Help asap

[starshine]

Omg help pls 

Me again as u know I'm not tech savvy 

So I was looking in my google playstore history activity and what is found is making me extremely anxious as I found apps that apparently I have added which are not on my app list ( on my playstore app ) and also a device that is connected as well.

 I have gone into my google account to check any devices connected to my account that i don't recognise and there aren't any but to be on the safe side I changed my google password.

I had also noticed this last week that a icon pops every now and then like a download icon then it dissappears again even though I have automatic downloading turned off.

So can anyone shed some light as what's going on i haven't clicked on anything suspicious well least I don't think so 🤔 and I have security on my phone and Internet at home to.

Thank you in advance for any help you give me 

[ZeroManYT]

Check your Play Store history for any apps listed under "Not Installed," review Google Security Checkup for unknown devices, monitor the download icon in your notifications, disable auto-updates and backups, run a security scan with Play Protect or Malwarebytes, and if issues persist, consider a factory reset after backing up your data.

[starshine]

Ok thank you in will do this now

[ZeroManYT]

I'd also recommend changing your passwords even banking apps it sounds as you may have gotten melware which could potentially be watching what you type sending the keystrokes to someone externally so id recommend changing your passwords to be on the safe side.

[starshine]

Ok thank you

[starshine]

So on my actual playstore app the apps are different from the ones showing on the ones I see on the playstore on a browser ie there are some on the browser that I haven't downloaded so how can I uninstall them as there doesn't seem to be a option online to do so or if there is i can't find this option

[ZeroManYT]

Apps that appear under the account are not necessarily installed just installed previously hope this helps.

[starshine]

These apps have never been installed by me at all on any of my devices I have had never even heard of them and on looking on the reviews when I click on them in playstore it seems they have been installed on others randomly as well

[Martinkda]

Are you able to backup and reset your phone? It will flush out any malware or suspicious apps hiding in the back ground.... I'd check to see if your antivrus is up to date, then disconnect your computer from the Internet if you're going to backup to a computer just incase.

[Moiramon · Accepted solution]

This is what Google Gemini says about your problem.

Seeing apps you don't recognize and an unfamiliar device connected to your Google Play account can be alarming. Here's a breakdown of how to address this and secure your account:
1. Investigate the Apps:
* "Not installed" list: In your Play Store history, you might be seeing apps that were previously installed but are no longer on your device. This list shows everything ever associated with your account.
* App details: Tap on the suspicious apps in your history. Look at the developer, permissions requested, and user reviews. This might give you clues about their purpose.
* Consider if you ever used them: Sometimes, we forget about apps we tried briefly. Think back if you might have used these apps in the past.
2. Check the Connected Device:
* Google Account Security: Go to your Google Account settings (myaccount.google.com) and find the "Security" section. Look for "Your devices" to see all devices with access to your Google account.
* Identify the device: Check the device name, model, and last activity time. Do you recognize it? If not, this is a major red flag.
3. Take Action to Secure Your Account:
* Change your Google password immediately: Choose a strong, unique password that you don't use for any other accounts.
* Enable 2-Step Verification: This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code from your phone or another device to sign in.
* Remove unfamiliar devices: In your Google Account security settings, you can remove access for any devices you don't recognize.
* Review app permissions: Check the permissions granted to apps on your device. Revoke any unnecessary or suspicious permissions.
* Consider a security scan: Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app to scan your device for any potential threats.
4. If You're Still Concerned:
* Contact Google Support: They can help you investigate further and provide guidance on securing your account.
* Report suspicious apps: If you believe an app is malicious, report it to Google through the Play Store.
Important Notes:
* Don't panic: While it's important to take this seriously, try to remain calm. Follow the steps above to secure your account.
* Be cautious: Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources or clicking on suspicious links.
* Stay informed: Keep your device and apps updated, and be aware of common online security threats.
By taking these steps, you can regain control of your Google Play account and protect your personal information.