How to Remove Malware from an Android Phone (Complete Guide)

Hey friends, Jessica here. If your Android phone suddenly feels slow, shows random pop-ups, overheats for no reason, or apps keep crashing — there’s a good chance you may be dealing with malware.

Trust me, you’re not alone. With millions of Android users in the United States relying on their phones for banking, shopping, and storing personal photos, cybercriminals are constantly trying to sneak malware into devices through fake apps, websites, or even text messages.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to remove malware from your Android phone safely — even if you’re not tech-savvy. By the end, your phone will feel fresh, fast, and secure again.

Let’s jump in.

Signs Your Android Phone Might Have Malware

Here are common symptoms that suggest malware infection:

• Battery draining faster than usual
• Random pop-up ads (even when not in apps or browser)
• Phone running hotter than normal
• Apps opening or closing by themselves
• Unknown apps installed
• Strange charges or text messages you never sent
• Slow performance or freezing
• High mobile data usage
• Browser redirects to strange pages

If you recognize one or more of these, don’t worry — you can fix this.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Malware from Android

1. Restart Your Phone in Safe Mode

Safe Mode prevents third-party apps (including malicious ones) from running.

How to enable Safe Mode:

1. Press & hold the Power button
2. Tap and hold Power off
3. Select Safe Mode

Your phone will restart with only system apps active. If the issues stop in Safe Mode, malware is almost definitely installed as an app.

2. Uninstall Suspicious Apps

Look for apps you didn’t install or don’t recognize.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Apps
3. Sort by Recently installed
4. Remove apps that look suspicious

Clues that an app might be malware:

• No app name (just blank icon)
• Apps claiming to boost speed or battery magically
• Fake system-looking names like “System Update Service”
• Wallpaper, free VPN, flashlight, “cleaner” apps you never intentionally downloaded

Press Uninstall.

If the Uninstall button is disabled, follow step 3 next.

3. Remove Device Admin Access

Some malware blocks uninstallation by granting itself admin rights.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Security & privacy
3. Select Device admin apps
4. Turn off access for suspicious apps

Now try uninstalling again.

4. Use Google Play Protect to Scan and Remove Malware

Google’s built-in scanner can help.

Steps:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon
3. Select Play Protect
4. Tap Scan

If anything malicious is detected, remove it immediately.

5. Install a Trusted Mobile Security App

Avoid random antivirus apps — some are malware themselves. Trusted options include:

• Bitdefender Mobile Security
• Malwarebytes for Android
• Norton Mobile Security
• ESET Mobile Security

Run a full scan and remove any threats.

6. Clear Browsing Data to Stop Pop-Ups and Redirects

If malware came from a bad website, cached files may help it persist.

Chrome:

1. Open Chrome
2. Go to Menu (three dots)
3. Tap History > Clear browsing data
4. Clear cache, cookies, site data

Repeat for any browser you use.

7. Reset Browser Settings

If your homepage keeps changing:

Chrome:

1. Settings > Site settings
2. Tap Notifications
3. Block suspicious sites
4. Reset permissions if needed

8. Update Android System

Security patches remove vulnerabilities.

Steps:
Settings > Software update > Check for updates

Always keep your OS updated.

9. Remove APK Installer Permissions

If malware came from a sideloaded app:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Select Special access
4. Tap Install unknown apps
5. Turn OFF permission for non-trusted apps

10. Factory Reset (Last Option)

If malware persists, a reset will wipe it completely.

Steps before reset:
Back up photos & files to Google Drive or PC.

Reset:
Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset

Only do this if nothing else worked.

How to Avoid Malware on Android in the Future

Take these precautions:

✔ Download apps only from Play Store

Avoid APK files unless you know the source.

✔ Don’t click random links

Especially in emails, DMs, and unknown SMS.

✔ Check app permissions

Don’t grant access apps don’t need.

✔ Avoid “too good to be true” apps

Free movies, free premium unlockers, hack tools = red flags.

✔ Use Play Protect + security apps

Layered protection is best.

✔ Keep Android updated

Security patches matter.

Final Thoughts

Android phones are powerful and flexible, but that openness can sometimes invite malicious apps and scripts. The good news? Removing malware isn’t complicated if you follow the right steps.

Restart in Safe Mode
Uninstall suspicious apps
Run Play Protect & antivirus scans
Clear browsing data
Update your phone

And if things are really bad — reset the device and start fresh.

With the right habits, you can keep malware away for good.