How to scan Android for malware: It’s SIMPLE (September 2023)

If your Android phone is behaving strangely, whether its battery is running out faster than usual or seeing too many pop-up ads, it’s worth scanning your Android for malware.

Android phones are widely used thanks to their customizability but are also more prone to malware than their iPhone counterparts. From dodgy apps on the Google Play Store to malicious files hiding on fake websites, hackers can infect your Android with malware right under your nose in several ways.

Knowing if your Android has malware can be tricky, but there’s an easy way to detect malicious software on your device.

For those who use Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus or any other Android device, this guide will help you discover the best ways to scan your Android phone for malware using reliable antivirus software.

See more:

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How to scan Android for malware

To remove any malicious software on your Android, follow the steps below. We recommend following each step, as different kinds of malware can be difficult to spot.

If you find any unfamiliar apps you don’t need, uninstall these Android apps safely.

Check for unfamiliar apps

With over 3 million apps on the Google Play Store, it’s common for Android users to download dozens of apps for different use cases and eventually forget they are installed. Unfortunately, hackers exploit this by hiding malware-infected apps in plain sight. Once an app is installed, threat actors can update apps to change the icon image and title or hide the app on your Android’s home screen.

Scroll through all your Android apps in the App Drawer and check for unfamiliar apps you don’t remember installing.

Check your battery life

Malware is known to use your Android device’s resources in the background, making it harder for users to detect malicious activity. On a mobile device, this can deplete its daily battery life. If your Android’s battery life is running out sooner than expected, it’s worth checking Battery settings to see if an app is causing the issue.

Head into Settings > Battery > Battery Usage to check if any unfamiliar apps are consuming a high amount of your Android’s battery life.

Watch out for pop-up ads

While pop-up advertisements are inevitable in apps and browsers when scrolling through websites, seeing too many is concerning.

If an app or website keeps redirecting you to different web pages and installing unwanted toolbars, extensions or plugins, it could be a sign of adware on your Android.

Use antivirus software on Android

The best way to get rid of malware is to use the best antivirus software.

There are many free malware removal apps that will dispatch malicious software on your device, but it’s a good idea to make sure these tools are trustworthy, as hackers can also disguise these apps on the Google Play Store to deploy even more malware.

The best antivirus apps come with a suite of security features that can get rid of virus, malware, ransomware, spyware or any malicious software that burrows into your Android. Some antivirus software, such as Bitdefender, offers security subscriptions specifically for Android, making it a more cost-effective option for those that only need Android protection.

We also recommend free apps from known cybersecurity companies, including Avast One, AVG and Malwarebytes Mobile Security. These will detect and remove malicious software on your Android. Check out our thoughts on each antivirus below.

• Norton 360 Platinum review: Security multiplied
• Bitdefender review: All-in-one premium security
• Avast One review: Strong antivirus for free!

Signs of malware on Android

Malware can be hard to spot, as cybercriminals will do everything in their power to hide the malicious software so they can carry out their cruel acts right under a user’s nose. However, there are telltale signs that your Android is under attack, which may include your device’s browser (like Google Chrome) redirecting you to different web pages and installing unwanted toolbars, extensions or plugins. Any malware can also affect your device directly.

• Your device is slower than usual and crashes frequently.
• Your browser is slower than usual and crashes frequently.
• Browsing through websites takes longer.
• You need to recharge your device more often.
• Apps take longer to load.
• There’s an unknown app or software on your device you didn’t download.
• Pop-up ads appear more frequently.
• You Android is overheating.

How does Android get malware?

There are numerous ways malware can infect your Android. From adware and Trojans to ransomware and spyware, hackers use all kinds of malware to loot your personal and financial data – and all it takes is a mistaken click on a dodgy website, malicious email attachment or suspicious app on the Play Store that has slipped through the cracks.

A popular method for hackers to infect mobile devices is through apps. There are plenty of examples of malware on Android apps, as it’s an easy way to trick potential victims into downloading legitimate-looking apps. The Google Play Store for Android users sees apps infested with malware make their way onto users’ devices (such as the FluHorse and Fleckpe Android malware).

What’s more, Android phones have easier access to third-party app stores. While some of these stores can be a great resource for those who need them, they can also be easier for threat actors to make their malicious apps available on. Simply downloading these apps can infect your smartphone with malware.

Can any antivirus scan and protect Android phones?

Many antivirus apps can be used to scan and get rid of malware on Android, but some are more trustworthy than others. Unfortunately, hackers can trick users into downloading malicious apps disguised as free antivirus apps.

To scan your Android for malware safely, use the best antivirus apps like Norton 360 and Bitdefender.

Antivirus software comes in the form of security apps designed to detect, prevent and remove malware on your Android. When installed, it will scan through everything on your Android, including software, applications, files and even web pages. Reliable antivirus services will notify you about suspicious software, allowing you to block or destroy emerging cyber threats.

To infiltrate a device, hackers will use different types of malware, including computer viruses, spyware, adware, ransomware, Trojans, and spam — anything that could be used to steal valuable data. An antivirus will watch and throw out malicious software that sneaks onto a device. Think of it as your personal, battle-hardened bouncer keeping unwanted guests out of your exclusive nightclub.

To keep your Android safe from malware, download the best antivirus app for Android.

Best antivirus for Android