the notification. The Tele2 system menu usually has a standard Android design and does not contain bright pictures with the call “You won!” If casino banners or offers to buy goods flash on the screen, the problem lies in the installed malware. In this case, disabling the operator's services will not help - you will need an anti-virus scan.
⚠️ Attention: If a pop-up window requires you to enter your bank card details or password from your personal account, do not enter the information under any circumstances. Official Tele2 service menus never request confidential data through pop-up windows.
For accurate diagnostics, you can use the "Recent Applications" function. When the menu pops up, do not close it immediately, but press the Application Menu navigation button (usually three bars or a square). The list of running processes will show the name of the app that is currently active. This could be a system process com.android.ussd or a specific application called Tele2.
Disabling services via USSD codes and phone settings
The fastest way to get rid of intrusive offers is to disable the corresponding services directly through the phone command line. Operators often enable options like “Stay informed” or “Tele2 subscriber” by default when activating a SIM card. These services generate informational messages that are perceived by the system as pop-up menus.
To disable, open the Phone application and enter the following combinations. After dialing the code, press the call button. A system message will appear on the screen about the successful deactivation of the service or its status.
- 📞
*155*005#— deactivation of the "Be in the know" service (the main source of advertising). - 📞
*155*061#— management of the "Tele2 Subscriber" service (information about the balance during calls). - 📞
*155*662#— disabling the newsletter. - 📞
*155*0#— main menu of services where you can manually check active subscriptions.
In addition to the codes, it is worth checking the settings of the SIM card itself in the Android menu. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network name (Tele2). The "Value Added Services" or similar option can be activated here. It needs to be deactivated. Also, in some firmware versions there is a separate item “Service messages”, which should be switched to the “Off” position.
Setting notifications for the My Tele2 application
The official operator application is a powerful tariff management tool, but it is precisely this most often becomes the source of annoying push notifications. In modern versions Android (starting from 8.0 and higher), the system allows you to flexibly manage notification channels for each application separately, without completely deleting it.
To remove the pop-up menu associated with an application, follow these steps. Go to Settings → Applications → My Tele2 → Notifications. Here you will see a list of all alert types. It is recommended to disable the toggle switches opposite the items “Promotional offers”, “News” and “Special offers”.
If you use the “Floating window” or “Pop-up windows” function in the application itself, it also needs to be found and disabled. In some shells (for example, MIUI or OneUI) this may be called "Display on top of other applications." Denying this access right is guaranteed to remove the ability of the menu to cover the screen.
☑️ Setting up application privacy
It is important to understand the difference between critical notifications (for example, about connecting a tariff) and marketing noise. You should not completely silence all notifications so as not to miss important balance changes. Leave only the “System” or “Balance” channel active, if such an option is available in your version of the application.
Blocking pop-up ads in the browser
Often the “Tele2 menu” that bothers users is actually an advertising redirect in the Chrome or Yandex browser. This happens when you visit sites with aggressive monetization or accidentally click on hidden buttons. The operator has nothing to do with it, but windows can imitate his style.
For protection, you need to configure the built-in pop-up blocker. In the Chrome browser, this is done through the menu (three dots) → Settings → Site Settings → Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure the switch is in the "Blocked" position.
It is also worth clearing your browser cache, as malicious scripts may have been saved in memory. Go to Settings → Applications → Chrome → Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your passwords or history, but it will remove temporary files that may cause ads to appear.
| Block type | Where is located | Efficiency | Impact on sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Chrome protection | Site settings | Average | Minimum |
| Ad blocker (AdGuard) | Separate application | High | Removes banners |
| Private DNS | Android network settings | High | May break some sites |
| Traffic saving mode | Browser settings | Low | Compresses pages |
Additionally, you can activate the "Safe Browsing" function in the browser settings. This will help prevent transitions to dangerous pages, which are often the source of intrusive windows with fake messages from Tele2.
Using Private DNS to block operator advertising
One of the most effective and elegant ways to remove advertising and pop-up menus at the system-wide level is to use a private DNS server. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works for all browsers and most applications on the phone.
The essence of the method is that your phone sends requests not through the provider’s standard server (which can pass advertising domains), but through a secure encrypted channel that automatically filters out known advertising trackers. For Android version 9 and above, this feature is built into the system.
dns.adguard.comTo activate this, go to Settings → Connections → Other connection settings → Private DNS (the path may vary slightly depending on the model smartphone). Select the "DNS Provider Hostname" option and enter the address shown above. After saving, the phone will reconnect to the network, and most of the advertising requests will be blocked on the fly.
What to do if the Internet stops working after changing DNS?
If the Internet disappears after entering the dns.adguard.com address, it means your current provider or Wi-Fi network is blocking third-party DNS queries. In this case, return the setting to "Auto" and use an in-browser ad blocker or the AdGuard application. The problem may also be due to the instability of the DNS server itself - try the alternative address dns-family.adguard.com.
It is worth noting that this method blocks advertising in applications and browsers, but is not always able to remove system USSD menus, since they are transmitted through the GSM signal channel, and not through Internet traffic. Therefore, it is better to use the Private DNS method in conjunction with disabling paid services through codes.
Resetting network settings and extreme measures
If none of the above methods helped, and the menu continues to pop up, there may be a software failure in the system or network configuration errors have accumulated. In this case, resetting the network settings to factory settings will help. This action will not delete your photos, contacts or applications, but will return the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network settings to their original state.
You can perform a reset through the menu Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. After rebooting the phone, you will need to re-enter passwords for Wi-Fi networks, but this often solves the problem of “stuck” service menus.
⚠️ Attention: Before performing any actions related to resetting or changing system files, make sure that you have you have a backup copy of your important data. Although network reset is safe, the human factor has not been canceled.
In the rarest cases, the source of the problem may be a virus disguised as a system application. If you notice that the menu appears even in safe mode (loads at startup with the volume down button held down), you will need a full scan of the device with an antivirus, for example Dr.Web or Kaspersky, or even a complete reset of the phone to factory settings.
Use safe mode for diagnostics. If the ads disappear in safe mode, then one of the applications you installed is to blame. Remove recently installed apps one at a time until the problem disappears.
Comparative table of elimination methods
For the convenience of choosing the optimal solution, we have systematized all the methods discussed. Choose the one that best suits your specific situation and level of technical training.
| Method | Complexity | Efficiency against USSD | Efficiency against advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD codes | Low | High | Low |
| Application settings | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Private DNS | Medium | Low | Very high |
| Network reset | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Antivirus | High | Low | High (for viruses) |
Integrated use of these methods guarantees complete disposal of unwanted windows. Start with the simplest steps - checking USSD codes, and gradually move on to more complex settings if the problem persists.
The most effective strategy is a combination of disabling paid services through operator codes and using Private DNS to block online advertising.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Safe can I use codes to disable Tele2 services?
Yes, using official USSD codes is completely safe. They will not debit money from your account or block your number. These codes are designed to control services by the operator itself.
Will the Internet disappear after changing the DNS to dns.adguard.com?
In most cases, the Internet works stably and even faster. However, if your mobile operator or Wi-Fi provider blocks third-party DNS requests, you may lose access to the network. In this case, the setting must be returned to automatic mode.
Can a virus masquerade as the Tele2 menu?
Yes, there are types of malware (adware) that imitate system windows. If the menu appears with suspicious frequency, contains errors in the text or leads to strange sites, be sure to check your phone with an antivirus.
Do you need to delete the My Tele2 application to remove ads?
It is not necessary to delete the application. It is enough to limit its rights in the Android settings, prohibiting display on top of other windows and disabling unnecessary notification channels. This will allow you to maintain the functionality of checking your balance without intrusive advertising.
Why did the menu appear again after resetting the settings?
If after a network reset the problem returned, it means that the service is activated on the operator’s side or your tariff plan has mandatory mailings. In this case, you need to re-enter the USSD deactivation codes or contact Tele2 support.