How to Remove Virus from Android Phone (Restore Your Device’s Security and Performance in 30 Minutes)

Why Your Android Smartphone Needs Immediate Virus Protection

Your Android smartphone might have a virus if it’s running slowly. Strange ads or weird behavior are other warning signs. Viruses and malware can steal your data and drain your battery. They also put your privacy at risk.

This guide shows you how to remove viruses completely. You’ll learn to spot threats and prevent future infections. Your smartphone will return to peak performance and security.

Time needed: 20-30 minutes for complete virus removal and security setup

What You Need Before Starting

Before cleaning your Android smartphone, gather these items:

• Android smartphone running Android 6.0 or newer
• Stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection
• At least 500MB of free storage space
• Access to Google Play Store

Important: Back up your photos and contacts first. Virus removal might need a factory reset in severe cases.

Step 1: Boot Your Smartphone into Safe Mode

Safe mode stops third-party apps from running. This helps you find and remove bad software without interference.

How to Enter Safe Mode

1. Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears
2. Touch and hold the Power off option for 2-3 seconds
3. When prompted “Reboot to safe mode,” tap OK
4. Your smartphone will restart with “Safe mode” displayed in the corner

What you’ll see: A “Safe mode” watermark appears in the corner. Many apps will look grayed out or missing.

Time needed: 2-3 minutes

Step 2: Find and Remove Suspicious Apps

Now that third-party apps are off, look for suspicious software. Focus on apps you didn’t install or don’t recognize.

Spotting Bad Apps

1. Open Settings from your app drawer
2. Scroll down and tap Apps or Application Manager
3. Review the list for unknown apps
4. Look for apps with generic names like “System Update” or “Flash Player”

Removing Suspicious Apps

For each suspicious app:

• Tap the app name
• Tap Uninstall (if available) or Disable
• Confirm by tapping OK

What you’ll see: A list of all apps with uninstall options. Bad apps often have poor-quality icons or fake names.

Warning Signs of Malicious Apps

Watch for these red flags:

• Apps you don’t remember downloading
• Apps wanting too many permissions
• Apps that can’t be uninstalled

Step 3: Clean Your Browser Data

Malware targets web browsers to show ads and redirect searches. Clear all browser data to remove malicious content.

Clearing Browser Data

1. Open your default browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet, etc.)
2. Tap the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner
3. Select Settings
4. Tap Privacy and security or Privacy
5. Select Clear browsing data
6. Choose All time as the time range
7. Check all boxes (browsing history, cookies, cached images)
8. Tap Clear data

What you’ll see: A confirmation that browsing data is cleared. Your browser returns to default settings.

Step 4: Install Antivirus Software for Your Smartphone

Download a trusted antivirus app. This will scan your entire system and find remaining threats.

Installing Antivirus Protection

1. Restart your smartphone normally (hold Power button, tap Restart)
2. Open Google Play Store
3. Search for “Malwarebytes” or “Bitdefender Mobile Security”
4. Install your chosen antivirus app
5. Open the app and complete setup
6. Tap Scan or Full Scan
7. Let the scan finish (takes 10-15 minutes)
8. Follow prompts to remove detected threats

What you’ll see: A progress bar during scanning. Then a detailed report of threats and removal options.

Best Antivirus Apps

These apps protect your smartphone well:

• Malwarebytes (free version available)
• Bitdefender Mobile Security
• Avast Mobile Security

Step 5: Check App Permissions

Malware asks for too many permissions to access your data. Review and limit permissions for all apps.

Reviewing Permissions

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Privacy or Apps & notifications
3. Select Permission manager
4. Review each permission type (Camera, Microphone, Location)
5. Check which apps have access
6. Remove permissions apps don’t need
7. Check “Device admin apps” - remove any you don’t know

What you’ll see: A complete list of permissions. Toggle switches let you control access for each app.

Step 6: Update Your Smartphone’s Security

Keep your device updated with the latest security patches. This protects against known vulnerabilities.

Checking for Updates

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap System or About phone
3. Tap System update
4. Tap Check for updates
5. If updates exist, tap Download and install
6. Let your smartphone restart to finish the update

What you’ll see: Either “Your system is up to date” or download options for new updates.

Time needed: 15-30 minutes depending on update size

Step 7: Reset Network Settings (If Problems Continue)

Still having connection issues or unwanted redirects? Reset network settings to clear malicious configurations.

Resetting Network Settings

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General management or System
3. Select Reset or Reset options
4. Tap Reset network settings
5. Enter your PIN if prompted
6. Tap Reset settings to confirm
7. Reconnect to Wi-Fi networks with original passwords

What you’ll see: A warning that all network settings will reset. Then confirmation when complete.

Fixing Common Problems

Can’t Remove Suspicious App

The app might have admin privileges. Go to Settings > Security > Device admin apps. Deselect the bad app, then try removing it again.

Smartphone Still Runs Slowly

Try a soft reset by holding Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds. If problems continue, consider a factory reset.

Antivirus Finds Nothing But Problems Remain

Some advanced malware hides in system areas. Try a different antivirus app or visit a repair service.

Apps Keep Coming Back

Check Settings > Accessibility for malicious apps with install permissions. Turn off any suspicious accessibility services.

Browser Still Redirects

Try a different browser temporarily. Reset your current browser by clearing all data completely.

Extra Security Steps

Enable Google Play Protect

Go to Play Store > Menu > Play Protect. This scans app installations and detects threats automatically.

Use a VPN for Better Security

Install a good VPN app. This encrypts your internet connection and stops attacks on public Wi-Fi.

Schedule Regular Security Checks

Review installed apps and permissions monthly. This catches potential threats early.

Your Smartphone is Now Secure

You’ve successfully removed viruses from your Android smartphone. Your device should run faster now. You’ll see fewer unwanted ads and better data protection.

To stay secure, only download apps from Google Play Store. Keep your OS updated and avoid suspicious links. Regular maintenance using these steps keeps your Android smartphone secure and fast.

Remember: If problems continue after all steps, a factory reset might be needed. Always back up important data first.

Note: This guide was created for Android smartphones. Some steps may vary on other devices or OS versions.