Unwarranted pop-up ads have always been a bone in the throats of all Android Smartphone users. Interrupted streaming, opening unwanted sites, downloading harmful malware, and giving access to viruses – some of the most common issues – can be the epitome of bad user experience and also can be threatening to the privacy and security of a user. As annoying as these ads can be, android users can keep them at bay by taking a few simple steps. Why Are Ads Popping Up on Your Android Phone? At their core, ads on an Android phone are not very different from the ones shared on other media. All of them are meant to generate leads, offer discounts and trials, or get users to subscribe or download a product or service. But sometimes, things can take a wrong leap as some ads are made only to harass or rob a user via hidden viruses or malware. Relatable cases have risen to such an extent that people are starting to call such ads “Malvertisement.” Malvertisements lead users to a fake registration page, provoking them to share their email and passwords. Sometimes, scammers can use these ads to alert users about their phones being attacked by malware only to spread threats or blackmail them. Read more: Internet Safety Tips for Children, Teens, and Adults The first step to being aware of unwanted ads on an Android phone is to know why they are showing up in the first place. Here are a few common reasons: Adware Hackers often develop and share malicious ads that pop up without warning, redirect users to hostile websites, or, in extreme cases, can even take over a phone’s control. If you feel that the lock screen, home screen, and the browsers of your phone are swarmed with ads, secretly running adware can be a reason. App permission Apps get their permission to send you a request to perform a task and notifications and usually get your location after you allow them to do so. Some apps can track your behavior, everyday tasks, inclinations, and buying habits and sell the information to the black market. Read more: How to Check Official Phone Using BTRC IMEI Number? Notifications Most apps pop up a request to show or send notifications to update you about their latest campaign or intent. You will find a large part of such notifications useless. Being aware of the shortcomings, you should think before allowing an app to send you notifications. Ad-blocking app If your ad-blocking apps don’t seem to work or are being turned off all by themselves, it can be a sign that your phone is infected with suspicious malware.