If you suspect your phone has viruses, the answer depends entirely on which device you use. For Android, you can run a scan through Google Play Protect and check your Google account security; for iPhone, Apple’s system automatically checks for malware and will alert you if you need to delete a dangerous app, there is no user-run virus scan.
Signs your phone has viruses or malware
While a slow phone or a draining battery can feel alarming, the official support pages from Apple, Google, and Samsung do not provide a symptom checklist labeled as virus symptoms. Instead, they direct you to platform-specific checks. If you notice suspicious behavior such as unexpected pop-ups, apps you don’t remember installing, or unusual data usage, the next step is to run the verified checks below for your specific device type. Unfamiliar charges on your phone bill or bank statements could indicate malware making premium rate or international calls. Increased network activity when not actively using apps could indicate a virus sending data to remote servers.
How to check for malware on an Android phone
Google’s official malware-removal page focuses on checking your account security and running Play Protect, not on a standalone virus scanner in Settings. To check your Android phone:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon, then tap Play Protect.
- Tap Scan if it is offered on the Play Protect screen.
- Open a web browser, go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup, and fix any account security issues you find.
- To check Play Protect certification, go to About in the Play Protect settings.
This process covers the only documented steps Google provides for checking and addressing malware on an Android phone or tablet.
How to check for malware on a Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung provides a dedicated scan path that checks “all of the apps and data” on the device and then shows whether the device is secure. On supported Galaxy phones:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery and Device Care or Device Care.
- Tap Device protection.
- Tap Scan phone.
For phones running Android 6 (Marshmallow) or below, Samsung documents an older path: Apps > Smart Manager > Security > Scan Now. Samsung also notes an older Google path: Apps > Google Settings > Security > Verify apps > Scan device for security threats.
How to check for malware on an iPhone or iPad
Instead, Apple says iPhone and iPad “regularly check installed third-party apps for malware identified by Apple.” If an app contains malware, the device blocks it and shows an alert telling you to delete it. The only required action is to delete any app that Apple flags with a malware alert. There is no scan button, no virus checker in Settings, and no manual verification step beyond responding to that alert.
How to remove malware from your phone
Android
Google’s malware-removal page directs you to review and fix security issues in your Google account at myaccount.google.com/security-checkup. Put your phone in safe mode to prevent malicious software from running in the background during removal. Clear app and system caches to remove potentially harmful files: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear cache, and Settings > Storage > Cached data > Clear cache.
iPhone and iPad
Delete any app that Apple says contains malware. The only documented step is responding to the malware alert by deleting the flagged app.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung’s support page says the scan reports whether the device is secure after Scan phone finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do phones get infected with viruses?
Viruses can reach your phone through downloading infected apps from untrusted sources, clicking on malicious links, or connecting to compromised Wi-Fi networks. Sticking to official app stores like Google Play Store and the Apple App Store reduces the risk.
What is the most obvious sign my phone has a virus?
The clearest sign is a direct alert from your device: on iPhone, Apple will tell you to delete a flagged app; on Android, Play Protect may warn you about unsafe software. Performance issues like slowdowns or battery drain can have many causes and are not official virus symptoms on their own.
Is powering your phone on and off a way to remove a virus?
Powering your phone on and off does not remove malware. It can temporarily stop a malicious app from running, but the virus remains installed. The only documented removal steps are platform-specific: fixing Google Account security issues on Android or deleting the flagged app on iPhone.
Should I factory reset my phone if I think it has a virus?
Official support pages from Apple, Google, and Samsung do not list a factory reset as a first step for malware removal. A reset is a last resort after you have tried the documented checks, Play Protect and Google Security Checkup for Android, or deleting the flagged app for iPhone.
How can I prevent viruses on my phone?
Only download apps from official app stores, keep your operating system and apps updated, avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads, and use a strong password for your lock screen. On Android, running Play Protect scans periodically and reviewing your Google account security helps catch issues early.
What does removing phone numbers from accounts have to do with viruses?
Removing phone numbers from accounts and devices is a security step you might take if you suspect your Google account has been compromised, but it is not a virus-removal step. Google’s malware-removal page focuses on fixing security issues at myaccount.google.com/security-checkup, which can include reviewing recovery options like phone numbers.
Can I use a factory reset locked Samsung phone to remove a virus?
How to factory reset locked Samsung phone is a separate support topic for when you cannot access your device normally. It is not a documented first step for virus removal. Samsung’s official malware guidance begins with the scan path in Settings > Battery and Device Care > Device protection, not a factory reset.
What should I know about a Jitterbug phone before signing up?
Jitterbug Phone: Everything you need to know before signing up is unrelated to virus checking. Jitterbug devices run a simplified operating system and have different security considerations. For virus checks on any phone, always follow the manufacturer’s official support pages.
Can I use antivirus software on my phone?
Yes, you can use antivirus software on your phone. Reputable third-party antivirus apps are available in official app stores and can provide an additional layer of protection alongside built-in security features like Google Play Protect.
