[Solution] ApplePie.apk Changes Notification Tones to Porn Sounds

There is no end to spam on social media. A recent spammy malware apk file named ApplePie.apk is going viral on WhatsApp in personal and group chats. This apk file gets installed on the phone and changes the notification tones to porn sounds, embarrassing them in public when notification or calls arrive.

Update [21-08-2019 11:37AM]: It also changes the wallpaper and lockscreen to a porn image as victims told us.

Update [21-08-2019 11:34AM]: This app is spreading in the name of PayTm Cashback of Rs.25. Don't sell your respect in society for an Rs.25 cashback.

What is ApplePie.apk?

It is nothing but another apk file, a malware app that changes the notification tones and ringtones setting on any android phone. It will not do major changes to the other settings as per the reports by victims so far.

This is a naughty malware that only changes ringtones and notification tones with its default library of porn sounds. When any notification from any app pops up, it plays the sound. It might sound funnier when you are with your friends gang but imagine this happening with you when you are with your family members or office mates.

How to remove ApplePie app from my phone?

You asked it, that means either you or your friend or someone in the family might have fallen for this pranking malware. Do not worry! I will walk you through all possible processes to remove this app completely from your phone and reset your ringtone settings.

Removing ApplePie from Phone:

Most of the times, malware hides itself from the app trays. That means, you cannot find it in app drawer or on home screen. If it appears to you, just tap ‘uninstall’ by tapping and holding it for a second.

If it is not appearing in the app drawer or on home screen, we should go to app vault in the settings and look out for it.

Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > All Apps > ApplePie > Clear Cache and Storage > Uninstall.

This will uninstall the app from your phone. But, make sure you delete the apk file also to avoid future installations by mistake.

Change ringtones and notification tones manually so that it won’t bother you next time.

If you have your data backed up, I would suggest a reset to clear it off in one mighty Thanos snap.

How to protect your phone from external malware?

It’s no magic that you cannot do. The one possible mistake that you would have done is giving access to your file manager to install apps from unknown resources. If an app is not existed in Google Play, means it is not eligible to be on your phone, as it might be stealing your data or behaving suspiciously.

Disable ‘Install from unknown resources’ option to avoid installing unknown apps. Go to Settings > type in ‘unknown’ in search > tap on ‘install unknown apps’. Check which app have the setting ‘allowed’ as a subtext instead of ‘not allowed’ > tap on that app > toggle it off.

From now one, this will not allow you to install apps from unknown sources. Even if you download any Apks from internet, it will ask you for permissions.

Software updates:

Keep your phone updated to latest security patch and never ignore it. Security patches help you to protect your phone from harmful vulnerabilities found by hackers. An updated software is a closed door for hacking apps based on identified vulnerabilities – that will be solved by latest software update.

Are you able to rest your notification settings on your phone? Not yet? Comment below where did you get stuck in the above process. We will be happy to address you a customized solution.

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