Remove an app affected by malware in Safe mode
While very unlikely, if your device is affected by malware you can remove the malicious app in Safe mode. All third-party apps are disabled when in Safe mode, so it may be easier to delete the problematic app.
Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key.
Step 2. Select Power off.
Step 3. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key at the same time.
Step 4. Once the Samsung logo appears on screen, release the Side key, while holding the Volume down key.
Step 5. When Safe mode appears on the lower left corner of the screen, release the key.
Follow the steps below to delete an app in Safe mode.
Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.
Step 2. Identify the app that you don’t recognize, or think is malicious.
Step 3. Select Uninstall.
Step 4. Tap OK.
From Safe mode, switch to normal mode by following the steps below.
Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and Side key simultaneously.
Step 2. Tap Restart.
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How can I remove the malware or virus from my Android Galaxy phone?
If you’ve identified malware or viruses on your phone, it’s important to stop the malware from causing any further damage.
Here are a few steps you can take to clean your phone from viruses:
1. Uninstall any unrecognised apps
Access Safe mode on your Galaxy device to determine any apps that are operated by a third party and may therefore be malicious using the steps below:
1Turn off your phone
2Repower your phone and when the Samsung logo appears hold down the volume down key, Safe Mode will appear on the bottom left of the screen
3Open Settings and tap Apps
4Check the apps for unrecognised apps
5Delete any suspicious apps
6Restart your phone to exit Safe Mode
2. Delete your browser cache
It’s worth clearing the cache and data when your phone is behaving in an unusual way and you suspect a virus or malware.
If you are using the Samsung Internet app:
1Open Settings
2Tap Apps
3Tap Samsung Internet
4Select Storage
5Tap Clear Data to remove all temporary files
6Confirm by tapping Delete
7Tap on Clear Cache to delete the browsing cache
If you are using Google Chrome:
1Open Settings
2Tap Apps
3Tap Google Chrome
4Select Storage
5Tap Manage Storage to clear data
6Tap on Clear all data and then confirm by tapping OK
7Tap on Clear Cache to delete the browsing cache
3. Perform a Factory reset
Most malware can be removed by performing a factory reset on your phone. Before you undertake a factory reset you need to ensure that you have saved any data you want to access after you perform the reset, otherwise you run the risk of losing it all. Follow the steps below to factory reset your Galaxy phone:
1Open Settings
2Tap Factory data reset and confirm you wish to Factory reset
3Review the information and tap Reset
4Enter your security pin if requested
5Tap Delete all to remove all information and apps from your device
6Your phone will restart when it has finished the reset and will load to the initial setup screen
Please remember, if you’ve identified malware or had a virus attack on your Galaxy phone it is important to change your passwords and PINs as soon as possible. Remember to change them on a different device to ensure the malicious software does not detect your new passwords.
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How do I avoid getting infected with malware or a virus on my phone?
Although malware and viruses are very rare on Android Galaxy phones, for the highest level of protection we recommend taking the following extra precautions to protect your phone:
- Always keep your operating system and apps up-to-date with the latest software and security updates.
- Ensure the embedded security features on your Galaxy device are activated at all times.
- Avoid being bombarded with malicious Ads by downloading an Ad Blocker.
- Only download or install apps from the Galaxy Store and the Google Play Store.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links in emails and text messages.
- Use strong, complicated passwords or a password manager.
- Never use unsecured Wi-Fi connections and always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid installing third-party apps from unknown sources.
- Take the time to review app permissions before you download them. If an app request seems unusual it’s likely to be malicious.
- Avoid rooting your smartphone which will remove the verified Samsung and Android software from your phone and void the guarantee.
More ways to protect your device
Here are some more tips to protect your device and keep it malware-free:
- Only download apps from the Play Store or Galaxy Store, which verifies the safety of all apps.
- We do not recommend using third-party anti-malware apps.
- Keep your device's software and operating system up to date.
- Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.
AntS
This in these what is happening when I tried to use the 2 links you gave me last night
This in these what is happening when I tried to use the 2 links you gave me last night
@Bev54
How can I check for viruses and malware on my Android phone?
Galaxy security software will be working hard to keep your phone secure from any threats to your personal data. Samsung devices operating Android 7 (Nougat) and above will automatically run a diagnostic check to ensure your phone is protected. Your Galaxy phone is set to automatically optimise itself once a day and check for any security threats. You can find out more information on our Device Care page.
You can also manually scan your Galaxy device to check for security threats:
1Go to Settings
2Tap Battery and Device Care
3Tap Device protection
4Tap Scan phone
5All of the apps and data on your device will be scanned
6Once the scan is completed you will be shown whether or not your device is secure
You can also use Google Settings to scan your phone for security threats:
1Open Apps
2Tap Google Settings
3Tap Security
4Tap Verify apps
5Tap Scan device for security threats
If any security threats are detected your Galaxy smartphone will guide you through the process of removing and securing your phone.
@Bev54 wrote:
Please could you tell me where the links are please, I have tried the 2 links you gave me yesterday and they will not open using samsung Internet and Google chrome, is there any other link you would like me to try?
It's okay. 🙂 I've just copied and pasted stuff from the links I gave before, as you've said that you can't open those links right now.
@Bev54 wrote:
@AntS
I can see the steps you have recommended I take, unfortunately i am unable to have software and security updates due to the age of my galaxy S10
No worries: it's general advice. But always worth keeping a fairly regular check for any software and security updates in any case. (I have a Galaxy S10 too BTW.)
