How to Run a Virus Scan on Your Android Phone

You’ve likely heard the need for antivirus protection for your computer, but did you know that Android phones are also susceptible to malware and cyber threats?

How do you know if your phone is infected with a virus? Many of the signs are similar to a computer, including a decrease in battery life, unusual data usage, and pop-ups. The best way to avoid a virus on your Android phone is to install antivirus software on your device. 

Learn more about the signs of a virus and how to scan for viruses on your Android device so you have a better chance of keeping your data secure from hackers.

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5 steps to scan your Android phone for viruses

If you think your Android phone may have a virus, or you want to be proactive in keeping your device safe, follow these easy steps to download and use an antivirus program to remove malware and viruses. Finding the best antivirus software will help protect your device from malware and cyber threats.

Here are the steps to scanning your Android device for viruses:

1. Download and install an antivirus program

Download and install an antivirus program from the Google Play store. Many of the leading computer antivirus software companies also offer a mobile Android version. Some of our favorite antivirus apps for Android include:

• TotalAV Antivirus: TotalAV is an easy-to-use software that offers a free antivirus plan so you can test it on your phone before you commit. It includes auto antivirus and malware scanning, real-time protection, phishing protection, and more.

  Get TotalAV | Read Our TotalAV Review

• Mobile Antivirus: Norton 360: Norton 360 includes malware protection, real-time defense against viruses, identity protection, and a VPN. It has a clean interface and offers a simple user guide for first-timers.

  Get Norton 360 | Read Our Norton 360 Review

• McAfee Mobile Security: McAfee is a great option for families looking for antivirus protection on multiple devices. It offers a wide range of plans that also include parental controls, phishing protection, and identity theft security.

  Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review

2. Set up the antivirus software

After you’ve downloaded the app, follow the in-app instructions to get your antivirus set up. You may need to give the app permission to access certain features of your phone, such as your location and camera.

3. Make sure the antivirus app is up to date

Make sure your app is up-to-date before running your virus scan. The latest version of the app will have an updated database of common malware and other viruses.

4. Start the virus scan

Run the virus scan and wait for the results.

5. Remove any viruses found

If the antivirus software finds any issues, follow the instructions to remove the virus. This may include deleting unsafe apps or other files.

5 signs of a virus on your Android phone

If you’re wondering if your phone may be infected with an Android virus, look for these five signs.

1. Performance and speed

If you’ve noticed a lag in your phone’s ability to operate applications or do simple tasks, you may want to check for Android malware.

2. Battery life

If your phone starts dying faster than usual, but your usage habits remain the same, it may signify you have a virus running in the background.

3. Unfamiliar apps

Similar to phishing emails and unsafe website links, you should also be skeptical of any apps on your phone that you don’t remember downloading. If you don’t remember downloading an app and don’t know its purpose, do not open it, as it could be a malicious app. Instead, uninstall it.

4. Data usage

As with your phone’s battery life, a virus on your phone could also increase your data usage. A virus on your Android device may be running in the background and using large portions of your data plan, which you may not notice until you have a higher-than-expected phone bill.

5. Adware pop-ups

Pop-up ads are an everyday occurrence when using the internet. However, if you’re getting pop-up ads when you are not in a browser, a virus may have infected your device.

9 advantages of having Android antivirus software

Although you’re looking for the most effective antivirus and anti-malware program to protect your Android device, you may also find some other security features to help give you peace of mind about your device.

1. Virus and malware protection

The big reason you’re installing antivirus software is for protection from viruses and malware on your Android device. It’s essential to install the latest version of the antivirus you select and make sure you keep the app up to date for the best protection. You can typically set up a regular schedule for the software to scan your device.

2. Network monitoring

Antivirus software may also come with Wi-Fi network monitoring, which will help ensure that your device is protected and that your home network is also safe from malware, ransomware, and other viruses. If your network becomes infected with a virus, you may end up with viruses on multiple devices such as your computer, servers, and more.

3. App scanning

One common way for viruses to infect your phone is through downloaded applications. Android app scanning enables your antivirus software to examine apps on your phone for viruses. App scanning is important when downloading new apps or updating current versions of apps already on your phone.

4. Firewall

A firewall is an extra layer of protection to keep malicious activity off of your phone from the internet. The firewall will make it more difficult for malware or cyber threats to access your phone.

5. Remote lock

Not only does antivirus software protect you from cyber threats and malware, but it can often help protect your data and your physical device. If it has remote lock, you can sign in to your antivirus software from another location and lock your phone in case it’s lost or stolen.

6. Remote erase

Speaking of, if you’re concerned that your device was lost or stolen, you may be able to log in to your device remotely and erase your personal data. This is an important feature if your phone has sensitive data such as passwords or banking information.

7. Data backups

Some antivirus software includes data backups. Data backups are a lifesaver if you ever have to erase the data on your phone or your phone becomes infected with a virus. If you have a backup of your data, you could factory reset your phone and use the backup to get all your contacts, photos, and data back.

8. Call and SMS filtering

Some programs also include call and SMS filtering. Call and SMS filtering enable you to block unwanted phone numbers from contacting you. This feature is based on a list of blocked numbers established by the user. You can easily add or remove phone numbers from the blocked list to avoid any calls you choose.

9. VPN

A virtual personal network (VPN) helps protect you by hiding your phone’s IP address and masking it with a different IP address. VPNs help protect your data and can also be used if you’re in a country that may have internet censorship that blocks certain applications.

FAQs

Bottom line

If you own an Android device, installing antivirus software is an excellent idea to give you added protection against cyber threats. If you notice any of the common symptoms of a virus on your phone, such as decreased battery life, increased data usage, or unusual apps installed, you should download antivirus software to scan your phone and remove any malicious software.

Once you’ve installed antivirus software on your phone, you may enjoy other perks that come with the software. The antivirus software will scan apps on your phone for viruses and may give you the ability to remotely wipe all data from your phone if it’s stolen.

In today’s day and age, you cannot do too much to keep your data safe.

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Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.