- Can websites actually detect viruses on my Android phone?
- No. Websites cannot scan your device for viruses. Any webpage claiming to have detected malware on your phone is displaying a fake warning — it is a scare tactic designed to make you download something or call a fake support number.
- How do I know if my Android phone actually has a virus?
- Real Android malware typically shows signs like unexpected battery drain, data usage spikes, apps you didn't install, or your phone running hot for no reason. Use Google Play Protect (built into most Android devices) to scan for threats — not a browser popup.
- I clicked a link or downloaded something from the warning — what do I do?
- If you downloaded a file, do not install it. Delete it immediately. If you already installed it, go to Settings → Apps, find the suspicious app, and uninstall it. Then run a Play Protect scan. If you called a number from the warning, do not give them any access or payment.
- Where do I find Google Play Protect?
- Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right, tap 'Play Protect', then tap 'Scan'. This runs a genuine security scan of your installed apps.