To scan your Samsung phone for viruses, use the built-in Device protection tool found in your phone's settings. This quick scan checks all apps and data for threats without needing to install anything extra.
How to scan Samsung phone for viruses with the built-in tool
On newer Galaxy devices, Samsung's virus and malware scan is located in the Battery and Device Care menu. The tool scans all apps and data on the device, providing a straightforward way to check for threats. The built-in scan path on newer devices is Settings > Battery and Device Care > Device protection > Scan phone.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
- Tap Battery and Device Care.
- Select Device protection.
- Tap Scan phone.
- Wait for the scan to complete. If any threats are detected, follow the on-screen prompts to remove or quarantine them.
On older Galaxy devices running Android 6 (Marshmallow) or below, the path is different. Samsung documents the path for older devices as Apps > Smart Manager > Security > Scan Now (Android 6 or below). Open Apps, then Smart Manager, then Security, and tap Scan Now. Samsung recommends using this built-in tool as your primary method for checking your phone's security, especially when you are managing your phone accessories and maintenance routine.
How to run a full scan with Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect is Google's built-in Android protection that checks apps from Google Play before you download them and periodically scans your device. You can also start a full device scan at any time.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung phone.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap Play Protect.
- Tap Settings and confirm Scan apps with Play Protect is turned on. Google Play Protect path: Google Play Store app > profile icon > Play Protect > Settings > Scan apps with Play Protect.
- Return to the Play Protect screen and tap Scan to start a full device scan.
Play Protect runs automatically in the background, but running a manual scan gives you immediate confirmation that your device is clean.
Signs your Samsung phone might have a virus
Knowing when to scan is as important as knowing how. Common symptoms that indicate your Samsung phone may need a virus scan include:
- Unusual battery drain that happens even when you are not using the phone heavily.
- Slow performance, frequent crashes, or the phone freezing unexpectedly.
- Strange pop-up ads appearing, even when you are not in a browser or app.
- Unfamiliar apps appearing on your device that you did not install.
- Unexplained data usage spikes.
If you notice any of these signs, run a scan immediately using either Samsung's Device protection or Google Play Protect.
Best practices to keep your Samsung phone virus-free
Prevention reduces the chance you will need to scan for viruses in the first place. Follow these practices to keep your device secure:
- Update your software and security patches regularly. Samsung and Google release updates that address vulnerabilities. Install them as soon as they are available.
- Download apps only from official stores. Use the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store. Avoid downloading apps from third-party websites or unknown sources.
- Avoid suspicious links and websites. Do not click on links in unsolicited messages or emails, and be cautious when browsing unfamiliar sites.
- Back up important data regularly. Use Samsung's built-in backup feature or a cloud service so you can restore your files if a virus forces a factory reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Samsung phone get a virus?
Yes, Samsung phones can be infected by viruses and malware, just like any other smartphone. The risk is lower than on some other platforms, but it exists, especially if you download apps from outside official stores or click on suspicious links.
Does a factory reset remove viruses from my Samsung phone?
Yes, performing a factory reset removes viruses and malware from your Samsung phone. However, this erases all data on the device, so back up your important files before proceeding. You can perform a factory reset from Settings under Backup and Reset.
Do I need a third-party antivirus app for my Samsung phone?
Most Samsung users do not need a third-party antivirus app. The built-in Device protection tool and Google Play Protect provide sufficient security for typical use. Third-party apps may offer extra features like app lock or anti-theft, but they are not required for basic virus protection.
How often should I scan my Samsung phone for viruses?
There is no set schedule required for scanning. Google Play Protect scans automatically in the background. Run a manual scan with Samsung's Device protection if you notice any symptoms of infection, after installing apps from outside the official stores, or as part of your regular phone maintenance routine.
Can I scan an iPhone for viruses using these methods?
For iPhone, no official Apple page documents a traditional antivirus scan or a system-wide virus scan, and the Android/Samsung scan steps do not apply to iPhone.
