can someone help me uninstall Adware?

[Damon1707]

I am using a HTC 10 on Android Oreo with all updates installed. Starting a day or two ago, I've been getting ads when I unlock the screen. I haven't installed any new apps recently so not sure of the source, but nevertheless, it's here now.

I did the usual things already: scans with malwarebytes and lookout, looking through the installed apps for anything odd.

I have found what I think is the problem. There are two apps named phone. One is a picture of a phone in a rounded blue square, and this appears first when sorted alphabetically. The other has no background, and looks to be the default phone icon.

This leads me to believe the first is causing the adds. However, I cannot uninstall either, and have checked there are no admin privelages. The first also is set as the app to handle calls, like messages is set to handle SMS. I cannot change this setting over to the other phone app.

Does anyone know a way to find out for sure which app is the problem, and how I can resolve the issue. Preferably, without a hard reset. Thanks in advance.

 

[ashune]

Would you be able to post a list of installed apps or post a screenshot of all the apps in Settings > Apps? This could be helpful in identifying the app that shows ads. Be sure to block out any personal information.