With over 2 billion active Android devices worldwide, Android is the most widely used mobile operating system globally. Unfortunately, this also makes Android devices a prime target for malware and viruses. Android malware has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, making it difficult for the average user to discern whether their device has been infected.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to detect and remove malware from your Android device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to identify the warning signs of an infected device, scan for viruses, and clean up any malicious software.
What are the ways an Android device can get infected?
Android devices can become infected with viruses and malware in a variety of ways:
- Installing apps from untrusted sources – The easiest way for malware to get on a device is through app downloads from outside the Google Play Store. Third-party app stores and sideloading APK files often lack adequate security screening. Downloading apps from questionable sites is risky.
- Clicking malicious links – Phishing scams try to trick users into clicking links to malware-laced sites. These can infect a device when clicked from an Android browser or app.
- Visiting compromised websites – Browsing websites harboring malware or exploit kits can trigger downloads of viruses onto an Android device, sometimes without the user even having to click anything.
- Opening infected files – Android malware can spread through seemingly innocent files like documents, movies, songs, and photos. If they contain malicious code, opening or previewing them could compromise the device.
- Physical access – Having physical access to a device leaves it vulnerable to manual malware installation, whether through connecting it to a compromised computer or directly manipulating files.
Practicing caution when downloading apps and files, avoiding suspicious links, installing a trustworthy antivirus app, and keeping your Android software up-to-date are the best ways to keep your device malware-free.
What are the signs of a virus on an Android phone?
Here are some common signs that could indicate your Android device has been infected by a virus or malware:
- Unexpected pop-up ads – Malicious apps often bombard users with ads outside of the app interface, including full-screen ads or notifications.
- Apps freezing or crashing – Malware strains can disrupt normal app functionality, cause freezes, and force closures.
- Sluggish performance – Viruses hog system resources, resulting in lag, slowdowns, and stuttering when using the Android device.
- High data usage – Some malware quietly racks up data usage in the background from transmitting user data or downloading other viruses.
- Overheating – The extra workload malware places on a device can cause it to heat up noticeably.
- Unusual battery drain – Viruses can rapidly deplete batteries by running processor-intensive activities without the user realizing it.
- Unknown apps – Shady apps appearing without the user having intentionally installed them are a red flag for malware.
- Pop-ups to install apps – Persistent pop-up windows urging you to install apps are highly suspicious behavior.
- Weird background activity – Unexplained internet usage when apps are closed may indicate a virus communicating with its server.
The presence of several of these signs likely means an infected device. The next step is to thoroughly scan for and remove any malware present.
How can I scan my Android for viruses?
Scanning your Android device for malware helps identify any suspicious apps or files. Here are some ways to scan for viruses:
Use a trustworthy antivirus app
Installing an antivirus app from a reputable vendor is the easiest way to check your device. Leading options include:
- Bitdefender Mobile Security – Provides excellent malware protection with minimal impact on performance.
- Malwarebytes – Well-known and consistent at catching viruses missed by other antivirus apps.
- AVG Antivirus – Free antivirus app with solid malware detection capabilities.
- Lookout Security & Antivirus – Top-rated mobile security app with a range of protection features.
- Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus – Robust real-time protection against Android malware and vulnerabilities.
These apps will scan your device and flag any suspicious apps. Many also include other security tools like call blocking, web filtering, anti-theft, VPNs, and more.
Use free online virus scanners
Several free online virus scanners can check your Android device remotely:
- ESET Online Scanner – Scan by uploading an APK file to check for malware.
- Virustotal – Upload files or enter a URL to scan with dozens of antivirus engines.
- Zoner Antivirus – Scan Android APKs for malware online.
- Metascan Online – Multi-engine online scanner for APK files.
These scanners allow you to scan apps without having to install an antivirus app yourself. However, they only check individual files rather than your full device.
Use your Android’s built-in scanner
Google Play Protect is Android’s built-in malware scanner. To run a scan:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Select Google, then Security.
- Choose Scan device for security threats.
Google Play Protect looks for harmful apps across your device and reports potential threats. However, its protection is weaker than many third-party antivirus apps.
Install a malware scanning app
Apps like Malwarebytes and Norton Mobile Security offer malware scanners without a full suite of antivirus features. They search your device for virus activity but don’t provide active protection.
These can serve as a secondary scanner to complement your main antivirus app. Examples include:
- Malwarebytes – Powerful malware detection and removal.
- Norton Mobile Security – Trusted malware scanner from Symantec.
- CM Security Antivirus AppLock – All-in-one app with solid antivirus scanning.
- Dr. Web Light – Straightforward scanner by well-known security vendor.
What steps should I take to remove an Android virus?
If your scans detected a virus, take these steps to remove malware and undo the damage:
Delete malicious apps
Start by immediately uninstalling any infected apps flagged by your antivirus app. This halts any background virus activity.
To uninstall apps:
- Open Settings and go to Apps.
- Tap the app you want to remove.
- Choose Uninstall.
Repeat for all malicious apps to purge them from your device.
Run a full antivirus scan
Even with suspect apps removed, run a full system scan using your antivirus app to clean up dormant malware. This helps identify any secondary infections.
Schedule regular scans moving forward to catch future malware before it takes hold.
Reset app permissions
Viruses often escalate app permissions to do more damage. You can revoke those permissions:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap the affected app.
- Choose Permissions.
- Toggle off unnecessary permissions.
Do this for apps compromised by malware to limit any lingering impact.
Clear app cache and data
Clearing an app’s cached data and files can remove malware traces:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Select the impacted app.
- Tap Storage.
- Choose Clear Cache and Clear Data.
This erases malware components stored in the app data.
Check running services
Stop any suspicious services that may be running in the background:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Swipe over to All Apps.
- Tap Running.
- Stop services you don’t recognize.
This prevents malware from continuing activity out of sight.
Factory reset as a last resort
If the malware proves difficult to remove completely, a factory reset may be necessary. This will wipe your device back to factory settings.
To factory reset:
- Open Settings.
- Select System > Advanced > Reset options.
- Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
Make sure to back up important data first before resetting your device. A factory reset should remove any stubborn malware.
How can I better protect my Android from future viruses?
Use these measures to better guard your Android device against future malware threats:
- Only install apps from the Google Play store – Avoid sideloading apps and third-party app stores, as Google screens Play Store apps for malware.
- Keep your device updated – Install Android and app updates promptly, as these often contain critical security patches.
- Don’t click sketchy links – Beware of phishing attempts and don’t click unfamiliar links on your device.
- Limit app permissions – Only allow necessary permissions and monitor excessive permission requests.
- Install a robust antivirus app – Protect your device with a leading antivirus app like Bitdefender or Malwarebytes.
- Make periodic backups – Back up your device regularly in case you need to reset it following an infection.
- Consider a mobile security suite – Comprehensive security suites like Norton 360 Deluxe add extra layers of protection.
- Use secure connections – Stick to encrypted WiFi networks and avoid public computers when accessing sensitive accounts.
Being cautious when downloading apps, limiting permissions, installing antivirus software, and keeping your device updated are the most effective ways to secure your Android phone or tablet.
Conclusion
Android malware remains a serious threat, but there are steps you can take to avoid infection and remove viruses. Watch for telltale signs of malware like reduced performance, mysterious pop-ups, and weird background behavior. Run periodic scans with a trusted antivirus app, delete any problem apps, and revoke app permissions changed by malware.
Sticking to Google Play downloads, applying updates promptly, and using robust antivirus software will go a long way toward keeping your Android device malware-free. Taking proactive precautions helps ensure you won’t have to worry about Android viruses compromising your smartphone or tablet.
