unwanted adverts on lock screen after latest software update

[tjtops]

Has anyone else been bombarded with ads and pop ups on the lock screen since the latest software update? If so how the hell do you get rid of them?

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi,

May I ask....

1. Which phone make and model do you use ?
2. Which Update build did you install. 
3. Was ot from your software update settings.
4. What are the ads and pop ups.

What you may find is that these ads and pop ups are from perhaps a free version of an app you've recently downloaded that has these included in order to generate revenue. 

Try uninstalling your most recent app downloads to see if they disappear. 

As a last resort you could perform a bsvk up and Factory Reset which takes it bsvk to the last Firmware update and don't use your back up right away to see if these go away. 

[tjtops]

Hi Lee.. thanks for your reply. To answer in order: 

Sony Z5 compact Xperia E5823

I think it was Android v 6 .0. something

Yes.. whatever it was that prompted me to do it! (It took ages too!)

And TBH a huge range of different ads....totally unsolicited and as I said, on the lock screen. I read somewhere else about swtiching off ads generated by interest and I did that last night....

I can't find 'site settings' as someone else suggested! It's not under 'internet settings....

[BandOfBrothers]

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@tjtops wrote:

Hi Lee.. thanks for your reply. To answer in order: 

Sony Z5 compact Xperia E5823

I think it was Android v 6 .0. something

Yes.. whatever it was that prompted me to do it! (It took ages too!)

And TBH a huge range of different ads....totally unsolicited and as I said, on the lock screen. I read somewhere else about swtiching off ads generated by interest and I did that last night....

I can't find 'site settings' as someone else suggested! It's not under 'internet settings....

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You're very welcome. 

I'm not convinced this is from the software update you've done. Networks introduce security patches and features but don't add into this Ad's etc. 

If this was my situation I'd consider a Factory Reset after backing up.... if....... it's nothing to do with any recent apps or lockscreen themes downloaded or settings. Especially if clearing cookies and caches does not help. 

[tjtops]

Mmmm.. trouble is I did manage (after wasting about 4hr!) to find a load of stuff to 'disable' /block etc -- including going through every app one at a time!) and if I do a reset, I'll lose all that.... right? (PS sorry to be so thick!)

[AnnS]

Hi @tjtops

You should have something on your internet settings for blocking pop ups.

If you go to your internet setting, site settings, and scroll down to pop ups, you will be able to block pop ups.  There is also a setting for cookies.

I hope this works for you and will be the end of these annoying pop up advertisements.

[tjtops]

PS.. I did manage to find pop up blocker somewhere yesterday (but it's not where you said!)... and was already on......... (to block I mean!)

[tjtops]

Sorry.. I forgot!

If I can find the cookie option again (!) what should i do with it? I'm sure I read that this should be enabled..... or not? Many thanks for your help! (Vodafone live chat was absolutely useless yesterday!)

[BandOfBrothers]

Hello @tjtops

I really am not convinced your recent software update is to blame. Typically a network software update does not include Ad's etc. 

Cookies and caches are designed to help improve your Internet surfing experience. Both can be cleared which can help with tracking cookies. 

Most sites ask you to accept cookies when you visit them but you don't have to. People can adopt to have pop ups disabled. 

On my s7 edge I have a content blocker that stops advertisements etc showing on my Internet pages. Not all phones offer this option unfortunately. 

[tjtops]

Hi.. thanks for your response.... I will try again but sadly I don't seem to have half the options on settings menus that people seem to expect (including VF yesterday). This doesn't help! Where can I clear cache? Or, I have Cleanmaster installed.... will that clear it? and still not sure about refusing to accept cookies.. I'm sure at some point yesterday I did hit on it and the 'advice' (from the phone!)  was NOT to disable them..... so I'm still very confused! Thanks again