How to permanently remove AD ads on Android: 7 proven methods

Inscription "AD" in the corner of the screen, pop-up banners when unlocking or advertising notifications from unknown applications - every third Android user faces these problems. In 2026, aggressive advertising has become even more sophisticated: it disguises itself as system alerts, is built into the quick settings menu, and even appears on the lock screen. Moreover, the reason for this is not always viruses - often advertising is shown by legitimate applications (including those pre-installed by the manufacturer) or itself Android after updates.

In this article we will look at all possible sources of AD advertising on Android smartphones and show how to get rid of it get rid of: from basic settings to advanced methods using ADB and alternative firmware. It is important to understand that there is no universal solution - it all depends on the phone model, OS version and type of advertising. For example, on Xiaomi and Redmi services msa and Mi Pushare often to blame, and on Samsung built-in applications like Samsung Free or Bixby. We will consider each case separately.

We warn you in advance: some methods require disabling system applications or use ADB - this can lead to unstable operation of the phone. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a specialist. Also remember that after resetting the settings or updating the OS, advertising may return - so we will give recommendations on how to prevent it from appearing again.

1. How to determine the source of AD advertising on Android

Before removing ads, you need to understand which application or service shows it. In 80% of cases, the fault is:

• 📱 Pre-installed applications manufacturer (for example, Mi Browser, Samsung Internet, Huawei AppGallery).
• 🔄 Push notification services (Mi Push Service, Huawei Push Kit, OPPO Push).
• 🦠 Hidden advertising applicationsinstalled along with pirated content or “free” utilities.
• 📊 System services (for example, Android System WebView or Google Play Services in older versions).
• 🎮 Games and applications with aggressive monetization (for example, AliExpress, Likee, ShareIt).

To figure out the culprit:

1. When advertising appears, quickly pull down the notification bar - sometimes the name of the application is displayed there.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications and sort by date of last use. Advertising applications often appear at the top of the list.
3. Use task manager: click on the “recent applications” icon (square or swipe up) and see which application was active when the ad was displayed.
4. Install App Inspector (available in Google Play) - it shows which application is currently displaying an overlay (pop-up window).

If advertising appears even without running applications (for example, on the lock screen), either system services or a virus are to blame. In this case, only deep cleaning or resetting the settings will help. Read about how to do this safely in the next section.

2. Basic methods for removing AD ads without root access

Let's start with the simplest methods that do not require special knowledge. They will help in 60–70% of cases, especially if the advertisement appeared after installing a new application.

2.1. Disabling advertising notifications

Many applications show advertisements through push notifications. To turn them off:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → History notifications (on some phones this item may be called Latest notifications or Notification log).
2. Find applications in the list that send advertising (for example, AliExpress, Likee, UC Browser).
3. Click on the application → Disable notifications.
4. For reliability, also go to Settings → Applications → [application name] → Notifications and disable all permissions.

2.2 Limiting the background for suspicious applications

Some apps show ads even when you're not using them. To stop this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Select a suspicious application (for example, Clean Master, ES File Explorer, Cheetah Mobile).
3. Click Battery (or Battery Usage).
4. Select Limit Background Activity or Optimize.
5. Also disable autorun: Settings → Applications → [application] → Autorun.

Delete unused applications|Disable notifications from suspicious applications|Limit background activity|Check autorun|Clear cache and data-->

2.3. Resetting the advertising ID

Advertising ID is a unique identifier that is used for targeted advertising. Resetting it can reduce the number of impressions:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Advertising (on some phones the path may be different: Settings → Accounts → Google → Google account management → Data and personalization → Advertising settings).
2. Click Reset advertising ID.
3. Disable the option Personalized advertising (if there is one).

This method will not remove ads completely, but it will make it less intrusive. To completely remove it, you will have to use more radical methods.

3. applications

Many manufacturers (especially Xiaomi, Realme, OPPO, Huawei) install on phones own applications with advertisingthat cannot be removed using standard means. However, you can disable or remove via ADB.

3.1. List of the most annoying system applications

Manufacturer	Name of application/service	What it does	Can I remove
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO	com.miui.systemAdSolution	System advertising service in MIUI	Yes (via ADB)
Xiaomi	Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music	Show banners and push notifications	Yes (disable)
Samsung	Samsung Free, Bixby, Samsung Pay	Advertising on the main screen and in the menu	Partially (disable)
Huawei/Honor	com.huawei.android.hsf (Huawei System Framework)	Push notifications and advertising in services	No (limitation only)
Realme/OPPO	Theme Store, App Market, Game Space	Pop-up advertising and notifications	Yes (via ADB)

3.2. How to disable system applications without root

If an application cannot be deleted, you can disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the application you need (for example, Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, then the application is protected).
4. Confirm the action. The application will disappear from the menu and stop working.

If button Disable is not available, you will have to use ADB. Instructions below.

What happens if you disable a system application?

Disable system applications (for example, Mi Push Service or Samsung Free) usually does not break the phone, but can lead to:

- Disappearance of widgets (for example, weather or calendar).

- Errors in the operation of branded services (for example, Mi Account or Samsung Knox).

- Loss of functionality (for example, gestures or themes).

If problems occur after disabling, return the application to Settings → Applications → Disabled and click Enable.

3.3. Uninstall via ADB (without root access)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging Android that allows you to remove system applications without obtaining root access. Attention: incorrect use can lead to unstable operation of the phone!

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official website Google and unzip to a folder on your computer.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times until the message “You have become a developer” appears). Then go back to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the computer via USB and select the mode File transfer.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter command:

   adb devices

   If the phone is detected, continue. If not, install the drivers.

6. To uninstall the application, enter:

   adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 package name

   For example, to uninstall Mi Browser:

   adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

List of packages for popular applications:

• 📱 Mi Browser: com.android.browser or com.miui.browser
• 📱 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 📱 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 📱 Samsung Free: com.samsung.android.app.spage
• 📱 Huawei AppGallery: com.huawei.appmarket

4. Fighting advertising on a locked screen

Advertising on lock screen is one of the most annoying. It appears when the phone is locked and is often disguised as system notifications. Sources:

• 🔒 Pre-installed applications (for example, Mi Wallpaper or Theme Store).
• 🔒 Services push notifications from the manufacturer.
• 🔒 Viruses or adwareinstalled from unverified sources.

4.1. Disabling advertising on the lock screen in MIUI

On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Tap Advanced settings (or Advanced settings).
3. Disable the options:
   • 📢 Recommendations on the lock screen
   • 📢 Mi Wallpaper Carousel (wallpaper carousel)
   • 📢 Show notifications on screen locks (or set Hide content)

Also disable Mi Push Service in application settings.

4.2. Removing ads on the lock screen in Samsung

On phones Samsung:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Notifications.
2. Disable Show notification content or select Do not show notifications.
3. Disable Samsung Free:
   • Tap and hold an empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings.
   • Disable Samsung Free or Bixby.

4.3. If advertising appears even after disabling all settings

In this case, it is to blame adware. Proceed as follows:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Mobile and scan the phone.
2. Check the list of installed applications for suspicious ones (for example, Fast Cleaner, Super Battery, Lucky Patcher).
3. If all else fails, do reset settings (see section 6).

5. How to remove AD advertising in games and applications

Many free games and utilities (for example, Subway Surfers, Candy Crush, ES File Explorer) show advertising inside the interface. You can get rid of it in several ways:

5.1. Buying a premium version

The most reliable way is buy the version without excess waterFor example:

• 🎮 In Subway Surfers you can buy Starter Pack for ~300 rubles, which disables advertising.
• 📁 In ES File Explorer there is a paid version ES File Explorer Pro without excess water.
• 🎵 B Spotify removes advertising Premium subscription.

5.2 Using modified APKs (at your own risk)

There are modified versions of applications (for example, Lucky Patcher, RevDL) that block ads. However:

• ⚠️ This violates the rules Google Play and can lead to account blocking.
• ⚠️ Such APKs often contain viruses or spyware.
• ⚠️ Applications can stop working after updates.

If you still decide, use only trusted sources (for example, APKMirror or Mobilism) and be sure to scan the files with an antivirus.

5.3. Ad blocking via DNS or VPN

Some services (for example, AdGuard DNS, Blokada, 1.1.1.1) block advertising domains at the network level. How to set up:

Method 1: AdGuard DNS

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

Method 2: Blokada (without root)

1. Download Blokada from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and enable blocking.
3. Select a blocking list (for example, EasyList + EasyPrivacy).

Method 3: VPN with ad blocking

Some VPNs (for example, ProtonVPN, Windscribe) have built-in ad blocking. After connecting to a VPN, advertising in applications and the browser will be blocked automatically.

6. flashing

If none of the above helped, there are radical methods:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings - deletes all user data and applications.
• 📱 Installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) - completely replaces the system software.
• 🛠️ Obtaining root access and manually removing system applications.

6.1. How to properly reset

Before resetting be sure to make a backup copy important data (photos, contacts, messages). Then:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data (reset to factory).
3. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot and return to its original state.

After the reset:

• 🚫 Do not restore data from the backup Google —it may contain adware.
• 🔍 Install applications only from Google Play (avoid APKs from unknown sources).
• ⚙️ Immediately disable unnecessary system applications (see section 3).

6.2. Installing custom firmware (for advanced users)

Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) do not contain pre-installed adware. However, their installation requires:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Skills in working with fastboot i ADB.

Instructions for LineageOS:

1. Download the firmware for your model on the official website LineageOS.
2. Unlock the bootloader (instructions are on the forum XDA Developers for each model).
3. Install TWRP Recovery.
4. Via TWRP execute Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the downloaded firmware and GApps (if services are needed Google).

What will happen if you install custom firmware incorrectly?

Incorrect installation of the firmware can lead to:

- Brick (the phone does not turn on).

- Loss of IMEI (does not work cellular communication).

- Problems with the camera, sensors or charging.

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a specialist or use safer methods (for example, resetting settings).

6.3. Obtaining root access and manually removing ads

root access gives full control over the system, but voids the warranty and may compromise security. If you still decide to get them:

1. Unlock the bootloader.
2. Install Magisk (the most popular tool for getting root).
3. Using Root Explorer or Titanium Backup uninstall system applications responsible for advertising.

List of applications to remove (after getting root):

• 📱 com.miui.systemAdSolution (advertising in MIUI)
• 📱 com.android.browser (standard browser with advertising)
• 📱 com.samsung.android.app.spage (Samsung Free)
• 📱 com.huawei.android.hsf (push notifications Huawei)

7. How to prevent advertising from appearing in the future

To prevent advertising not returned after cleaning, follow these rules:

7.1. Android security settings

• 🔒 Disable installation of applications from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Unknown sources.
• 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus (for example, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes).
• 🔄 Regularly check the list of installed applications for suspicious ones.

7.2. Alternative app stores

Avoid installing APKs from unverified sources. If Google Play is not available, use:

• 📱 APKMirror —a verified source of APK files.
• 📱 Aurora Store —an open client for Google Play without unnecessary fuss.
• 📱 F-Droid —open software store (applications without unnecessary water).

7.3. Setting up a Google Account

To reduce the amount of targeted advertising:

1. Go to My Google account → Data and personalization.
2. In the section Advertising settings disable Personalized advertising.
3. Delete search history and activity in the section My activity.

7.4. Regular cleaning of the phone

Use the built-in cleaning tools:

• 🧹 On Xiaomi: Security → Cleaning.
• 🧹 On Samsung: Device maintenance → Cleaning.
• 🧹 On Google Pixel: Settings → Memory → Free up space.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about AD advertising on Android

❓ Why did the advertising return after resetting the settings?

Advertising returns because:

• The manufacturer installs its applications again when first connection to the Internet.
• You have restored data from backup