Automatic Installed Apps and Games

[Brhea]

I am extremely tired of a certain system app that installsz mainly games, on its own. I cannot find out what app it is and how to stop it. I heard about the major invasion of privacy with AppCloud, but I have not found that app on my phone. I have been a loyal Samsung customer for over a decade, but this invasion of privacy is a step to far. How can I disable any app that is installing apps on its own? I'm so tired of these invasions or privacy that I'm ready to go to a cheap flip phone. 

[LongHiker]

@Brhea This app is installed by your carrier and they are the one that is pushing these games to your phone. . You should check your carrier configurations to see if you can disable it or opt out. 

[realaud]

If you are getting games installed automatically, that's your carrier doing it.  You must have a carrier phone.

[CEParsons]

Did you purchase your phone from a carrier store?

Samsung does not auto-install apps/games on your device. If this is happening (Assuming you don't have some malicious software that is doing this) it is your carrier bundling apps into updates because they are paid to do so.

It is recommended that you buy phones unlocked direct from the manufacturer to avoid the inclusion of bloatware on your phone.

[Brhea]

The notification comes from the Gaming Hub app after every system upgrade. If I click on the notification, it will start installing games. It's not a Verizon app that gives me the notification and starts installing, it's the gaming hub app. If it's Verizon then I would pursue them.

[LongHiker]

@Brhea I buy unlocked devices directly from Samsung. In the many years and multiple devices, I have never had unwanted games or apps installed by a Samsung update. 

[realaud]

Carriers install the games. Period.  If you have a carrier phone, you agreed to those terms as part of the contract of service that allowed you to purchase a heavily discounted or free phone.  You can't go after Verizon for it, they will just show you your contract.  The games are easily uninstallable if you don't want them.  While the gaming hub is part of the Android system, that is where the games are installed by your carrier and where they will be installed if you download games you actually want. That's why you are notified by the gaming hub of new installations.  Once again, it is your carrier that is installing the games.

[meself]

Device manager i think is cause

[Brhea]

I have found that the app was in fact the infamous AppCloud app that I am speaking about. I cannot find it on my phone, but the screenshots online I found about this invasive app, it is AppCloud. Now the question did Samsung delete this app because it was making people angry? Or is it hidden on my phone so I can't delete it? Shame on Samsung for allowing an app like AppCoud on my personal phone I purchased with my own money. These privacy violations are getting to a boiling point with so many people. I will keep trying to figure this out. If anyone knows the current status of the AppCloud app, please let me know.

[realaud]

That app, as stated before, is put there by your carrier.  Samsung DOES NOT download games, your carrier does if you have a carrier device.  The app is hidden by the CARRIER.  Once again, in case you didn't hear me the first time, it's the price you pay for the discounted device you purchased through your carrier.  It is part of the contract you signed when you purchased the phone.  Your carrier is allowed to install games and other apps.  They get paid by the app developers for this. Do you think your phone was discounted because your carrier is just altruistic?  

If you have a factory unlocked phone, you do not get these unwanted installations, unless you downloaded some replicating malware. Once again, NOT SAMSUNG's doing.