The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →There is no single Samsung setting that removes every advertisement. The right fix depends on where the ad appears: a lock-screen or home-screen ad usually comes from Samsung Global Goals or a third-party app, a promotional alert comes from the app that sent the notification, and a browser ad is controlled by Chrome or Samsung Internet. Start by identifying the surface, then change that source’s setting instead of disabling unrelated phone features.
Menu names and availability vary by Galaxy model, country, installed app version, and One UI release. The steps below reflect Samsung support guidance current through April 24, 2026, with older or region-specific labels called out where they matter.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Find the ad’s location before changing anything
Watch what happens and match it to the row in this table. An ad that appears in one place can have a completely different cause from an ad that appears elsewhere.
| Where you see the ad | Most likely source | Correct first action | What the action changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock screen, especially while charging | Samsung Global Goals or a recently installed or updated third-party app | Check Global Goals, review recent apps, then test in Safe mode | Disables the source app or identifies it for removal |
| Notification tray | An app’s promotional notification | Use Settings > Notifications or long-press the notification | Silences that app, or only its promotional notification category where available |
| Web page in Chrome | A website’s pop-up, redirect, or advertising script | Adjust Chrome’s Pop-ups and redirects and Ads controls | Restricts browser behavior, not ads inside other apps |
| Web page in Samsung Internet | A website’s pop-up or advertising content | Turn on Block pop-ups and configure Ad blockers | Restricts Samsung Internet only |
| Personalized promotions across Samsung services | Samsung Account customization service | Settings > Samsung Account > Privacy > Customisation service | Stops personalization based on your data; it does not remove every ad |
If an advertisement started immediately after an app was installed or updated, treat that timing as a useful clue. It does not prove the app is malicious, but it tells you where to investigate first.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Also note whether the ad is a full-screen interruption, a small banner inside an app, a notification you can dismiss, or a web page that opened by itself. A banner built into a free game is controlled by that game’s developer; the phone cannot universally remove it without changing or uninstalling the app. A notification can usually be silenced without removing the app. A web pop-up requires browser controls. Recording the exact location and time prevents you from changing several settings at once and losing track of the effective fix.
Remove lock-screen and charging-screen ads
1. Check Samsung Global Goals
Samsung identifies Samsung Global Goals as one possible source of lock-screen advertising. It can show ads only when the feature has been enabled. Open the Samsung Global Goals app and look through its settings for the option controlling lock-screen ads or advertising content, then switch that option off. Labels differ between app builds, so do not assume that a setting on one Galaxy model has the same name on another.
After changing the setting, lock the phone and connect the charger again to verify the result. If the charging-time ad remains, continue with the third-party-app checks below rather than repeatedly changing account privacy settings. If you never installed or enabled Global Goals, it is less likely to be the source, but checking the app takes only a moment and is reversible.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall2. Review newly downloaded and updated apps
Samsung’s US support guidance specifically recommends checking apps installed or updated around the time the ads began. Pay particular attention to flashlight, battery, and charging-optimization utilities. An app that displays an ad on top of the lock screen or home screen may not send a visible notification first.
- Open the Play Store and review your recently installed or recently updated apps.
- Compare their installation or update dates with the first appearance of the advertisement.
- Uninstall an app you do not need, or disable it if the phone does not allow removal.
- Restart the phone and check the lock screen again.
Inspect the app’s Play Store listing before removal if you need to identify its publisher or permissions. Advertising alone is not proof of malware; Samsung states, “Not all apps that display these kinds of ads are malicious.” The practical test is whether the ad disappears when the suspected app is disabled.
Do not remove several utilities simultaneously unless safety requires it. Change one variable at a time, note which app you changed, and reproduce the trigger (locking the phone, plugging in the charger, or returning to the home screen). This gives you a reliable answer and makes it easier to restore an app that turns out to be harmless.
3. Use Safe mode to isolate a third-party app
Safe mode starts the phone without running third-party apps. Samsung describes it as the safest way to determine whether one of those apps is responsible. Because the exact button sequence differs by Galaxy model and One UI version, use Samsung’s model-appropriate Safe mode instructions rather than applying a generic key combination.
- Enter Safe mode using the procedure for your exact Galaxy model.
- Leave the phone locked for a few minutes and, if charging triggered the problem, connect the charger.
- If the ad disappears in Safe mode, a downloaded app is the likely source.
- Restart normally, then remove or disable the most recently installed or updated suspects one at a time.
- After each removal, lock the phone and repeat the situation that normally produced the ad.
Safe mode is a diagnostic state, not a permanent ad-blocking mode. Calls, core settings, and Samsung system functions remain available, while downloaded apps are prevented from running. Take note of any widgets or services that are unavailable during the test so you do not mistake their absence for a phone fault.
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.
If the ad still appears in Safe mode, a third-party app is less likely. Recheck Global Goals and Samsung feature settings, then use Samsung’s support or malware-check guidance rather than assuming a particular app is infected.
Stop advertising notifications without losing useful alerts
A promotional notification is controlled by the app that sent it. Turning off Samsung Account ad personalization will not stop an unrelated shopping, game, utility, or news app from sending its own promotion.
Identify the sender from recent notifications
- Open Settings > Notifications.
- Open the list of recently sent notifications (the exact label can vary).
- Find the app that issued the promotional alert and open its notification settings.
- Turn notifications off for that app, or disable only the promotional category if the phone presents separate categories.
You can also long-press a new unwanted notification, open its notification settings, and switch off notifications for the sending app. This is faster when the alert is still visible.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Disabling all notifications may also hide security warnings, delivery updates, messages, or other useful alerts from the same app. Where categories are available, leave essential categories enabled and turn off only marketing, offers, or recommendations. If the app provides its own marketing switch, use that as well; the Android notification control remains the reliable fallback.
After changing the setting, wait for the app’s normal notification cycle or trigger a test alert if the app supports one. Some apps separate account messages, order updates, reminders, and marketing into different channels. Preserving the first three while disabling only the marketing channel gives you more control than uninstalling an app you still need.
Block ads and pop-ups in Chrome
Chrome’s controls apply to websites opened in Chrome. They do not remove advertisements embedded in another app’s screen or notification stream.
- Open Chrome and enter its Settings.
- Open the site-settings area and locate Pop-ups and redirects; turn the control off.
- Locate Chrome’s Ads control and disable intrusive-ads behavior where the current version offers it.
- Close affected tabs and reopen the site.
Chrome’s wording and menu placement can change with app updates. If a site still opens unwanted tabs, clear that site’s permissions or browsing data from Chrome’s site settings. A pop-up blocked in Chrome says nothing about an advertisement shown by a game, file manager, or other installed app.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Be careful when a page asks you to allow notifications, install an unknown application, or claim a prize. Deny notification permission for sites you do not trust, close the tab, and avoid downloading files prompted by the ad. Browser controls reduce pop-ups and intrusive advertising behavior; they do not make every website safe or remove ads that a site renders as ordinary page content.
Configure Samsung Internet
Samsung Internet has two relevant controls. In the browser’s Settings, enable Block pop-ups. Then open the Ad blockers area and choose one of the suggested software blockers available for your browser version. Samsung’s guidance describes this as an optional browser feature; it is not a requirement to buy hardware or install a phone-wide blocker.
These settings affect pages rendered by Samsung Internet only. If the same promotion appears on the home screen, in a notification, or inside another app, return to the location-based diagnosis instead of changing browser settings repeatedly. Suggested blockers can differ by country and app version; install only from the browser’s documented store link and review requested permissions.
Reduce personalization of Samsung promotions
Samsung UK documents this path: Settings > Samsung Account > Privacy > customisation service. Turn the service off to stop Samsung from using the associated data to personalize advertisements and promotional content.
This is a privacy and personalization control, not a universal ad blocker. Samsung’s own wording is: “This won’t fully disable ads but will stop them from being personalised with your data.” You may still see non-personalized promotions, advertisements in a browser, notifications sent by other apps, or ads produced by an enabled feature such as Global Goals.
The spelling, account screens, and availability of this option can differ by region and One UI version. If the menu is absent, update the relevant Samsung apps and check the current Privacy section of your Samsung Account settings; do not infer that the service is enabled merely because an ad appeared. Turning the service off changes how promotions are selected, not whether an ad-supported app displays its own advertising.
What the advertising ID setting can—and cannot—do
A One UI 5-era Samsung privacy announcement described deleting the advertising ID through Security and Privacy Dashboard > Privacy > Ads. That explanation belongs to the interface shown at the time. Current Galaxy phones may use different wording or omit the same path.
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.
Deleting or resetting an advertising ID limits one identifier used for ad measurement or personalization. It does not uninstall an ad-supported app, block a website’s pop-ups, or prevent every Samsung promotion. Treat the setting as an additional privacy measure, not as the main remedy for intrusive lock-screen or notification ads. If you cannot find the option, do not keep searching through unrelated settings; its absence may simply reflect a newer One UI layout.
Recommended Free Tools
When ads continue after the first fixes
Check for an overlay-style app
If an ad appears over the home screen or on top of another app, revisit the list of recently installed or updated utilities. Remove apps that do not have a clear purpose, especially those added just before the behavior began. Test after each removal so you know which change solved the problem.
Review permissions for apps that can appear on top of other apps, draw over the screen, or run during charging. A legitimate utility may need one of these permissions, but an unfamiliar app with no clear reason to use it deserves closer scrutiny. Revoke the permission or uninstall the app if the behavior stops after doing so.
Check whether the problem is browser-only
Open the same content in a different browser. If the ad occurs only in one browser, review that browser’s pop-up, redirect, ad, and site-permission settings. If it appears in every app, browser changes cannot be the complete solution; continue with app and feature diagnosis.
Use the app’s listing and report abusive behavior
When a specific app is responsible, read its Play Store listing and permissions before deciding whether to keep it. If an advertisement violates Google Play policy, use the listing’s Flag as inappropriate function to report it. Reporting does not instantly disable the app, so uninstall or silence it while the report is reviewed.
Escalate persistent pop-ups safely
Samsung notes that persistent pop-ups can indicate a virus, but an advertisement by itself does not establish an infection. If ads remain after Global Goals, notification, browser, and Safe mode checks, follow Samsung’s official virus-check guidance or contact Samsung Members support. Provide the model, One UI version, when the ad appears, and whether it remains in Safe mode.
Do not pay for a cleanup service based only on a frightening pop-up. Genuine system warnings normally identify the relevant Samsung or Google component and can be checked independently in Settings. Capture a screenshot of recurring ads, including the app or URL shown, before dismissing them; that evidence helps support staff identify the source.
Best Value
- 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.
Fixes that are usually the wrong first move
- Do not search for a universal “disable all ads” switch. Samsung’s current guidance describes ways to minimize different ad surfaces, not one operating-system-wide off switch.
- Do not factory-reset immediately. A reset removes personal data and may not solve an ad that returns when the same app is restored.
- Do not root the phone for this problem. Rooting adds security and update risks when built-in controls and app diagnosis are available.
- Do not install a paid VPN solely to stop these ads. The documented first-line remedies are Samsung settings, notification controls, browser configuration, Safe mode, and removal of the responsible app.
- Do not disable every notification by default. Narrow the change to the sending app or its promotional category so that essential alerts remain available.
- Do not assume an ad means malware. Samsung says not all ad-displaying apps are malicious; use timing, Safe mode, permissions, and repeatable testing before making that diagnosis.
- Do not expect a browser blocker to clean other apps. Chrome and Samsung Internet controls are limited to pages displayed in that browser.
A practical decision sequence
- Locate the surface: lock screen, notification tray, browser page, or an in-app screen.
- Apply the matching control: Global Goals or app diagnosis for lock-screen ads; notification settings for alerts; Chrome or Samsung Internet settings for web ads.
- Use Safe mode if the source is unclear: disappearance there points to a third-party app.
- Remove or disable the identified app and retest: change one suspect at a time.
- Use customization and advertising-ID controls for privacy: understand that they reduce personalization rather than eliminate advertisements.
- Escalate only after those checks: use Samsung’s malware guidance or Samsung Members when intrusive behavior persists.
This sequence preserves useful phone functions while matching each advertisement to the control that can actually affect it. None of these steps requires paid hardware. The only possible cost is the time needed to identify and remove an unwanted app; Samsung’s built-in settings, Safe mode, and browser controls are the appropriate first-line tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do ads appear on my Samsung lock screen while the phone is charging?
Samsung identifies enabled Samsung Global Goals and third-party apps as possible causes. Check Global Goals first, then review recently installed or updated flashlight, battery, and charging utilities. Safe mode can confirm whether a downloaded app is responsible.
Will turning off Samsung Account customization remove all ads?
No. It stops Samsung from personalizing promotions with associated data, but Samsung says it will not fully disable ads. Browser ads, app notifications, and Global Goals content have separate controls.
How do I stop one app’s promotional notifications but keep its useful alerts?
Open Settings > Notifications and review recently sent notifications, or long-press the unwanted alert. Disable only the marketing category when categories are available; otherwise turn off that app’s notifications and use its own marketing preference if offered.
Do Chrome or Samsung Internet ad settings block ads inside games and other apps?
No. Chrome settings affect Chrome pages, and Samsung Internet settings affect Samsung Internet pages. Ads embedded in games or utilities must be handled through that app’s settings, removal, or the app developer.
Is an advertising pop-up proof that my Galaxy has a virus?
No. Samsung says not all apps that display ads are malicious. Persistent pop-ups deserve investigation, but use Safe mode, app review, Samsung’s virus-check guidance, or Samsung Members support before concluding that the phone is infected.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDo I need to buy a VPN or special hardware to remove Samsung ads?
No. The documented first steps use built-in Samsung settings, notification controls, browser configuration, Safe mode, and removal of the responsible app. A Samsung Internet ad blocker is optional software, not a hardware requirement.
The Bottom Line
Identify where the ad appears, then change the control for that surface. Disable Global Goals or remove the app responsible for lock-screen ads, silence promotional notification categories, configure the browser showing web ads, and treat Samsung personalization or advertising-ID settings as privacy measures rather than universal blockers. If the behavior survives these checks and Safe mode, use Samsung’s official support and malware-check channels.
Quick Recap
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.
