When I plug in my charger, Google or YouTube opens up with random website full of ads.

[Pgblock]

I am using Chrome as my browser, in case that's important. And I've tried numerous chargers, as a test, with no improvement.

Anyway, when I plug in my charger, Google or YouTube keep on opening on their own with random websites filled with ads. I've spent hours researching this problem and all of the solutions so far have not helped to solve this issue.

I keep seeing the below suggestion, which is confusing to me because my S22 doesn't have anything that says: Battery and device care. It only says Battery which leads to everything but the below options.

Settings > Battery and device care > Device protection > Scan phone

Please help as I'm trying to solve this without having to reset my phone. 

[arianwen27]

You might have adware on your phone. Some sketchy apps play ads on your phone when you plug it in.

It's not exactly a virus, it's an app you've installed and accidentally enabled. As to which one, that's tricky.

One thing to try is search "special access" in the settings menu. Then click "appear on top'. Any app here can display things on your screen. The adware app will probably be enabled

[Pgblock]

Thanks so much for your reply and suggestions! I have followed your instructions and at first, disabled about half of what was listed and when that didn't improve my results, I have now disabled everything - even stuff with the brand name of Samsung.

I'm still getting the same websites which have taken control of Chrome and alternate between opening a website filled with ads and showing random YT videos. It's very obvious, they have monetized ads on both platforms. Probably getting paid every time I charge my phone and/or test for successful deletion of the problem.

Any suggestions for a malware software that might help pinpoint what might be hiding? Or should I just bite the bullet and reset my phone?

[arianwen27]

I'm trying all I can to prevent you resetting your phone. That would fix it, but it'd also be a pain.

Can you send a screenshot of what it looks like?

[Pgblock]

Random results. This was a google news screen. I never use black backgrounds but this dude likes black. 😞

Caught this one as it was presenting one of about 5 sites it rotates through

[Pgblock]

[arianwen27]

I'm not really seeing anything that isn't normal. The chrome startup page just does that unless you turn it off.

The second image usually looks like that when you're on that website and click the bar. If you never visited that website, then that's suspicious

[qpannu]

Hi, I have the same exact problem and trying to find a solution. This is really annoying when a random site on chrome or YouTube start whenever I put my phone on charger. I have fold6 and it only happens when my battery is below 50% . If battery is above 50% then connecting a charger doesn't launch any site or video. 

[Pgblock]

Thank you! At least I know I'm not crazy! For me, it happens every single time regardless of how much battery I have!

[Pgblock]

The problem is: all apps are closed. As qpannu described, Chrome or YouTube launches on their own as soon as we plug in the charger. And yes, I have never visited that website. That's why I said it's a monetization game they got going on.