How to Detect Malware on Your Smartphone

Your smartphone is like a mini computer in your pocket, so it’s also at risk of malware. This can include spyware, adware, or ransomware. Knowing how to detect malware on your smartphone is important because these threats can harm your device and personal information.

It’s not always easy to spot malware as creators try to hide their software. You need to watch for signs of trouble to catch it early.

To scan your Android phone for viruses and malware, follow these steps:

• Download a trusted anti-malware app from Google Play Store.
• Use the app to scan your phone for suspicious software.
• Check your list of apps and delete any that you don’t remember installing.

Can Android Phones Get Malware?

While Android phones don’t often get viruses (a specific type of malware that replicates itself), they can still get other forms of malware. This malware can steal your information, damage your phone, or hold it for ransom.

Malware usually ends up on your phone when you’re tricked into downloading it. It can come from a suspicious app, an email or text attachment or content from a website. Connecting your phone to another infected device can also introduce malware.

If your phone is slow, draining battery quickly, restarting often or if apps are crashing, showing unexpected ads, overheating, or if you find apps you don’t remember installing, you might have malware. So, what should you do?

How to Check for Malware on Android

Using a Third-Party Antivirus App

To check your Android phone for malware- use a third-party antivirus app. Many have free version with basic features & paid version for more options.

Most people will find the free version sufficient. These apps are easy to use, usually featuring a large “Scan” button on the main screen. One good choice is Bitdefender Antivirus, which is lightweight and effective even in its free version.

Here’s how to scan your phone with Bitdefender Antivirus:

1. Download and Install: Get the app from the Google Play Store and open it.
2. Start Scanning: Tap the “Scan device” button.
3. Grant Permissions: Allow any necessary permissions the app requests.
4. View Results: The app will show you the results after scanning.

If Bitdefender finds malware, it will automatically delete it. If it can’t, you’ll be given options to disinfect, delete, or quarantine the file.

Most antivirus apps follow a similar process. If you want to explore other options, check out our list of the best antivirus apps.

Using Google Play Protect

You can also use Google Play Protect to scan your phone for malware. This is Google’s official tool to help keep your device safe by scanning all your apps. While it’s a useful feature, it’s best used along with a good third-party antivirus app for extra protection.

Here’s how to scan your apps with Google Play Protect:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your phone.
2. Access Security: Tap on “Security & privacy.”
3. Select App Security: Choose “App security.”
4. Open Google Play Protect: Tap on “Google Play Protect.”
5. Run a Scan: Select “Scan.”

After the scan, Google Play Protect will inform you if it finds any dangerous apps on your phone.

Remove Non-Play Store Apps

If your phone seems to be malware-free, you should still check for potentially harmful apps. Any app not downloaded from the Google Play Store might be suspicious, as apps that aren’t on the Play Store could be there for a reason.

Sometimes, apps are not available on the Play Store because they violate policies or contain spyware or other malware. While Google does regularly scan and remove malicious apps from its store, it’s a good idea to be cautious.

To ensure your device is secure, delete any apps not installed from the Google Play Store.

If you need help deleting apps from your Android device, check out our guide on how to do this.

What’s Next?

To keep your Android device safe from malware in the future, follow these tips:

Stay Vigilant: Always be cautious with links in emails or texts. Lock your phone with a PIN when not in use.

Use Antivirus Apps: While basic security practices might be enough for some, a good antivirus app can provide extra protection. Consider a monthly subscription for real-time security.

Google Play Protect: This tool scans apps from Play Store on your device. Regular scans will help spot any changes/potential threats.

Install Updates: Android updates include security fixes. Install them as soon as they become available to protect against vulnerabilities.

Avoid Password Saving: Turn off password saving to make it harder for hackers to access your passwords.

Monitor Performance: If your phone is acting up, it might be a sign of spyware. Check for unusual activity and take action if needed.

By following these steps, you can help keep your device secure.

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FAQs: Detect Malware on Your Smartphone

What is difference between virus and malware?
Malware is not always a virus but all viruses are malware. Malware that propagates by inserting itself into the app/operating system of your phone is called virus. Malware is not limited to viruses; it can also comprise worms, ransomware, adware and other programs.

Which OS gets more malware on Android or iOS?
Android is more prone to malware. With more Android phones worldwide and easier access to third-party apps outside Google Play Store, there are more opportunities for malware to infect Android devices. While iPhones are more secure they aren’t completely immune.

Why is my data usage unusually high?
Malware frequently operates in the background, consuming data to download malicious files or send information to unidentified parties. You may use the Settings app to monitor your data usage and identify any apps that appear to be using more data than usual, which may be a sign of infection.

Why are random pop-up ads appearing on my phone?
Adware, a type of malware used by hackers to generate revenue, can be present on your phone if you see an increase in display ads especially when they’re not linked to your online browser.

Why did my battery drain overnight for no reason?
A sudden battery drain even when your phone is idle, could be a sign of malware running in the background. If this happens consistently, it’s worth investigating.

Why do my apps keep crashing and my phone keep rebooting randomly?
Random reboots and frequent program crashes are strange. Malware could be reason if this occurs frequently.

Why is my phone overheating and lagging?
If your phone is overheating and lagging during simple tasks, malware could be overloading your device. This is especially concerning if it happens often.

Why are unfamiliar apps appearing on my phone?
Unknown programs can be silently and automatically installed by malware. You should look into any odd programs that seem to be asking for access to your contacts, storage or microphone.