How to remove virus on Android

When it comes to the safety and security of an operating system, no company can give you a 100% guarantee of their software being completely immune to attacks from malware or virus. But what they can do is put in safety and security protocols to ensure that your device is safe and secured.

The Android mobile operating system has taken the issue of malware and virus attacks very seriously and as such, has started putting in tight security protocols into all their services to ensure that the content you add to your device is completely safe from malware. However, some users like sideloading apps onto their device, and as such, they risk inviting malware onto their device. Now, before we tell you how to fix this malware issue, here are some signs that you can watch out for on your smartphone, that will indicate a malware presence on your device.

Number 1. Drastic Battery drain.

If you are using a relatively new smartphone, the average battery life will be around the rated value indicated by the phone maker. However, if your device has started drastically dropping in battery percentage, there is a good chance that your Android smartphone has got malware.

Number 2. Your Phone is responding very slowly. 

Malicious apps tend to encroach on your data and feed it to the hackers who have made the app. This hogs the processing power of your smartphone and as such, your device starts slowing down.

Number 3. Suspicious notifications from banks or other services.

If you start receiving messages that look like they are from your bank or other services that you have subscribed to in real life, there is a high chance that there is a virus or malware on your smartphone that is feeding on personal data in real-time.

Number 4. Pop up Ads.

Malware or malicious apps tend to install themselves into the OS and start displaying annoying pop-up ads that appear based on certain triggers. These triggers could be anything from you opening a certain app, or opening a web page on your mobile browser. If you have started seeing unexplained pop-up ads on your smartphone. There is a very high chance that your device has been infected.

Now, let’s see how you can remove these malware or malicious apps from your device.

Solution 1. Download apps only from the Play Store.

The first thing you need to do to keep your Android smartphone safe is that you need to start downloading apps only from the Play Store. The Play Store only allows authorized developers to release their apps for the users, and even after that, the app goes through a Play PRotect virus scan before it can be installed on your device. If Play Protect detects a problem, it flags the app and does not allow installation on your device.

Yes, it’s tempting to sideload cracked apps or modded versions of paid apps, but you need to understand that the people who crack these premium paid apps and offer them for free usually have a bigger hidden agenda which activates the moment you install their apps on your device.

Solution 2. Run a virus scan every week.

A good practice to keep your device safe and protected is to run a virus scan on your device once a week. Earlier, users had to resort to third-party apps to get this virus scan done, but now, you can use the Play Store to scan your device and apps for a virus.

Step 1. Open the Play Store on your Android Smartphone.

Step 2. Tap on the ‘three-line‘ icon on the top left-hand side of the home page.

 

 

Step 3. Tap on the ‘My Apps and Games‘ option from the menu.

 

Step 4. Tap on the ‘Refresh‘ button in the Updates tab.

 

 

The Play Store will run a security check on the apps on your device and give you a security report.

Solution 3. Delete any sideloaded apps from your devices.

If you have installed any app via the sideload method, please make sure you delete it from your device. The procedure is the same as any other app. You can simply long-press on the sideloaded the app and tap the uninstall button.

Solution 4. Factory Reset the smartphone. 

If you are facing prolonged issues with your smartphone, the last resort, and sometimes the best alternative is to factory reset your Android smartphone.

In conclusion, please refrain from downloading and installing apps that are not available on the App Store. Also, downloading cracked or modded apps are not ethical and take away the effort put in by the developers of the original app. Keep your smartphone safe and stay ethical on the internet.