How to see which app created shortcuts on my home screen?

Ask Question

Asked 8 years, 6 months ago

Modified 8 years, 6 months ago

Viewed 160 times

I have a Samsung S7, and lately some apps or virus started to create shortcuts to ads on my homescreen that look like app icons. I removed a lot of new apps but the phenomenon sticks. Usually the thug app creates shortcuts during the mid-night when I am asleep. I like to find how exactly which app is doing this. Thanks.

edited Jun 9, 2016 at 12:25

asked Jun 9, 2016 at 10:56

Aero Windwalker

1,0848 gold badges16 silver badges27 bronze badges

Have you already checked one of the many related questions: Android Automatically Adds Shortcuts To Home Screen / “Lucky try” & “Recommended” shortcuts always appear on homescreen, how to remove it? / How to Block Third Party Apps from Creative Spam Shortcuts on Home Screen? / Who is creating icons?
– Izzy
Commented Jun 9, 2016 at 12:28
@Izzy "Who is creating icons?" seems to be the same question, unfortunately no one came up with an answer yet. I assume it might not be possible. I am looking into the launcher.db as we speak at this moment.
– Aero Windwalker
Commented Jun 9, 2016 at 12:53
Let me give you some additional pointers. I've already pointed to the question, but check this specific answer on “Lucky try” & “Recommended” shortcuts always appear on homescreen, how to remove it?, and a related one on How to find installed apps which are using SMS feature. Your candidate requires the INSTALL_SHORTCUT permission. With that in mind, procedure is the same.
– Izzy
Commented Jun 9, 2016 at 12:59
@izzy is it possible that what is creating the shortcuts is a virus and doesn't show up on the application list? I already removed all the apps having the permission to INSTALL_SHORTCUT.
– Aero Windwalker
Commented Jun 9, 2016 at 13:44
A virus is very unlikely (as none exists for Android). But if some malware was able to acquire system privileges, yes: It might hide as well as not need specific permissions to do anything. And before you ask: in that case, a factory-reset won't help (as it doesn't touch system apps).
– Izzy
Commented Jun 9, 2016 at 13:47

| Show 3 more comments

Stack Exchange Network

How to see which app created shortcuts on my home screen?

0

You must log in to answer this question.

Browse other questions tagged
home-screen-shortcuts
.

Linked

Hot Network Questions

How to see which app created shortcuts on my home screen?

0

You must log in to answer this question.

Browse other questions tagged home-screen-shortcuts.

Linked

Related

Hot Network Questions

Browse other questions tagged
home-screen-shortcuts
.