Does Your Phone Have a Virus? Here’s How To Check for Mobile Malware

Smartphones aren’t immune to threats; they just have better protection against them when compared to PCs. However, when something slips through, such as a sketchy app or a malicious link, you may notice a rapidly draining battery or unexpected crashes.

Most cases involve malware, although people often refer to it as a “virus.” Mobile infections are rare, but real, and they’re getting better at hiding.

The good news? There’s no need to panic or pay for help. You just need to know what to look for. For more information about the best antivirus software, see our full guide. But for now, here’s how to check your iPhone or Android for a virus.

Signs your phone has a virus

Malware doesn’t always wave a red flag. It often slips in quietly, hidden in pop-ups, shady apps, or fake system alerts. Here are the warning signs that matter:

• A battery that drains fast, or a phone that overheats. Malware runs in the background, using up power even when you’re not actively using your phone.
• Sluggish performance or frequent crashes. If your device slows down, freezes, or crashes often, malware could be overloading its resources.
• Unfamiliar apps or icons appear. Some malware installs apps without asking. If you spot something you don’t remember downloading, don’t open it.
• Sudden spikes in data usage. Malware may be sending or receiving data in the background without your knowledge.
• Unauthorized account activity. Malware can trigger password resets or unexpected logins.

How to check your phone for viruses

The fastest way to stop mobile malware is to scan your phone with a trusted antivirus tool that can help identify hidden threats, remove harmful apps, and block future infections.

How to check if your iPhone has a virus

While iPhones are harder to infect, mobile malware can still spread through phishing links, unsafe networks, or jailbroken devices.

Antivirus apps like AVG Mobile Security for iOS, McAfee Security, or TotalAV Mobile Security help close the gaps Apple can’t always cover.

1. Get a trusted security app

Install your preferred iOS antivirus directly from the App Store. Bonus points if the antivirus program offers free scans and doesn’t require creating an account to get started.

2. Run the scan

Launch the app and initiate a full system scan. This will check for malware, suspicious files, or unauthorized apps.

3. Clear your Safari data

Go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Clear History and Website Data to remove any malicious scripts or cookies.

4. Update iOS

Go to Settings → General → Software Update and check for, and install, if necessary, the latest version of iOS.

5. Use Apple’s cleanup options

If malware symptoms persist, check your installed apps for any unfamiliar apps and uninstall them. You can also restore from a known clean backup or reset the device to its original factory settings.

How to check if your Android has a virus

Malware is more prevalent on Android, particularly when apps are downloaded from sources other than the Google Play store. A reliable antivirus app can quickly scan your Android device and remove any malicious content.

1. Download a mobile antivirus app

Visit the Google Play store and install a security app, such as AVG AntiVirus for Android, McAfee Security, or TotalAV Mobile Security. Remember, only trust downloads from the Google Play store.

2. Run a full scan

Launch the app and start a system-wide scan. It’ll look for malware, spyware, and other shady apps that might be hiding in the background.

3. Follow the removal prompts

If anything suspicious appears, the app will guide you through removing or isolating it. Many tools can also clear browser data or free up storage while they’re at it.

4. Activate real-time protection

Some apps allow you to block threats before they begin. Look for options like safe browsing or automatic app scanning, and keep them switched on.

5. Avoid factory resets if possible

In most cases, antivirus apps can remove malware without needing to wipe your phone. Perform a factory reset only if necessary and restore from a clean backup.

Best antivirus app for mobile devices

Not all mobile antivirus apps are created equally. The best options will offer features such as real-time protection, anti-phishing alerts, app privacy scanning, and tools to secure your network connection.

AVG Antivirus checks every box by offering full malware scans, blocking malicious links, and even flagging risky apps before they’re installed.

On Android devices, AVG AntiVirus also includes device optimization tools to help your phone run smoother. 

For iPhones and iOS devices, AVG Mobile Security adds Wi-Fi monitoring, identity protection, and encrypted photo storage. It’s a well-rounded, easy-to-use solution trusted by millions.

Types of phone viruses

Not all mobile malware behaves the same way. Some are disruptive. Others are designed to spy on, steal from, or even take control of your device. Some types are:

• Spyware: Quietly collects data, such as your location, logins, and browsing habits; it often hides in third-party apps or arrives through a phishing link.
• Ransomware: Although rare on mobile devices, it remains a serious threat, locking users out of their phones and encrypting files, demanding payment to restore access.
• Trojans: Disguised as useful apps, these can slip through security and execute harmful code. Bank trojans, in particular, are designed to steal login credentials and financial data.
• Adware: While less harmful, adware hijacks your device to flood you with ads and pop-ups, even outside your browser; it often arrives bundled with sketchy free apps.
• Phishing apps: These often look like trusted apps or websites; they steal your login credentials when you enter them. Smishing, or phishing via text, is also on the rise.
• Cryptomining malware: This hijacks your phone’s processor to mine cryptocurrency in the background, which causes overheating, battery drain, and degraded performance.

FAQs

The bottom line

Mobile malware isn’t rare anymore. If your phone starts acting up, overheating, slowing down, or showing strange ads, it’s worth running a quick scan. A few minutes now could save you from a much bigger headache later.

Want a quick way to compare the top antivirus tools? Check out our guide to the best antivirus software.