What to do when Samsung Galaxy device appears to slow down, freeze, or display ads after installing third-party apps
If your Galaxy device appears to become slow, freeze, or show unwanted ads after installing third-party apps, check for suspicious or unauthorized apps. Certain apps may display fake alerts like "Your phone is slow" or "Battery is draining fast" to trick you into downloading more apps. If your device becomes slow or shows unwanted ads after installing third-party apps, check for suspicious apps and avoid installing unknown sources in the future.
Note: Menu names, settings, and screen layouts may vary depending on the model and software version.
Without installing additional apps, you can use Device care to free up storage, close background apps, check unusual battery usage, and scan for malware. This feature keeps your Galaxy device safe and optimized.
If you suspect a malicious app, use Device care to scan your phone for threats. It automatically detects harmful behaviour and allows you to remove risky apps immediately.
Handle malicious apps through Device care notification
Device care automatically scans for malicious apps and limits them by switching them to deep sleep mode. Refer to the instructions below.
When the notification appears during this period, you can delete the detected apps immediately.
Step 1. Tap Device care notification.
Step 2. View Apps to review and tap Uninstall.
Step 3. Tap OK.
Note: The notification may vary depending on the Android version on your Galaxy device.
Check malicious apps in deep sleep mode
If a Device care notification was dismissed, you can manually check apps that have been placed into Deep sleeping apps.
Step 1. Tap Settings > Select Device care.
Step 2. Tap Battery.
Step 3. Tap Background usage limits.
Step 4. View Deep sleeping apps.
Run app security diagnosis
You can diagnose apps through Device care and remove apps identified as security risks.
Step 1. Tap Settings > Select Device care.
Step 2. Tap Diagnostics.
Step 3. Tap App safety diagnostics.
Step 4. View Apps to review and tap Uninstall.
Step 5. Tap Uninstall.
Note:
- Malicious apps can be viewed only after Device care has put them into deep sleep mode.
- For accurate diagnosis, connect to Wi-Fi and restart your device before running the scan.
If your Galaxy device still displays ads or operates abnormally without any Device care alert, remove unused or suspicious apps manually.
Step 1. Tap Settings > Select Apps.
Step 2. Select the app.
Step 3. Tap the Uninstall button.
The Auto Blocker feature can help protect your Galaxy device from security risks, suspicious activities, and privacy threats. When turned on, it blocks apps downloaded from unverified sources outside the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store.
Step 1. Tap Settings > Select Security and privacy.
Step 2. Turn on Auto Blocker.
Note: Refer to this article to learn more about the Auto Blocker feature.
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