Why are ads on my lock screen?

Person holding Note 10 with an Ad on the lock screen

If you see ads on your Lock screen, it is caused by either a third-party app that was installed, or the Samsung Global Goals app. While the Google Play Store allows apps to display ads, they must be displayed only within the app in compliance with the Google Play policy. The Samsung Global Goals app may display ads on your lock screen, but only if you've enabled it.

Determine the source

Timing is very important. If the ads have only recently started appearing, it is likely due to an app you have either recently downloaded or updated.

If you are not sure where to begin, this issue most commonly occurs with flashlight, battery, or charging optimization apps. Try uninstalling or disabling them in order to see if the ads are removed.

The safest way to get rid of these apps is to go through Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, your phone won't run any third-party apps which makes it easy to identify and remove the app that is causing the problem.

Note: If you are using Samsung Global Goals, it may be the cause. You can disable the lock screen ads through the app's settings.

Last used apps in the Play Store

The app must be active in order to show ads. Another method of narrowing down the possibilities is by checking your recently used apps in the Play Store.

Navigate to and the open the Play Store. Tap Menu (three lines), and then tap My apps & games. Tap the Installed tab, tap Sort by (reverse staircase), and then tap Last Used.

Last used apps selected in Play Store

Report ads to Google

Note: Google Play policy requires that it is clear to the user which app is displaying the ad.

Not all apps that display these kinds of ads are malicious. Still, we recommend taking extra precaution for your phone with apps that display ads on the Home screen or Lock screen. 

If you believe an app is showing ads in violation of Google Play policy, you can report it to Google.

Navigate to and open the Play Store. Search for and select the app in question. Tap More options, and then tap Flag as inappropriate. Choose the appropriate reason(s), and then tap SUBMIT.

Flag app from the Google Play Store as inappropriate

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