Things that phone users might accidentally tap on webpages NYT Crossword Clue
Smartphone life means we’re always swiping, scrolling, and sometimes accidentally landing on something we did not mean to. “Things that phone users might accidentally tap on webpages” is a clue that hits a little too close to home for anyone who’s ever wound up somewhere they didn’t want to be. These clues nail everyday frustrations, making the grid just a touch too relatable.
Answer
Here’s the answer you need: ADS. It’s short, sharp, and true to life—every solver who’s spiraled into a pop-up or banner by accident knows the pain. Editors stick with “ads” for clues like this because it’s universal and immediately makes sense to just about everyone with a phone.
Explanation:
Why “ADS”? Simple: every site’s got them, and they’re rarely in the right spot. You think you’re tapping a menu or scrolling, and—bam!—you’re suddenly loading a new page. “ADS” is the grid’s catch-all for accidental clicks, a little shout-out to every web page everywhere. It’s three helpful letters, easy to cross with all those vowels, and fits right in with the puzzle’s regular vocabulary. This is one of those clues where your gut lines up with reality—no deep pop culture, just a daily annoyance.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers – August 2, 2025
Here’s the run-down of August 2, 2025’s Mini for anyone double-checking their boxes or trying to crack a stubborn entry:

TikTok or Tinder | Show |
Lawyers' org. | Show |
Place with Bunsen burners and beakers, in brief | Show |
Product that can be sampled with a spray on the wrist | Show |
Visibly muscular | Show |
Groceries carrier | Show |
Self-indulgent "journey" | Show |
AOL alternative | Show |
Things that phone users might accidentally tap on webpages | Show |
Sports org. that now includes schools from Texas and California, strangely enough | Show |
Hobbyists with cameras, informally | Show |
Big name in exercise bikes | Show |
"Solve for x" subject | Show |
Temporary fix, so to speak | Show |
Pres. Lincoln | Show |
"Show me the ___" (punny request at an art museum) | Show |
President pro ___ | Show |
Road trip assistance, for short | Show |
About NYT Mini Crossword
If you’re hooked on the Mini, you know it’s more than a snack between bigger grids. These five-by-five gems pack in everything from digital-age gripes (like “ADS”) to classic trivia, all the while keeping you honest about your vocab and wits. Editors mix up pop culture, tech annoyances, and daily life so no two Minis feel the same. The best part? You never know which everyday headache will become the clincher.
How to Solve a Crossword
The cleverest solvers rarely move in a straight line. Hit what you know and use those crossings to break open the rest. For clues about tech or websites, picture real life: what do you tap by accident? Don’t get stuck guessing—sometimes walking away for five minutes gives the answer time to bubble up. And always be ready to erase; nobody gets a clean run on the first try, especially with tricksy clues or new slang.
Tips for NYT Mini Crosswords
Pounce on clues that play into daily routines—like “ADS” for anything web-related.
Make the easy answers your foundation; tough ones crumble once you get letters filled in.
Cross-check everything. The grid will tell you if something’s not quite right.
Don’t overthink small, everyday answers—NYT loves obvious words more than you think.
If you bomb out on a clue, that’s normal. Every Mini is tomorrow’s rematch.