How do you stop ads from downloading junk?

[Jax Mac]

So obviously when you download free apps and games they come loaded with advertising from the internet. However using ES File explorer I noticed that apps are downloading files that allow offline advertising and targeted advertising even when you turn them off in your settings. They can also make a 100mb app turn into a 400mb app taking up lots of storage. How do I prevent apps from downloading this junk? I already know I can use apps like Avast cleanup to remove the junk, but once I get a internet connection again the apps just redownload them again.

 

[Jax Mac]

Video of ads

I have a screen recording of it, it seems that the apps even download video ads.

 

[Mooncatt]

This is common and works like a browser cache. The ads are stored on your phone to play as requested by the app without wasting bandwidth from repeated downloads.

 

[B. Diddy]

I moved this from the Android Apps forum to the General Help forum since the former is intended for developers to promote their apps.

I agree with Mooncatt. In addition, I would also recommend against using ES File Explorer, since its owner DO Global is notorious for cramming adware into its apps nd committing ad fraud: https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/...lay-store-possibly-part-of-do-global-scandal/. If you want a good free file manager app, try Files by Google, or Total Commander.

 

[riyapatel]

Ads cause a lot of unwanted clicks within applications and can even lead to viruses. This option works provided your phone is rooted (Run applications as a super user).

Adaway is a creative application that periodically downloads a list of advertisement host URLs. This causes the embedded advertisement to black out or completely disappear from all possible applications trying to reach it. This app installs into the ROM and pushes updates into it.

I have been using this application and I'm happy about it. Hope it solves your problem. Cheers.

 

[hallux]

This option works provided your phone is rooted

The key sentence in your post. Most people, especially those that will fall to these nefarious apps that cause ad pop-ups, are not going to be rooted nor would they have any business attempting it.