Signs Your Phone Might Have a Virus
A phone with malware usually shows you something is wrong before you need to run a scan. The most common signs are a phone that runs much slower than normal, apps that crash repeatedly, or a battery that drains in hours instead of a full day. You might also see pop-up ads appearing even when you are not using any app, or notice your phone getting hot during normal use.
Less obvious signs include a sudden spike in your mobile data usage — malware often sends information about you to servers in the background — or apps you do not remember installing. Check your installed apps by going to Settings, then Apps (on Android) or Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage (on iPhone). If you see unfamiliar programs, that is a red flag.
Another warning is if your phone asks for permissions it should not need. If a flashlight app wants access to your contacts or location, something is wrong. On Android, go to Settings, then Apps, then Permissions to see what each program can access. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy to review permissions by category.
Key Takeaways
- Slow performance, rapid battery drain, unexpected pop-ups, and unfamiliar apps are the most common signs of phone malware.
- Both Android and iPhone have built-in security scanners you can run from Settings without downloading a separate app.
- Restarting your phone in Safe Mode (Android) or with Settings changes (iPhone) can help you identify which app is causing the problem.
- Removing the suspicious app, clearing your cache, and changing passwords from a different device are the first steps to take if you find malware.
How to Run a Built-In Security Scan on Android
Android phones come with Google Play Protect, a built-in scanner that checks apps for malware. Open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap Manage Apps and Device. Go to the Manage tab and scroll down to Security. Tap Run Security Scan. Google Play Protect will scan all your installed apps and tell you if any are flagged as harmful.
If Google Play Protect finds a problem, it will show you the app name and offer to uninstall it. Tap Remove to delete the app when ready. After removing it, go back to Settings, then Apps, and look for any other unfamiliar programs you do not recognize. Delete those as well.
Some Android phones also have a separate Security app built in by the manufacturer. On Samsung phones, open Settings, then tap Security and Privacy, then tap Security. You will see an option to scan your device. Other manufacturers like OnePlus or Google Pixel have similar built-in tools in their Settings menu under Security or Safety.
How to Run a Built-In Security Scan on iPhone
iPhones do not have a traditional malware scanner because Apple controls which apps can be installed through the App Store. However, you can still check for signs of compromise. Go to Settings, then Privacy, and review which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and contacts. If an app you do not use regularly has these permissions, revoke them by tapping the app name and changing the permission to Never.
To clear cached data that malware might be hiding in, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. Look at the list of apps and their sizes. Apps that are much larger than they should be — a straightforward note-taking app taking up 500 MB, for example — may be storing malicious files. Tap the app and choose Offload App, which removes it but keeps your data, then reinstall it fresh from the App Store.
If you suspect a specific app is the problem, you can also restart your iPhone in a limited mode. Hold the power button and volume down button together until the power-off slider appears. Release and hold the power button again until you see "Loading" and the Apple logo. This boots into a mode where only Apple's built-in apps run, letting you see if the problem goes away.
How to Restart Your Android Phone in Safe Mode
Safe Mode on Android disables all third-party apps, so only the apps that came with your phone run. This helps you figure out which app is causing the problem. Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears. Long-press the Power Off option — do not tap it — until a Safe Mode option appears. Tap Safe Mode.
Your phone will restart and show "Safe Mode" at the bottom of the screen. Use your phone normally for a few minutes. If the slowness, crashes, or pop-ups stop, then one of your installed apps is the problem. Restart your phone normally by pressing the power button and tapping Power Off, then turning it back on. Go to Settings, then Apps, and uninstall apps you do not recognize or recently installed.
If the problem continues in Safe Mode, the issue is likely with your phone's system itself, not a third-party app. In that case, back up your data and consider a factory reset, or contact your phone's manufacturer for support.
What to Do If You Find Malware
Once you identify the malicious app, uninstall it when ready. On Android, go to Settings, then Apps, find the app, and tap Uninstall. On iPhone, press and hold the app icon on your home screen and tap Remove App, then Delete App. After removing it, restart your phone.
Next, change your passwords from a different device — a computer or tablet — because malware may have captured them. Start with your email password, since email is the key to resetting everything else. Then change passwords for your bank, social media, and any other accounts you care about. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to create strong, unique passwords.
Clear your phone's cache and temporary files. On Android, go to Settings, then Apps, then Storage, and tap Clear Cache. On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage, and offload and reinstall your most-used apps. Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. If you see fraud, contact your bank when ready.
How to Prevent Viruses on Your Phone Going Forward
The strongest protection is to only install apps from official sources. On Android, use Google Play Store. On iPhone, use the App Store. Both review apps before allowing them, though malware occasionally slips through. Avoid downloading apps from third-party websites or sideloading, which bypasses these checks.
Keep your phone's operating system updated. Go to Settings, then System, then System Update on Android, or Settings, then General, then Software Update on iPhone. Install updates as soon as they are available, because they patch security holes that malware exploits. Also update your apps regularly — open Google Play Store or the App Store and tap Update All.
Be cautious about what permissions you grant. When you install an app, it will ask for access to your location, contacts, camera, or other sensitive data. Only allow permissions that the app actually needs to function. A weather app does not need your contacts. A calculator does not need your location. Deny anything that seems unnecessary.
When to Consider a Factory Reset
If you have removed the suspicious app but your phone still runs slowly, crashes, or shows signs of malware, a factory reset may be necessary. This erases everything on your phone and reinstalls the original operating system. Before you do this, back up your data to cloud storage — Google Drive for Android, iCloud for iPhone — or to a computer.
On Android, go to Settings, then System, then Reset Options, then Erase All Data. On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. Your phone will restart and ask you to set it up again. Sign back into your accounts and reinstall your apps from the official app store only.
A factory reset is thorough but time-consuming. Try removing the suspicious app and running a security scan first. Only reset if those steps do not solve the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a virus just by visiting a website on my phone?
Visiting a website alone is unlikely to infect your phone, especially on iPhone. On Android, malicious websites can sometimes trick you into downloading an app, but the Google Play Store scans for known malware. The bigger risk is clicking a link in a text message or email that takes you to a fake login page designed to steal your password.
Do I need to read an antivirus app for my phone?
No. Google Play Protect and iPhone's built-in protections are sufficient for most people. Third-party antivirus apps on Android often ask for excessive permissions and can slow your phone down. If you want extra protection, stick with the built-in scanners and practice safe habits like not clicking suspicious links.
What if my phone is jailbroken or rooted?
Jailbroken iPhones and rooted Android phones have removed the security protections that prevent malware from running. If your phone is jailbroken or rooted, you have much higher risk of infection. Consider restoring it to its original state by doing a factory reset and not jailbreaking or rooting it again.
Can malware on my phone steal my banking information?
Yes, malware can capture passwords, credit card numbers, and login credentials if you type them into your phone. This is why changing your passwords from a different device is important if you suspect infection. Also enable two-factor authentication on your bank account so that even if your password is stolen, someone cannot access your account without a second verification step.