To get rid of pop up ads on your tablet, you need to address three main causes: browser settings, website notifications, and adware from malicious apps. The fixes below will solve each of these problems, restoring a clean browsing experience.
Block pop-ups in your tablet's browser settings
The most direct way to stop pop-ups is to enable your browser's built-in blocker. This prevents most ad windows from opening in the first place, giving you a hassle-free browsing session without interruptions.
- Safari on iPad: Go to Settings > Safari and toggle "Block Pop-ups" to the ON position.
- Chrome on Android: Open the Chrome app, tap the three vertical dots (More options) > Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and toggle the setting OFF.
- Samsung Internet on Galaxy tablets: Open the Samsung Internet app, tap Menu (three horizontal lines) > Settings > Privacy dashboard, and turn on the switch next to "Block pop-ups."
Stop website notifications that look like pop-ups
Many persistent "system alert" style pop-ups are actually website notifications you accidentally allowed. Revoking these permissions stops them from appearing, eliminating deceptive alerts that mimic system warnings.
- Open Chrome on your Android tablet and navigate to the problematic site.
- Tap the Page info icon (a lock or 'i' symbol) in the address bar.
- Tap Permissions > Notifications, and turn "Show notifications" off.
Remove adware and malicious apps causing pop-ups
If pop-ups appear even when no browser is open, a malicious app is likely the cause. Removing it requires booting into Safe Mode, which disables third-party apps so you can identify and uninstall the culprit. This stops pop-ups that originate from installed software rather than websites.
- Reboot your Android tablet in Safe Mode (usually by long-pressing the power button, then holding "Power off").
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications (or Apps) and uninstall any unfamiliar, suspicious, or recently downloaded applications.
- Ensure Google Play Protect is active: open the Google Play Store app, tap your Profile picture or Initial > Play Protect > Settings, and turn "Scan apps with Play Protect" on.
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Clearing browsing data removes stored redirect triggers that can cause pop-ups to appear on familiar sites. This is a quick cleanup step to ensure no lingering scripts cause new pop-ups after you've blocked them.
- Open your browser's settings.
- Find the option to clear cache and cookies (often under Privacy or Storage).
- Confirm the action and restart the browser.
Keep your tablet and apps updated
System and app updates patch security holes that adware exploits to inject pop-ups. Installing these updates closes vulnerabilities before malicious code can use them.
On iPad, check for iPadOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update. On Android, go to Settings > System > System update. Also update all apps through the App Store or Google Play Store.
Avoid future pop-ups with safe browsing habits
Prevention is the best long-term solution. Avoid interacting with suspicious pop-up ads, especially those that claim your device is infected or offer prizes, as they may contain fake close buttons or lead to malicious sites. Instead, close the browser tab or window. Stick to official app stores for downloads, and consider using an ad-blocking app as an optional extra layer of protection.
