Hidden Google button instantly exposes dangerous apps secretly ruining your Android – steps to follow after finding one
A POWERFUL Google trick to save you from dangerous Android apps takes just seconds to check.
It’s worth using it: the feature roots out dangerous apps and lets you kill them in seconds.
These sinister apps – known as malware – can wreak all manner of havoc on your devices.
They could spy on you, steal your info or even money, or silently slow your device down (and drain its battery in the process).
“Malware is unsafe or unwanted software that may steal personal info or harm your device,” Google warns.
Google Play Protect is the answer to that, giving you an opportunity to easily identify rogue Android apps and shut them off.
Thankfully Google Play Protect is very easy to use, and only takes seconds to
HOW TO TURN GOOGLE PLAY PROTECT ON
First go into your Google Play Store app.
That’s where you’d normally download apps or check for updates.
Then tap on the profile icon in the top right.
Now navigate to Play Protect > Settings, and then turn Scan Apps With Play Protect on.
This will only cover apps that you’ve downloaded from the Play Store specifically.
But if you’ve installed apps that you’ve downloaded from elsewhere, there’s a helpful solution.
Just turn on Improve Harmful App Detection in your settings menu.
You can also manually scan apps by going into Play Protect and choosing Scan.
It should only take a matter of seconds to run the check.
And if a malicious app is found, you’ll be prompted to take action.
HOW TO UNINSTALL MALICIOUS APPS
Uninstalling apps is also very easy.
Just go to the Settings app and then navigate to Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
SIGNS YOUR ANDROID PHONE IS INFECTED
Here's Google's official list of signs that you might have malware on your Android phone...
You may have malware on your device if:
- Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
- You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.
Device symptoms
- Alerts about a virus or an infected device
- Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs
- A significant decrease in your device’s operating speed
- A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device
- Your device stops working properly or working altogether
Browser symptoms
- Alerts about a virus or an infected device
- Pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away
- Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
- Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
- Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission
Other symptoms
- Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn’t send the emails or messages.
From there, simply tap the apps that you want to delete and choose Uninstall.
Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the app’s removal.
If you’re worried about security then it’s also worth performing a security checkup.
This will check your Google account for any issues that might be leaving you exposed to cyber-crime or privacy breaches.
Just go into your Google account settings and look for the Security Checkup option.