How to Check Your Phone for Malware

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

MalwareSmartphoneSecurityAndroidiPhoneMobile AppsPrivacyData ManagementDevice ManagementPerformance

Our digital lives are becoming increasingly important, with smartphones playing a vital role in ensuring connectivity and convenience. However, with greater connectivity comes the risk of malware harming our devices. Malware is short for malicious software designed to infiltrate, damage or disable computers, networks, tablets and mobile devices. It can come in the form of viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware and more.

This detailed guide explains how to check for malware on your phone. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device, the steps below will help you identify and deal with potential threats.

Understanding malware on mobile devices

Malware can enter your phone through a variety of means. The most common include downloading apps from unofficial app stores, clicking on malicious links in emails or SMS, or connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Malware can lead to consequences such as identity theft, unauthorized data access, or financial losses.

Here are the common signs that your mobile phone is infected with malware:

• Abnormal increase in data usage.
• Excessive battery drain.
• Overheating of your device.
• Unexpected apps that you don't remember installing.
• Poor performance and frequent crashing of apps.
• Unwanted pop-up ads that appear more often than usual.

A step-by-step guide to checking for malware

1. Keep an eye on battery usage

Rapid battery drain can often be the primary sign of malware. Malware constantly runs in the background, causing your battery to drain faster. Check your battery usage statistics to identify suspicious apps:

1. Go to Settings on your phone.
2. Navigate to Battery.
3. Check which apps use the most power.

If there's an app consuming too much battery that you don't recognize or that you didn't install, it could be a sign of malware activity.

2. Check data usage

Malware can use your data connection to send information from your phone without your knowledge. Follow these steps to check data usage:

1. Access the settings.
2. Select Network & Internet (terminology may differ slightly between Android and iOS).
3. Select Data usage.
4. Review each app's data consumption.

If an app you don't know about or haven't installed is using a lot of data, it could be a matter of concern.

3. Review installed apps

Sometimes, malware hides itself in legitimate-looking apps or in apps you don't remember installing. To detect potential threats:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Apps or Applications.
3. Scroll through the list and remove any unknown or suspicious apps.

If you're not sure about an app, search for it online and find out if it's been flagged as dangerous by other users. If it's suspicious, uninstall it immediately.

4. Use a trusted mobile security app

There are many security apps designed specifically for mobile devices. These apps can help you scan for and eliminate malware. Popular options include:

• Norton Mobile Security
• Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
• BitDefender Mobile Security
• McAfee Mobile Security

To avoid being exposed to malware, make sure you only download security apps from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

5. Scan for malware

After you choose a security app, follow these general steps to perform a malware scan:

1. Download and install your chosen security app.
2. Open the app and go to the Scan option.
3. Click Scan to start the full device scan.
4. Follow any prompts to remove identified threats.

Keep your security app updated so it can effectively detect the latest threats.

6. Check for pop-up ads

Frequent pop-up ads can be a sign of adware, a type of malware. Legitimate apps may have occasional pop-ups, but constant interruptions are unusual. If you're seeing a lot of pop-ups, take these steps:

1. Check recently installed apps to identify the culprit.
2. Uninstall apps that were installed when the problems started.
3. If ads continue to appear, use a malware removal tool to perform a deep scan.

7. Keep your operating system updated

System updates for Android or iOS often include patches for known vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Enable auto-updates or regularly check for software updates manually:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Software update or System update.
3. Download and install any available updates.

8. Connect only to secure Wi-Fi networks

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be a gateway to malware installation or personal data theft. Always prefer connecting to trusted, password-protected networks. When in doubt, use a VPN to add an extra layer of security.

9. Be careful with app permissions

When installing apps, pay attention to the permissions they ask for. Some apps may ask for excessive permissions to access information irrelevant to their functionality. Deny permissions that seem inappropriate, especially for apps not downloaded from an official app store.

What to do if your phone gets infected?

If you notice malware on your phone, follow these steps to remove it and secure your device:

1. Remove malware

Once identified, use your anti-malware app to remove it:

1. Open your security app and do a second scan if necessary.
2. Follow the app's instructions to remove the malware.

2. Reset your phone

In cases where the malware cannot be effectively removed, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. This will erase all data on the device, so make sure you back up important information beforehand:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System > Advanced > Reset options.
3. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
4. Confirm and wait for the process to complete.

3. Restore data

Once your phone is reset, you can restore your backup data:

1. After setup, choose to restore your phone from a backup.
2. Connect to secure Wi-Fi to download your data.

Preventive measures

Prevention is the best defense against malware. Apply the following measures to strengthen your phone's security:

• Download apps from legitimate sources: Only use official app stores.
• Read reviews: Before installing an app, be sure to read user reviews to ensure its legitimacy.
• Update apps regularly: Make sure all apps are up to date to avoid vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Emails and messages may contain malware links disguised as legitimate content.
• Enable screen lock: Use a biometric lock, such as fingerprint or face recognition, for added security.

Conclusion

Checking your phone for malware is not a one-time task, but a recurring responsibility as part of practicing safe digital habits. Regularly monitoring battery and data usage, keeping your software updated, and using security apps are key to maintaining a malware-free device. By following the steps and preventive advice mentioned above, you can protect your personal information and enjoy a seamless and secure smartphone experience. Let vigilance be your companion, so that technology enhances your life instead of compromising it.

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