Recommended Free Tools
An ad inside a free app does not, by itself, mean your Android phone has malware. Persistent pop-ups over other apps, browser redirects, fake virus alerts, unexplained changes, or unusual battery use deserve a closer look. Start by identifying where the ads appear, then use Safe Mode and Play Protect to check for an app causing the problem.
First, identify where the ad appears
Notice whether the ad appears only while using one app, as a Chrome notification, or over other screens when the app that might have triggered it is closed. This helps narrow down what to check; it does not identify the responsible app on its own.
- Only inside one app: Ads may be part of the app’s normal operation. If they are unusually intrusive, check whether they stop when you close or uninstall that app.
- As a Chrome notification: A website may have permission to send notifications. You can turn off notification permission for the site that sent them.
- Over other screens or outside the triggering app: Persistent pop-ups, redirects, fake virus messages, or changes you did not authorize are reasons to investigate. Google Play policy says apps should not interfere with other apps or the usability of the device, but a policy violation does not tell you which app is responsible.
Personalized ads alone are not proof of an infection. Android includes ad privacy controls, including ad topics and app-suggested ads, that affect how ads are selected.
Do not tap a suspicious virus warning, update prompt, or download button in a pop-up. If you need software, go directly to its official website rather than following the pop-up’s link.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Use Safe Mode to find a recently installed app
Google recommends using Android Safe Mode to check whether downloaded apps may be causing intrusive ads or other problems. Safe Mode entry steps vary by device, so follow the on-screen prompt or your manufacturer’s instructions.
- Enter Safe Mode using your device’s instructions.
- Uninstall recently downloaded apps one at a time. Keep a note of what you remove so you can restore unrelated apps later if needed.
- Restart the phone normally after each removal and check whether the ads or suspicious behavior stop.
If the problem stops after removing an app, that is a useful clue. It is not a guarantee that every other symptom has been resolved; continue with the security checks below.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Check Play Protect and install updates
Confirm that Play Protect scanning is on
- Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon.
- Tap Play Protect, then tap Settings.
- Check that Scan apps with Play Protect is enabled.
Google says Play Protect checks apps when they are installed and periodically scans the device, including apps from outside Google Play. If it detects a potentially harmful app, it may notify you, disable the app until it is removed, or remove it automatically. Google’s malware guidance also recommends enabling improved harmful-app detection for apps obtained outside Google Play.
Apply available Android and security updates
Check Settings for available Android device, security, and Google Play system updates, and install them. The exact menu names and route depend on the phone and Android version; consult the manufacturer’s instructions if the labels differ.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Check battery use without assuming malware
Battery drain has several possible explanations, and high use by itself does not prove malware or a failing battery. Open your phone’s battery settings to review which apps are using the most power. Where your device offers the option, restrict high-use apps; Android Help also points to general battery controls such as Adaptive Battery. Battery menus and available controls vary by device, so use manufacturer support for model-specific guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect your accounts and decide when to escalate
Review the security page for your Google Account and address any issues it identifies. If suspicious signs continue after removing apps and installing updates, Google says you may need to reset the phone or contact its manufacturer.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
A factory reset removes data from the phone. Before resetting, consider how you will preserve data you need and follow the device maker’s instructions. If the symptoms persist or you are unsure how to proceed, contact the manufacturer for device-specific help rather than guessing at a hardware cause.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
