How to Find out Which App Is Causing Pop-up Ads on Android

Mehvish Mushtaq is a computer engineer by degree. Her love for Android and gadgets led her to develop the first Android app for Kashmir. Known as Dial Kashmir, she won the prestigious Nari Shakti award from the President of India. She has been writing about technology for 6+ years and her favorite categories include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, social media, and web apps.

Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.

Method 1: By Checking Recent Apps

The easiest way to find the annoying app is to use the recent app’s button. Since the ads are generated from an app, they will show in the recent apps. So, when you get a pop-up ad, tap on the recent apps key. The recent apps screen will open. Notice the name and the icon of the first or the second app. That’s your culprit app.

In most Android phones, the recent apps button is the three vertical lines (hamburger) icon at the bottom left. When you tap this button, the app at the top is your most recently used app.

Note:If theseads appear only after unlocking your phone, the steps in our other comprehensive guide will help.

Method 2: By Identifying Apps Without Icons

Sometimes, the apps that throw pop-up ads do not appear on the home screen or in the app drawer. So, even if it’s a recently installed app, you might not find it easily. However, that doesn’t mean there is no way to find such mischievous apps. You may follow the steps below.

Step 1:Launch the Settings app.

Step 2:Tap onAppsand scroll through the app list, looking for any app without an icon.

You may also check for apps with an icon but no name. Any of these could be the rogue app.

Method 3: Check Device Admin Apps

Sometimes, the rogue apps are so powerful that they mischievously take over your phone. You need to be careful while granting permissions to apps. To find if any app has taken control of your phone, follow these steps:

Step 1:Launch the Settings app.

Step 2:TapSecurity and privacy, thenMore security settings.

Step 3:TapDevice admin appsand ensure no suspicious app is on the list.

Method 4: Use Pop-Up Ad Detector Apps

If the above solutions don’t help you find the nefarious app, then it’s time to call the police. Well, not literally. I’m talking about the ad detector apps. You can try apps likeAppBrain Ad DetectorandAppWatch. Install these apps, and they will let you know about the apps bothering you with ads.

Method 5: Booting into Safe Mode

Booting into safe mode allows the phone to start with a basic number of apps and processes. You may now launch suspected apps one at a time to see which triggers the ads. Once you find this app, you can uninstall it.

The specific steps to boot into safe mode depend on your phone type. It often requires long pressing the power button and following onscreen commands or pressing a combination of keys simultaneously. You should check with your manufacturer for the exact steps.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 14 August, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Android

Installing and Using Github for Android

8 Best Fixes for Google Messages App Not Showing Contact Names on Android

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.