Why Does My Phone Keep Opening Random Websites?

General Discussion
1

I’ve been having this really frustrating issue with my Android phone lately, and I’m hoping someone here might have some advice or solutions. It seems like out of nowhere, my browser just starts opening random websites without me tapping anything. This has been happening for a few days now, and it’s driving me nuts! Here’s a bit more detail:

Potential Causes:

  1. Malware or Adware: It’s possible that my phone got infected with some kind of malware or adware that’s causing these unwanted website openings.
  2. Browser Settings: Maybe I accidentally changed some settings in my browser, or there’s a rogue extension or plugin that I need to disable?
  3. Pop-up Ads: I sometimes get pop-ups, and I’m wondering if they could be linked to this issue.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

  • I’ve tried clearing my browser’s cache and cookies, hoping that would help.
  • I uninstalled a couple of apps that I downloaded recently, just in case one of them was shady.
  • I ran antivirus software, which didn’t find anything suspicious—but I’m not sure if it’s effective enough.

Questions:

  • Has anyone else experienced this issue? If so, what did you do to fix it?
  • Are there any specific apps or tools you would recommend for scanning my device more thoroughly?
  • Any tips on how to secure my phone better after this incident?

I’d appreciate any help or advice you can share, as I’d really like to regain control over my device and stop these random sites from popping up. Thanks in advance for your support!

2

I had a similar issue recently! It turned out to be adware that had slipped in when I downloaded a third-party app. Make sure to scan your phone regularly!

3

That’s interesting, I never thought about third-party apps. How do you scan for adware effectively?

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4

You can use apps like Malwarebytes or Norton Mobile Security. They can help identify and remove any malware or adware on your phone.

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5

I’ve heard about those! Are they free to use, or do you need to pay for full features?

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6

Most offer free versions with basic scans, but premium versions come with more features like real-time protection. Worth considering!

7

I can confirm that malware can cause random website openings, but sometimes it’s just a glitch! Restarting the phone can help.

8

That’s a good point! Has anyone else tried that? Did it work?

9

I tried restarting, but the ads kept showing up. Definitely think I need to check for malware next!

10

Did you look into your browser settings? Sometimes, a problematic homepage or an unwanted extension could be the culprit too.

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11

Good idea! I had an unwanted extension that kept redirecting me. Cleaning up browser settings can make a huge difference!

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12

True! I tend to ignore my browser settings. Thanks for the reminder!

13

If you’re still having trouble, resetting your network settings might help too. It clears out any weird connections.

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14

I had to do that once, and it worked like a charm! Worth a try for sure!

15

Also, don’t forget to check your app permissions! Sometimes apps request more access than they need, leading to issues.

16

Super helpful advice! I really need to go through mine again.

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17

It may be due to your browser settings. If you have certain permissions enabled, websites can open on their own. I suggest checking your browser’s pop-up settings and disabling any that allow websites to open links automatically.

18

You can also clear your cache and cookies! Sometimes they can cause glitches that lead to those random website openings.

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19

I had this happen to me too! It turned out my browser permissions were too lenient. I went into settings and tightened them up. Once I did that, the issue stopped. Definitely worth a try!

20

That’s a great tip! If you’re using Chrome, you can also reset settings to default. That usually helps fix weird issues like this.

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