Free Android antivirus app generally do little more than scan for existing threats on your device, to remove virus Android devices already have.
Quick Preview show
Besides, since they’re free, one can expect plenty of ads and some slowing down because of the resources they use, unlike a premium version.
You may also find that many of the free malware removal applications are bogus and ineffective and lack anti-theft, real-time scanning to offer security and protection.
Many of the problems come from cybersecurity companies that don’t want to give their antivirus apps away for nothing.
Even though they trick you, into buying a top-of-the-line product. There are still free options that do an excellent job of protecting your phone.
To save you the trouble, here’s a selection of the best free antivirus for Android phones, and other useful information for protection and security.
Can Phones Get Viruses?
Yes, phones can get viruses, and much easier than you think. You may think it is just visiting malicious sites where you can get malware or a virus, yet you can find many apps in the Google Play Store are known to contain malware. (Read our Alternatives to Google guide)
How to Clean Your Phone from Viruses
Before you look at how to clean a virus from your phone, it is good to understand what malware can do to your device.
Malware can comprise viruses, worms (read once, write many) trojans, spyware and ransomware. Hackers and criminals can use all these to access any of your personal information and then possibly use this for identity theft or fraud.
Many of these run without you knowing, and you may only tell once it is too late of your phone runs much slower than it ought to.
Here is the recommended procedure from Norton for Android virus removal.
- Power off your phone and reboot in safe mode
- Safe mode varies by phone. Press the power button, and as you see the animation, press and hold the volume down button
- Hold until the animation ends and the phone restarts
- You should see “Safe mode” to the bottom of the screen
- Uninstall any suspicious apps you find. In-app settings, force to close the app and uninstall it. Doing this may not remove it entirely, yet it can stop it spreading
- Check for other apps that may be infected. Chances are some apps are infected by the malware.
- Install a reliable mobile security app on your device.
How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your Phone
If you suspect you have a virus or malware, then using one of our following best free malware removal for Android recommendations can help you clean your phone of these infections.
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
The Sophos Android app free version blocks phone calls and filters text messages to check for malicious links.
The QR scanner does this before connecting or downloading a file. The anti-theft features enable you to remotely access a stolen phone and either wipe data or change a password. You can text thieves and track the location of your phone.
The Sophos system scanner checks other security issues and secures them. It ranges from outdated programs or apps in the background that shouldn’t be running. Like any premium version app, it has some ads, yet these aren’t intrusive.
The major downside is it’s not an easy app to learn where all the tools are located. This aside, it is impressive for a free app antivirus, and anti-theft.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
For basic scans, there is nothing as quick as this free antivirus app for Android, Bitdefender Antivirus Free. It scans devices for malware but doesn’t offer much more.
It will, however, scan your phone or memory cards automatically to catch threats before they cause issues. Because it isn’t an in-depth real-time malware scanner, it doesn’t slow devices, even when gaming. Also, it is limited for showing ads, which is a blessing.
For the basics, it’s as good as any, yet Bitdefender Antivirus doesn’t offer advanced tools, or an Android VPN, therefore, it does lose a few positions.
Avast Antivirus
You will find this mobile security option one of the best for overall protection. It is packed with anti-theft features, malware protection, and one of the best for giving you an antivirus free phone.
It tops the antivirus apps list with the others easily, and does a great job of removing a virus from Android. There is no real-time protection, though features include protection against malicious sites and a data shield to protect photo’s contact information and sensitive data.
Antivirus Free Alternatives for Android
AVG Antivirus Free – Includes camera trap, app lock, photo vault, anti-theft, antivirus, and downloaded over 100 million times. The free version has no ransomware, Wi-Fi security or other features.
Malwarebytes Security – Includes anti-ransomware, anti-phishing, and adware prevention. It is ad-free but does lack some needed features. Premium version offers more tools and real-time malware scanning, phishing protection, and blocking malicious websites.
Other names you may see for your mobile antivirus are Norton Mobile Security, Kaspersky, and Avira antivirus. All these just missed out a place in the best Android antivirus apps to remove viruses, Android, and other devices.
Securing Mobile Devices
All the above Android antivirus apps do a decent job of virus removal in Android. However, one of the best ways to stop these attacks is to use a VPN for Android. These can help bolster security and protection by masking your IP address.
A VPN app will come with extra features to make your mobile security antivirus work less. While some of the antivirus software come with a VPN, they are not as good at securing your privacy or support the best download speeds.
Removing a virus from Android is and after the event happening, to be very safe, you are better preventing these in the first place. (Read Start Chrome In Safe Mode)
Internet security is a significant issue, and even the best Android device can’t protect users with the top antivirus apps for Android as much as they can when used with a VPN every day.
