How to protect your Galaxy device from malware

Last Update date : Dec 30. 2021

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.

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.

How to change app permissions:

App Settings App Settings

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

Choose app to change permissions Choose app to change permissions

Step 2. Choose an app to change permissions of.

Select app permissions Select app permissions

Step 3. Select Permissions.

Allow permissions for app Allow permissions for app

Step 4. Select an option to allow access.

Select allow or don't allow for app permissions Select allow or don't allow for app permissions

Step 5. Select Allow or Don’t allow.

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.

Open Samsung Internet app Open Samsung Internet app

Step 1. Open Samsung Internet app.

Select menu Select menu

Step 2. Select Menu (three horizontal lines).

Select ad blockers setting Select ad blockers setting

Step 3. Select Ad blockers.

Select from Suggested apps Select from Suggested apps

Step 4. Select from Suggested apps to download.

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.

We recommend turning on Device protection to protect your device from malware. 

Battery and device care Battery and device care

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Battery and device care.

Select Device protection Select Device protection

Step 2. Select Device protection.

Tap Scan phone Tap Scan phone

Step 3. Tap Scan phone.

While very unlikely, if your device is affected by malware you can remove the malicious app in Safe mode. All third-party apps are disabled when in Safe mode, so it may be easier to delete the problematic app.

Press and hold Volume down and Side key Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key.

Select Power off Select Power off

Step 2. Select Power off.

Press and hold Volume down and Side key Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 3. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key at the same time.

Release Side key while holding Volume down key Release Side key while holding Volume down key

Step 4. Once the Samsung logo appears on screen, release the Side key, while holding the Volume down key.

Try updating in Safe mode Try updating in Safe mode

Step 5. When Safe mode appears on the lower left corner of the screen, release the key.

Follow the steps below to delete an app in Safe mode.

Apps menu Apps menu

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

Identify unknown or malicious apps Identify unknown or malicious apps

Step 2. Identify the app that you don’t recognize, or think is malicious.

Uninstall app Uninstall app

Step 3. Select Uninstall.

Tap OK Tap OK

Step 4. Tap OK.

From Safe mode, switch to normal mode by following the steps below.

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and Side key simultaneously.
Step 2. Tap Restart.

Switch from Safe mode to normal mode

Note:

  • Volume and Side key locations may vary depending on the device model.

More ways to protect your device

Here are some more tips to protect your device and keep it malware-free:

  • Only download apps from the Play Store or Galaxy Store, which verifies the safety of all apps. 
  • We do not recommend using third-party anti-malware apps.
  • Keep your device's software and operating system up to date.
  • Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.

Note: Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.

How to use the Samsung Members app

If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung mobile, tablet, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app. Find out more about sending an error report.

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