To get rid of pop up ads on your smartphone, you must stop the app or website permission that is causing them. The fix is different for Android and iPhone, but both require checking your browser settings and removing any rogue apps that have been installed.
Why you get pop-up ads on your smartphone
Pop-up ads on your smartphone are almost always caused by one of three things. The most common cause is adware that came bundled with a third-party app you downloaded, often from outside the official app store. The second cause is compromised browser notification settings, where a website has tricked you into allowing it to send push notifications that look like pop-up ads. The third cause is malicious website redirects, where simply visiting a compromised site forces your browser to open new tabs or windows with ads.
How to get rid of pop up ads on an Android phone
Follow these steps in order. If the ads stop after an earlier step, you do not need to continue.
- Turn off pop-ups in Chrome's site settings. Open the Chrome app, tap the three vertical dots for "More options," go to "Settings," then "Site settings." Tap "Pop-ups and redirects" and turn the setting off.
- Disable website notifications. If ads appear as notifications from a specific site, go to that site in Chrome, tap "Page info" (or the lock icon), then "Permissions." Tap "Notifications" and turn "Show notifications" off.
- Check recent apps to identify the culprit. When a pop-up appears outside your browser or on the Home screen, immediately open your recent apps list. The app that shows there is likely the one causing the ad. Note its name.
- Reboot into Safe Mode to uninstall suspicious apps. Safe mode disables all third-party apps. If the pop-ups stop in safe mode, you know an app is responsible. Go to Settings > Apps, find the app you identified or any recently installed suspicious apps, and uninstall them.
- Revoke device admin privileges for stubborn apps. If an app cannot be uninstalled, it may have device administrator privileges. Go to Settings > Security > Device admin apps. Uncheck the suspicious app, then return to the apps list and uninstall it.
How to get rid of pop up ads on an iPhone
iPhone pop-ups are almost always browser-based, so the fix is simpler.
- Turn on 'Block Pop-ups' in Safari settings. Open the Settings app, scroll to Safari, and toggle "Block Pop-ups" on.
- Enable 'Fraudulent Website Warning' and 'Prevent Cross-Site Tracking'. In the same Safari settings under Privacy & Security, turn on both of these options. They provide enhanced protection against malicious redirects and unwanted content.
How to prevent pop-up ads from coming back
Taking a few proactive measures will keep your smartphone free of pop-ups long-term.
- Keep your operating system and apps updated. Updates include security patches that close the vulnerabilities adware and malicious sites exploit.
- Ensure Google Play Protect is active on Android. Open the Google Play Store settings and check that Play Protect is scanning your apps for harmful software.
- Clear your browser cache and site data. This removes stored malicious web scripts and redirects that can trigger pop-ups again.
- Avoid interacting with suspicious pop-ups. Never click fake close buttons or call numbers shown in an ad. Instead, close the entire browser window or tab.
- Be selective about phone accessories and maintenance. Only download apps from the official app stores, and avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions, as these are common vectors for adware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pop-up ads harmful to my smartphone?
Not all pop-ups are harmful, but some can lead to malware infections if clicked. The real risk is that the pop-up itself is a symptom of adware already on your device, which can track your activity or drain your battery.
Are built-in pop-up blockers enough?
Built-in blockers, like Safari's "Block Pop-ups" or Chrome's "Pop-ups and redirects" setting, stop browser-based pop-ups effectively. However, they will not stop ads caused by a rogue app installed on your phone. That requires uninstalling the app itself.
What should I do if pop-up ads appear on my home screen?
If ads appear on your home screen or while you are not using a browser, an app is almost certainly responsible. On Android, check your recent apps immediately after the ad appears, then boot into Safe Mode to uninstall the culprit. On iPhone, this is extremely rare and usually indicates a configuration profile from a malicious website has been installed, which you can remove in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
Can pop-ups return after I remove them?
Yes, if you install another infected app or grant notification permission to a malicious website. Prevention is key: keep your device updated, use Google Play Protect on Android, and never allow website notifications from sites you do not trust completely.
Do I need a paid app to stop pop-ups?
No. The steps outlined above, adjusting browser settings, uninstalling rogue apps, and enabling built-in protections, are free and effective. Paid ad-blocking apps are not required to solve the problem.
