How to protect your Galaxy phone from malware?
Since Galaxy devices scan for malware before downloading apps from the Play Store, the chances of your device being infected with malware are low. However, harmful software can still be installed on your device through ads or e-mails. Follow the guide below to further protect your device.
Note: Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. To update your mobile device's software, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to Settings > Software update.
Step 2. Tap on Download and install.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Decide which apps to allow access to
After installing an app, you can decide which apps to allow access to your device. A malicious app may leak information from your device, so be careful about granting permissions. Even if you allow access, if you haven’t used an app for a while, its permissions will be automatically reset and you will have to grant permissions again when you use the app next time.
Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.
Step 2. Choose an app to change permissions of.
Step 3. Select Permissions.
Step 4. Select an option to allow access.
Step 5. Select Allow or Don’t allow.
We recommend turning on Device protection to protect your device from malware.
Step 1. Go to Settings and select Battery and device care.
Step 2. Select Device protection,."
Step 3. Tap Scan phone.
Even if you visit safe websites on your device, you may still be exposed to harmful ads. Due to the risk of malware infection through harmful advertisements, we recommend using the ad blocking function in the Samsung Internet app to limit pop-ups and protect your device.
Step 1. Open Samsung Internet app.
Step 2. Select Menu (three horizontal lines).
Step 3. Select Ad blockers.
Note:
- You must be logged into your Google account to download an ad blocking app.
- You may have to pay for some ad blocking apps, so check their descriptions and reviews before downloading.
- If you use a third-party internet app, adjust the app's security settings.
If by some chance you think your phone has a malicious app, you'll want to go into Safe mode and uninstall the bad app. Remember, all third-party apps are disabled when your phone is in Safe mode, so it's a great way to figure out what's causing the problem.
Note: To learn more about how to turn Safe mode on Check How to start your Galaxy Phone in Safe Mode
To remove potentially malicious apps
Note: To exit Safe mode, simply restart your phone and it will reboot normally.
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