Remove malware or unsafe software on Android devices

Definition of malware.

Malware is unsafe or unwanted software that can steal personal information or harm a device.

1.1. Signs your device may contain malware if:

• Google has signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
• You notice something suspicious on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.

Other signs of the device

• Virus or infected device warning
• Your antivirus software is no longer working or is no longer running
• Your device’s performance has dropped significantly
• Your device’s storage capacity has suddenly dropped significantly
• Your device is no longer working properly or has stopped working completely

Browser signs.

• Virus or infected device warnings
• Pop-up ads and new tabs that don’t go away
• Unwanted Chrome toolbars or extensions keep reappearing
• Your browsing activity seems out of your control, and the browser redirects you to strange pages or ads
• Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission

Other signs.

Your contacts received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn’t send them.

Steps to remove malware or unsafe software on Android devices.

Step 1: Make sure you have Google Play Protect turned on

1. Open the Google Play Store app .
2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
3. Tap Play Protect  Setting.
4. Turn App Scanning with Play Protect on or off.

Tip: If you’ve downloaded apps from sources outside the Google Play Store, turn on Improve malicious app detection.

Step 2: Check for security updates as well as updates for your Android device

Get the latest Android updates for your device

When you receive the notification, open it and tap Update.

If you’ve already cleared the notification or your device isn’t connected to the internet, here’s what you can do:

Open the Settings app on your device.

Tap System > Software Update.

You’ll see the update status. Follow any on-screen steps.

Note: If you have a Pixel device, you may see a “Software Update” entry.

Tip: If you install a modified (rooted) version of Android on your device, you won’t have the protections Google provides. To reset your Google security features, reinstall the stock Android operating system on your device.

Get Google Play system updates and security updates

Most system updates and security patches are automatically installed. To check if an update is available, do the following:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap Security & PrivacySystem and updates.To view security updates, tap Security updates.
3. Systems and updates.
4. Follow all the steps on the screen.

Tip: If you can’t find an update, you can try restarting your phone.

Step 3: Remove untrusted apps

You should uninstall apps that are unnecessary, untrusted, or from sources outside the Google Play Store.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps & notifications> See all apps.
3. Tap the app you want to uninstall> Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Perform the Security Check process

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open a web browser, like Chrome.
2. Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.
3. Follow the steps outlined to fix security issues in your account.

Tip: You can learn more about how to review your account settings and secure your account.

If you still notice signs of malware

If you continue to notice signs of unsafe software, you can choose to take one of the following steps: