Cleaning viruses from your phone can seem daunting, but with some diligence and safe cleaning practices, you can remove malware without having to pay for antivirus software. Here are some tips on how to disinfect your phone of viruses for free.
Can you get a virus on your phone?
Yes, smartphones are vulnerable to malware just like computers. Viruses, spyware, ransomware and other threats can infect phones through unsafe browsing, infected files and sketchy apps. Android phones are more prone to viruses than iPhones due to Android’s open-source platform. However, iOS threats do exist and you should be aware of them.
How do you know if your phone has a virus?
Here are some common signs your phone may be infected:
- It overheats frequently
- The battery drains faster than usual
- It crashes or freezes unexpectedly
- You notice laggy performance
- You see a lot of suspicious pop-up ads
- You’re redirected to strange websites against your will
- You notice unexpected charges or premium services you didn’t sign up for
- You can’t uninstall suspicious apps
- Your data usage spikes without reason
If you notice any of these issues, it’s possible malware has infected your device.
How to check for viruses on Android
Here are some ways to scan for threats on an Android device:
Use Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect is built into all Android devices. It regularly scans apps to check for harmful behavior. To check it:
- Open your device’s Settings app
- Select “Google”
- Choose “Security”
- Review results under “Play Protect”
Green results mean your apps are safe. Red flags indicate threats.
Scan with antivirus apps
Download free antivirus apps like AVG Antivirus, Avast Mobile Security or Lookout Security & Antivirus. Run full scans to detect potential malware.
Try a boot scan
- Power off your phone completely
- Restart it into Safe Mode
- Run a scan to check for viruses
- Safe Mode prevents third-party apps from running or interfering
Factory reset if necessary
If other scans don’t eliminate a virus, a factory reset erases all data and brings your device to a clean state.
How to check for viruses on iPhone
Here are options for scanning an iPhone for threats:
Review iOS security features
Under Settings > General > iPhone Storage, check that “Offload Unused Apps” is enabled to automatically remove unused apps. This frees up space and removes potential malware.
Also ensure Find My iPhone is on. This lets you remotely erase data if your phone is lost or stolen.
Update to the latest iOS
Apple issues regular iOS updates to patch security issues. Install the latest update immediately.
Reset network settings
Reset your network settings under General > Reset to resolve any suspicious profiles installed by malware.
Restore if needed
For severe infections, connect to iTunes and restore your iPhone. This completely reinstalls iOS and erases all content and data.
How to clean a virus from an Android phone
If a virus is detected on your Android phone, here are steps to clean it:
Delete suspicious apps
Check your apps and remove any you don’t remember installing or that show abnormal behavior. To uninstall:
- Open Settings > Apps & notifications
- Tap the app
- Choose Uninstall
Clear app cache and data
Even if you can’t fully uninstall a sketchy app, you may be able to clear its cache and data to delete malware files.
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications
- Tap the concerning app
- Select Storage & cache > Clear cache and Clear data
Scan with antivirus apps
Use free antivirus apps to perform deep scans. They will detect and isolate threats.
Try Safe Mode
Restart your device in Safe Mode. This prevents other apps from running so you can identify misbehaving ones.
Factory reset if needed
For severe infections, a factory reset will wipe your device clean of malware. Just be sure to backup data first.
How to clean a virus from an iPhone
Here are tips for removing viruses from iPhones:
Delete suspicious apps
Check for any apps you don’t remember downloading and remove them. To uninstall apps:
- Touch and hold the app icon until it wiggles
- Tap the X to delete
Run antivirus software
Download trusted antivirus apps like Malwarebytes to scan for iOS threats.
Reset network settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset Network Settings. This fixes issues from malware profiles.
Restore your iPhone
For serious infections, connect to iTunes and select Restore iPhone. This will completely wipe your device.
How to avoid viruses on your phone
Practicing safe habits will help prevent future malware infections:
- Only install apps from official stores like Google Play and the App Store
- Don’t sideload apps from third-party sources
- Keep your device software up-to-date
- Don’t click questionable links or pop-up ads
- Use secure web connections when browsing
- Don’t jailbreak or root your device
- Install a reputable antivirus app
- Backup your data regularly
- Be cautious of public WiFi networks
Exercising caution with downloads and browsing habits will help keep your phone secure against viruses and malware.
FAQs about cleaning phone viruses
Is it really possible for a phone to get a virus?
Yes, phones are susceptible to malware just like computers. However, iPhones have more built-in security than Android devices.
What’s the best free antivirus software for Android?
Top free options include AVG Antivirus, Avast Mobile Security and Bitdefender Mobile Security. Run periodic scans to check for threats.
Can you get a virus from visiting a website on your phone?
Yes, visiting compromised sites can trigger malware downloads. Stick to well-known, trustworthy sites to stay secure.
Should I factory reset my phone if I have a virus?
Factory resets are effective at fully removing viruses, but should only be used for severe infections. Try less drastic steps first like antivirus scans and deleting suspicious apps.
What are signs my iPhone has a virus?
For iPhones, look for overheating, fast battery drain, constant crashes, performance issues and suspicious pop-ups. These could indicate malware.
Can apps from the App Store or Google Play have viruses?
Official app stores do security screening, but some malware occasionally slips through. Check app reviews and ratings carefully before downloading.
Should I avoid public WiFi to protect against viruses?
Public WiFi does make you more vulnerable to attacks. Use a VPN app whenever connecting to unsecured networks for better protection.
Conclusion
While complex viruses are rare on phones, simple malware and spyware do occur. With proper awareness and proactive precautions, you can avoid contracting mobile infections. Scan devices regularly, avoid suspicious downloads, install security updates promptly and reset phones only when absolutely needed. Exercising caution and common sense will help protect you from malware and keep your phone secure.