How to Stop Popup Messages in Android

Popup messages on Android can be disruptive, whether they come from your SIM card or appear while browsing websites.

This article explains both types of popups, why they appear, and how to stop them using device and browser-level settings.

What Are Popup Messages on Android?

Popup messages on Android are on-screen alerts that appear over your current activity, requiring manual dismissal to continue using the device.

These messages fall into two main categories:

• SIM-based Popups: Triggered by the SIM Toolkit, these include Flash messages, USSD alerts, and network-level notifications sent by telecom providers.
• Browser-based Popups: These are triggered by websites, especially while browsing in apps like Google Chrome, and may include promotional redirects or site notification prompts.

Unlike regular app notifications, popup messages from SIM services or browsers are intrusive and can interrupt usage unexpectedly.

Why Do Popup Messages Appear on Android?

Popup messages appear for different reasons based on their source:

For SIM-based messages:

• Display balance updates after calls or recharges
• Push promotional offers, alerts, or location-based services
• Notify about data usage, service activations, or network announcements
• Delivered through the SIM Toolkit (STK), making them immune to Android’s native notification controls

For browser-based popups (e.g., in Google Chrome):

• Triggered by websites asking for notification permission
• Caused by redirects, advertisements, or malicious scripts
• Can often be blocked through browser settings

Since these popups originate outside the Android notification system, users must disable them via SIM Toolkit settings or browser controls, depending on the source.

How to Stop BSNL Popup Messages on Android

To disable BSNL’s flash messages or SIM popups, follow these steps using your phone’s built-in SIM Toolkit:

1. Open the SIM Toolkit app: It will be labeled as BSNL Services or SIM Toolkit in your app drawer.
2. Navigate to BSNL Buzz or Flash Services: Tap through menu options like BSNL Services > BSNL Buzz (name may vary by device/SIM).
3. Turn Off Flash Messages: Select options like Flash > Activation > Deactivate, or simply choose Stop or Disable.
4. Restart your phone: This helps apply changes and prevent further popups.

If your device doesn’t show a visible SIM Toolkit app, check Settings > Apps > Show System Apps and look for SIM-related services.

How to Stop Flash Messages/Popup Messages from Other Providers

Most telecom providers allow users to disable flash messages through the SIM Toolkit app, which comes pre-installed with your SIM card.

Follow these general steps to stop popup messages:

1. Open the SIM Toolkit app. This app is usually named after your mobile carrier or listed simply as SIM Toolkit.
2. Look for menu options like Flash, Promotions, Service Alerts, etc.
3. Choose Deactivation or Stop: Select options such as Deactivate, Stop, or Disable to turn off flash messages.
4. Exit the app and restart your phone. Restarting helps apply the new settings and stops further popups.

How to Stop Popups Notifications in Google Chrome on Android

If you’re receiving pop-ups while browsing, these steps will help disable them:

1. Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap Site settings.
4. Select Pop-ups and redirects.
5. Toggle the switch to Block pop-ups.

This prevents websites from opening unwanted pop-ups or redirecting you without permission while using Chrome.

Best Practices to Prevent Unwanted Popups on Android

Popup control isn’t always one-time. To reduce disruptions, follow these practices:

• Block popups in Chrome via Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects > Block.
• Turn off site notifications under Chrome’s Site settings > Notifications.
• Disable flash messages using the SIM Toolkit app.
• Check SIM settings after system or carrier updates.
• Avoid value-added services that auto-enable popups.
• Use Do Not Disturb mode to reduce general interruptions.
• Contact your carrier if SIM popups continue despite deactivation.

Talk to an Expert

Conclusion

Popup messages on Android, especially from BSNL and other telecom providers, can disrupt the user experience and cause unnecessary distractions. Disabling flash services from the SIM Toolkit and reviewing network-level settings remain the most effective solutions.

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