How to check your phone for malware

Is your smartphone acting strange? Maybe you've noticed it's hotter than usual, or strange pop-ups appear when you use certain apps. It may surprise you to know that phones are susceptible to malware. If a malicious program makes its way to your device, you'll want to remove it to safeguard your personal data.

Asurion Experts are here to support your tech needs. Whether you want tips on how to secure your phone or advice on choosing a phone insurance plan, count on us for straightforward answers. Here's how to check a phone for malware, whether you have an iPhone® or Android™ device.

Signs your phone may have malware

When your phone acts up, you may dismiss it as a one-off. After all, any electronic device can malfunction. However, there may be something more sinister at play.

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to check your phone for malware:

• Unknown apps: An app you don't recognize (or remember downloading) appearing on your phone
• Data spikes: Shifts in your normal phone usage that you can't account for
• Overheating: A phone that feels hot to the touch, though it's not in direct sunlight
• Pop-ups: Odd messages and pop-ups that appear in web searches and apps
• Crashes: Apps that frequently crash or freeze for unknown reasons
• Battery drain: Needing to recharge your phone often, even when you're not using it much

How to check for malware on Android phones

There are a few ways to check for malware on a phone running Android. Start by reviewing your installed apps and deleting any that look suspicious:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps or Manage Apps. 
3. Tap All or See All (#) Apps.
4. Carefully review each listed app. 
5. If you find an app you want to remove, tap its name. Then, tap Uninstall. 

Safe Mode can help you diagnose performance issues on a hacked phone. When enabled, it prevents third-party software from running on your device. If your phone works fine while in Safe Mode, remove any recently installed apps or downloaded files. They could contain malware. 

Follow these steps to enter Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the Power button. 
2. Tap and hold Power Off.
3. Tap Reboot to Safe Mode.

When you're finished, restart your device to exit Safe Mode. 

Google Play Protect is available for all Android smartphones. It runs safety checks on apps you install and notifies you if it detects one that may be harmful. To turn on Google Play Protect and benefit from automated scans, take these steps:

1. Open Google Play™ Store.
2. Tap the profile icon.
3. Tap Play Protect > Settings.
4. Turn on Scan apps with Play Protect.

Samsung® Android devices have a built-in Auto Blocker you can turn on to block malicious apps and threats. To enable it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security and privacy > Auto Blocker.
3. Turn on Auto Blocker. 

How to check for malware on iPhones

Malware can lurk in iPhone apps that don't come from the App Store®. Review the apps installed on your phone and delete any that you don't recognize:

1. Go to the Home Screen.
2. Swipe left until you reach the App Library.
3. Tap the search field to see a list of your apps in alphabetical order. 
4. To delete an app, tap its name. Tap Delete App > Delete. 

Check your device for unknown configuration profiles. Such profiles can alter your network and security settings without your knowledge.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > VPN & Device Management.
3. Delete any profiles you don't recognize. 

Keep iOS current with the latest security patches by turning on automatic updates:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
3. Underneath the Automatically Install heading, turn on:
   • iOS Updates
   • Security Responses & System Files
4. Underneath the Automatically Download heading, turn on:
   • iOS Updates 

Use built-in tools to stay protected

iPhone and Android offer several tools to safeguard your device. iOS system updates, which Apple releases regularly, include security patches and bug fixes to keep your phone safe. Android users get similar protection through automated updates and Google Play Protect. 

Antivirus tools offer extra protection for your phone. They can detect potential malware and alert you if there's an issue. Most are available for a fee, and some offer protection for other devices, such as laptops and tablets.

Simple prevention tactics can keep your phone malware-free. Along with knowing how to check your phone for malware, avoid downloading apps from sources other than the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Be wary of clicking on email and text attachments from strangers. And don't share your device with others, especially people you don't know.