In this guide, we’ll show you what to watch out for and how to fix it if you think your Android phone has been hacked. Smartphone security is extremely important these days. Here’s how to fix problems and everything you need to know.
Whether you’re worried about a trojan virus, malware, spam, botnets, keyloggers, or exploiting the latest form of “stage fright,” you can do something about it. We will discuss ways to get rid of malicious content and help you be better prepared for the future.
In 2019, smartphones and tablets are as vulnerable as computers. If not more vulnerable considering that over 2.5 billion people have one. They’re the #1 target for bad guys. Your phone is the gateway to tons of personal and sensitive information, and here are a few signs that something might be wrong.
If you think your Android smartphone has been compromised or hacked, we’re here to help. These are the signs you should look for, the steps you should take, and the things you should consider moving forward.
How Do You Know If Your Phone Has a Virus (or Has Been Hacked)?
Attacks and viruses on Android phones and tablets change all the time. They never look the same even though there are a few dead giveaways. However, sometimes a popup is nothing more than a popup trying to trick you into clicking something that will give you a virus. Either way, these are just a few signs that something isn’t quite right.
This is a fake virus pop-up, ignore it!
Does the picture above sound familiar? Google actually fight to avoid. Pop-ups are one of the first signs of a virus or something bad. They usually make noise, flash or start the vibration motor on the phone and the back button usually does not work. If this happens, hit the home button (or recent apps) and close all running apps. DO NOT try to click on anything inside your web browser.
At the same time, many pop-ups are nothing more than pop-ups trying to get you to click an ad or buy something. Either way, ignore them all, don’t click, and never give your credit card information to a popup.
what to look for
Random pop-ups are one of the first signs, but they’re not all you need to look for. Our list detailed above explains some of the biggest warning signs.
If your device is running extremely slow, a virus or hacker may be doing things in the background that you can’t see and slowing your phone down. Since a virus is transmitting information, you may find that your phone bill also increases, it can consume monthly data plan. A common problem is malware sending text messages to premium numbers. Making money from hackers at your expense. Go to apps using a and check.
If an app is using a lot more data than it should, something might be wrong.
Finally, malware or keyloggers are often very difficult to find, but leave a trace on your smartphone or tablet. This could be a new app you didn’t install, or unwanted apps that are using a lot more battery than they should. All these malicious things consume data, resources and your battery. A good way to see if you’ve been hacked is to check your phone’s battery usage.
Open it and go and scan the list for anything unusual.
A virus will “call home” or drain your battery by keeping your phone active.
If you see anything unusual in your battery usage, you may have a virus. Here you see “Miscellaneous” using 70% of the battery. This is a malicious app or keylogger trying to hide its identity. Even an actual app that has a name but you haven’t installed can be the culprit.
Basically, if your Android phone gets hacked, you’ll see everything from pop-ups to random charges to new apps or excessive battery drain.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Hacked?
If all signs point to malware or your device has been hacked, it’s time to fix it. Be it running anti-virus software, uninstalling apps, or completely wiping your device.
First off, the easiest way to find and get rid of viruses and malware is to run a reputable antivirus application. You’ll find dozens of “Mobile Security” or anti-virus apps on the Google Play Store, and they all claim to be the best. Look for brands you know and trust, or use them to protect your desktop. Avast, AVG, BitDefender or my personal favourite, Malware Bytes.
Our link above details some of the best anti-virus apps for Android as of 2019. The big brands you’ve probably heard of are on the list. We also recommend AVL ProfessionalFormer winner of the AV test (a well-known independent anti-virus testing group) for the best mobile protection.
Run an anti-virus scan and see what happens. Most of the apps on our list are completely free or offer a trial version so you can fix your phone without paying a dime. Then choose to keep it or uninstall the app and move on with your life.
Uninstall Bad or Unwanted Apps
If you see apps you haven’t installed on your phone or apps that are draining your battery or monthly data plan, uninstall them. (or all apps) and scroll through the list.
Find any app you don’t want and click it. Then, simply hit the big uninstall button.
Do not delete anything, as this may do more harm than good. However, delete anything you didn’t install yourself or any malfunctioning app. There are many pre-installed system apps or things here, so be careful what you’re trying to uninstall. If you are unsure, first leave a comment below or type it into Google.
Also, I feel like I don’t even need to say this in 2019 – but please don’t install apps from places like Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Apps Store. Websites that offer Android APKs are not your friend. Do not download or install anything.
Delete Everything If Needed
If you run some AV software and uninstall apps but are still having problems, a factory data reset is the last resort. This will wipe everything off your phone and have you start over like the day you brought it home. This is usually the best way, but the hardest because no one likes to set up a new phone.
Backup all photos, videos or text messages and then wipe your device. go. Again, this will delete EVERYTHING on your phone. Only do this if all else fails.
How to Protect Your Android from Hackers or Viruses?
When your Android device is free of viruses or malware, you’re all set. However, it is important to know how to protect yourself from now on. Knowing what you should or should not do is very important. Here are a few tips to keep you and your Android phone safe.
Keeping your Android phone safe is actually pretty easy. Only download apps and games from the Google Play Store or safe places like Samsung’s Galaxy Apps store. If you are downloading an app or “APK” from a website then you are having trouble. See the image above for an idea of what we mean. Websites hide the download button in weird spots so you click on the wrong crap. It is not safe and we do not recommend it.
Track what you click and where you click. Next, go to settings on your phone and hit the search magnifier and type “Unknown Sources” and make sure this setting is set. This ensures that apps from unknown sources cannot download or install anything on your device. So even if you get a virus, it can’t download new apps and make things worse.
In general, just be a little careful and maybe use some common sense. Do not click on strange things or download strange files and be careful. The internet is the wild west and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
