Seems like since the last update, I'm deluged with popup ads on my Samsung S24. I have gone through all the steps to block popups but none have worked. Some say that they are part of "Chrome", others say they are part of ATT, neither is found. Anyone else??
@Merel Samsung's Good Lock module Nice Catch might help you identify the culprit. But you may have to resort to deleting 3rd party apps until the pop up stop.
This definitely sounds frustrating first thing in the morning, but the good news is you're likely dealing with a third-party app and not One UI itself. Samsung's One UI doesnโt serve pop-up ads or notifications like that by default, especially not after a charge cycle or unlock.
Letโs break down the likely cause and how to fix it:
Why this happens:
Some apps (often free utilities like flashlight apps, cleaners, or battery savers) sneak in adware after updates.
These apps can trigger pop-ups during phone unlock, after charging, or on boot โ times when the system is initializing.
It may have coincidentally started right after your One UI update, but it's probably not the system doing it.
What to do next:
1. Use a Pop-Up Detector App
Install an app like โAppWatchโ or โPopup Ad Detectorโ from the Play Store.
Open it, let it run in the background, then unlock your phone the next morning.
When the pop-up appears, the detector will log which app triggered it.
2. Check Recently Installed or Updated Apps
Go to Settings > Apps > Sort by โLast usedโ or โLast updatedโ
Look for any app you donโt recognize or recently updated that you didnโt open yourself
If unsure, temporarily uninstall or disable those and see if the issue stops
3. Check Notification Permissions
Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Notification history
If the pop-up leaves behind a notification, this screen might tell you which app sent it
4. Disable โAppear on topโ Permissions
Go to Settings > Apps > Special access > Appear on top
Review which apps have this permission โ adware needs this to show pop-ups
Turn off permission for anything suspicious
5. Clear Recent Tabs
Long-press the Recents button and swipe away all open apps
Some apps stay running and relaunch pop-ups when the system resets
If youโre still not sure which app is causing it after trying these steps, feel free to post a list of your most recently installed apps โ we can help spot known offenders.
You're not alone โ and once you find the app causing it, your phone should feel like yours again. Let us know what you discover.
