How to Get Rid of Ads on Android Lock Screen

On one of the not-so-great days of your life, you tap your phone screen and encounter the full-page face of Kim Kardashian with a link below. No hate or judgment, but if you didn’t subscribe to daily updates on influencer lives, then you’re facing a common problem with Android lock screen ads. I’d like to reassure those who fear phone viruses more than an STD that it doesn’t necessarily mean you have adware or other nasty stuff. Your phone’s system can do it itself, especially if there was a major update beforehand. In this article, we will uncover the causes of ads on the lock screen and ways to get rid of them. Spoiler: it’s best to use an ad blocker to prevent the issue. Why not launch an installation of AdLock on Android while delving into this article?

How to Remove Ads on Android Lock Screen

Since you’re here, I assume you’re on a mission to fix things rather than receive a guided tour of every cause behind the problem. Let’s get straight to the point, shall we?

1. Manual Ad Removal from the Android Lock Screen

If there’s a chance of a shady app, it’s better to identify and remove it first.

1. Launch your Google Play Store application;
2. Navigate and click on the menu icon;
3. Select Manage apps & device;
4. Choose the Manage tab;
5. Locate and tap the sorting icon, then opt for Least used from the provided choices. This arranges your apps based on their recent usage.
6. Any app appearing in this list that you haven’t personally used might be the culprit behind the intrusive lock screen ads;
7. Simply tap on the suspicious app and proceed to uninstall it.

After uninstallation, verify if your device continues to display lock screen ads. If it didn’t help to stop ads on your Android lock screen, proceed to the following method or consider removing another potentially suspicious app.

2. Adjusting Device Administrator Settings

​​In our next move, we’ll thoroughly check your phone for any sneaky apps wielding administrator privileges. While typically used for legitimate tasks like device management or remote wipes by antivirus apps, these privileges can be exploited by malicious apps to lock themselves in place, making their removal a hassle.

1. Begin by tapping the Settings app either from your phone’s menu or home screen.
2. Proceed to Device admin apps.

If you’re on a newer Android version or using a Samsung device, upon entering the Settings menu, go to Biometrics and Security => Other Security Settings => Device admin apps.

However, considering the diverse Android versions across phones, the location of Device admin apps may vary. Thus, here are other paths to reach this setting:

• Security =>Device admin apps
• Security & privacy => Device admin apps
• Security => Device Administrators
• Lock Screen and Security => Other Security Settings => Phone Administrators
• If you’re grappling with finding the Device admin apps setting, try utilizing your phone’s built-in search function within the Settings for a swift discovery.

3. Disable administrator privileges for the malicious app

Disable the app’s admin rights in the device admin apps list. Afterward, delete the app usually. If no app holds admin privileges, proceed with the next step.

3. Reviewing System Settings

If the ads that bother you aren’t banners but full-page images with a link at the bottom of the screen, then the problem lies within your settings. Such issues mainly arise with Xiaomi smartphones and low-budget devices due to the preinstalled Glance software. However intrusive these ads on Android lock screen might seem, you can swiftly remove them by following these steps:

1. Access your Settings and locate Always-on display and Lock screen settings. The name may vary slightly based on your device model or OS version.
2. Within the settings, locate and tap on Wallpaper Carousel.
3. Toggle the switch to turn it off.
4. When prompted in a pop-up window, tap Skip.

From now on, that bothersome wallpaper carousel featuring unnecessary promoted content will disappear.

While Samsung reassures that it doesn’t display advertising on the lock screen, Samsung Global Goals operates similarly. If you’ve set up Samsung Global Goals, you might encounter ads on your lock screen while charging. To remove lock screen ads on Android, follow these steps:

1. Open the Samsung Global Goals app.
2. Tap the Settings icon and toggle off Charge screen ads.

4. Install a Firewall for Your Android

A firewall, a network security tool, can block unauthorized traffic, potentially eliminating lock screen ads by restricting specific app communications. However, configuring a firewall can be complex and might impact app functionality or device performance if not done correctly. Plus, you need to trust a firewall app to re-route all your internet traffic through it.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for the firewall app you prefer (e.g., “NetGuard”).
3. Tap on the app, then click Install to download and install it on your device.
4. Once installed, open the app and follow the setup instructions to configure the firewall settings based on your preferences.

5. Install AdLock on Android Phone

AdLock’s mobile app doesn’t just eliminate banners popping up on the Android lock screen; it also removes ads throughout your device, ensuring an ad-free gaming and app environment. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install AdLock for Android on your device.
2. Launch AdLock, tap a hamburger menu =>Settings. 
3. Tap Check for Updates and tap UPDATE in the next window.
4. Go to the AdLock tab, tap INSTALL CERTIFICATE, and follow the app’s instructions.
5. Enjoy the free 2-week trial, then choose a plan for uninterrupted ad-free browsing.

6. Factory Reset on Your Android

This step is the last resort if none of the above options help. A factory reset wipes the device clean, erasing all apps and data, which can eliminate such stubborn ad-serving elements from the system and remove ads on the lock screen of Android.

1. Go to your device settings.
2. Navigate to the System section and choose Reset or Backup & Reset.
3. Select Factory Data Reset => Reset Phone. Confirm your decision and input any necessary passwords or PINs.
4. Once the reset concludes, your device will initiate a restart.

Why Do Ads Appear on Your Android Lock Screen

There are three main causes for the ads on the lock screen. 

1. Third-Party Apps:

• Ad-Enabling Agreements: Some apps, especially free ones, generate revenue by displaying ads. Certain developers integrate agreements with ad networks, allowing ads to appear on the lock screen.
• Permissions and Ad Modules: Apps with broad permissions might access the lock screen to display ads. Some incorporate ad modules that push notifications or ads directly to the lock screen, often without explicit user consent.

2. Adware:

•  Sneaky Downloads: Sketchy apps, often from untrusted sources, can secretly put ad stuff on your lock screen. Adware can keep showing ads even after you close the apps. It does this by messing with your phone’s admin settings, which is why they are not easy to delete.

3. Phone Settings:

•  Notification Settings: Misconfigured or permissive notification settings might allow certain apps to push ads directly to the lock screen without the user’s explicit approval.
• Device Customizations: Some devices or manufacturers preinstall features that display promotional content on the lock screen, aiming to promote apps, services, or offers.

Apps That Commonly Cause Android Ads on Lock Screen

Not surprisingly, one of the apps responsible for the ads on the Android lock screen is a flashlight app. In our blog, you can find an entire article dedicated solely to ethical, ad-free Android flashlight apps. Take a look when you have a spare minute. Other app types more likely to sneakily implant ads on your lock screen include:

1. Battery Saver/Cleaner/Booster Apps: Some optimization apps, particularly those promising to improve device performance or battery life, might display ads on the lock screen.
2. Weather and News Apps: Some weather or news apps might display ads on the lock screen, especially if they have extensive notification features.
3. Theme Apps and Launchers: Apps providing customization options for your phone’s interface might include lock screen ads as part of their themes or wallpapers. Usually, there is a feature allowing you to turn off ads on the Android lock screen in the settings.
4. File Sharing Apps: Apps related to file sharing, especially torrenting apps, might display lock screen ads.
5. Barcode Scanners: At least, these are easier to determine since you don’t scan products all day long.
6. AI Chats: Apps like My Waifu are reported to collaborate with the intrusive self-installing Breaking News Brief app, gaining control over your lock screen.
7. Lesser-Known Free Games with Ads.

Conclusion

While it might be challenging to block Android lock screen ads, effective solutions are available, from adjusting settings to resorting to the help of different apps. Amidst various solutions, AdLock emerges not solely as a remedy for lock screen ads but as a comprehensive shield for your entire device. Its robust ad-blocking capabilities extend beyond the lock screen, securing an ad-free experience across your Android usage. Bid farewell to intrusive interruptions as AdLock is a vigilant protector, ensuring a serene and uninterrupted journey throughout your device.