Published on: April 29, 2025
Short on time? Here’s how to stop pop-up ads on Android immediately:
- Install a good antivirus app. Download a reliable antivirus for Android, like TotalAV, which effectively detects and removes all adware.
- Run a full scan. Once installed, scan your device for any malware causing frequent pop-ups.
- Remove flagged threats. Follow the on-screen instructions to delete adware or malicious files.
The most effective way to stop pop-up ads on Android is to use a reliable antivirus app. Good antivirus software removes adware that causes pop-ups and provides real-time protection against future threats. But not all antivirus apps are equally effective.
Adware that causes those annoying pop-up ads can deeply embed itself in your device, making it tough to find and get rid of. Some of it even pretends to be legitimate apps, messes with your system settings, or keeps reinstalling itself no matter how many times you try to delete it.
After testing dozens of antivirus apps, I found TotalAV to be the best at fully removing pop-up ads from Android. It detects and removes the responsible adware, and it provides ongoing protection to keep your device secure. This guide will show you step-by-step how to stop pop-up ads on Android once and for all.
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Step 1. Install an Antivirus App & Run a Scan
Note: If pop-up ads have completely frozen your device, you’ll need to follow these preliminary steps first.
If you can access your device, install a good antivirus app and run a full scan. From my experience, TotalAV is the best antivirus for Android in 2025. It removes all kinds of malware, blocks harmful websites with effective web protection, and ensures your Wi-Fi connection is secure.
Here’s how to install TotalAV and run an antivirus scan:
- Download and install TotalAV from Google Play. Search for “TotalAV,” then tap the Install button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to purchase your plan and create an account.
- Once the app is installed, open the main menu and tap the Security Scan button at the bottom center of the screen.
Step 2. Remove Any Threats Found on Your Android
After the scan is complete, TotalAV will highlight any files or apps it flagged as a threat. While an experienced user can comb through these and make sure they don’t want to keep any of these files, I recommend trusting the antivirus to do its job and getting rid of all potentially harmful files. To do that, simply tap Remove or Uninstall.
After removing malware from your Android device, restart it and run another scan to ensure all infected files and apps have been eliminated. If the second scan shows no issues, your device is now malware-free.
Step 3. Disable Pop-Ups & Redirects in Your Browser
Websites can redirect you without permission when you click on links. Here’s how to block pop-ups and redirects in your browser:
- Open your browser. I’ll use Chrome since it’s the default Android browser, but most browsers are similar.
- Go to Settings, then tap Site Settings → Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle the switch off.
That’s it! You’ve successfully removed malware from your device and blocked pop-ups from your Android.
Step 4. Keep Your Device Protected From Future Threats
Once you’ve removed adware and pop-ups from your phone, you should follow safe online browsing habits to make sure you stay adware-free in the future. I recommend following these simple rules:
- Avoid suspicious links and downloads. Don’t click on links from unknown sources, as these can more often than not contain malware. Download files responsibly as well, since willingly downloading an infected file can ruin your Android. Download apps from the Google Play Store and other official sources (and even then, be sure to check the reviews and ratings). Norton has an App Advisor feature which will scan apps for security issues before you install them.
- Be mindful of fraudulent websites and phishing scams. A lot of malicious websites will attempt to infect your phone with malware after you access them — using TotalAV’s Web Shield will help you avoid harmful websites by filtering your search engine results. If you did click on a pop-up ad and you’re suspicious of the website it brought you to, err on the side of caution and avoid it.
- Install an ad blocker. Ad blockers will prevent redirects, banner ads, and video ads that link to fraudulent websites. They’re the best way to enjoy ad-free browsing. There are great ad blockers out there, but my favorite is Private Internet Access — it was able to block every pop-up ad during my tests.
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
Best Antiviruses for Stopping Pop-Up Ads on Android in 2025:
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for stopping pop-ups on Android:
What to Do if Pop-Ups Have Blocked Your Android (& You Can’t Run an Antivirus Scan)
- If your phone is blocked, restart it in safe mode. To do so, hold the power button, then press and hold Power off. When Safe mode appears, tap it.
- Once booted into safe mode, uninstall any apps you suspect are causing the issue. To uninstall an app, long-press the app icon and tap Remove.
- To exit safe mode once you’re done uninstalling suspicious apps, restart your phone (and don’t forget to turn off airplane mode once it reboots).
- Now you’re ready to follow these steps to fully remove adware and pop-ups from your device.
Why Do I Keep Getting Pop-Up Ads on My Android?
Pop-up ads can come from both malicious and safe sources. Here are the most common reasons you’re seeing them:
- Deceptive websites: Some sites change your phone’s settings without clearly notifying you, leading to constant pop-ups or redirects to dangerous sites.
- Browser settings: If certain settings in your browser are enabled, websites can redirect you without permission. Here’s how to turn off pop-ups and redirects.
- Malware: Malware, particularly adware, often triggers recurring pop-ups, linking to phishing sites or installing more malware. Use a good antivirus app for Android like TotalAV to remove the threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pop-up ads on Android?
Pop-up ads on Android are typically caused by either regular website ads or malware. Regular ads appear on free websites like forums or fan pages and are usually limited to a few ads at a time.
However, if you’re seeing frequent pop-ups — especially when not browsing — malware is likely the culprit. A device scan can help detect and remove malicious software. The best antivirus apps for Android offer excellent malware protection and prevent future adware infections.
Can I use a free antivirus to get rid of pop-up ads?
I don’t recommend free antivirus apps. Generally, they’re not as effective as premium ones for removing pop-up ads. Free options often lack key features like real-time protection, ad blockers, or VPNs. Without these, free antiviruses may not catch the malware causing the pop-ups.
Premium antiviruses (like TotalAV) offer superior malware detection and removal, specifically targeting adware. With TotalAV’s real-time protection, it blocks tracking and malicious ads while providing added security features like a VPN.
Does an ad blocker help with pop-up ads?
An ad blocker can stop you from seeing pop-up ads, but it doesn’t entirely solve the underlying issue. If your Android is infected with malware, an ad blocker can sometimes only mask the problem, leaving your device vulnerable.
Frequent pop-ups, especially when you’re not browsing, are a sign of malware. Using a good antivirus app like TotalAV is crucial to detect and remove malware, while an ad blocker provides an extra layer of protection against regular website ads. Together, they provide a more secure solution.
What is the best antivirus for stopping pop-up ads on Android?
Though there are several great antivirus apps for Android, TotalAV is the best for stopping pop-ups. It offers perfect malware detection and removal, ensuring that adware is swiftly identified and eliminated. TotalAV also includes extra features like an unlimited-data VPN, which blocks trackers and protects your privacy.
