unwanted pop-ups on the screen, annoying and disturbing

[nkdas5544]

Hi,
My phone got hacked as far as my intuition goes! I bought a new Moto G4 Plus with Android Marshallow release. A month later, I was trying to install an app from Android app store - "Tube Mate" it is for downloading youtube videos. While installing it installed another app also which name I don't remember. There was message like app wants to be phone administrator. Following this, I am getting pop-up in middle of my screen for every few secs. Pop-ups are all advertisement like download Amazon App, Uber App type. While texting, looking at phone book, in the middle of the screen the pop-up appears. How come google allows these 3rd party people to post app in play store without screening? Now I even could not find "TubeMate" app to un-install. I reported "TubeMate" as spam and after another day has gone, they got re-listed in Play Store. That is pathetic management of google play store.

 

[belodion]

Welcome.

I cannot find an app called Tube Mate in the Play Store. Could you give more info?

 

[mru007]

The app Tube Mate is no longer available on Play Store now. Google removed it few years back. I have also installed Tube Mate on my Note 4 but this is only possible via another apk source, not via Play Store. And while installing such apps, we need to be careful not to accidentally click on any prompt during the installation process. This will install another rogue app, like in your case.
Check via Application Manager which rogue app is installed on your phone & then uninstall it.
To check which apps are using Admin access, go to security & check the same. Revoke the access for these rogue apps / app.
I am using Tube Mate since long time now & don't see any problem with the app. It also gets updated every month.

 

[B. Diddy]

The reason why TubeMate is not available from the Play Store is that it violates the YouTube terms of service. And as you point out, installing apps from unapproved sources is always riskier, because those sources aren't vetted for malware.