Android Enthusiasts
Q&A for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system
Latest Questions
7
votes
1
answers
1071
views
Does Google use Android mobile numbers for ad-tracking purposes? When does it ask for consent?
> ### Turn "Better ads & Google services" on or off > > This setting lets your phone number to be used across Google services to show you ads more relevant to you. If you don’t want personalized ads, turn off the setting ... > > \- [Google Account Help](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/346...
> ### Turn "Better ads & Google services" on or off
>
> This setting lets your phone number to be used across Google services to show you ads more relevant to you. If you don’t want personalized ads, turn off the setting ...
>
> \- [Google Account Help](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3463280?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1#zippy=%2Cturn-better-ads-google-services-on-or-off)
Google created this phone number setting to make money. It must get turned on some other way, that doesn't involve you digging into Google settings. I want to find how this happens.
When I use a computer to add a phone number to Gmail / Google account, it leaves this ad-tracking turned off.
Do Android phones ask you to turn on this "Better ads" setting?
sourcejedi
(519 rep)
Jul 7, 2025, 06:41 PM
• Last activity: Jul 8, 2025, 12:12 PM
-1
votes
2
answers
847
views
How do you edit an APK file so the app won't show ads?
It's one of those thoughts you have just before nodding off to sleep. How would I do this?
It's one of those thoughts you have just before nodding off to sleep. How would I do this?
Ethan Miller
(125 rep)
Mar 11, 2023, 01:05 PM
• Last activity: Jun 24, 2025, 05:50 PM
3
votes
2
answers
8501
views
How to stop ads redirecting to Google Play store?
I have a similar problem to https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/62349/how-can-i-stop-being-redirected-to-the-app-store-google-store-by-dodgy-ad-script however the solution provided there doesn't work: I'm opening in-app ads on purpose for in-app rewards (freemium game), and some of them open...
I have a similar problem to
https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/62349/how-can-i-stop-being-redirected-to-the-app-store-google-store-by-dodgy-ad-script
however the solution provided there doesn't work:
I'm opening in-app ads on purpose for in-app rewards (freemium game), and some of them open the Play store after they finish playing. I want to continue seeing these ads, so I can't just block them, and redirecting to a web browser changes virtually nothing on the problem. Can I prevent those ads from sending me to the store?
I'm using an older Samsung Android, 4.4.4 according to the device.
I think a redirect tag would fit this question as well, but it doesn't exist.
Mr Redstoner
(131 rep)
Feb 3, 2019, 07:41 AM
• Last activity: May 27, 2025, 10:23 PM
1
votes
0
answers
148
views
How to block ads from opening the Play Store without user interaction?
Recently, a fair number of ads (about 50% or so of them) served by AppLovin have begun to forcefully open themselves and redirect to the Play Store without any sort of user interaction. How do I block this malware-esque behavior from occurring? I do not want solutions that block all ads altogether,...
Recently, a fair number of ads (about 50% or so of them) served by AppLovin have begun to forcefully open themselves and redirect to the Play Store without any sort of user interaction.
How do I block this malware-esque behavior from occurring?
I do not want solutions that block all ads altogether, because then rewarded ads stop functioning and it becomes impossible to get any offered in-game ad rewards.
Model: Google Pixel 8
Android version: 15
Ondrashek06
(131 rep)
Mar 18, 2025, 02:55 PM
0
votes
0
answers
2434
views
How to block Criteo popups ads?
I have a Samsung S6 with Android 7.0. Recently I have got some popup ads showing up in full screen mode when entering an app on my phone. I tried to delete recently installed apps but the problem didn't go away. I also tried Adguard, Malwarebytes and Avast Adblock but none of them solved the problem...
I have a Samsung S6 with Android 7.0. Recently I have got some popup ads showing up in full screen mode when entering an app on my phone.
I tried to delete recently installed apps but the problem didn't go away.
I also tried Adguard, Malwarebytes and Avast Adblock but none of them solved the problem.
When I enter the app info it says it is from **Criteo**.
I tried to block the ads from chrome browser and from google settings there is no way to disable those ads.
Can someone please help as I was not having this issue in the past.
I am open for any suggestion.
The Beast
(109 rep)
Jan 26, 2019, 10:04 AM
• Last activity: Feb 7, 2025, 11:37 AM
5
votes
4
answers
4865
views
Why does Chrome on Android launch tabs or redirect existing tabs to spammy ads (spontaneously, it seems)?
When using Chrome on my Nexus 6, I often get taken to a [data URI][1] that causes a modal that reads something like: > **An embedded page at s3.amazonaws.com says:** > Message! > Congratulations Grande Communications user, you have been chosen for a chance to get a new iPhone.... > Click OK to conti...
When using Chrome on my Nexus 6, I often get taken to a data URI that causes a modal that reads something like:
> **An embedded page at s3.amazonaws.com says:**
> Message!
> Congratulations Grande Communications user, you have been chosen for a chance to get a new iPhone....
> Click OK to continue
There is no Cancel button. **Why does Google allow developers to launch pop-ups with no cancel button?**
This doesn't occur from clicking on a link. Usually it happens while I'm on a tab, and suddenly another tab will spawn with the modal. I don't think it's caused by a visit to a dubious host, because it's happened when I've had only top sites (Amazon, ebay, etc.) open in the other tabs.
I have run Malwarebytes and a few other security tools and they all say my phone is secure and clean.
What exactly is happening? On the standard Chrome browser, web extensions can rewrite URLs but Chrome for mobile doesn't have web extensions. Could an app intercept network calls from the browser? Could the sites I'm visiting just be serving malicious ads?
Musical Shore
(153 rep)
Aug 28, 2016, 03:20 AM
• Last activity: Jul 9, 2024, 02:45 PM
2
votes
0
answers
460
views
How to mute ad sound by default?
While I do want to support developers of apps by watching adds, their sound volume very often is disturbingly louder than the apps themselves and it always takes some time to find a mute button. How can adds be muted by default without blocking them entirely or muting the entire phone?
While I do want to support developers of apps by watching adds, their sound volume very often is disturbingly louder than the apps themselves and it always takes some time to find a mute button. How can adds be muted by default without blocking them entirely or muting the entire phone?
Tobias Kienzler
(293 rep)
Jun 20, 2024, 06:47 AM
2
votes
1
answers
362
views
Stop Samsung-based ad popups
Please help me get rid of these ads on my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. I do not have Samsung Internet activated. I'm using Chrome. I have the best ad blocker, as well as antivirus, to no avail. These ads keep coming. It seems to happen when I click on anything on my screen, even my Email app. Every ad...
Please help me get rid of these ads on my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. I do not have Samsung Internet activated. I'm using Chrome. I have the best ad blocker, as well as antivirus, to no avail. These ads keep coming. It seems to happen when I click on anything on my screen, even my Email app.
Every ad seems to be different, and has nothing to do with anything I've previously searched. If I press and hold on the ad, it changes into a purple Saturn icon, with a white ring around it. I believe it belongs to Samsung Internet.
I have gone into settings and deleted all data and history. Anything saved has been deleted. All permissions have been blocked. I've reset the phone multiple times and gone into my applications and deleted just about every single thing I have.
Please, can anyone shed some light on this? I have called Samsung for help many times, but they seem to be more interested in hanging up on me.
Wendy
(21 rep)
Jun 2, 2024, 02:34 PM
• Last activity: Jun 3, 2024, 03:55 PM
7
votes
2
answers
1043
views
HTTPS filtering breaks some apps
I have enabled HTTPS filtering in AdGuard. I installed AdGuard's certificates, and the Magisk module that moves the certificates to the system store. Nevertheless, some apps don't work. Why is this? If the certificate is in the system store how can they tell the difference? Also is there a way to te...
I have enabled HTTPS filtering in AdGuard. I installed AdGuard's certificates, and the Magisk module that moves the certificates to the system store. Nevertheless, some apps don't work. Why is this? If the certificate is in the system store how can they tell the difference? Also is there a way to tell which apps actually use HTTPS?
lamppost01
(91 rep)
Dec 24, 2023, 01:15 AM
• Last activity: Dec 25, 2023, 11:10 AM
2
votes
2
answers
82
views
Ads popping everywhere on Android 10
I have a simple Oppo A15 running Android 10 ColorOS 7.2. It worked fine for many years but a week ago I started having some issues with ads popping everywhere. When using Chrome or any other app; as I am writing this message it happened twice. The ad is basically as if it's a new app that opens. The...
I have a simple Oppo A15 running Android 10 ColorOS 7.2.
It worked fine for many years but a week ago I started having some issues with ads popping everywhere. When using Chrome or any other app; as I am writing this message it happened twice. The ad is basically as if it's a new app that opens. The content of ads is not really relevant I think.
Any suggestions? It's becoming more and more annoying
Brahim Khalil Abid
(21 rep)
Nov 8, 2023, 11:13 AM
• Last activity: Nov 8, 2023, 03:40 PM
29
votes
11
answers
20752
views
How to block ads in Android applications?
Are there ways that attempt to block ads in applications? It seems that it should be theoretically possible, by blocking web requests to certain sites, for example.
Are there ways that attempt to block ads in applications? It seems that it should be theoretically possible, by blocking web requests to certain sites, for example.
static_rtti
(427 rep)
Oct 6, 2011, 02:08 PM
• Last activity: Oct 30, 2023, 01:13 PM
0
votes
1
answers
314
views
How to remove ads from all apps via a single payment
I've heard it is possible to pay a subscription service to remove all ads from all apps on your Android phone. Can someone please tell me how to do this? Thanks.
I've heard it is possible to pay a subscription service to remove all ads from all apps on your Android phone.
Can someone please tell me how to do this?
Thanks.
Joselin Jocklingson
(855 rep)
Oct 18, 2023, 08:11 AM
• Last activity: Oct 18, 2023, 09:15 AM
1
votes
0
answers
578
views
Possible to view Google Play Store notifications after they disappear?
Due to excessive marketing ads and notifications, Google and other app developers have trained me to ignore ads and Android notifications. I ***almost*** feel bad for companies that waste large amounts on money on their advertising budgets. Recently (end of 2023 July, or beginning of 2023 August), h...
Due to excessive marketing ads and notifications, Google and other app developers have trained me to ignore ads and Android notifications. I ***almost*** feel bad for companies that waste large amounts on money on their advertising budgets.
Recently (end of 2023 July, or beginning of 2023 August), however, Google suckered me into briefly noticing a promotion by disguising it as a possibly important notification within their Google Play Store. Once I saw it was just a Google newsletter promoting a bunch of Android apps, I quickly dismissed it without looking at it further.
I wanted to go back and document which apps Google was promoting and how they were pushing them, but life got busy and I didn't have time to document it right away. When I went back to the Google Play Store a couple weeks later, I could no longer see Google's notification or how to find this Google promotional newsletter.
**Is there a way to reveal previous notifications that have appeared in the Google Play Store's
Notifications tab?**
(If not, does anyone happen to know the name of the Google promotional newsletter to which I refer and if it available within the Google Play Store or outside of it?)
Amazon Dies In Darkness
(4862 rep)
Aug 28, 2023, 11:13 PM
6
votes
2
answers
14800
views
How to mute ads?
Even when the phone is on silent mode, some apps show audible video ads. How can I mute such ads?
Even when the phone is on silent mode, some apps show audible video ads.
How can I mute such ads?
Abdulrahman Bres
(193 rep)
Feb 19, 2018, 12:24 PM
• Last activity: Aug 11, 2023, 09:51 PM
59
votes
4
answers
50712
views
How to search for Android apps without ads?
Is it possible to limit searches within the Google Play Store to apps (gratis or paid) that do not contain ads? If it's not possible within the Google Play store, is there another effective way to accomplish this?
Is it possible to limit searches within the Google Play Store to apps (gratis or paid) that do not contain ads?
If it's not possible within the Google Play store, is there another effective way to accomplish this?
Amazon Dies In Darkness
(4862 rep)
Jun 11, 2019, 10:45 PM
• Last activity: Jun 24, 2023, 02:08 AM
1
votes
3
answers
943
views
Stop 'in app' ads from loading?
I noticed that ads inside apps are not loaded when Google Play Services' data connection is disabled and kind of formed the idea that it is responsible for loading these ads within the apps. Is there any particular package (com.google.*) that I can disable to prevent ads from loading, that is, is an...
I noticed that ads inside apps are not loaded when Google Play Services' data connection is disabled and kind of formed the idea that it is responsible for loading these ads within the apps.
Is there any particular package (com.google.*) that I can disable to prevent ads from loading, that is, is any particular package solely responsible for this task (loading ads)?
Is there a way to stop these ads by disabling some such package or system app that would still let me use gmail, play store and other such services?
I am not looking for external ad blocking apps.
Jeff
(21 rep)
Feb 4, 2021, 03:27 PM
• Last activity: Jun 14, 2023, 10:03 AM
0
votes
1
answers
253
views
Block game download from ads
How do I keep a senior citizen from downloading and installing every game from ads that pop up from games that are installed? He has a few games he likes and ads pop up and he cannot be told about the X in the corner to keep from installing them. His memory is a factor. I need a block of some sort....
How do I keep a senior citizen from downloading and installing every game from ads that pop up from games that are installed? He has a few games he likes and ads pop up and he cannot be told about the X in the corner to keep from installing them. His memory is a factor. I need a block of some sort. Every day that he plays, he has five more new games installed. I need ad-free solitaire, mahjong, and pyramid solitaire, and he likes Bejeweled. Does anyone get any ideas? And YES.. we have shown and told him not to. It is forgotten.
Lynn Alger
(1 rep)
Jun 25, 2019, 05:45 PM
• Last activity: Jun 14, 2023, 09:32 AM
1
votes
0
answers
96
views
How can I find and remove the source of "full screen" ads when I can't locate it in any of my apps?
There is a site/app that takes up my whole screen (LG V30 Pie) several times a day. The top part, in the blue area, is always the same. The rest can be scrolled. [![][1]][1] None of my apps allow "draw over". The AdLock app does not catch them. I have no idea whether it's just an annoyance or danger...
There is a site/app that takes up my whole screen (LG V30 Pie) several times a day. The top part, in the blue area, is always the same. The rest can be scrolled.
None of my apps allow "draw over". The AdLock app does not catch them. I have no idea whether it's just an annoyance or dangerous.
Short of resetting my phone and having to reload all my apps etc., can someone please help me find and get rid of this annoyance?
NEW INFO:
I have looked at the suggestions. Thanks. Andrew T. provided an idea but it uses functions that I don't know how to do, notably, the adb shell commands. Is there somewhere I can look to see how these are used, please?
CANCEL:
For some unknown reason, this problem has gone away. I'm not aware of what I might have done ... it just suddenly stopped a few days ago.
None of my apps allow "draw over". The AdLock app does not catch them. I have no idea whether it's just an annoyance or dangerous.
Short of resetting my phone and having to reload all my apps etc., can someone please help me find and get rid of this annoyance?
NEW INFO:
I have looked at the suggestions. Thanks. Andrew T. provided an idea but it uses functions that I don't know how to do, notably, the adb shell commands. Is there somewhere I can look to see how these are used, please?
CANCEL:
For some unknown reason, this problem has gone away. I'm not aware of what I might have done ... it just suddenly stopped a few days ago.
Gil Charters
(11 rep)
Apr 4, 2023, 05:45 PM
• Last activity: Apr 29, 2023, 04:35 PM
9
votes
6
answers
1229
views
Skip ads from YouTube
Since ads are almost inevitable on the official YouTube app on Android devices, I was wondering if those can be skipped automatically. This post is only about those ads *which can be skipped*, let's ignore ads which can not be skipped. **For example**: When a YouTube video starts, for some ads, ther...
Since ads are almost inevitable on the official YouTube app on Android devices, I was wondering if those can be skipped automatically. This post is only about those ads *which can be skipped*, let's ignore ads which can not be skipped.
**For example**: When a YouTube video starts, for some ads, there is an option to "Skip this ad in 5 sec". Once the "Skip ad" label is enabled, we can click on it to move to the video. Of course, this is all manual, and as a user, you need to focus on EXACT timing to HIT the skip button. And it becomes worse if the video is having multiple ads (a few of which will be shown in the future time), where when an ad plays, the user needs to click manually to skip it again.
Can this be *AUTOMATED*, meaning when there is an ad which can be "Skipped", then just let YouTube skip it without the user's intervention? This will be especially useful for those videos which have multiple ads spanned across the video length and few of them can be skipped. Looking for a solution on a **non-rooted** device.
---
**Update:** It seems like Google is introducing new ad format called **Bumpers **. Bumpers, which are unskippable 6-second shorts placed in front of videos.
So, soon we may not see an ad which can be skipped, forget about skipping it via automation!
AADAndroidEnthusiasts
(2365 rep)
Feb 8, 2016, 11:21 AM
• Last activity: Jan 31, 2023, 04:42 AM
1
votes
0
answers
177
views
Prevent AdColony advertisements automatically opening the playstore?
Basically, AdColony is an advertising provider for games, however they use predatory tactics, one of these being an automatic redirect to the playstore the second the ad finishes without any clicking or interaction. Is there a way I could stop getting these playstore opens?
Basically, AdColony is an advertising provider for games, however they use predatory tactics, one of these being an automatic redirect to the playstore the second the ad finishes without any clicking or interaction.
Is there a way I could stop getting these playstore opens?
Ondrashek06
(131 rep)
Sep 19, 2022, 03:10 PM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2022, 08:11 AM
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