How to Detect a Phone Virus on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to scan your Android for viruses using an antivirus app from the Play Store.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using an Antivirus App

  1. Image titled Detect a Phone Virus on Android Step 1
    1
    Install an antivirus app on your phone. Some popular options are Kaspersky, Avast, AVG, and McAfee.
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    2
    Open your antivirus app. If it’s your first time using the app, you’ll be asked to give it access to your device, as well as accept its user agreement.
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  3. Image titled Detect a Phone Virus on Android Step 3
    3
    Tap the Scan button. The name of the button may vary. This will begin the test and report the results upon completion.
  4. Image titled Detect a Phone Virus on Android Step 4
    4
    Check the report. The app should automatically quarantine anything suspicious it finds. Follow any on-screen instructions to remove the viruses from your Android.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Checking for Signs

  1. Image titled Detect a Phone Virus on Android Step 5
    1
    Check for increased data usage. Because viruses run in the background, using your data plan to communicate with the internet, you may notice spikes in data usage. Keep an eye on your billing statement.
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    2
    Watch for unexplained charges. Some rogue apps can make purchases without your knowledge. Check your transactions and see if there are charges there you or your family didn’t make.
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    3
    Look for apps you didn’t download. Seeing a new app icon on the home screen but don’t remember installing it? This could be the work of a virus. These apps might even look legit, but if you don’t recall downloading them, it’s best to remove them from the Android.
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    4
    Take note of frequently-crashing apps. If, for example, your favorite app (which has never caused you problems before) start crashing often, a virus might be the reason. Viruses are notorious for making apps malfunction.
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    5
    Watch for pop-up advertisements. If you’re suddenly inundated by pop-up ads, a virus could be the culprit. Avoid tapping links in pop-up ads.
  6. Image titled Detect a Phone Virus on Android Step 10
    6
    Monitor your battery performance. If you notice a drastic decrease in the amount of time your Android’s battery stays charged, a virus may be draining your resources.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
Tech Specialist
This article was written by Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 10,224 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: October 13, 2018
Views: 10,224
Categories: Computer Viruses | Android
Article SummaryX

1. Install an antivirus app from the Play Store.
2. Launch the app and give appropriate permissions.
3. Tap Scan.
4. Review the report.

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