Welcome to the topic “Why is my android phone downloading apps by itself?”
In android operating systems, Google Play Store is the hub of all the applications. Whenever you click on it, it sweeps you away to a vast multitude of applications of varying categories; be it gaming, social or business. In addition to apps, users are also bombarded with countless other software and malware such as adware and spyware. Many users have observed that a quick visit to the Play Store and browsing through applications results in the installment of random, unsolicited applications on their phones. Having such applications is harmful because it leads to breaches of user’s privacy and security. If you are stuck in the same predicament, fret not, because you are one of the many users who have been on the lookout for a solution to this problem.
Installing software applications without checking their authenticity makes your phone a target for unsolicited downloads of random apps. You may have noticed this problem recurring after installing a cracked version of a game on your phone in order to avoid paying for it. Installing free applications without first verifying their legitimacy may be a recipe for disaster. You may have used cracks to gain free access to some premium applications and games. You may have also observed that while browsing the internet on your Android phone or visiting any untrustworthy website, uninvited pop-ups appear on the screen and random programs begin installing on their own.
People often mistake this behavior for a virus but when they install any anti-virus to detect this problem, they are unable to find any. Sometimes, these apps weasel their way into your phone under the guise of a promotional service. Being unable to understand the cause for this activity can be quite frustrating and may have had you scratching your head in worry as you are left wondering ‘why is my android phone downloading apps by itself?’ The good news is that there are a few key fixes that can assist in preventing these unwanted applications from automatically being downloaded on your device.
Why is it a cause of concern?
Not only do these apps download automatically, but they also invite danger in the form of malware and viruses, which makes your device susceptible to corruption and theft. In general,, it puts the privacy of your data at risk and makes it insecure. Installation of unsolicited apps also leads to increased storage utilization, which may prevent you from downloading applications of your own choice.
Many websites run scripts that lead to automated app downloads on Android devices. Website owners profit from app downloads and installations, yet it is extremely inconvenient for smartphone users. Some well-known programs that get installed automatically on Android smartphones without permission and without the user’s knowledge include Cool browser, iLocker, gambling apps, Lucky try, Mobogame, and others. Below is the list of several methods that are quick and effective and will ensure the security of your phone.
- Remove installation from unknown sources
When you download an app from the Google Play Store, you have a reasonable expectation that it will not be harmful. And, for the most part, you’d be correct. People, on the other hand, are resourceful, and they’ve devised a slew of techniques for piggybacking their junk onto well-known programs. Some unfortunate user clicks and installs the software, believing it to be safe, but gets their phone infected instead.
There is a 3-step fix to this:
1. Open the ‘Settings’ app.
2. Select ‘Security.’
3. Locate ‘Unknown Sources.’ Tap the slider to the left to turn it OFF.
- Switch off automatic updates on Android
You might have to disable automatic updates to resolve the issue. While automatic updates are helpful, they might be inviting danger to your phone.
- Open PlayStore and go to Menu
- Go to Settings and then auto-updates
- Select the ‘do auto-update apps’
3. Restrict Background Data
Even if you aren’t actively using an app and it is running in the background, it is still utilizing data. It’s searching for fresh updates, pinging the server or displaying and in doing so, it is actively using your information. It is highly likely for all of this data to be hacked. And, with hundreds of programs operating in the background, someone with bad intent has numerous options. So it becomes vital to restrict background data and ensure your mobile phone’s privacy and security.
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Locate Data Usage or Data.
3. Restrict Background Data will be found here. To turn it off, uncheck the box or move the slider to the left. It’s possible that you’ll have to go to More, the three vertical dots, and choose it from the menu.
4. Log Out and Change Google Account Password
Your very own Google Account could be a culprit for experiencing this unwanted activity. Google Account allows you to use a variety of functions on your Android handset. This puts your account information at a constant danger of potentially having your account compromised because of the nature of third-party apps and applications themselves. If you’re a user who tends to visit suspicious websites often, there is a high likelihood of your account getting compromised.
It is recommended for you to log out of your account and change its password. Replace the older password with one that’s stronger, that makes use of numbers, capitalized letters and special characters.
5. Delete apps you don’t want
The majority of the applications you’ve installed may or may not be of much use. Some spam and adware programs have the ability to manage apps installed on your device, causing serious damage to your system. If you know which programs are causing the problems, you may try removing them. You may turn off automatic app updates and delete any apps you no longer use.
6. Install a Security app
There is no such thing as having your phone ‘too secure.’ In order to be extra prudent, you can download a Google Security App that can assist in warding off these random applications from being installed on your phone.
7. Switch off Android Push Notifications
The smartphone experience is incomplete without push notifications. Users have become accustomed to receiving push alerts in almost every app they use. Push notifications on Android are really helpful, but they also pose a risk. The trojans and other dangerous components can control and efficiently handle them. Turning off these push notifications can be beneficial in a variety of ways. The applications or trojans can’t be removed the traditional way. It is due to the fact that they provide active service.
- Go to Settings and then click on Application Manager.
- Locate the app named com.android.push.alarm
- Tap on Force Stop.
- Next, tap on Disable.
8. Revert your ROM and Flash
Different ROMS are also scapegoats for the installation of bad apps. However, you have a better chance of fixing the problem if you revert to STOCK ROM. The stock rom is the most basic rom, and it protects you against spam and third-party apps that don’t have any credentials. To further secure your device, you may also flash your Android smartphone.
9. Disable automatic restore
Files and data are uploaded to your Google account when your device is synchronized to your account. In the unfortunate event of your phone either getting damaged, lost, or stolen, the data on your device can be retrieved using the Google account to which it was attached.
When you reinstall an app, you may use Automatic Restore to restore settings and data. That’s something you don’t want to happen. Paradoxically enough, that stored data just might be the source of the problem.
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Search and locate Backup & Reset.
3. Find Automatic Restore. Slide the slider to the left to switch it off.
10. Uninstall related apps
Locate apps that you installed with an APK as well as third-party apps.
- Tap and hold the app to move it
- Move it to Uninstall
Conclusion
The majority of harmful programs are downloaded from third-party sources. Apps that aren’t downloaded from the Google Play Store fall under this category. Instead, you must manually download the APK file and install the program. However, if you install programs this way, you’re more likely to install malware and invite danger to your device.
Many users continue to face this persistent problem and continue wondering ‘why is my android phone downloading by itself?’ In most situations, though, deactivating automatic program updates and unknown sources should suffice. However, in case it doesn’t, these solutions listed above will most definitely assist in fixing your problem and bid farewell to your worries. It is also imperative to be incredibly vigilant the next time you are installing an app. Try to be mindful of the websites you browse on the internet in order to steer clear of such activities. Additionally, opt for purchasing applications rather than installing their cracked versions as it increases the likelihood of your smartphone being infected and even worse, corrupted in some cases.
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