How to Stop Ads on Lock Screen Android

Ads showing up on your Android lock screen can be frustrating and intrusive. Whether they appear as notifications or full-screen ads, they can disrupt your experience, slow down your device, and even drain your battery. Fortunately, there are multiple effective ways to stop ads on lock screen Android devices. This guide will walk you through the steps to eliminate lock screen ads and prevent them from coming back.

Ads Appearing on Your Android Lock Screen

Ads appear on your Android lock screen mainly due to ad-supported apps or built-in features from some manufacturers. These ads often result from apps with special permissions or system-level settings that allow promotional content.

Installed Ad-Supported Apps

Many free apps, especially from unofficial sources or lesser-known developers, make money by showing ads. Some of them have permission to display ads even on your lock screen. Learn how to stop ads on Android to prevent these interruptions and improve your device experience.

Malware or Adware

If you’ve recently downloaded an APK or installed an app from outside the Google Play Store, you may have unknowingly introduced adware.

Manufacturer-Installed Bloatware

Some brands (e.g., Xiaomi, Realme) include pre-installed apps that show ads as part of their monetization model.

Identify the Source of Lock Screen Ads

To identify the source of lock screen ads, check recently installed apps and their permissions. Using Safe Mode can help isolate which third-party app is causing the issue.

Use Safe Mode to Isolate the Issue

Booting your device in Safe Mode disables all third-party apps. If ads stop appearing in Safe Mode, then a third-party app is the culprit.

Steps:

• Press and hold the Power button.
  

• Long press on Power Off until you see the Safe Mode prompt.
  

• Tap OK to reboot in Safe Mode.

Stop Ads on Lock Screen Android

To stop ads on your Android lock screen, uninstall suspicious apps, disable ad-related system features, and adjust app permissions. You can also use trusted ad blocker apps to prevent future interruptions.

Disable or Uninstall Problematic Apps

To remove lock screen ads, start by identifying and uninstalling any recently installed or unfamiliar apps. These apps often have permissions that allow them to display ads over your lock screen.

Check Recently Installed Apps

• Go to Settings > Apps > Recently installed.
  

• Look for unknown or rarely used apps.
  

• Uninstall any suspicious ones.
  

Review App Permissions

• Navigate to Settings > Apps > Permissions.
  

• Remove unnecessary permissions, especially for apps with access to notifications or overlays.
  
  

Turn Off Personalized Ads

Google uses your activity to show personalized ads, which can extend to lock screen ads through some apps.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Google > Ads.
  

• Toggle Opt out of Ads Personalization.
  

• Tap Reset advertising ID.
  

This can reduce the number of targeted ads shown on your device.

Check and Modify Lock Screen Settings

In some devices (like Xiaomi, Vivo, or Oppo), system-level apps show ads on the lock screen.

Xiaomi Example:

• Go to Settings > Lock screen > Glance for Mi.
  

• Turn off Glance to stop lock screen ad slides.
  

Use an Ad Blocker App

Trusted ad blocker apps can help suppress lock screen ads by blocking ad scripts.

Recommended Apps:

• AdGuard
  

• Blokada
  

• DNS66
  

These apps block ads at the DNS level, preventing many intrusive lock screen ads.

Avoid Lock Screen Ads in the Future

To avoid lock screen ads in the future, only download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store and regularly review app permissions. 

Download Apps Only from the Google Play Store

Avoid installing APKs from third-party websites unless necessary. Always check app reviews and verify the developer's credibility.

Avoid Unknown Launchers and Wallpaper Apps

Many third-party launchers and lock screen wallpaper apps serve ads as a monetization strategy.

Regularly Review App Permissions

Apps requesting overlay, notification, or lock screen access should be reviewed periodically and adjusted accordingly.

Keep Your Phone Updated

System updates often include security patches to prevent adware and malware. Always keep your Android OS and Play Store apps up to date

Conclusion

Lock screen ads on Android can be annoying and sometimes even harmful. But with the right steps like identifying adware apps, tweaking your system settings, and using trusted ad blockers, you can take back control of your Android experience. Always be cautious about the apps you install and monitor their permissions to ensure your device remains free of intrusive lock screen ads.

FAQs

Q1. Why are ads suddenly appearing on my lock screen?

They’re likely coming from a recently installed app with permission to display over other apps or send notifications. Identifying and uninstalling the app usually solves the problem.

Q2. Can system apps show lock screen ads?

Yes, some manufacturers preload apps that display ads, especially in budget phones. These can often be disabled via system settings.

Q3. Are lock screen ads a sign of malware?

Not always, but if they’re persistent and intrusive, it could indicate adware or malware. Use a malware scanner or boot in Safe Mode to isolate the source.

Q4. What is the best ad blocker for Android without root?

Apps like AdGuard, Blokada, and DNS66 are popular non-root ad blockers that can help reduce or stop lock screen ads.

Q5. Will a factory reset remove lock screen ads?

Yes, if the ads are due to apps or adware you’ve installed. However, it won't remove ads caused by pre-installed system apps unless they can be disabled post-reset.