If you're an Android user, especially on a Samsung device, you may have noticed an app called AppCloud appear unexpectedly.
Many users have reported receiving unwanted notifications about “device customization” or random app installations, particularly following Android updates.
This app downloads recommended apps and games without the user's permission, raising concerns that it is adware or bloatware.
What is AppCloud?
AppCloud is a service provided by Samsung via Android updates. It usually appears following a system update, with notifications encouraging users to “complete device setup.
The app suggests a variety of games and applications, many of which are pre-installed.
For example, some users have reported that popular apps such as Monopoly Go, Pinterest, and MoneyGram are pre-selected for installation.
While AppCloud advertises itself as a tool for recommending apps to users, many have criticized it for acting like adware, installing unwanted apps without user consent.
AppCloud appears to impact users based on their location and device model. It is most commonly seen on high-end Samsung phones such as the S22, S23, and S24, as well as Flip series devices.
According to user feedback, AppCloud is intrusive. The app gives users little control over what it installs, and it reappear despite attempts to disable it.
Worse, AppCloud is sometimes hidden in system apps, making it difficult to find and uninstall. Users also report that the app reappears after each system update, making it seem like a constant nuisance.
Samsung has defended AppCloud, claiming that it provides useful app suggestions.
According to the company, users can deselect unwanted apps or turn off AppCloud completely.
However, this has not satisfied users who believe Samsung is installing unwanted apps on their devices under the guise of system updates.
Is AppCloud malware?
Some users make a bolder claim, alleging that AppCloud is a multi-purpose backdoor for bloatware and marketing apps orchestrated by Samsung and its partners.
According to multiple reports, AppCloud was created by the Israeli software company ironSource, which works with Samsung to pre-install apps on Samsung devices.
Some believe this may involve data collection, but Samsung has not confirmed this directly.
A user highlighted the app's connection to Israeli, claiming that ironSource, headquartered in Tel Aviv, collaborates with T-Online in Europe to replace AppCloud with a similar service known as App Selector.
App Selector is said to work in the same way, forcing unwanted apps onto devices via persistent notifications that are difficult to disable.
According to one user, “AppCloud is essentially a backdoor for bloatware that cannot be disabled permanently.”
Users report feeling as if their device has been taken over. The constant pop-ups, pre-installed apps, and difficulty in removing the app have led many to believe that AppCloud is adware.
It reappears after system updates, ignores user preferences, and is difficult to uninstall. One user commented, “It just appears to function as adware on my phone.” It wouldn't let you select which apps to activate, and the notification simply sat there.”
How to Uninstall AppCloud
While you can't completely uninstall AppCloud, you can disable it and prevent it from running in the background. Follow these simple steps to minimize its effects.
Disable AppCloud
Here's a simple guide on how to disable the unwanted AppCloud application on your phone:
1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. Look for AppCloud in the list of apps. If it’s not visible, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose Show system apps to find it.
4. Once you’ve found AppCloud, tap it, and then tap Disable to stop it from running.
Stop background data usage
You may notice that AppCloud is accounting for a significant portion of your internet/data usage. If this is the case, we must completely prevent it from doing so.
1. While still in AppCloud's settings, tap Force Stop to immediately stop any current activity.
2. Go back to Settings > Apps, then find and select Galaxy Store.
3. Tap Mobile Data and turn off Allow background data usage to prevent AppCloud or similar apps from using data in the background.
Block installations from AppCloud
As previously stated, AppCloud offers a “weekly game for you” that will be automatically installed on your phone. Here's how to prevent that from happening.
1. Return to AppCloud in your app settings.
2. Depending on your OS version, you should see an option that says Install unknown apps and toggle off Allow from this source. (This stops AppCloud from installing apps without your permission.)
3. In the same menu, tap Notifications and turn off all notifications to stop unwanted alerts and app recommendations.
Can You Fully Uninstall AppCloud?
Unfortunately, uninstalling AppCloud completely requires rooting your device or using third-party tools, both of which may void your warranty or cause other problems.
Samsung designed AppCloud to be a part of the system, so it reappears after updates.
For the time being, it appears that AppCloud will remain a part of the Samsung ecosystem, particularly for users in certain regions or on specific devices.
While Samsung continues to promote AppCloud as a useful feature, users who want more control over what is installed on their phones may need to regularly disable it until Samsung changes its policies.