The #Google #Pixel3 is one of the two flagship Android smartphone models released by the search giant late last year. This is the smaller model having a 5.5 inch P-OLED display and a lower capacity 2915 mAh battery. Under the hood is a Snapdragon 845 processor paired with 4GB of RAM which allows the device to run multiple apps smoothly. Although this is a solid performing phone there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Pixel 3 has popup ads issue.
If you own a Google Pixel 3 or any other Android device for that matter then feel free to contact us using this form. We will be more than happy to assist you with any concern that you may have with your device. This is a free service we are offering with no strings attached. We however ask that when you do contact us try to be as detailed as possible so that an accurate assessment can be made and the correct solution can be given.
How To Fix Google Pixel 3XL Has Popup Ads
Problem: Hi there. See your article on how to get rid of pop up ads on pixel 3xl. Will this also work on the pixel 3? I am moving from an IPhone 8+ and in the 2 days I’ve had the pixel I can say that I am not enthralled with it. It’s much less intuitive and apparently more prone to viruses. Thank you for any help you can provide. One more quick question, my husband also changed phones at the same time but his phone is so fast and mine takes forever to download apps or open websites. Could I have a lemon?
Solution: Before performing any troubleshooting steps on this phone it’s best to make sure that it is running on the latest software version. If an update is available then I suggest that you download and install it first.
You can perform the same troubleshooting steps as the one suggested for the XL on this phone. Since your phone takes too long to open websites or download apps aside from getting popup ads then it’s very likely that it has most likely been infected with a virus or malware. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps that you need to perform to fix the problem.
Check if the issue occurs in Safe Mode
Popup ads are usually brought into the phone by certain apps that you downloaded. The best way to check if an app is causing the problem is to start the phone in Safe Mode as only the pre-installed apps are allowed to run in this mode.
- Press your phone’s power button.
- After the Google logo shows on your screen, when the animation starts, press and hold your phone’s volume down button. Keep holding it until the animation ends and your phone starts in safe mode.
- You’ll see “Safe mode” at the bottom of your screen.
In case the issue does not occur in this mode then it is most likely caused by a downloaded app. Find out what app this is and uninstall it. Take note that finding the specific app is going to take some time as you will have to do it using a trial and error method. Uninstall the most recent app you downloaded then boot the phone normally. If the issue still persists then go back to Safe Mode then uninstall the next app. Repeat the steps until no more popup ads appear when you boot the phone normally.
Delete the app that’s causing the problem
You can easily delete the app by following the steps listed below.
- From a Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
- Tap Settings app icon.
- Tap Apps & notifications icon.
- Tap Right arrow icon and see all apps.
- Tap an app.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Tap OK to confirm.
Perform a factory reset
In case the issue still occurs even in Safe Mode then a factory reset is highly recommended. This will revert the phone back to its original factory condition. Take note that this will erase your phone data so make sure to create a backup copy before proceeding.
- Hold the Power Button Until the Phone Is Off
- Hold the Power Button and the Volume Down Button for a Few Seconds
- Wait to See Fastboot Mode on the Screen
- Let Go of the Buttons
- Select Recovery Mode
- Wait for the Android Robot Image to Pop Up
- Hold Down the Power Button and Then Press the Volume Up Button
- Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset
- Select Yes
- Select Reboot System Now.
Once the reset is complete you won’t have any popup ads on your phone.
Preventing popup ads from appearing again
There are several steps that you can do to prevent this issue from happening again. Only download apps from the Google Play Store as these apps have been carefully screened for any malware or viruses. You should not click on the ads on websites you visit as there’s a chance that this will lead you to suspicious websites.
It’s recommended that you turn on the Play Protect feature as this will scan your phone for any apps that pose a security risk.
- Open your Android device’s Google Play Store app.
- Tap Menu icon (three horizontal lines)
- Tap Play Protect.
- Turn on Scan device for security threats.
Although not necessary you might also consider using an antivirus software on your phone. This will provide an added layer of security on your device making it more difficult to be infected with viruses or malware.