How To Get Rid Of A Virus On Your Phone

How To Get Rid Of A Virus On Your Phone: A Step‑By‑Step Guide

Mobile malware is increasingly common, but in many cases you can remove it yourself if you act methodically and use trusted security tools. Below is an evidence‑based guide on how to get rid of a virus on your phone, with steps based on recommendations from major security vendors and platform providers.

1. Confirm It’s Likely Malware

Typical signs of malware or a virus on your phone include:

Sudden battery drain and overheating
Unusual data usage or unexplained charges
Pop‑ups or ads appearing outside normal apps
Apps you don’t remember installing
Frequent crashes or sluggish performance

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission notes that unexpected pop‑ups, new apps you didn’t download, and sudden charges can indicate malicious software on your device (FTC consumer guidance).

If you see several of these signs at once—especially right after installing a new app or tapping a suspicious link—treat it as a likely infection.

2. Immediately Disconnect and Power Down If Needed

To limit any data theft or further damage:

Disconnect from the internet
- Turn on Airplane Mode, or
- Disable Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts
Don’t open banking, email, or password manager apps until you’ve cleaned the device.

If the phone becomes completely unresponsive, a full power‑off can be a temporary containment step before you proceed with cleanup.

3. Reboot in Safe Mode (Android)

On Android, Safe Mode loads the system with only pre‑installed apps. Many malicious apps are blocked from running there, which makes removal easier.

Steps vary by manufacturer, but generally:

Press and hold the power button.
Tap and hold Power off until you see a Reboot to Safe Mode option.
Tap OK to reboot in Safe Mode.

Google explains that Safe Mode can help diagnose app problems that may be caused by malware or a troublesome recent install (Android Help – fix an Android device that’s restarting or crashing).

Once in Safe Mode, you’ll see a “Safe mode” label on the screen.

Note: iOS (iPhone/iPad) does not have an equivalent Safe Mode for malware removal; instead, you rely on app deletion, OS updates, and full resets/restore from clean backups.

4. Remove Suspicious or Recently Installed Apps

On Android

Open Settings → Apps (or Apps & notifications → See all apps).
Sort by Recently installed if possible.
Look for:
- Apps you don’t recognize
- Apps installed just before problems began
- Apps with generic or strange names, unknown developers, or excessive permissions
Tap the suspected app → Uninstall.
If Uninstall is greyed out:
- Go to Settings → Security → Device admin apps (or Device admin / Special app access).
- Disable it as a device administrator.
- Then try uninstalling again.

Major Android security guidance from Google and vendors like Kaspersky emphasizes uninstalling suspicious apps as a core step in removing malware.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Apple’s security model and App Store review greatly reduce traditional “virus” risks, but malicious or scam apps can still slip through.

On the Home Screen, touch and hold the app.
Tap Remove App → Delete App.
Confirm deletion.

If your iPhone is jailbroken or uses sideloaded apps from outside the App Store, the risk of malware is significantly higher; you should strongly consider restoring the device to factory settings via iTunes/Finder and avoiding untrusted sources in the future.

5. Run a Trusted Mobile Security Scan (Android)

For Android, use a reputable mobile security app from the Google Play Store. Well‑known vendors (e.g., Avast, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, Norton, McAfee) provide dedicated Android antivirus and anti‑malware tools.

Typical process:

Connect to a secure network (home Wi‑Fi, not public).
Open Google Play Store and search for a trusted security vendor.
Install the official app from that vendor.
Update its virus definitions if prompted.
Run a full device scan and follow any remediation instructions (quarantine or removal).

Vendors like Kaspersky and Malwarebytes describe scanning with up‑to‑date mobile security apps as a primary step to detect and get rid of Android malware.

iOS note: Apple does not allow traditional antivirus apps to scan system files; “security apps” on iOS typically focus on safe browsing, VPN, and phishing protection rather than virus scanning. If you suspect deeply embedded malware on iOS, backup essential data and consider a full erase and restore (see Section 7).

6. Clear Browser Data and Remove Malicious Profiles

Sometimes the issue is not a full app‑level infection, but a browser hijack or malicious configuration.

Clear Browser Cache and Data

For Chrome on Android:

Open Chrome → ⋮ (More) → History → Clear browsing data.
Choose All time and clear Cookies and site data plus Cached images and files.

For Safari on iOS:

Go to Settings → Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm.

This can remove persistent adware‑style pop‑ups caused by rogue sites or scripts.

Remove Malicious Configuration Profiles (iOS)

If you’ve installed a profile (often used by VPNs, enterprise management, or some configuration tools), a malicious one can redirect traffic or install certificates.

Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management on older iOS).
Review profiles; remove anything you don’t recognize or no longer need.

Security researchers and Apple support resources consistently advise removing unknown profiles when troubleshooting suspicious network behavior on iOS.

7. Update Your Operating System and Apps

Security patches often close vulnerabilities exploited by malware.

On Android:
- Go to Settings → System → System update (or Software update).
- Install any available updates from your device manufacturer or carrier.
On iOS:
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Download and install the latest iOS version your device supports.

Also update critical apps (browsers, email, banking, social media) via the Play Store or App Store. According to platform security documentation, running the latest OS and app versions significantly reduces your exposure to known exploits.

8. As a Last Resort: Backup and Factory Reset

If problems persist after you’ve removed suspicious apps, scanned with a trusted security tool (Android), and cleared browser data, a factory reset is the most reliable way to get rid of a virus on your phone.

Back Up Important Data

Android: Use Google account backup (Settings → Google → Backup), and/or manually save photos, contacts, and documents to a secure cloud account or computer.
iOS: Use iCloud Backup or an encrypted backup via Finder/iTunes on a computer.

Avoid backing up app data from suspicious apps; you don’t want to re‑introduce malware.

Perform the Factory Reset

Android:
- Go to Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).
- Confirm and wait for the device to reset.
iOS:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on‑screen steps.

After reset, set up the phone as a new device first, test for any abnormal behavior, then selectively restore apps and data. This approach—recommended across mobile security guidance—minimizes the chance of restoring the same malicious app or configuration.

9. Change Passwords and Secure Your Accounts

If you suspect malware may have captured credentials:

Use a clean device (PC or another phone that’s not infected).
Change passwords for:
- Email
- Banking and payment apps
- Social media
- Any other accounts accessed recently from the infected phone
Enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA) where possible (e.g., SMS codes, authenticator apps, security keys).

Security organizations and consumer protection agencies strongly encourage MFA and prompt password changes after any potential compromise, because account takeover can continue even after you get rid of a virus on your phone.

10. Prevent Future Infections

Once your phone is clean, take preventive steps so you don’t have to repeat the process:

Install apps only from official stores (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Avoid third‑party APK sites or unofficial stores.
Check developer and reviews before installing apps; be cautious of very new apps with few reviews or many complaints about ads or scams.
Keep OS and apps updated with automatic updates turned on.
Avoid tapping suspicious links in SMS, email, messaging apps, or pop‑ups—phishing is a common mobile infection route, as highlighted in multiple security reports.
Review app permissions periodically; revoke location, SMS, or accessibility access from apps that don’t need it.
Consider keeping a reputable security app installed on Android for ongoing protection and periodic scans.

For further background on mobile malware risks and defenses, consumer security materials from major vendors like Kaspersky and Malwarebytes provide accessible overviews of Android threats and safe mobile practices.

By following these steps—isolating your device, removing suspicious apps, scanning with reputable tools, clearing browser data, updating software, and factory‑resetting when necessary—you can reliably get rid of a virus on your phone and reduce the chance of future infections.

How To Get Rid Of A Virus On Your Phone