The fastest way to remove a virus from your phone
If your phone has a virus, the safest first step is to restart it in Safe Mode, then run a malware scanner. Safe Mode blocks third-party apps from running, which stops most viruses from working while you scan. After the scan finds threats, the scanner removes them. If Safe Mode doesn't work or the virus returns, a factory reset wipes everything and reinstalls the operating system clean — this removes nearly all viruses, but you lose all your photos, messages, and app data unless you backed them up first.
The method you choose depends on how bad the infection is. A single suspicious app usually comes off with a malware scanner. A phone that crashes constantly, shows ads you didn't click, or drains battery in hours needs Safe Mode and a full scan. A phone that won't restart or keeps rebooting needs a factory reset.
Key Takeaways
- Restart your phone in Safe Mode first — this stops viruses from running while you scan for them.
- Download a malware scanner like Malwarebytes or Avast on a computer, transfer it to your phone via USB cable, and run it to find and remove threats.
- If the virus persists after scanning, back up your important photos and contacts, then do a factory reset to wipe the phone clean.
- After removing the virus, uninstall any apps you don't recognize, turn off installation from unknown sources in Settings, and avoid downloading apps outside the official store.
How to restart your phone in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a stripped-down version of your phone's operating system that runs only the built-in apps. Viruses and malicious apps cannot run in Safe Mode, so you can scan without the virus interfering. The steps differ between Android and iPhone.
On Android: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears. Press and hold "Power off" until a Safe Mode option pops up. Tap it. Your phone will restart with "Safe Mode" written at the bottom of the screen. You stay in Safe Mode until you restart normally.
On iPhone: iPhones do not have a traditional Safe Mode. Instead, force-restart your phone by pressing the volume up button, then volume down, then pressing and holding the side button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then power back on. This clears temporary files that viruses sometimes hide in.
Running a malware scanner on your phone
A malware scanner searches your phone for known virus signatures and suspicious behavior. The most reliable scanners are Malwarebytes and Avast, both free. These work differently on Android and iPhone because Apple's system is more locked down.
On Android in Safe Mode: Open the Google Play Store, search for "Malwarebytes," and install it. Open Malwarebytes, tap the scan button, and let it run. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. When it finishes, review the threats it found. Tap "Remove" or "Quarantine" on each one. Restart your phone normally after the scan completes.
On iPhone: Apple does not allow traditional malware scanners in the App Store because iOS is designed to prevent viruses from running in the first place. If you believe your iPhone has a virus, the safest step is a factory reset. Before you reset, back up your photos and contacts to iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turning on Photos and Contacts.
On Android, if the Play Store won't open: Connect your phone to a computer with a USB cable. Download Malwarebytes on the computer, install it, and use its mobile scanning feature if available. Some malware blocks the Play Store, so this workaround bypasses that block.
What to do if the virus returns after scanning
If the malware scanner removed threats but your phone still crashes, shows unwanted ads, or drains battery, the virus may have hidden copies or infected the system files. A factory reset is the most reliable way to remove it completely. A factory reset erases everything on your phone and reinstalls the operating system from scratch.
Before you reset, back up what matters: Photos usually sync to Google Photos (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) automatically if you turned it on. Contacts sync to your Google account (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). Text messages do not back up automatically — if you need them, take screenshots or use a backup app like SMS Backup+ on Android. App data is usually lost, so write down any usernames or account numbers you might need.
On Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data. You will need your Google account password to finish. The reset takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your phone restarts with no apps except the built-in ones.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will need your Apple ID password. The reset takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your phone restarts as if it just came from the factory.
Removing suspicious apps after the virus is gone
After you remove the virus, look for apps you do not recognize or do not remember installing. Viruses often hide inside apps that look legitimate — a fake battery cleaner, a game, or a messaging app. Uninstall anything suspicious.
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps. Scroll through the list and tap any app you do not recognize. Tap "Uninstall." If the uninstall button is grayed out, the app is a system app and cannot be removed — leave it alone. Pay special attention to apps with generic names like "System Update" or "Security Scan" that you did not download yourself.
On iPhone: Press and hold any app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Tap "Remove App," then "Delete App." If you cannot delete an app, it came with your phone and is safe to leave.
Preventing viruses from infecting your phone again
Most phone viruses come from apps downloaded outside the official store or from clicking links in text messages and emails. A few simple habits stop most infections before they start.
Turn off installation from unknown sources: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps. Turn off the toggle for your browser and any app you use to download files. This blocks apps from installing without your permission. iPhones only allow apps from the App Store by default, so this is not needed.
Only download apps from the official store: Use Google Play Store on Android and the App Store on iPhone. These stores scan apps before they go live, though not perfectly. Avoid downloading apps from websites or links in emails.
Do not click links in unexpected text messages or emails: Viruses often arrive through links that look like they come from your bank, a delivery service, or a friend. If you did not expect the message, do not click. Instead, go directly to the website or app yourself.
Keep your phone updated: Go to Settings and check for system updates monthly. Updates patch security holes that viruses exploit. Turn on automatic updates if your phone offers it.
When to factory reset instead of scanning
Some viruses are so deeply embedded that a malware scanner cannot remove them. If your phone shows any of these signs, skip scanning and go straight to a factory reset: the phone restarts on its own constantly, you cannot open Settings or the Play Store, the screen is locked with a message demanding payment, or the phone is so slow it is unusable.
A factory reset is also the right choice if you have already run a malware scanner, removed the threats it found, and the problems came back within a few days. This means the virus has infected system files that a scanner cannot touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a virus on my phone steal my passwords and bank information?
Yes. Some viruses log keystrokes or capture screenshots to steal passwords, credit card numbers, and login information. If you think a virus accessed your accounts, change your passwords from a different device immediately. Contact your bank and credit card companies to report the breach and watch for unauthorized charges.
Will a factory reset delete my photos and contacts?
Yes, a factory reset erases everything on your phone. Before you reset, make sure your photos are backed up to Google Photos (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) and your contacts are synced to your Google account (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). Check that the backup actually worked by signing into those accounts on a computer and confirming your data is there.
Is it safe to use my phone while it has a virus?
No. A virus can steal passwords, banking information, and personal data while you use the phone. Avoid logging into bank accounts, email, or social media until the virus is removed. If you must use your phone, do it on a computer instead.
Do I need antivirus software on my phone all the time?
Android phones benefit from occasional malware scans, but running antivirus software constantly drains battery and slows performance. Scan once a month or if you notice problems. iPhones rarely need scanning because the App Store and iOS security are very restrictive. Focus on not downloading suspicious apps instead.
What if my phone is locked and I cannot access Settings?
If a virus locked your phone with a ransom message or password, a factory reset is your only option. You will need your Google account password (Android) or Apple ID password (iPhone) to complete the reset. If you do not remember these passwords, go to Google Account Recovery or Apple ID Recovery on a computer and follow the steps to regain access.