How to Remove Malware From Android

A single malicious app or infected file can slow down your phone, compromise your personal data, and even track your online activity without your knowledge. In 2025, cybersecurity reports show that over 34% of Android users encountered at least one form of mobile malware, and these attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to identify, remove, and prevent malware on Android devices, using simple but effective methods.

What Is Android Malware?

Android malware refers to any malicious software designed to infiltrate, damage, or gain unauthorized access to an Android device. This can include viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware. Unlike regular software, malware operates secretly and often disguises itself as a legitimate app, file, or system update. Once installed, it may steal data, display intrusive ads, slow down your device, or even hijack system functions. Because Android allows installation from third-party sources, cybercriminals often target users through fake apps, infected links, and phishing scams.

Signs Your Android Phone Has Malware

The following signs indicate that your Android phone has malware.

• Slow Performance: Your phone becomes laggy, apps take longer to open, and the screen may freeze frequently.
  
• Rapid Battery Drain: The battery percentage drops unusually fast, even with minimal usage.
  
• Unusual Data Usage: Sudden spikes in mobile data consumption indicate hidden apps transmitting or downloading data.
  
• Pop-Up Ads Everywhere: Ads appear on your screen even when you’re not using the browser, caused by adware.
  
• Unknown Apps Installed: You notice apps you didn’t download, which may have been installed secretly by malware.
  
• Frequent Crashes or Freezing: Apps crash randomly, or the phone restarts without warning.
  
• Overheating: The phone becomes excessively hot, even when not in use, due to malware running in the background.
  
• Changed Settings: System settings, permissions, or browser homepages are modified without your approval.
  
• Strange Messages or Notifications: Your phone sends or receives unusual SMS, emails, or alerts.
  
• Browser Redirections: Your browser opens unwanted websites automatically or redirects you to suspicious pages.
  
• Unusual Charges: Unexpected charges on your mobile bill can indicate premium-rate SMS malware.
  
• Locked Screen or Ransom Messages: Severe malware, such as ransomware, may lock your device or demand payment.

Key Stats on Android Malware

The following key statistics show the Android malware ratio.

1. Increase in Attacks (H1 2025)
   
   • There was a 29% increase in attacks on Android smartphones in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
     
   • Compared to the second half of 2024, attacks rose 48% in H1 2025.
     
2. Malware Samples Detected
   
   • In Q1 2025, about 180,000+ Android malware and “unwanted app” samples were detected, up 27% from Q4 2024.
     
   • In the same quarter, over 12 million Android devices had threats blocked, marking a 36% jump from Q4 2024.
     
3. Types of Threats Rising Fast
   
   • According to a report, Android-targeted threats are up 151% in early 2025.
     
   • Spyware is increasing sharply. Malwarebytes noted a 147% rise in spyware.
     
   • SMS-based malware saw a staggering 692% spike between April and May 2025.
     
4. Malicious Apps on Google Play
   
   • A Zscaler report found 239 malicious apps on Google Play from June 2024 to May 2025.
     
   • These apps were downloaded more than 42 million times in that period.
     
   • Among these, 69% were adware, and 23% were “Joker” infostealer malware.
     
   • Spyware usage increased by 220% year-over-year, per that report.
     
5. Most Common Malware Types
   
   • According to the 2024 report, adware accounted for approximately 35% of all mobile threat detections.
     
   • In 2024, 1.1 million malicious installation packages, including nearly 69,000 related to banking Trojans, were detected.

How Android Phones Get Infected With Malware?

The following reasons are listed below for how Android phones get infected with malware.

• Installing Apps from Unknown Sources:
  Downloading apps from third-party websites or unofficial app stores often exposes your device to malicious or tampered apps.
  
• Fake or Malicious Apps on Google Play:
  Although rare, some malware disguises itself as games, cleaners, or utility apps and slips through Play Store security checks.
  
• Clicking Suspicious Links:
  Malware can be downloaded automatically when you tap unsafe links sent through email, SMS, social media, or pop-ups.
  
• Downloading Infected Files:
  APK files, cracked apps, free premium content, or attachments from untrusted sources may contain hidden malicious code.
  
• Connecting to Unsecured Public Wi-Fi:
  Hackers can use public networks to intercept your activity or install malicious software on your device.
  
• Malicious Advertising (Malvertising):
  Some infected websites display ads that trigger automatic downloads or redirect you to harmful pages.
  
• Fake System Updates:
  Cybercriminals often trick users with pop-ups claiming their device needs an urgent update, which can lead to malware installation.
  
• Using Outdated Android Versions:
  Old software lacks security patches, making it easier for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
  
• Bluetooth or NFC Attacks:
  Malware can spread through nearby devices connected via Bluetooth or NFC.
  
• Sideloading Unknown APKs:
  Manually installing apps (APK files) from unknown developers bypasses Android’s built-in security protections.

How to Remove Malware From an Android Phone? Proven Methods

The following ways are proven methods to remove malware from an Android phone.

1. Use Antivirus Software to Scan and Remove Malware

• Install a trusted mobile antivirus app such as Malwarebytes or Avast.
  
• Run a full device scan to detect malicious files, apps, or background activities.
  
• Follow the app’s recommendations to remove, quarantine, or block any detected threats.
  
• Keep the antivirus app updated to ensure maximum protection.
  

2. Boot Your Phone into Safe Mode

• Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, including hidden malware.
  
• To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the Power button, then long-press “Power Off” until the Safe Mode option appears.
  
• Once in Safe Mode, go to Settings > Apps and review installed apps for anything unfamiliar or suspicious.
  
• Uninstall any apps you don’t recognize or didn’t install yourself.
  
• Restart your device normally once finished.
  

3. Clear Cache and Browser Data

• Some malware hides inside cached files, temporary data, or browser cookies.
  
• Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data and clear all cached files.
  
• Open your browser and clear cookies, site data, and history to remove harmful scripts or redirects.
  
• This helps eliminate adware and improves overall device performance.
  

4. Remove Suspicious Apps Manually

• Go through your Apps list carefully and look for apps with generic names, duplicate icons, or apps you never installed.
  
• Uninstall any app that seems suspicious, unused, or has unnecessary permissions.
  
• Check app permissions. If an app has access to your camera, mic, or location without a reason, it may be malicious.
  
• Go to Settings > Security > Device Admin Apps and disable admin rights for suspicious apps to force removal.

Types of Android Malware You Should Know

The following are types of Android Malware.

1. Adware:
Displays unwanted ads, pop-ups, and banners on your device. It may track your online behavior and redirect you to harmful websites.

2. Spyware:
Secretly monitors your activities, collects personal information, tracks your location, and can even record calls or keystrokes without your permission.

3. Trojans:
Disguises itself as a legitimate app to gain access to your device. Once installed, it can install more malware, steal data, or give hackers remote control.

4. Ransomware:
Locks your phone or encrypts your files and demands a ransom to restore access. It’s one of the most dangerous forms of mobile malware.

5. Worms:
Self-replicating malware that spreads automatically between devices through networks, messages, or Bluetooth without requiring user action.

6. Rootkits:
Hides deep inside the system files to avoid detection. Rootkits can give hackers full administrative access to your device.

7. Banking Malware:
Targets financial apps and steals banking credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs), or payment information.

8. Keyloggers:
Records everything you type, including passwords, messages, and personal information, and sends it to cybercriminals.

9. Botnet Malware:
Turns your device into a “bot” that becomes part of a large network controlled by hackers. These bots may be used for spam, cyberattacks, or data theft.

10. Crypto-Miners:
Utilizes your phone’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency for attackers, resulting in overheating, battery drain, and sluggish performance.

How to Know If You Have a Virus on Your Phone?

You may have a virus or malware on your phone if you notice unusual or unexplained behavior. Common signs include sudden slow performance, apps freezing, or your device overheating even when not in use. Pop-up ads appearing outside the browser, random redirects, or unfamiliar apps installed without your permission are strong indicators of infection. 

You may also experience rapid battery drain, unexpected spikes in data usage, or unusual charges on your phone bill. If settings change on their own, the browser homepage is altered, or your phone sends strange messages automatically, there’s a high chance your device is infected with malware.

How to Clean a Virus on Your Phone?

Cleaning a virus from your phone involves a few simple but effective steps. 

• Start by installing a trusted antivirus app and running a full scan to detect and remove malware. 
• If the malware blocks removal, restart your device in Safe Mode, which disables all third-party apps, and manually uninstall any suspicious or unfamiliar apps. 
• Clear your browser’s history, cookies, and cached data to eliminate harmful scripts. 
• You can also check for unusual app permissions and remove access where it doesn’t belong. 
• If the problem persists even after cleanup, backing up your data and performing a factory reset will completely wipe out any remaining malware.

What Do Viruses Do to Your Phone?

Viruses and malware can harm your phone in numerous ways. Some slow down performance by running hidden processes, while others drain your battery and consume your data in the background. More sophisticated malware may steal sensitive information, including passwords, messages, banking details, or location data. 

Adware-focused viruses bombard your screen with pop-up ads, while ransomware can lock your phone and demand payment. Some malware even grants hackers remote access to your device, enabling them to control features, install additional malicious apps, or spy on your activity. In severe cases, malware can corrupt files or cause your phone to become unstable and unsafe to use.

How to Check if Malware Is Completely Removed?

There are several ways to verify if malware has been completely removed.

Monitor Device Performance:
After removing suspicious apps, your phone should run smoothly without lag, freezing, or random restarts. Improved performance is a strong sign that the malware is gone.

Check Battery Usage:
Go to Settings > Battery and review which apps are using the most power. If no unknown or unusually active apps appear, the device is likely clean.

Review Data Usage:
Check Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage. Malware often consumes excessive data, so stable and normal usage levels indicate successful removal.

Run a Second Antivirus Scan:
Use your antivirus app to perform another full scan. A clean report confirms that no malicious files or apps remain.

Check App Permissions:
Go to Settings > Apps > App Permissions and look for apps with suspicious access to camera, microphone, SMS, or location. All permissions should now look normal.

Inspect Installed Apps:
Re-check your app list for unfamiliar names. If no unknown or hidden apps appear, this suggests that the malware has been removed.

Verify Browser Behavior:
Open your browser and see if it still redirects you to random pages or displays pop-ups. If not, the malware-infected scripts are likely removed.

Monitor Notifications:
Malware often sends strange notifications or messages. If these have stopped, your device is probably clean.

Test Phone for Stability:
Use your phone normally for a day or two. If there are no unusual crashes, overheating, or strange activity, the threat has likely been eliminated.

Conclusion

Protecting your Android phone from malware is essential to maintaining your privacy, security, and device performance. With mobile threats increasing annually, experts report that over 480,000 new mobile malware samples are detected each month. It’s more important than ever to understand how infections occur and how to remove them. By using antivirus tools, booting into Safe Mode, clearing the cache, and manually reviewing apps, you can effectively eliminate most threats. Staying vigilant with downloads and avoiding suspicious links will also help keep your device safe in the future.

FAQs

The following are some frequently asked questions.