How to Remove Malware from Your Android Device: A Definitive Guide

Updated at: 27/06/2025

Is your Android phone acting strangely? Slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, or excessive data usage could signal a malware infection. Don't panic! This definitive guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to detect and remove malware from your Android device, restoring its performance and protecting your data. Learn how to identify threats, safely remove malicious apps, and prevent future infections. Let's get your Android back to its best.

Methods: Uninstall Malicious Apps

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify Malicious Apps

    • Identify the malicious app(s). They often consume excessive data and battery.
    Identify the malicious app(s). They often consume excessive data and battery.
    Identify Malicious Apps

  2. Uninstall the App (Standard)

    • Locate the app. Tap and hold, then tap 'Uninstall'. Confirm the action.
    Locate the app. Tap and hold, then tap 'Uninstall'. Confirm the action.
    Uninstall the App (Standard)

  3. Uninstall the App (Alternative Method)

    • If the app isn't listed or uninstall fails, go to Settings > Apps. Locate the app and uninstall it.
    If the app isn't listed or uninstall fails, go to Settings > Apps. Locate the app and uninstall it.
    Uninstall the App (Alternative Method)

  4. Uninstall the App (Admin Privileges)

    • If the uninstall option is greyed out (administrator privilege), open Settings > Device Admin Apps. Disable the administrator rights for the app using the toggle switch. Then uninstall it.
    If the uninstall option is greyed out (administrator privilege), open Settings > Device Admin Apps. Disable the administrator rights for the app using the toggle switch. Then uninstall it.
    Uninstall the App (Admin Privileges)

Methods: Remove Notification Ads

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify and Disable Notification Ads

    • Tap and hold the notification ad for a few seconds.
    • Tap the 'i' button to view app info. Tap on 'Notifications' and disable them.
    Tap the 'i' button to view app info. Tap on 'Notifications' and disable them. Tap the 'i' button to view app info. Tap on 'Notifications' and disable them.
    Identify and Disable Notification Ads

  2. Uninstall Tracking App

    • Uninstall the app if it's not useful, as it might be tracking your activity.
    Uninstall the app if it's not useful, as it might be tracking your activity.
    Uninstall Tracking App

Methods: Remove Screen Pop-up Ads

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify and Disable Apps with 'Appear on Top' Permission

    • Open Settings > Apps. Click the vertical dots menu and select 'Special access'.
    • Tap on 'Appear on top'. Identify the app causing the ads and disable its permission using the toggle switch.
    • If unsure, disable the permission of each app one by one until the ads disappear. Uninstall the culprit app.
    If unsure, disable the permission of each app one by one until the ads disappear. Uninstall the culprit app. If unsure, disable the permission of each app one by one until the ads disappear. Uninstall the culprit app. If unsure, disable the permission of each app one by one until the ads disappear. Uninstall the culprit app.
    Identify and Disable Apps with 'Appear on Top' Permission

Methods: Remove Pop-ups and Ads While Browsing (Chrome)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Disable Chrome Notifications

    • Open Chrome > Menu > Settings > Site settings > Notifications. Disable notifications for problematic websites.
    Open Chrome > Menu > Settings > Site settings > Notifications. Disable notifications for problematic websites.
    Disable Chrome Notifications

  2. Disable Pop-ups and Ads in Chrome

    • Go to Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and disable the option. Do the same for Ads.
    Go to Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and disable the option. Do the same for Ads.
    Disable Pop-ups and Ads in Chrome

  3. Enable Chrome's Light Mode

    • Enable Chrome's light mode to mitigate malicious and intrusive ads. (Settings > Light mode)
    Enable Chrome's light mode to mitigate malicious and intrusive ads. (Settings > Light mode)
    Enable Chrome's Light Mode

Methods: Scan with MalwareFox Anti-Malware

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Uninstall Malicious Apps

    • Install MalwareFox Anti-Malware from the Google Play Store.
    Install MalwareFox Anti-Malware from the Google Play Store.
    Uninstall Malicious Apps

  2. Scan with MalwareFox Anti-Malware

    • Run a full scan. The app will identify malicious apps, which you can then remove.
    Run a full scan. The app will identify malicious apps, which you can then remove.
    Scan with MalwareFox Anti-Malware
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Warning Signs

Reason: Many users dismiss pop-up warnings about suspicious apps or unusual system behavior, leading to malware proliferation.
Solution: Always heed system warnings and promptly investigate any unexpected activity or permissions requests from apps.

2. Downloading from Untrusted Sources

Reason: Installing apps from sources other than the official Google Play Store significantly increases the risk of downloading malware-infected APK files.
Solution: Only download and install apps from the Google Play Store to minimize malware risks.

FAQs