Detect a Phone Virus on Samsung Galaxy: Signs, Scans, & More

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Clean your phone up and remove malware fast

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: March 24, 2025 Tested

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• Knowing the Signs
|
• Running a Scan
|
• Video
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

This wikiHow teaches you how to look for signs of a virus or malware infection on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet.

How to Run a Samsung Virus Scan

Install Malwarebytes and use the app to run a full scan of your phone. Alternatively, go into your device maintenance menu and locate the device security button. Run the security protocol and follow the steps to restart your phone safely.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Knowing the Signs

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1. 
   1
   Check for increased data usage. Viruses often use your phone or tablet’s data plan while running in the background. This may cause sudden spikes in data usage. Check your billing statement for abnormal charges from increased data usage.
2. 
   2
   Analyze your bank account for unexplained charges. Some viruses may make purchases or download apps without your knowledge.
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3. 
   3
   Look for apps you didn’t download. If you see an app icon on the home screen or in the app drawer that you don’t recall downloading, it could be the work of a virus. Even if the app looks legitimate, use caution if you don’t remember downloading it.
4. 
   4
   Watch for frequently crashing apps. If an app that never caused any problems in the past begins crashing frequently, a virus could be the reason.
5. 
   5
   Pay attention to pop-up ads. Pop-ups might not seem out of the ordinary while browsing the web. However, when you’re suddenly inundated by pop-ups, your Galaxy may have an infection.

   • Whatever you do, do not tap on any links in pop-up ads. This could make things worse.
6. 
   6
   Monitor your battery usage. Since viruses run constantly in the background, your Galaxy may need more frequent charging. If you use used to charge the Galaxy every 2 or 3 days but suddenly have to charge every day, a virus could be the culprit.
7. 
   7
   Run a security scan. Your Galaxy comes with its own security application, but you can use any you prefer. See Running a Security Scan to check your phone or tablet for viruses.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Brandon Phipps

   Technology Specialist

   Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.

   

   Brandon Phipps
   Technology Specialist

   Malwarebytes is a top choice for scanning your Samsung and Android phones for spyware. It monitors your system to see what apps and services are running in the background and detects anything malicious.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Running a Scan

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1. 
   1
   Open your Galaxy’s Settings. To do this, swipe down from the top of the home screen, then tap the gear icon at the top-right corner.
2. 
   2
   Tap Device Maintenance.
3. 
   3
   Tap Device security. It’s the shield icon at the bottom of the menu.
4. 
   4
   Tap SCAN PHONE. The security app will now scan your Galaxy for viruses and other malware.
5. 
   5
   Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. If the app finds anything suspicious, it will report the steps you must take to correct the situation.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I remove a virus that is causing overheating and draining my battery faster on my Samsung Galaxy J1 mini prime?

  

  Azurian Quill

  Community Answer

  It sounds like this might not be a virus. Just in case, open your apps screen and pop up the files application. If you look to the 'Documents' file, that is the most common location for a virus in Samsung phones. Otherwise, it may just be over-usage, or you could have too many applications open for the device to handle.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  How do I remove a virus that's accessing my photos and causing pop-up ads?

  

  Snakey006550

  Top Answerer

  To remove a virus, install a trusted antivirus app and run a full scan. Uninstall any suspicious apps, clear the cache and data from problematic apps, and disable pop-ups in your browser. If the virus persists, consider doing a factory reset, but back up your important files first. Be cautious when installing new apps.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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