Samsung Smart Fridges Displaying Full-Screen Ads: How to Disable Them
Samsung’s Family Hub smart refrigerators, known for their integrated displays and advanced features, have recently begun showcasing full-screen advertisements on their cover screens. This development has sparked concern among users who prefer an ad-free kitchen experience.
Understanding the Update
In late October 2025, Samsung announced an update to its Family Hub software, introducing passive advertisements to the cover screen—a feature that functions similarly to a screensaver when the fridge is idle. Previously, this screen displayed personal photo albums, artwork, and daily news. With the new update, users have reported encountering full-screen ads upon entering their kitchens.
User Reactions and Clarifications
The introduction of these ads has led to a wave of dissatisfaction among consumers, with many expressing their displeasure on social media platforms. In response, Samsung clarified that the full-screen ads observed by some users were not part of the official update. According to the company, any advertisements integrated into the cover screen widget are designed to occupy minimal space and should not take over the entire display. Samsung emphasized that full-screen ads are not a standard feature of the recent software updates.
Steps to Disable Ads on Samsung Family Hub Smart Fridges
For users seeking to remove advertisements from their smart fridge displays, Samsung provides a straightforward method:
1. Access the Settings Menu: On your smart fridge, navigate to the ‘Settings’ option.
2. Locate the Advertisements Section: Within the settings, find and select the ‘Advertisements’ menu.
3. Disable Cover Screen Ads: In the ‘Advertisements’ menu, select ‘Cover Screen Ads’ and toggle the option to ‘Off.’
By following these steps, users can effectively prevent ads from appearing on their refrigerator’s display.
Alternative Method to Avoid Ads
Samsung also suggests an alternative approach to avoid advertisements:
– Set Cover Screen Content to Personal Media: Configure the cover screen to display only personal albums and artwork. In this mode, ads are less likely to appear.
However, it’s important to note that while this method may reduce the frequency of ads, it does not guarantee their complete removal. Therefore, the most reliable way to eliminate ads is to disable them directly through the settings as outlined above.
Broader Context: Samsung’s Advertising Practices
The inclusion of advertisements in Samsung’s smart appliances is part of a broader trend by the company to integrate ads into its ecosystem. In June 2025, Samsung introduced an ‘AI shopping experience’ on the lock screens of select Galaxy phones, in partnership with Glance. This feature, which is fully opt-in, uses generative AI to enhance commerce and content discovery directly from the lock screen. While some users appreciate the added functionality, others view it as an unwelcome intrusion.
Similarly, Samsung has faced criticism for incorporating ads into its stock apps on Galaxy devices. In response to user feedback, the company began removing ads from apps like Samsung Pay, Health, and Weather in October 2021. This move was seen as a positive step toward improving user experience.
Conclusion
The recent addition of advertisements to Samsung’s Family Hub smart fridges has raised concerns among users who prefer an ad-free environment in their homes. While Samsung has provided methods to disable these ads, the situation underscores the ongoing tension between monetization strategies and user experience. As technology continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how companies will balance these competing interests.
