How to remove "Mobile apps Group" adware from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Mobile apps Group"?
Mobile apps Group is an adware family targeting Android operating systems. The name is based on the developer account on Google Play - from which the adware-type apps originate. Said account has been noted for previous questionable/malicious activity and has over one million app downloads to its name.
At the time of writing, four applications belonging to this family were available on the Google Play Store; their titles being: "Bluetooth Auto Connect", "Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB", "Bluetooth App Sender", and "Mobile transfer: smart switch".
Mobile apps Group adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Applications that are part of the Mobile apps Group are not an exception. The malicious behavior typically begins 72 hours following installation. Apps from this group can either display intrusive ads in a new browser tab or cause redirects to various websites.
These adverts/sites are known to promote a wide variety of untrustworthy and harmful content. To elaborate, deceptive sites that promote phishing scams, fake virus warnings (e.g., "Your System Is Heavily Damaged", "Your Device Has Been Compromised", etc.), bogus update alerts (e.g., "Phone Update Recommended", "Cleaner Update", etc.), get-rich-quick schemes, hoax lotteries, and so forth.
Adware-promoted sites often offer unreliable, fraudulent, and malicious software, e.g., fake anti-viruses, browser hijackers, PUAs, trojans, ransomware, etc. - under the guise of essential or handy tools.
Furthermore, any legitimate products/services encountered via adware are most likely promoted by scammers seeking to acquire commissions fraudulently through the abuse of affiliate programs.
The activity of the Mobile apps Group applications is not limited to user activity; these apps can open websites even when the device is locked. New browser tabs are usually opened at two-hour intervals.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software often has data-tracking functionalities. It is not unlikely that they could be incorporated into the Mobile apps Group applications at some point. Adware tends to target browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), credit card numbers, and other sensitive information.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software on browsers/systems can result in malware infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
If you suspect that your Android device is infected with Mobile apps Group adware or other harmful software, we strongly recommend using an anti-virus to remove all threats without delay.
| Name | Ads by Mobile apps Group |
| Threat Type | Android adware, adware, advertising-supported software, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly, browsers redirect to questionable websites, intrusive advertisements are delivered. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity (malicious apps might abuse communication apps). |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Android adware examples
Clicker and HiddenAds are a couple examples of Android-specific software with adware functionalities. Apps within this classification are typically presented as legitimate, useful, and advantageous. This software lures users into download/installation with promises of various features, which are rarely operational.
How did Mobile apps Group install on my device?
At the time of research, the four applications (i.e., "Bluetooth Auto Connect", "Mobile transfer: smart switch", "Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB", and "Bluetooth App Sender") belonging to Mobile apps Group were available on the Google Play Store.
It must be stressed that this legitimate download platform is not associated with the Mobile apps Group. Malicious software developers often abuse genuine download channels to proliferate their creations. Although review teams may be swift in taking malicious applications down - this abuse is worthwhile since users are more likely to trust a legitimate platform and download content without due diligence.
It is noteworthy that the Mobile apps Group applications have user reviews that detail their malicious behavior. And interestingly enough, some reviews have developer responses offering aid with the unwanted ads - in an obvious attempt to cover the fact that the reviewed app operates as adware.
However, it is possible that the Mobile apps Group applications are proliferated using other techniques as well. Popular distribution methods for such software include: online scams, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), bundled installers, fake updaters, spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.
How to avoid installation of adware and other harmful software?
We highly recommend researching software prior to download/installation and/or purchases, e.g., by reading terms and user/expert reviews, checking out the necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels.
We advise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears ordinary and harmless. Another recommendation is to be careful with incoming mail. The attachments and links found in suspicious/irrelevant emails or other messages - must not be opened since that may result in a system infection.
It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats and issues.
Appearance of apps belonging to the Mobile apps Group family:
Quick menu:
- Introduction
- How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
- How to reset the Chrome web browser?
- How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
- How to reset the Firefox web browser?
- How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
- How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
- How to check the battery usage of various applications?
- How to check the data usage of various applications?
- How to install the latest software updates?
- How to reset the system to its default state?
- How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?
Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".
Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.
Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).
Reset the Chrome web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".
Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:
Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".
In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".
Reset the Firefox web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".
Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":
The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").
Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.
Check the battery usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.
Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.
Check the data usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.
If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.
Install the latest software updates:
Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.
Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.
Reset the system to its default state:
Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.
You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;
Disable applications that have administrator privileges:
If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".
Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software promotes dangerous content that can cause severe issues, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The primary functionalities of this software include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, apps, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
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