Remove malware or unsafe software

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

Your device might have malware if:

• Google signed you out of your Google Account to protect your device.

• You get weird things on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.

Find more signs of malware

Important: If you don’t get rid of malware from your device, you might get signed out again.

Signs on your device

• You get messages about a virus.
• Your anti-virus program no longer works.
• Your device is very slow.
• You have less space on your device as you used to.
• Your device doesn’t work properly.

Signs on your browser

• You get messages about a virus.
• You get pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away.
• Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars come back.
• Your internet pages go to places you don’t know.
• Your Chrome homepage or search engine changes without your permission.

Other symptoms

Your contacts get emails or messages from you, but you didn’t send them.

Step 1: Turn on Google Play Protect

1. Open the Google Play Store app .
2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
3. Tap Play Protect Settings.
4. Turn Scan apps with Play Protect on or off.

Tip: If you got apps from places other than the Google Play Store, turn on Improve harmful app detection.

Step 2: Check for Android device & security updates

Get the latest Android updates for your device

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

If you cleared your notification or your device wasn’t online:

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap System Software updates.
   • You can find the update status here.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Get security updates & Google Play system updates

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

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy System & updates.
   • For security updates, tap Security update.
   • For Google Play system updates, tap Google Play system update.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: If you can’t find an available update, restart your phone.

Step 3: Remove apps you don't trust

Uninstall any apps that you don’t need, don’t trust, or didn’t get from the Google Play Store.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
2. Tap Apps & notifications See all apps.
3. Tap the apps you want to uninstall  Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Check your security

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open a web browser, like Chrome.
2. Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.
3. Fix any security issues in your account.

Tip: You can learn how to check your account settings and keep your account safe.

If you still notice signs of malware

If you find signs of malware, you might need to reset your Android device or ask the company that made your device for help.