How to detect a Virus on your Android Phone (2024)

Though they are rare, virus for android phones do exist and they can cause your phone to misbehave. If you think your phone is misbehaving without any obvious reasons, you must suspect a virus or malware.

Signs or Symptoms of virus or malware on your android phone

Symptoms such as sluggish performance, web browser redirecting you to a p*rn site, and unwanted pop-ups and ads on your phone screen can indicate to you that your android phone is infected with a virus or malware. If you have installed an app outside the confines of the Google Play store, it is possible that there is a malicious virus infection on your android phone.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Some good antivirus apps for Android can give you a lot of peace of mind as they can keep tabs on the activities on your phone.

If you remember when your phone started misbehaving, you can remove the malicious app by uninstalling it manually. Before doing this, enter into safe mode so that you can stop any third-party apps from running.

Advertisem*nt

Go to Settings and choose the Apps and Notification menu. Check from the list if any malicious apps are installed without your knowledge. If the app you see is not a pre-installed app that comes with your device, you will see an uninstall button on top of the dedicated App Info page. If you find this greyed out, it is possible that the app has automatically given itself the administrator rights. In such case, you can remove it by going to Settings > Security & Location > Device Admin Apps.

Once you have followed these steps, you can come out of safe mode and restart the device.

How to detect a Virus on your Android Phone (2024)

FAQs

How to detect a Virus on your Android Phone? ›

The best way to check for malware on your phone is to use a mobile security app like free AVG Antivirus for Android. Run a scan. After installing AVG Antivirus, open the app and run an antivirus scan to find malware hidden in your device's system.

How do I check my Android for viruses? ›

Here are the steps to scanning your Android device for viruses:
  1. Download and install an antivirus program. Download and install an antivirus program from the Google Play store. ...
  2. Set up the antivirus software. ...
  3. Make sure the antivirus app is up to date. ...
  4. Start the virus scan. ...
  5. Remove any viruses found.

How to find hidden malware on Android? ›

If you suspect that there's malware on your Android device, download a reputable antivirus from the Google Play app store and run a deep scan. If the antivirus finds anything, it will likely prompt you to quarantine, block, or delete the infected files.

How do I scan my Android phone for viruses on Google? ›

On your Android phone or tablet, open a web browser, like Chrome. Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.

How do I get rid of fake virus warning on Android phone? ›

Removing a Fake Virus Warning Pop-Up on Android
  1. Close all of the open browser windows that you can. ...
  2. Go to your Android Settings and tap Apps.
  3. Scroll down to the browser you were using just before seeing the fake virus warning pop-up. ...
  4. Tap Force Stop to force the browser application to stop running.
Jul 29, 2023

How to clean your phone from virus for free on Android? ›

How to get rid of a virus on your Android phone: Step-by-Step
  1. Step 1: Clear your cache and downloads. ...
  2. Step 2: Reboot in safe mode. ...
  3. Step 3: Connect to a different network or change your connection method. ...
  4. Step 4: Change your Google password. ...
  5. Step 5: Change your passwords. ...
  6. Step 6: Identify and uninstall any suspicious apps.

How to run a virus scan? ›

Android
  1. Go to the Google Play Store.
  2. Click on Menu.
  3. Click on Play Protect.
  4. Click on Settings.
  5. Turn Scan Apps With Play Protect on.

Does Android have a built in malware scanner? ›

Check for Android malware using Play Protect

The Play Store has a built-in security feature called Play Protect. Play Protect can scan your apps for malware, even on apps downloaded from other sources.

How do I scan my Android for spyware? ›

Here's how to scan for spyware on your Android:
  1. Download and install Avast One. INSTALL FREE AVAST ONE. Get it for PC, Mac, iOS. ...
  2. Run an antivirus scan (Smart Scan) to detect spyware or other forms of malware and viruses.
  3. Follow the instructions from the app to remove the spyware and any other threats that may be lurking.
Jan 26, 2024

How do I remove hidden viruses from my Android? ›

Run a scan.

After installing AVG Antivirus, open the app and run an antivirus scan to find malware hidden in your device's system. If an infection is detected, follow the on-screen steps to quickly get rid of the virus or remove the Android spyware.

How to find harmful apps in Android? ›

Google Play Protect checks your apps and devices for harmful behavior. It runs a safety check on apps from the Google Play Store before you download them. It checks your device for potentially harmful apps from other sources. These harmful apps are sometimes called malware.

How to check for viruses on Samsung? ›

We recommend turning on Device protection to protect your device from malware.
  1. Go to Settings and select Battery and device care.
  2. Select Device protection.
  3. Tap Scan phone.
Dec 28, 2023

What is the best free virus cleaner for Android? ›

Top 5 free antivirus for Android phone
  • TotalAV – best overall free antivirus for Android phone.
  • Bitdefender – lightweight free virus protection tool for Android.
  • Norton Antivirus – excellent choice for virus removal on Android.
  • Surfshark Antivirus – secure Android antivirus with a free trial.
Apr 16, 2024

How do I find hidden viruses on my phone? ›

To scan your phone for viruses, use an Android virus scanner or anti-malware tool. Download a reputable security app like Avast Mobile Security from the Google Play Store, install it, and run a full system scan.

How to check for malware on Android? ›

Scanning with Antivirus Apps
  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap Play Protect in the menu.
  4. Tap Scan.
  5. Tap the option to remove any detected malware.

How to know if it's a fake virus warning? ›

If you click on a link in a virus alert and are asked to pay to install antivirus software, it likely is a scam. Or if you're prompted to call a toll-free number and are asked to provide remote access to your computer, it's a scam. The pop-up is accompanied by unusual behavior on your computer.

How to tell if your phone has spyware on Android? ›

6 Signs Your Phone Has Spyware
  1. Your phone camera and mic turn on randomly. ...
  2. You hear noises during phone calls. ...
  3. Your phone is experiencing performance issues. ...
  4. You see unfamiliar apps or files on your phone. ...
  5. You are getting unusual messages. ...
  6. Your phone is constantly overheating. ...
  7. Don't download apps from untrusted websites.
Feb 9, 2024

How to clean an Android phone? ›

Use a microfiber cloth (not paper towels) with a mild cleaning solution, like a 50-50 mixture of water and Isopropyl alcohol. Spray the cloth—never your tech—and wipe down both sides of your phone, special care of the protective coating.

How to scan on an Android phone? ›

Scan a document
  1. Open the Google Drive app .
  2. At the bottom right, tap Camera .
  3. Point your device's camera at a document. ...
  4. Take a photo of the document that you'd like to scan. ...
  5. Adjust your scanned document. ...
  6. Tap Done.
  7. Create your own file name or select a suggested title.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5852

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.