You’d imagine that your phone is pretty safe from these because you’re careful not to tap on links in messages or emails without checking them first, and you install apps only from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, Google isn’t as good at weeding out virus-ridden apps as you might expect. Add to this the fact that so many people assume phones are immune to viruses, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Not only can viruses cause havoc with your phone: they can also secretly spy on you, steal your personal details and financial information. Put simply, if you have an Android phone, you should install a trusted, effective antivirus app that will keep a constant lookout for malicious apps and dangerous links. Don’t worry, though. If there’s no antivirus app already installed and you suspect there may be malware on your phone, it isn’t too late: you can install one now and get it to scan your phone for any nasties.
How to use an antivirus app on Android
Scanning for a virus or any other type of malware is simple. Just install an app and it will almost certainly perform a scan when you first launch it. This applies to all Android phones including those made by Samsung, Google, OnePlus and other brands. Even better, there are excellent free apps which can do this, such as Avast One, which we’re using here. It’s available for Windows, macOS and iOS, too, so you can run it on all your devices if you want. For alternative methods, see our separate tutorial on removing Android viruses.
What’s the best antivirus for Android?
There’s a wealth of choice when it comes to Android antivirus, including free and paid-for apps. Avast One is a great choice, as is Norton 360 Deluxe – especially if you have Windows devices and Macs that also need protection. You’ll find more recommendations in our roundup of the best antivirus for Android, and the best antivirus software for all your devices. Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
