Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Verizon update to the Galaxy S7 adds bloatware with the capability to download further bloatware
Louis CK once expressed puzzlement that anyone could hate Verizon. “What are you talking about? How can that feeling exist?” Well, if previous justification for this sentiment was scarce before, Verizon may have just added some kindling to the fire. The largest mobile network in the United States has rolled out an OTA update for the Samsung Galaxy S7 that installs what some incensed users are calling a “carrier-approved trojan horse.”
Discovery of this change was first detected by sharp-eyed redditors. The app is called DT Ignite, and it’s essentially a platform designed to install third-party apps on your device without your consent. Historically, the app has been used by Verizon only to install bloatware when the device is initially set up, however it’s well within the app’s ability to install apps whenever it wants. What’s particularly irritating for many is that the app’s inclusion in the update isn’t listed the update’s changelog, a move that some feel was a bit sneaky on the carrier’s part.
The good news here is that you can uninstall anything that DT Ignite installs on your phone. However, you cannot uninstall DT Ignite without rooting. To keep it from potentially harassing you in the future, all you have to do is disable it. Go to Settings > Apps and then swipe over to All. Scroll until you locate DT Ignite and tap it, then tap Disable.
What are your thoughts regarding Verizon’s addition of bloatware-installing bloatware on Samsung’s 2016 flagship? Let us know if you’ve found DT Ignite on your Galaxy S7 and let us know your opinion in the comments below!