How to tell if your phone has a virus
Most phones don't get viruses in the traditional sense — Android and iPhone both use systems that make it hard for malware to spread the way it does on computers. But malware can still infect your phone through apps, links, or downloads. Signs include sudden battery drain, unexpected data use, apps crashing repeatedly, unfamiliar apps you didn't install, pop-ups that won't close, or your phone running much slower than usual.
The clearest indicator is behavior you didn't cause. If your phone is hot to the touch while sitting idle, if apps open on their own, or if your phone bill shows data charges you don't recognize, something is likely running in the background without your permission. Not every slow phone has malware — it could be a full storage drive or too many apps open — but these signs are worth investigating.
Key Takeaways
- Check your installed apps for anything you don't recognize, then uninstall suspicious ones and restart your phone.
- On Android, use Google Play Protect (built into most phones) to scan for malware; on iPhone, run a full backup and restore if you suspect infection.
- Watch for sudden battery drain, unexpected data use, repeated app crashes, or unfamiliar pop-ups as signs something may be wrong.
- Avoid downloading apps outside official stores, and never click links in text messages or emails from unknown senders.
How to scan for malware on Android
Google Play Protect is built into most Android phones and runs automatically. To check manually, open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right, select "Manage apps and device," then tap the "Manage" tab. Scroll to "Security" and tap "Google Play Protect." Tap the scan icon (it looks like a magnifying glass) to run a full scan right now. The scan takes a few minutes and will flag any known malware.
If Play Protect finds something, it will show the app name and offer to uninstall it. Tap "Remove" and the app will be deleted. After removal, restart your phone to clear any background processes. If Play Protect finds nothing but you still see suspicious behavior, go to Settings, then Apps, and look through your installed apps for anything you don't recognize. Tap each suspicious app and select "Uninstall."
For a second opinion, you can download a third-party scanner like Malwarebytes or Avast from the Play Store. These work similarly to Play Protect — they scan your phone and flag suspicious apps. Run one scan, then uninstall the scanner afterward; keeping multiple security apps running at once can slow your phone down.
How to scan for malware on iPhone
iPhone doesn't have a built-in malware scanner the way Android does, because Apple's system is designed to prevent malware from running in the first place. If you suspect your iPhone has been compromised, the most reliable step is to back up your phone and restore it to factory settings.
First, back up your data: go to Settings, tap your name at the top, select "iCloud," then "iCloud Backup," and tap "Back Up Now." Wait for the backup to finish. Then go to Settings, tap "General," scroll to the bottom, and tap "Transfer or Reset." Select "Erase All Content and Settings" and confirm. Your phone will restart and return to its original state. After setup, you can restore from your backup — if the malware was in a downloaded app, it won't return because you'll reinstall only the apps you choose.
If you don't want to erase everything, you can check your installed apps manually. Go to Settings, tap "General," then "iPhone Storage." Look through the list for apps you don't recognize or don't remember downloading. Tap any suspicious app and select "Offload App" or "Delete App." Restart your phone after removing anything questionable.
What to do after you find malware
After removing a malicious app, change your passwords — especially for email, banking, and social media. Use a computer or a different device to change them, not the phone you just cleaned. Malware often logs passwords or captures login information, so updating them prevents an attacker from using stolen credentials.
Check your accounts for unauthorized activity. Log into your email, bank, and social media accounts and review recent login history. Most services show where and when you last signed in; if you see logins from places you don't recognize, change your password again and enable two-factor authentication if the service offers it. Two-factor authentication requires a second step (usually a code sent to your phone or generated by an app) before anyone can log in, even with your password.
Monitor your phone bill and bank statements for the next month. Malware sometimes makes unauthorized purchases or sends premium text messages. If you see charges you didn't make, contact your bank or phone company immediately.
How to prevent malware in the first place
Download apps only from the official app store for your phone — Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhone. Both stores review apps before they appear, though malware occasionally slips through. Third-party app stores have much less oversight and are a common source of infection.
Never click links in text messages or emails from unknown senders, even if the message looks official. Attackers often impersonate banks or popular services to trick you into visiting a fake website that steals your login information. If you get a message claiming to be from your bank, open the official app or website directly instead of clicking the link.
Keep your phone's operating system updated. Go to Settings and check for updates regularly — Android phones show this under "About Phone," and iPhones show it under "General" then "Software Update." Updates patch security holes that malware exploits. Also update your apps regularly; the App Store and Play Store can update automatically if you enable it.
When to consider a factory reset
If malware keeps returning after you remove it, or if your phone behaves strangely even after scanning and removing suspicious apps, a factory reset is the most thorough solution. This erases everything and returns your phone to its original state, removing any malware that might be hiding in system files.
Before resetting, back up anything you want to keep — photos, contacts, messages. On Android, go to Settings, then "System," then "Reset options," and select "Erase all data." On iPhone, go to Settings, tap "General," then "Transfer or Reset," and select "Erase All Content and Settings." After the reset completes, set up your phone fresh and reinstall only the apps you actually use. This is time-consuming but nearly guarantees malware removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a virus just from visiting a website?
On modern phones, simply visiting a website is unlikely to infect you. However, clicking a link in a text message or email can take you to a fake website designed to steal your login information. The danger is usually the action you take on the site, not the site itself. Avoid entering passwords or payment information on websites you reach through unsolicited links.
Do I need antivirus software on my phone?
Android phones benefit from Google Play Protect, which is free and built in. Third-party antivirus apps add a layer of scanning but aren't necessary if you download apps only from the Play Store and avoid suspicious links. iPhone users rarely need additional security software because Apple's system is designed to prevent malware from running. If you use your phone for banking or shopping, keeping your operating system updated is more important than installing antivirus software.
What if my phone was hacked and someone has my passwords?
Change your passwords immediately from a computer or different device, not the phone you suspect was compromised. Enable two-factor authentication on every account that offers it — this prevents someone from logging in even if they have your password. Check your email recovery options (phone number, backup email address) to make sure an attacker hasn't changed them. Consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you think financial information was stolen.
Is it safe to use my phone after removing malware?
Yes, once you've removed the malicious app and changed your passwords, your phone is safe to use normally. Malware doesn't usually leave permanent damage; it runs only while the app is installed or active. After removal and a restart, the malware is gone. However, if the malware was active for a long time, assume any passwords you entered on that phone have been compromised and change them.