How to Get Rid of Malware on Android

Malware on an Android device can be a real headache. It can slow down your phone, show annoying pop-up ads, or even steal sensitive information like your login credentials and bank account details. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to get rid of malicious software and prevent it from coming back. In this guide, we’ll learn how to remove malware from your Android phone, from identifying suspicious apps to performing a factory reset if necessary.

How to Spot Signs of Malware on Android

Before diving into the removal process, it’s important to recognize if your Android phone might be infected with malware. Some common signs include:

• Pop-up ads that appear out of nowhere.
• Unfamiliar or recently installed apps you don’t remember downloading.
• Increased data usage or battery drain for no apparent reason.
• The device feels sluggish or unresponsive.
• Unusual app behavior such as random crashes.
• Browser history filled with unknown websites.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, your Android device may be infected with malware, and you should take action.

Steps to Remove Malware from Your Android Device

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Apps

The first step in getting rid of malware is to check for any suspicious or unfamiliar apps.

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps or Apps & notifications (depending on your phone).
3. Scroll through your installed apps and look for anything that seems out of place or you don’t recognize.
4. If you find any unfamiliar apps, tap on the app name, then tap Uninstall to remove it.

Be cautious when reviewing recently installed apps, especially if you don’t remember downloading them.

Step 2: Run Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is a built-in malware protection service that scans apps for harmful behavior.

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Play Protect.
4. Tap Scan to check your device for harmful malware.

Play Protect will scan for viruses and malware and notify you if it finds anything suspicious.

Step 3: Install Anti-Malware Software

To add an extra layer of security, you can install anti-malware or antivirus apps from the Google Play Store.

• Look for well-reviewed apps such as Malwarebytes or Avast.
• Download the free version or a premium version for additional features.
• After installation, run a full scan of your device to find and remove any remaining malware.

Step 4: Clear Browsing History and Cache

Malicious software can sometimes hide in your browser history or cache, generating pop-ups or slowing down your phone.

1. Open your browser (such as Chrome).
2. Go to the menu (three dots in the upper-right corner).
3. Tap History.
4. Tap Clear browsing data.
5. In the drop-down menu, choose a time range (select All time for a full clean).
6. Check the boxes for Cookies and Cached images and files.
7. Tap Clear data.

This will help eliminate unnecessary files that might be connected to malware.

Step 5: Reboot Your Phone in Safe Mode

If you can’t remove a suspicious app or your phone continues to act strangely, you may need to boot your Android phone into Safe Mode. Safe Mode disables third-party apps, allowing you to uninstall harmful software safely.

1. Press and hold the power button.
2. Press and hold the Power off button when the Power options appear until the Safe Mode prompt appears.
3. Tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode.
4. Once in Safe Mode, repeat the app removal process (Step 1) for any suspicious apps.

Step 6: Perform a Factory Reset (If Necessary)

If the malware infection persists after following the previous steps, a factory reset may be your last resort. This will erase all data on your phone, so back up important files before proceeding.

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap System or Backup & reset.
3. Select Factory data reset.
4. Tap Reset phone and confirm.

After resetting, reinstall your apps from the Google Play Store, avoiding any suspicious or unfamiliar apps to prevent another malware infection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did my Android device get infected with malware?

Malware typically enters your device through malicious apps downloaded from untrustworthy sources. It can also spread via infected websites, pop-up ads, text messages, and email attachments.

2. Can Android phones get viruses like iPhones?

While iPhone viruses are rare due to Apple’s closed ecosystem, Android malware is more common because of its open nature. That’s why it’s crucial to download apps only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store and enable Google Play Protect.

3. How do I know if my phone has malware?

Signs of malware include pop-ups, unfamiliar apps, increased data usage, and slow performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, your phone may be infected.

4. Is installing anti-malware software necessary?

Yes, installing it is a good practice to stop malware from infecting your phone in the future. Most antivirus apps also offer real-time protection against other malware, including malicious software that could self-replicate and spread.

5. What should I do if my phone is still infected after a factory reset?

If you continue to experience issues after a factory reset, the malware might be deeply embedded, or you could be reinstalling an infected app. Instead of re-downloading apps or files that might contain malware, consider using a clean backup to restore your phone.