I'm helping my parents with their Samsung phone, which has become overwhelmed with annoying ads. I've already removed several sketchy cleaning apps, but I can't get rid of one called "Home Settings." It's not the regular settings app; this one is green with a cogwheel icon. When I try to uninstall it by long-pressing, there's no option to do so, even though it vibrates. I can't find it in the app list under the actual settings either. When I open it, it just leads me to a bunch of ads for cleaning services. I'm worried that whatever this is could transfer over if I back up their data. Should I just wipe the phone clean? Any suggestions would really help!
3 Answers
I think a factory reset might be the way to go. Just make sure they back up everything they want to keep. After the reset, consider setting up AdGuard DNS to help prevent this from happening again.
Backing up their important photos and doing a factory reset is the safest bet. It might be the easiest way to get rid of these pesky ads for good.
It sounds like they might have downloaded a harmful launcher. I helped someone with a similar issue after they installed a fake keyboard app that was actually adware. Try accessing the Default Home app in the Android settings; make sure it's set to the Samsung launcher. Once you do that, you might be able to uninstall the bad one.
I found the real issue! It was a fake messenger app disguised with the real logo. After I deleted it, the home app returned, and the "Home Settings" app disappeared!
Wow, that could be it! I don't see a lot of options under Themes and Lock Screen. If all else fails, maybe a factory reset is still the way.