Remove malware or unsafe software

Malware is unsafe or unwanted software that may steal personal info or harm your device.

You may accept malware on your device if:

  • Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
  • You lot discover suspicious signs on your device, like pop-upward ads that won't go away.

Notice more signs of malware

Device symptoms

  • Alerts virtually a virus or an infected device
  • Anti-virus software you lot apply no longer works or runs
  • A significant decrease in your device's operating speed
  • A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device
  • Your device stops working properly or working altogether

Browser symptoms

  • Alerts nigh a virus or an infected device
  • Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go abroad
  • Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
  • Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
  • Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission

Other symptoms

Your contacts take received emails or social media messages from you lot, but you didn't send the emails or messages.

Step 1: Make sure Google Play Protect is turned on

Tip: If you've downloaded apps from sources outside of the Google Play Store, plow on Meliorate harmful app detection.

Step two: Check for Android device & security updates

Become the latest Android updates available for you

When you get a notification, open it and tap the update action.

If yous cleared your notification or your device has been offline:

  1. Open your telephone'south Settings app.
  2. Virtually the bottom, tapSystem and then  System update.
  3. You lot'll meet your update status. Follow any steps on the screen.

Tip: If you installed a modified (rooted) version of Android on your device, you lose some of the security protection provided past Google. To restart the security features provided by Google, reinstall the original Android operating arrangement on your device.

Get security updates & Google Play organisation updates

Most system updates and security patches happen automatically. To check if an update is available:

  1. Open up your device'southward Settings app.
  2. Tap Security.
  3. Bank check for an update:
    • To bank check if a security update is available, tap Google Security checkup.
    • To check if a Google Play organization update is available, tap Google Play organization update.
  4. Follow any steps on the screen.

Stride iii: Remove untrusted apps

Pace 4: Do a Security Checkup

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open up a web browser, like Chrome.
  2. Become to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.
  3. To fix whatsoever security bug in your account, follow the steps.

Tip: Yous can larn more about how to review your account settings and secure your account.

If you still notice signs of malware

If you go on to discover signs of unsafe software, you may choose to take ane of the post-obit steps:

  • To help remove harmful software from your device, you lot may want to reset your Android device to manufactory settings.
  • To learn more than most how to remove harmful software from your device,  contact your device manufacturer.

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