Do you see lots of annoying pop-up ads on your computer or phone? Does your device feel slow? You might have adware. Don’t worry! I’ll explain what adware is, how it gets on your device, and how to stop it. Let’s keep this super simple and easy to understand.

What Is Adware?

Adware is a program that puts ads on your device without you knowing. You don’t ask for it, but it shows up anyway. These ads can be pop-ups, banners, or even videos. They slow down your device and can cause problems. Some ads are harmless, but the way adware sneaks in is not okay. The good news? You can stop it with antivirus software. Let’s learn more!

How Does Adware Get on Your Device?

Adware spreads in two main ways. First, you might download a free app or game that has adware hidden inside. These free apps are called freeware or shareware. You think you’re getting something fun, but adware comes with it. Second, you might visit a bad website. If your browser has a weak spot, the website can secretly download adware onto your device. This is called a drive-by download. Sneaky, right?

What Does Adware Do?

Adware forces you to see ads. It makes money for the person who created it. How? When you see or click an ad, the adware creator gets paid. For example, adware can add a secret code to every webpage you visit. When you click anywhere on the page, a new ad pops up. This counts as a click, and the creator earns money.

Is Adware a Virus?

Many people think adware is a virus. That’s not true. Adware is not a virus or malware. It’s called a PUP, which means “potentially unwanted program.” It’s not as dangerous as a virus, but it’s still a problem. Antivirus software looks for viruses first, so adware can sneak by. Some antivirus programs even let you ignore PUPs. This makes adware extra tricky.

Types of Adware

Not all adware is the same. Let me discuss its types below:

• Legitimate Adware: These are normal ads online that don’t have malware. They’re just annoying.
• PUPs: These are programs you didn’t ask for. They sneak onto your device.
• Browser Hijackers: These change your browser settings, like your homepage, without you knowing.
• Device-Specific Adware: Adware looks different on different devices. For example, adware on a Mac is not the same as adware on a Windows computer.

Signs You Have Adware in your device

How do you know if adware is on your device? Look for these signs:

• Your computer or browser is very slow. Adware uses a lot of memory.
• You see too many pop-up ads, even on websites that don’t have ads.
• Your browser crashes or freezes because of too many ads.
• Your browser’s homepage changes, and you didn’t change it.
• You see ads in weird places, like on a website that never has ads.
• You find new apps, extensions, or toolbars on your device that you didn’t add.

If you see a few of these signs, you might have adware.

How to Prevent Adware in your device?

You can stop adware before it gets on your device. Here’s how:

• Use antivirus software. It catches adware and stops it. Good ones are TotalAV, Surfshark, and Norton.
• Update your device. Updates fix weak spots that adware uses.
• Download apps only from safe places, like the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Don’t click on pop-up ads. They might have more adware.
• Watch out for phishing. Some emails or links look real but are fake. Check them with a tool like Google’s Transparency Report.

How to Remove Adware from your device?

If adware gets on your device, you can remove it. Here’s how to do it on different devices and browsers.

Safari (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

• Update your device to the latest version.
• Restart your device. It might remove the adware.
• Check your Applications folder. Delete any apps you don’t know.
• Look at Safari’s Extensions tab. Turn off any strange extensions.
• If you still see adware, call Apple at 1-800-275-2273.

Chrome (Android)

• Turn off your device and start it in Safe Mode.
• Go to the Google Play Store.
• Tap Menu, then My Apps & Games.
• Find new apps you don’t want and tap Uninstall.
• Restart your device.
• Check if the adware is gone.
• Turn on Play Protect in the Google Play Store to scan for threats.

Chrome (Windows)

• Open Chrome.
• Click More, then Settings.
• Click Advanced, then Reset and Clean Up.
• Click Clean Up Computer, then Find.
• If it finds adware, click Remove.
• Restart your computer.
• Reset settings again if needed.

Chrome (Mac, Chromebook, Linux)

• Open Finder on your Mac.
• Click Applications.
• Find strange programs and drag them to the Trash.
• Empty the Trash.
• In Chrome, click More, then Settings.
• Click Advanced, then Restore Settings to Their Original Defaults.
• Click Reset Settings.

Chrome (iPhone, iPad)

• Open Chrome.
• Click More, then Settings.
• Click Content Settings, then Block Pop-Ups.
• Turn on Block Pop-Ups.

Internet Explorer (Windows)

• Update your Windows to the latest version.
• Use the Microsoft Safety Scanner to remove threats.
• If it doesn’t work, send a sample to the Microsoft Malware Protection Center.

Firefox (All Devices)

• Open Firefox.
• Click the menu button, then the question mark.
• Click Troubleshoot Information.
• Click Reset Firefox.
• To remove a bad toolbar, go to Menu, then Add-Ons, then Extensions.
• Find the toolbar, click Remove, and restart Firefox.

Final Thoughts

Adware is sneaky and annoying, but you can stop it. Use antivirus software, update your device, and be careful what you click. If adware gets on your device, remove it with the steps I shared. Keep your device safe and enjoy a faster, cleaner experience online!