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

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 these ads 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 on Apps and 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: Tap Security and privacy, then More security settings.

Step 3: Tap Device admin apps and 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 like AppBrain Ad Detector and AppWatch. 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.