Pop-Up Ads On Android: How To Stop It

Pop-ups are those windows that abruptly open and display on your screen, catching you off guard. Their main goal is simply to grab your attention.

Pop-up ads pose a common issue for mobile users, regardless of their operating system. According to a survey, about 91% of respondents believe that ads have become more invasive regarding their size and purpose.

The sizes of these pop-up windows differ, but they usually don't take up the whole screen. Instead, they appear as small displays with distinct background images and catchy messages.

Hackers exploit security vulnerabilities in web browsers through pop-up ads. They achieve this by directly implanting malicious code into the pop-ups launching attacks on your device.

If you want to know more about stopping pop-up ads on your Android phone, this article is for you. Read on to understand how these ads work and how you can prevent them.

Blocking Pop-Up Ads on Android

Like their name, pop-up ads pop out of nowhere and can disrupt your tasks.

Pop-up ads on Android frequently cover the whole screen, load pages slowly, and have a difficult-to-locate exit button. These aim to promote a product or service. 

However, if your phone is bombarded with ads, it can be the effect of malware like adware or other scams.

To avoid these pop-up ads on your Android device, here are some things that you can do:

• Remove the problem app. 

Uninstall the app if it's the culprit behind the pop-ups. Start your phone in Safe Mode if the app is harmful to ensure you can uninstall it without being hindered.

• Restrict app system permissions. 

You can modify an app's permissions by going to the Apps tab in your system settings. This feature allows you to turn off notifications and limit other capabilities.

• Adjust your app's settings. 

Your app may send pop-ups or notifications in good faith. You can turn off the toggle in your app to disable pop-ups or, in another way, install an ad blocker.

It is also important to know how to modify your browser settings to help block pop-up ads on your phone.

Modifying Browser Settings

Being cautious is important, given that Android permissions can offer unauthorized apps access to your sensitive data.

Website permissions are necessary for apps and websites to function. Avoid giving website permissions to those that are not required for it to work, such as the following:

• Location
• Messages
• Camera
• Microphone
• Contacts
• Body Sensors

It's important to modify your browser settings to stop intrusive ads from popping out of your screen.

Here's how you can stop pop-up ads on different browsers:

Google Chrome

Step 1: Open Chrome.

Step 2: Tap the three dots menu on the screen's upper-right corner.

Step 3: Go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects.

Step 4: Toggle off to block sites from showing pop-ups and redirects.

It is important to note that even after turning on this Chrome feature, some ads and aggressive pop-ups may still appear on some devices. This can happen because either the pop-up blocker is not configured correctly or the software circumvents the browser's pop-up blocker.

Firefox

Firefox on Android blocks pop-up ads by default because of its built-in ad blocker called Enhanced Tracking Protection. This ad blocker stops trackers that collect a user’s personal information while browsing a site. 

Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox also protects users from malware that can drain battery life or other harmful scripts. 

If you still see pop-up ads on your Android device, it is better to try using an ad-blocker. 

Opera

By default, Opera will block pop-ups that you have not asked for. There’s also an option where you can allow pop-ups for you to use a website’s features.

You can turn this option on or off by clicking the Ad Blocking option in the Settings.

Samsung Internet

You can enable Samsung Internet’s ad-blocker by following these instructions: 

Step 1: Open Samsung Internet.

Step 2: Look for the three horizontal lines at the bottom right part of the screen.

Step 3: Choose Privacy.

Step 4: The screen will display options to block pop-ups. Toggle it on to block them.

Modifying Website Settings

Android permissions can offer unauthorized apps access to sensitive data. You can improve your privacy and security by modifying unused and unnecessary website permissions.

Here’s how you can do it in different browsers:

Chrome

Step 1: Open Chrome on your phone. Open a specific site and click the three vertical dots at the top right corner.

Step 2: Click Settings > Site settings.

Step 3: You will see all permissions given to the site. You can choose one to enable or disable.

Firefox 

Step 1: Open Firefox. Then, go to a specific website.

Step 2: Click the lock symbol next to the website address.

Step 3: To enable or disable the built-in ads blocker, press the button next to the Enhanced Tracking Protection.

Firefox is a browser that has an integrated ads blocker. You can adjust your website settings through these easy steps.

Opera

Step 1: Open Opera. Go to the specific site you want to customize your preferences.

Step 2: Tap the Profile icon at the bottom right part of the screen. Then, click the Settings icon.

Step 3: Select the Privacy & Security option to set your preferences.

Step 4: Choose Site settings to display all permissions. You can choose to Allow, Deny, or Ask every time or toggle on or off.

Edge

Step 1: Open Edge. Then, go to your website of choice.

Step 2: Tap the three horizontal lines > Settings icon.

Step 3: Select Privacy and Security> Site settings.

Step 4: The screen will display all permissions enabled or disabled. You can customize them by togging off or on.

Samsung Internet

Step 1: Open Samsung Internet. Go to a specific website.

Step 2: Tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Choose Settings.

Step 4: Scroll up and look for Permissions under the Privacy section. Tap that, and the screen will display permissions that you can modify.

Modifying your permissions can reduce the risk of your device and data being compromised when redirected to another website.

Using Third-Party Ad Blocking Apps

An ad blocker is an efficient way to block pop-up ads. You can block harmful apps or websites from showing these pop-ups through this app or add-ons.

Adblock

AdBlock is a popular ad blocker that can be used with or without rooting. 

Rooting is the unlocking or jailbreaking of an Android device. The user has more freedom to personalize the device and has more administrative control. It is not recommended because it may remove several security measures that keep users safe.

To install AdBlock on your Android device, follow these steps:

Install using Google Play Store

Step 1: Go to Google Play Store and type AdBlock.

Step 2: Tap it and choose Install. This will connect you to Samsung Internet afterward.

Install as an add-on

If you are using Samsung Internet, you can also install AdBlock as an add-on.

Step 1: Open Samsung Internet and tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right of the screen.

Step 2:Tap Ad blockers. Find the AdBlock for Samsung Internet and tap the install button.

NordVPN + Threat Protection + Private DNS

The Threat Protection feature of NordVPN provides an optional DNS filtering service. It also blocks adverts and checks incoming files for harmful software and URLs.

Here's how you can get your NordVPN through Google Play Store:

Step 1: Open Google Play Store and type ‘NordVPN’.

Step 2: Tap Install.

Step 3: If you have a NordVPN, tap Log In. If it’s your first time, tap Sign Up.

Step 4: Once you’re in, click the pins in the map. Then, tap the Quick Connect button to connect to a server from that country.

Step 5:  Once connected, you will see that your screen will turn green. This is an indication that you have successfully connected to a VPN server.

Ad blockers add a layer of protection from pop-up ads by:

• Removing ads from videos, web content, and web pages.
• Blocking malware tracker and other malicious code embedded in ads.

Installing them will help remove or lessen pop-up ads.

Wrapping Up

Dealing with pop-up ads on your Android device requires a combination of proactive measures and smart choices. These intrusive windows, designed to catch your attention, can disrupt your tasks and potentially expose your device to security vulnerabilities.

You can block ads through your phone or by installing an ad blocker. While not all pop-ups are risky, some are harmful, which could compromise your information.

Remember that the goal is to regain control of your device and browsing experience. By implementing these practical steps and making informed choices, you can significantly reduce the intrusion of pop-up ads and enhance the security of your Android device.