Knowing how to remove a cell phone virus is important to protect data on the device, especially if you use bank apps, access social media, transfer via Pix and other activities involving sensitive information.
While cell phone virus infections are relatively rare, there are other forms of malicious threats such as malware, adware, spy apps, and even operating system ransomware.
How to Remove a Virus from Android
Install an antivirus application
To have active protection on your Android phone, it is important to install an efficient antivirus. This can ensure that the device remains free of viruses and other types of infections.
According to the site specialized in evaluating programs like AV-Test, among the most efficient options are:
Clear Google Chrome cache
It is common for malware to be stored on the Android cell phone in the form of a cache to steal user data. Here’s how to remove them:
- In Chrome, select the three dots icon;
- Tap “Settings;
- Go to “Privacy and security”;
- Tap “Remove Browsing Data”;
- Check the cached files option;
- Select “Remove Data”.
Ative o Google Play Protect
Alerts for malicious apps available for download from the Google Play Store are relatively common and can pose a risk to your data. To avoid this issue, perform a scan with Play Protect:
- Open the Play Store app;
- Tap on the profile picture, located in the upper right corner;
- Selecione “Play Protect”;
- Tap “Verify”.
Dial a cell phone
If you have no idea which app or file is causing your phone problems, you can choose to factory reset your device.
Thus, it is possible to erase all stored data at once and use a clean operating system again. See everything you need to know to format your Android phone.
How to remove a virus from iPhone
iPhone security is recognized due to its protection against virus threats and other malicious agents. This is also possible thanks to the restrictions imposed by iOS regarding modifications and applications outside the store, in addition to the thorough analysis carried out by Apple on all applications that wish to be integrated into the App Store.
Apple believes its protection is so effective that it has removed iOS antivirus from the App Store. Apps in this category available in the store offer features such as performance analysis, network privacy check and VPN services.
Still, it is possible for malware to take advantage of browsing loopholes and install itself on the iPhone via cached data. Erasing your browsing history and data may resolve the issue:
- Open the Settings app;
- Tap “Safari”;
- Select the “Clear History and Site Data” option;
- Press “Clear All”;
- Repeat this task for all browsers used on the iPhone.
Also, remember to keep your iPhone updated with the latest version of iOS to receive the latest security patches from Apple.
If you’re still having trouble or suspect your phone is still infected with malware, here’s how to reset your iPhone to factory reset and erase.
Cell phone safety tips
Keeping your cell phone safe and risk-free requires some important precautions to keep browsing safe. To do this, follow the tips below:
- Avoid Potentially Dangerous Websites: Some websites may disguise themselves as authentic pages to steal user data. Therefore, avoid clicking on SMS links, visiting pages that may be dangerous or downloading unknown files;
- Don’t install apps outside the official store: Apps installed outside the Play Store can work silently to steal data and monitor your browsing activity. Therefore, it is important to be wary of software downloaded from the Internet, even if it appears to be legitimate;
- Do not open unknown files: if you do not recognize the origin of a downloaded file, either via browser, cloud storage software or other applications, avoid opening it on your cell phone. This is also important for files with extensions that look weird.
If you want to know more how to protect your cell phone, see 12 tips to increase iPhone security and how to check Android.
