While the Google Play Store has a built-in virus scanner that can keep most malware away from the app store, you can still download other apps for more protection. To scan Android apps, both pre-installed and uninstalled, you'll need to download an antivirus app. "AVG Antivirus" and "Lookout Security" are two quality antivirus applications that provide free versions. AVG Antivirus offers the ability to independently monitor and manage apps/processes that are slowing down your phone, while Lookout Security offers the ability to scan and backup your contacts periodically.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Disabling Unknown Apps Download
Step 1. Tap the "Settings" app on your phone
Before downloading an antivirus from the Google Play Store, make sure your phone can't download third-party apps that "masquerade" as antiviruses.
Step 2. Tap the "Security" tab to open the phone's security settings
Step 3. Tap the "Device Administration" tab
On this screen, you should find the "Unknown Sources" checkbox.
Step 4. Make sure the “Unknown Sources” option is unchecked
This feature, which allows you to download apps from outside the Play Store, is required for some apps (like most apps on the Amazon App Store), but you don't need it to download an antivirus. Disabling this feature will ensure the authenticity of the antivirus application.
Step 5. Tap on the colorful triangle icon which is generally on the home screen of the phone to open Google Play
Step 6. Tap the search icon at the top of the screen to start searching for the antivirus app
Now, you are ready to download the antivirus app and start scanning your phone.
Method 2 of 2: Downloading Lookout and Starting Scan
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store, then tap the search field
In this article, you will be guided to search for "Lookout". Apart from being able to scan for viruses from your phone (like AVG or any other antivirus), Lookout also has another excellent feature, namely contact protection. Unfortunately, this app is expensive, and the free version has limited features. However, the security and backup features offered by the free version of Lookout are sufficient.
Step 2. Enter "Lookout" into the search field
You will see a list of suitable applications, and the Lookout antivirus will appear at the top of the search results.
Step 3. Tap on the “Lookout” option
You will be taken to the Lookout download page.
The maker of this app is "Lookout Mobile Security"
Step 4. Tap the "Install" button in the right corner of the "Lookout" page
Agree to the download terms and conditions when prompted
Step 5. Wait for Lookout to finish downloading
The download process may take up to a few minutes, depending on the type of wireless connection of the phone.
Step 6. Tap the "Lookout" icon to open the app
Once the app is open, you can scan your phone for viruses and other malware.
Step 7. Tap "Security" to open the scan menu
To schedule a scan, you can open the "Menu", select "Settings", and open the "Security" tab
Step 8. Tap on "Scan Now"
Lookout will start scanning your phone for viruses or other malicious programs. The scanning process will take up to a few minutes.
Step 9. Pay attention to the scan results
If Lookout finds a virus, the app will give you a warning. You can then remove the virus from the warning screen.
- Depending on the type of infection, you may not be able to remove the virus from within Lookout.
- Lookout will also notify you if the phone is clean. If the phone is clean, you can immediately close Lookout.
Step 10. Run Lookout once a week to make sure your phone is protected from viruses
Tips
- AVG Free can also scan for new applications automatically, but running AVG continuously may drain your phone's battery.
- AVG and Lookout also offer paid versions, but you can scan for viruses with the free version of the app forever.
