If you are experiencing unexpected behavior on your device, such as random pop-ups, advertisements appearing without warning, unexpected app redirects or launches, or the sudden appearance of features you don't remember installing, you are not alone. These issues may occur following a software update, due to background processes, or from applications that were preinstalled by your carrier. Below are several recommended steps that may assist in identifying and resolving the problem.
☆ Check for routines
If apps/dialogs are opening unexpectedly or under strange conditions (such as when charging, certain times of day, or arriving at certain locations,) make sure you have not inadvertently set up a routine. Some users have reported that routines (Samsung’s automation feature) were accidentally enabled without their knowledge. Open Modes and Routines and check if something unusual is set up.
☆ Use Samsung’s Nice Catch app
Some apps are malicious and can have undesirable effects on your device when installed, knowingly or unknowingly. If you’re experiencing unexpected or unexplained ads, pop-ups, wake-ups, etc., Samsung’s Nice Catch app can help identify the offending app so that you can delete it.
Turn on the various categories in Nice Catch.
When the undesirable behavior happens again, check Nice Catch to see which app triggered it.
Download Nice Catch here: https://apps.samsung.com/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.samsung.android.app.goodcatch
☆ Check for carrier-installed apps
If your phone is locked to a carrier, be aware that some of their bundled apps can cause problems. For example, Metro Play (on Metro-locked devices) has recently been reported to replace users’ lock screens with its own ad-filled lock screen. If you’re experiencing strange behavior, make sure to review any apps tied to your carrier and see if the undesirable behavior can be turned off. Better yet, disable or uninstall the app altogether if possible.
☆ Run diagnostics
Open the Support tab in the Samsung Members app and run device diagnostics. This can help rule out hardware issues and make sure everything is in working order.
☆ Follow Samsung’s Best Practices Guide
In particular, clearing device cache is an important practice in order to clean up junk files and keep things running smooth.
See the guide here: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Tips-Tricks/Best-Practices-After-an-Update/ba-p/3200871?src=Shar...
☆ Use Samsung’s Good Guardians
Download Good Guardians and run its various modules. These modules optimize performance and can identify unusual behavior.
Download Good Guardians here: https://apps.samsung.com/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.android.samsung.utilityapp
☆ Contact your carrier regarding issues with cell signal/service
While users here may sometimes be able to assist you, issues regarding reception, call quality, text messages being sent/received, etc. are often best dealt with directly by your carrier.
☆ Last Resort: Factory Reset
If nothing else works, you may need to perform a factory reset. While extreme, this clears out everything and usually eliminates persistent software issues. If even this doesn't help, it may be time to consider physical repairs or upgrading your device, depending on your specific issue.
I hope this post is helpful for whatever issue you are experiencing. If not, and you need further assistance, there are plenty of great Members here to help.
Have a great day!
