Pop-up ads that appear over your home screen, lock screen or inside other apps are never normal — Android does not show ads like that by itself. Almost always, one app you installed (often a "free" cleaner, downloader, ringtone or game app) is pushing them. The fix is finding that app.

Step 1: Catch the app in the act

The next time a full-screen ad appears, do not close it immediately. Tap the Recent apps button (square). The ad is usually a page of the culprit app — its name/icon appears at the top. Note it down, then close it.

Step 2: Check recently installed apps

Ads start after an install. Go to Play Store → Manage apps & device → Manage, sort by Recently added. The ad problem almost always began with one of the last 3–5 installs — especially apps from outside the Play Store.

Step 3: Remove "Display over other apps" permission

Settings → Apps → Special access → Display over other apps. Any app that can draw over others can show full-screen pop-ups. Revoke this permission from anything that does not genuinely need it (chat heads like Messenger are a legitimate use).

Step 4: Check for apps with no name or icon

Some ad apps hide. In Settings → Apps → See all apps, look for entries with a blank icon or no name, and apps you simply do not recognise. Uninstall them.

Step 5: Uninstall and scan

Uninstall the culprit(s), restart the phone, then run Play Protect: Play Store → profile picture → Play Protect → Scan. Use the phone normally for a day — if no pop-up returns, you found it.

Step 6: Fix browser pop-ups separately

If ads appear only inside Chrome, the cause is usually website notifications. Chrome → three dots → Settings → Site settings → Notifications — block sites you do not know. Then Site settings → Pop-ups and redirects → Blocked. Also clear Chrome cache from Settings → Apps → Chrome → Storage → Clear cache.

Never do this: Do not install an "ad remover" app that a pop-up itself recommends — that is the same trap again. And never grant Accessibility permission to an unknown app asking for it during cleanup.
Read also: Also check: 9 signs your phone is hacked — and the fix →

Frequently asked questions

Ads appear even when I am not using any app. Which app is it?

Use Step 1 (Recent apps button while the ad is on screen) — it names the app directly. If that fails, uninstall recently added apps one at a time, starting with cleaners, downloaders and free VPNs.

I uninstalled the app but ads still come. What now?

A second app may be installed, or the first app left a companion behind. Repeat Step 4 (blank/hidden apps), revoke 'Display over other apps' from everything non-essential, and rescan with Play Protect.

Are ads inside free games also a virus?

No — ads shown inside the game itself are how free games earn; that is normal. The problem is only ads that escape the app: over the home screen, lock screen or other apps.