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Software update installs games

I am SO SICK of getting the runaround from Verizon about this issue - I have called, I have texted, and every time they say it's fixed but it isn't!

EVERY SINGLE SOFTWARE UPDATE FROM VERIZON INSTALLS **UNWANTED** & **UNAUTHORIZED** GAME APPS!

Why, Verizon?! Why can't you fix this? Why do I see SO MANY complaints about this that are all unresolved? Do NOT tell us to just delete them after the software update - that is NOT the solution. YOU fix the software updates so that YOU stop letting apps get installed.

Maybe it's time to switch carriers. Verizon clearly doesn't care about fixing it, and no two agents have the same solution. It's obvious you're not listening to all of these complaints and security concerns.

Comments

Katsandcardsfan

I agree. Asks to install a security update then they throw 4 games in there. Unacceptable.

jason2042

Agree 110%! The 10/21/2023 security update (S918USQS1AWIF) installed 3-4 unwanted and unauthorized games to my Samsung S23U device. Why these bloatware games are included in purported 'important security updates for your device' as the update notification states is beyond me.

Makes you wonder how 'important' this security update was if you felt it necessary to cram 4 random/stupid games onto my device without my permission or awareness. This is one of the last straws on our intent to change providers as this type of behavior is completely unacceptable and downright shady

Verizon_Support

Hello! We are here to help with Software concerns. To better assist you, I'll be sending a Private Note, please reply to it, so we can get started.

~Maria

pawsaid

Getting tired of this. Expect to take this up with contact at Office of the Chairman at Verizon. Someone at Verizon should lose their job for stuffing this garbage on phones under the guise of a security update. Just about ready to switch carriers. Believe this is the 2nd security update in one month.

Piett

Bumping this thread in an effort to keep it current. Been getting idiotic game installs with 'security updates for awhile. Immediately uninstall them, only to have them reappear next update. Yesterday's 'security' update was no exception. 3 games which are obviously bloatware and pinterest (also bloatware). Now I can see if somethings installed that's relevant to security, but these are the exact opposite.

Fritzone99

Why are you hiding the solution when so many customers are upset by this illegal intrusion?

JQT

This Verizon response makes no sense. We all have the same question / concern. It is supposed to be a SECURITY UPDATE and we do not have an "opt out" option. "Games" are what I would expect an embedded virus or spyware to come in.

Additionally, my phone mobile data has stopped working since the last update.

My niece has TMobile and her security updates do not include games. Is that a solution?

Re: Software update installs games

Customer Service Rep

‎10-25-2023 10:29 AM

Hello! We are here to help with Software concerns. To better assist you, I'll be sending a Private Note, please reply to it, so we can get started.

~Maria

Verizon_Support

Hello, JQT. Help is still here. My apologies to learn that you data isn't working. Please tell me more. With Wi-Fi off, which signal indicator do you see on the phone, meaning, do you see LTE, 5G, or No Service?

-Natasha

zyxavan

This really upsets me. Had to uninstall 4 games after the update. Just stop this.

servanttony

I am appaled at this. Also that talking to Verizon customer service they outright denied that they did it.

I have paid a PREMIUM price to be a verizon customer because I have not had the same problem with verizon as my freinds have had with their carriers. If this continues it will make me switch carriers and save alot of money at the same time.

related side note: It did not help that I had to spend 15 minutes before their AI chatbot would let me chat with a human. Again unacceptable.

Cjk860

uninstalled 4 more games from the latest update. Frustrating.

Verizon_Support

We know the importance of managing your equipment, especially if you are encountering software issues. Verizon is here to help.

When did the problem start? What recent changes have you made? Who else is experiencing this issue? Aside from the games, any other issues?

~Gilbert

Emhawk49

Just did the forced update got 4 unwanted games. Last update was 5. ANNOYING VERIZON!!!!

Dolp4in

Same!! Every single update. So frustrating, ridiculous and a waste of our time. Verizon needs to fix it or they will be loading a lot of customers including all 5 lines of our's.

Jitsulyfe73

Because they are getting paid by those companies.

Put_down_your_phone

Has anyone gotten a useful reply to this topic? It's aggravating but no different from commercials on streaming media that you pay for, or cable tv.

marvelgs

How do prevent unwanted games from being installed during "security" updates ?

Quintocreations

Illegal????

Please don't make such serious claims. When you are obviously completely on the wrong end of knowing what you're talking about.

Quintocreations

Every other carrier does this as well.

Despite what others always say about their "'friend's, friend's, uncle's, cat who has a plan with blah blah and they don't.

The only way to get around this is to buy.What is called an unlocked phone.

I have a verizon phone and I'll be the first to admit it is a little annoying.

But you people are making mountains out of molehills, it's really not that big of a deal. There is no conspiracy here, and I'm surprised The thread hasn't turned into everybody saying they're being watched in this and that by Verizon. I just got an update this morning and had to uninstall 3 games from my phone. It took me all of about eight or nine seconds to do. And even then, I think my phone has a hundred and sixty gigabytes of space, an amount that I could never even come close to filling up even fifty percent full.

It really isn't the inconvenience that everybody hears making it out to be so secondly, it's not illegal, if you think it's illegal, then i'd really love to know how you got this far in life to even be able to accurately use a cellphone. Because I'll give you a hint, and I'm whispering, You signed a form that's stated this would happen periodically.

Don't blame verizon for your inability to understand or your failure to read what you sign.

envix777

I have six lines also and my brother has five others on his plan. We are all considering switching carrier because of the stupidity of installing games with security updates

Cajunroadwarrior1

These game companies are paying Verizon to do this. It's in the fine print in Verizon's user agreement with their business partners. It's unfortunate but that the world we live in. Every carrier does this to make money.

HerSmileThough

November 2024. Same issue still happening. Makes me wonder what else is getting added secretly if games are openly added during a software or security update!

StopTheGames

Clearly Verizon really cares about your "security". What they care about is lining their own pockets by getting paid to install unwanted apps under the guise of a security update.

StopTheGames

Disable the Verizon app manager. Settings-->Apps--> Verizon app manager--> Disable

MH777

Enough is enough! Come on Verizon, stop installing unwanted games without OUR permission during software updates.

Dsmith5788

That's why I will be dropping Verizon after having them for 27 years.

sayersdl

Everyone is experiencing this issue and have been for quite some time. It happens with every so-called security update. There are no other changes other than forced security updates.

Guardian_Galaxy

Keep your games off my phone. Yes, it's locked but I'm PAYING for it. Installing unwanted games with a SECURITY update is actually malicious and defeats the concept of a security update

averi862

The fix is to disabled "Verizon App Manager" in the apps settings.

Thanks.

annoyedmw

There won't be a solution given because it's on purpose. Verizon gets paid to include this bloatware and according to the carrier contract, it is allowed. Sorry for the bad news, I hate it too. After any update, I go immediately to app list and uninstall them.

Ericftw

This is my biggest complaint with Verizon so far.

We pay premium prices to for them to collect money from these apps to force install them on us.

There has to be some legality issues there.

MatthewReiter

One of the cons of having a carrier-locked device, is try disabling Verizon App Manager and then see what happens, be aware, it may magically be enabled after an update. We will see.

Rooboy1984

Hello world. It's July 2025 and I just got done installing the 2nd security update within a month on my phone (Software update 33.0). This one came with an ensemble of apps for me to try out including "All Documents," "The Explorer," and "Ringtones for Android." I looked up what to do online. One Reddit post says to deselect the option when the security update pops up that says to allow for install of the apps, yet I don't recall seeing anything other than: "Install Now," or "Postpone Install." I feel like there's a virus or malware on my phone, yet I don't really do anything that risky on my phone that would have installed it. Is it coming from Snapchat or Facebook or is it seriously coming from Verizon? This has been going on, like everyone else says...since I signed up for Verizon. It never happened to me when I was using Boost Mobile and I think I might go back to them since my phone is paid off now.

Verizon_Support

Rooboy1984 Thank you for reaching out. We are happy to look into this. I will be sending you a PM as well.

-Harry

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