Self Installing Mario Apps

[RenoD2010]

Has any one else suddenly found the icons for games they didn't download on their home screen?

These apps appeared only on my home screen (could not find them in the app drawer or under applications in settings).

I did not try to open them but immediately removed them and then ran a scan with Lookout which revealed nothing. In almost three years with Android, I've never had something like this happen so I'm a wee bit bugged.

From my LG Optimus G E970

 

[adventure95004]

Can't help any but it just happened to me too!!
I went through all my game apps and deleted most that I don't use and any other type not used much, did a restart and nothing yet.
I was checking out some browser apps yesterday but had deleted them already so hopefully nothing is running on my phone in the background.
Going to check out Avast and see if it finds anything.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[RenoD2010]

I did a restart and one came back. Grrr. I read that this might be the result of an ad or clicking on an ad.

UPDATE: After a second restart they seem to be gone.

From my LG Optimus G E970

 

[Raymond Tan]

It's probably from an app you installed. Some apps have the permission to install other apps on your device. It's listed in the permissions when you install an app, but most people to not read them before accepting. Install "appbrain ad detector" to locate which app you installed is causing the problem. Once you uninstall the problem app your issue should not happen again. From then on Appbrain ad detector will also alert you when you install a new app that has questionable permissions.

 

[srkmagnus]

What Raymond said. Apps can install other apps if you are not watching the permissions. Be cautious as to what you download and read the play store reviews.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[RenoD2010]

It's probably from an app you installed. Some apps have the permission to install other apps on your device. It's listed in the permissions when you install an app, but most people to not read them before accepting. Install "appbrain ad detector" to locate which app you installed is causing the problem. Once you uninstall the problem app your issue should not happen again. From then on Appbrain ad detector will also alert you when you install a new app that has questionable permissions.

What Raymond said. Apps can install other apps if you are not watching the permissions. Be cautious as to what you download and read the play store reviews.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks guys. I am aware of what you are saying. My current list of apps are the same ones I had one my HTC Inspire for over two years (did a Carbon install from my SD to the new phone).
I don't install games or anything quirky. Just things like Cozi, banking apps, total snoozeville apps installed by thousands, millions of users.

In fact, Android Forums is the only app on this phone not on my old one. I might have hit a link on a webpage in my browser. I will still try App Brain though. I've used App Brain in the past.

Also, so far, the problem has not returned.

From my LG Optimus G E970

 

[RenoD2010]

Raymond Tan, srkmagnus,

You guys were right. I forgot I installed a calculator widget. Was the only thing capable of installing shortcuts on my home pages.

From my LG Optimus G E970