Remove malware on Android: This is how it works – 2024-03-01 03:23:19

2024-03-01 03:23:19

Viruses don’t just cause problems on PCs. There is now also all sorts of malware in circulation for Android, which you better eliminate quickly.

To detect and delete such malicious programs for free, you don’t always need an additional app. With Google Play Protect, Google itself offers security software that is already preinstalled on modern Android smartphones.

How to remove malware in Android for free

Google Play Protect constantly searches in the background for Android apps contaminated with malware in order to eliminate them. Follow the steps below to install the program:

1. Open the “Google Play Store” on your mobile phone.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner and then select “Play Protect.”
3. Select the gear icon to open the software settings.
4. Enable the “Scan apps with Play Protect” option.

If you also use apps that do not come from the Google Play Store, also activate the “Improve detection of malicious apps” option. By doing so, you allow the service to transmit the apps to Google servers for analysis purposes.

Prevent viral infections

In order to fundamentally protect your Android smartphone from viruses, it is recommended that you always keep the system software up to date. This works like this:

1. First open “System Settings”.
2. Navigate to Security & Privacy > System & Updates.
3. Check whether new updates are available under “Security updates” or “Google Play system update” and install them if necessary.

Please also make sure that you generally do not click on any links from unknown senders and do not download any apps or other files from dubious sources.

Alternative options

Note that Google Play Protect, like any other security software, does not detect and remove all Android malware. If you still have the feeling that you have a virus on your smartphone after taking the above measures, these steps will help:

• Install alternative security software and use it to scan your system. You can find solutions from common manufacturers such as Avira, AVG or Bitdefender in the Google Play Store.
• Reset the cell phone to factory settings. Please note, however, that all data stored on the device will be lost. Therefore, create a data backup beforehand.
• If necessary, contact the support of your smartphone manufacturer.

If necessary, consult trained IT specialists. This can help you eliminate malware on your smartphone.