Have you ever unlocked your phone and suddenly a random ad pops up? Or you see notifications promoting gambling apps, offers, or unknown websites? It’s frustrating — and also a big privacy issue.
You are not alone. Thousands of smartphone users in India face the same problem and ask:
“Why is my phone showing so many ads all of a sudden?”
The short answer is:
Because apps, browsers, and sometimes even your phone’s system itself are allowed to show ads. But the good news is — you can stop these ads permanently with a few simple settings.
This complete guide will explain:
- Why phones show too many ads
- Types of ads & where they come from
- How to stop ads step-by-step
- Brand-wise solution (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Poco etc.)
- Bonus: Ad blocking using DNS
- Prevention checklist
- FAQs
By the end of this guide, your phone will be clean, smooth, and ad-free ✅
✅ Why Your Phone Shows Too Many Ads
Your phone shows ads mainly due to these reasons:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Free apps with ads | Apps earn by showing ads to users |
| Browser push notifications | You unknowingly “allowed” notifications |
| System UI ads | Some Android brands show built-in ads |
| Third-party APKs | APKs contain hidden adware |
| Keyboard / wallpaper apps | These apps silently push pop-ups |
| Cleaner / booster apps | These apps pretend to help but inject ads |
✅ Types of Ads You See on Mobile
| Ad Type | Appears On | Comes From |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Screen Ads | When unlocking phone | System UI / Preloaded apps |
| Notification Ads | Status bar | Browser or hidden apps |
| Full-Screen Ads | When using apps | Free/unsafe apps |
| Floating Bubbles | On top of apps | Overlay permissions |
| Browser Popups | Browsing websites | Push-notifications |
| Home Screen Ads | Launcher | System recommendations |
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Stop Ads on Any Phone
✅ Step 1: Disable Notification Permissions
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Tap Special app access
- Tap Notification Access
- Turn OFF unknown or suspicious apps
✅ Step 2: Block Browser-Based Ads
Most ads come from websites you accidentally “allowed”.
For Chrome:
- Open Chrome
- Tap 3-dots → Settings
- Open Notifications
- Under “Allowed sites”, remove blocking suspicious websites
✅ Step 3: Uninstall Hidden Adware Apps
Uninstall these types of apps immediately:
- Flashlight apps (APK)
- Emoji keyboards
- Wallpaper apps
- RAM booster / cleaner apps
- Fake antivirus apps
- Share/transfer apps from outside Play Store
Go to:
Settings → Apps → Uninstall
✅ Step 4: Disable System Ads (Brand-wise Guide Below)
✅ Step 5: Use Private DNS (Ad Blocker)
This method blocks ads system-wide.
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet
- Tap Private DNS
- Select Private DNS provider hostname
- Type:
dns.adguard-dns.com - Save
Done ✅
This blocks most ads instantly without installing any app.
✅ Brand-Wise: How to Stop System Ads
✅ Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco (MIUI)
- Settings → Passwords & Security
- Open Privacy
- Disable Advertising Services / MSA
Also turn off recommendations:
| App | Setting |
|---|---|
| File Manager | Settings → About → “Recommendations” OFF |
| Downloads | Show recommended content OFF |
| Security App | Receive recommendations OFF |
| Themes | Personalized ads OFF |
✅ Realme / Oppo (ColorOS)
- Settings → Additional Settings
- Turn OFF Get Recommendations / Content Recommendations
Also:
Realme Store → Settings → Personalized recommendations OFF
✅ Vivo / iQOO (Funtouch)
- Settings → System Management
- Disable Lock Screen Posters
- Browser → Settings → Notifications OFF
✅ Samsung (OneUI)
- Settings → Privacy
- Turn OFF Customized / Personalized ads
Also:
Galaxy Store → Notifications OFF
✅ Infinix / Tecno
- Long press Home Screen
- Tap Home Settings
- Disable App Recommendations
✅ BONUS: When Ads = Malware Warning
| Symptom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ads appear without opening apps | Hidden adware |
| Phone heats up randomly | Spyware/adware running |
| Unknown icons appear | Suspicious APK installed |
| Battery drains very fast | Background ads running |
✅ Final Prevention Checklist
| ✅ Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Use Play Store only | Avoids malware |
| Don’t allow push notifications | Stops browser ads |
| Disable personalized ads | Stops system ads |
| Avoid cleaner/booster apps | They inject ads |
| Use DNS blocker | System-wide protection |
| Enable Play Protect | Auto-detects harmful apps |
✅ FAQs
1. Why am I getting ads even when not browsing?
Because a background app has permission to show “display over other apps”.
2. Why does my lock screen show ads?
Some phone brands display built-in promotional ads. You can disable them from settings.
3. Is an ad blocker safe?
Yes — DNS-based ad blockers are safe and do not slow down your device.
4. Which apps cause the most ads?
- Keyboard apps
- Wallpaper apps
- RAM booster / optimizer
- Fake antivirus
- APK mod apps
5. Do I need antivirus?
Not really. Play Protect + DNS blocking is enough.
✅ Conclusion
Too many phone ads are not just annoying — they also slow down your device, drain battery, and invade privacy. Luckily, with just a few settings and safe habits, you can completely remove these ads and get a clean, distraction-free smartphone experience.
Follow:
✔ Notification cleanup
✔ Browser block
✔ System ad disable
✔ DNS protection
Your phone will feel smooth and secure again.
Need help with phone security & removing pop-up ads?
📩 Get phone security & digital help — Book a free consultation.
Visit: vividvirtualsolutions.com
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