How to remove malware on an Android 2026

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Antivirus software is not just for computers. You should also use antivirus software on your smartphone, and you want to make sure you aren’t selecting a free option because you’re likely not getting real security protection.

In our latest top antivirus recommendation article, many readers asked us how to install our top recommendation of Norton Antivirus Plus onto all your devices. Here’s how to do it on an Android.

 

Android antivirus protection

Norton Antivirus Plus helps protect your Android phone from online threats, risky apps, malicious websites, phishing attempts and suspicious activity.

Depending on your Android device and subscription, Norton Antivirus Plus protection may include helpful features such as:

• App scanning to help check installed apps for viruses, spyware and other potential cyberthreats
• Real-time protection to help protect your device against malware and risky apps as you use it
• Web protection to help warn you about fraudulent or dangerous websites before you visit them
• Wi-Fi security alerts to help identify compromised or unsafe networks
• Device security alerts to warn you when your Android operating system may be out of date
• Suspicious text message protection to help flag texts that may contain phishing attempts

Features may vary depending on your Norton Antivirus Plus subscription, Android version and device model.

 

Step 1: How to install Norton Antivirus Plus on your Android device

• Purchase Norton Antivirus Plus here: Save 58% – $34.99 protects 5 devices for year 1
  • Please note that the above product is the core antivirus product. Norton may offer additional products or upgrades during checkout. We don’t recommend the add-ons.
• Once purchased, sign in to your Norton account on your Android device.
• Open the Google Play Store.
• Search for Norton.
• Make sure you are downloading the official Norton app from NortonLifeLock or Gen Digital.
• Tap Install.
• Open the Norton app once it finishes installing.
• Sign in using the Norton account connected to your Norton Antivirus Plus subscription.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to activate protection on your Android device.
• Allow the permissions Norton requests so it can scan apps, warn you about risky websites and help protect your device.

You have now successfully installed Norton Antivirus Plus protection on your Android device.

 

Step 2: How to keep your Android protected with Norton Antivirus Plus

After installing Norton on your Android phone, open the app and follow the setup prompts. Norton may ask you to turn on several protections depending on your device and subscription.

Turn on web protection

Norton web protection helps warn you about fraudulent websites, phishing attempts and other harmful websites before you visit them.

1. Open the Norton app on your Android device.
2. Look for Web Protection, Safe Web, Internet Security or a similar option.
3. Tap the option to turn it on.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
5. If Android opens accessibility or settings permissions, allow Norton only if the prompt matches what you are trying to enable.
6. Return to the Norton app and confirm that web protection is active.

Settings may vary depending on your Android model and operating system version.

 

Turn on Wi-Fi security alerts

Norton can help alert you if the network you are connected to appears unsafe, compromised or under attack.

1. Open the Norton app.
2. Look for Wi-Fi Security, Network Security or a similar feature.
3. Tap to enable it.
4. Allow any required permission prompts.
5. Check that your current Wi-Fi network shows as safe before using sensitive accounts.

This is especially useful when you are using Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, coffee shops or other public places.

 

Step 3: How to set up real-time protection for Android phones

Norton Antivirus Plus can help scan your Android phone in the background and alert you if it detects suspicious apps or activity that could contain malware.

Here’s how to turn on real-time protection on your Android device:

• Open the Norton app on your Android device and sign in.
• Look for Device Security, App Security or Security.
• Look for Real-Time Scan, Real-Time Protection or a similar option.
• Toggle the feature on.
• Follow any Android permission prompts Norton provides.
• Confirm inside the Norton app that your device shows as protected.

Settings and labels may vary depending on your Android phone model, Android version and Norton app version.

 

Step 4: How to run a security scan on your Android phone

Once your Android is protected in real time from future threats, scan your phone to make sure there aren’t any existing viruses, risky apps or malicious files already on it.

1. Open the Norton app.
2. Tap Security, Device Security or App Security.
3. Look for Scan Apps, Security Scan or Scan Now.
4. Start the scan.
5. Keep the Norton app open while it scans your phone.
6. If Norton finds a threat, follow the on-screen prompts to remove, fix or quarantine it.

After the scan is complete, restart your Android phone if Norton recommends it.

 

Step 5: Turn on suspicious text message protection if available

Text message scams are one of the most common ways criminals try to trick people into clicking dangerous links. If your Norton app includes suspicious text message protection, turn it on to help flag texts that may contain phishing attempts.

1. Open the Norton app.
2. Look for Text Message Protection, SMS Security, Safe SMS or a similar feature.
3. Tap to enable it.
4. Follow the permission prompts.
5. Once enabled, watch for Norton warnings before tapping links in text messages.

Text message protection availability can vary by device, location and Norton Antivirus Plus plan.

 

Step 6: Keep Norton Antivirus Plus and Android updated

Security software works best when it is up to date. You should also keep your Android operating system updated so your phone has the latest security patches.

• Open the Google Play Store.
• Tap your profile icon.
• Tap Manage apps & device.
• Update Norton if an update is available.
• Then open your Android Settings.
• Look for Software update or System update.
• Install any available Android updates.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone model.

 

Other warning signs your Android phone may have malware

Your Android phone may have malware or a risky app if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Your phone suddenly runs much slower than usual.
• Your battery drains quickly for no clear reason.
• You see pop-ups when you are not using a browser.
• Your browser redirects you to strange websites.
• Apps appear that you do not remember installing.
• Your phone overheats even when you are not using it heavily.
• You notice unusual account logins, password reset emails or suspicious financial activity.
• Your data usage suddenly spikes.

If you notice any of these signs, run a full security scan with Norton Antivirus Plus and remove anything suspicious.

 

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Related:

• Learn how to install antivirus software on all your devices
• Does my iPhone need antivirus protection?
• How to run a virus scan on your computer
• Free Antivirus Software: Should you use it?
• Windows Defender vs Antivirus software: free protection falls short
• Kaspersky Antivirus Software On U.S. National Security Threat List: Remove and Replace this software now

 

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