How to disable an antivirus on Android 9: detailed instructions with warnings

Smartphone owners based on Android 9 Pie we often encounter situations where the built-in antivirus blocks the installation of applications from unknown sources or interferes with the operation of specialized software. Disabling protection may be necessary for testing apps, debugging through ADB, or if the antivirus mistakenly flags legitimate files as a threat. However completely disabling protection without a good reason can lead to infection of the device..

In this article we will look at how to properly deactivate antivirus functions on Android 9, what risks this carries, and what to do to minimize threats. It is important to understand: the procedure differs from the actions on new versions of Android (10+), where Google has tightened its security policy. If your device runs on Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI or other firmware, the instructions may have nuances.

Before you begin, make sure that you really need to disable the protection. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved in alternative ways: adding an exception for the file, temporarily allowing installation from unknown sources, or updating the antivirus database. If you are determined to continue, follow the instructions below, but remember: on Android 9, disabling the built-in scanner Google Play Protect does not block the work of third-party antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky), they need to be deactivated separately.

Why antivirus on Android 9 can interfere operation

Built-in protection Android 9 Pie includes two main components: Google Play Protect (scans applications in real time) and verifying APK files during installation. Problems usually arise in the following scenarios:

• 📱 Blocking APK files. The antivirus prevents the installation of applications that were not downloaded from Google Play (for example, beta versions or rooting apps).
• 🔧 Conflict with debugging tools. When connecting to ADB or using Android Studio protection may interrupt processes.
• ⚠️ False positives. Legitimate files (for example, modified firmware or games with mods) are mistakenly marked as malicious.
• 📊 System slowdown. On weak devices, constant scanning in the background can cause lags.

It is important to distinguish system antivirus (built into Android) from third-party solutions (for example, Dr.Web or 360 Security). The first is disabled through Google settings, the second - in the interface of the application itself. Also keep in mind that some manufacturers (for example Huawei or Xiaomi) add their own layers of protection that work in parallel with Play Protect.

⚠️ Attention! If you disable the antivirus to install APK from an unverified source, first check the file through VirusTotal or a similar service. Even one infected file can compromise the entire device.

Method 1: Disabling Google Play Protect

The main protection tool on Android 9 is Google Play Protect. It can be temporarily deactivated as follows:

1. Open the application Google Play Store.
2. Click on the profile icon (in the upper right corner) and select Play Protect.
3. In the upper right corner, tap on gear settings (⚙️).
4. Disable the option Scan device for threats.

After that Play Protect will stop scanning installed applications and new files. However Scanning when installing APK will remain active - it is disabled separately (see the next section).

Make a backup copy of important data

Scan the device for viruses before disconnecting

Remember which applications were installed after deactivation

Enable protection back after completing tasks-->

If the item Play Protect is not in the menu, update Google Play Market to the latest version or check if it is disabled Google services in the device settings. On some firmware (for example, on Flyme OS from Meizu) the path may differ.

Method 2: Allowing installation from unknown sources

Even if Play Protect is disabled, Android 9 by default blocks the installation of APKfiles not downloaded from the official store. To allow installation:

1. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications.
2. Select Advanced → Special access.
3. Click Installing unknown applications.
4. Select the application (for example, File manager or Chromethrough which you will install APK.
5. Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

Please note: permission is granted specific application, not the entire device. For example, if you downloaded a file via Chrome, but are trying to install it via ES File Explorer, you will need to allow installation for both.

Action	Consequences	Risk
Disablement Play Protect	Scanning of installed applications stops	Medium (vulnerability to new threats)
Allowing installation from unknown sources	Can be installed APK manually	High (risk of infection when installing unverified files)
Disable third-party antivirus (Avast, Kaspersky)	Stops background check	Low (if Play Protect remains active)
Removing updates Google Play Services	Protection settings are reset to factory settings	Critical (disruption of many functions)

⚠️ Attention! On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s Knox), disabling the protection may trigger the flag Knox Warranty Void, which will void the warranty. Check this in the Settings menu. → Biometrics and security → Other security settings.

Method 3: Disabling third-party antiviruses

If an additional antivirus is installed on the device (for example, Avast Mobile Security, Kaspersky Internet Security or 360 Security), it must be deactivated separately. General algorithm:

1. Open your antivirus application.
2. Go to section Settings or Protection.
3. Find options like Real protection, Scanning in the background or Autorun and disable them.
4. If necessary, remove the application completely via Settings → Applications.

Some antiviruses (for example, Bitdefender) are integrated into the system at the level device administrator. To remove them:

1. Go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators.
2. Uncheck the box next to the name of the antivirus.
3. Return to the list of applications and uninstall the app.

If the antivirus is not is deleted in a standard way, perhaps it is password protected or requires superuser rights (root). In this case, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the power button → long tap on Disable → Safe Mode).
• 📱 Use ADB to force removal:

  adb uninstall com.avast.android.mobilesecurity

  (replace the package with relevant for your antivirus).

What to do if the antivirus is not uninstalled?

If the antivirus has blocked itself from being uninstalled, try:

1. Install another antivirus (for example Malwarebytes) and use it to scan and remove the first one.

2. Reset the device to factory settings (after saving the data).

3. Contact the support of the antivirus manufacturer for instructions on forced removal.

Risks of disabling the antivirus on Android 9

Deactivating protection opens the device to a number of threats, especially relevant for Android 9 Piewhere some modern security mechanisms are missing (for example, sandboxing applications in new versions). Main risks:

• 🦠 Viruses and Trojans. Applications can access your data (photos, messages, geolocation) without your knowledge.. Without real-time scanning, malware can enter the system through infected web pages or even SMS. APK, web pages or even SMS.
• 🕵️ Spyware. Applications can access your data (photos, messages, geolocation) without your knowledge.
• 💸 Financial losses. Trojans are capable of intercepting SMS with confirmation codes for banking transactions.
• 📵 Device blocking. Some viruses encrypt data and demand a ransom (ransomware).

According to statistics Kaspersky for 2023, 34% of infections on Android occurred through APKfiles downloaded from unverified sources. When This 89% of attacks could be preventedif at least basic protection worked on the device. Android 9 the risks are higher than on new versions due to the lack of built-in protection against kernel exploits (vulnerabilities at the OS level).

If you need to disable antivirus for one-time task (for example, installing a single application), follow the rule of "least privilege":

1. Disable protection only for a while installation.
2. Install the application, but do not launch it immediately.
3. Turn on the antivirus back and scan the device.
4. If the application asks for suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or administrator rights), remove it.

What to do after disabling the antivirus

If you have temporarily deactivated protection, be sure to follow the following steps after completing tasks:

1. Enable Play Protect back via Google Play Store.
2. Scan your device using another antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web CureIt!).
3. Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Applications. Remove anything suspicious.
4. Update the system and applications. Vulnerabilities in older versions of software are often used for attacks.

If you notice suspicious behavior of the device after disabling the antivirus (for example, increased battery consumption, advertising banners in unexpected places or self-installation of applications), immediately:

• 🛡️ Install an antivirus with a signature database (for example, ESET Mobile Security).
• 🔍 Check the device in safe mode (hold the power button → Safe mode).
• 🗑️ Reset the settings to factory settings (if there is a threat It is critical). apps.

On Android 9 it is especially important to monitor application permissions. After disabling your antivirus, check:

• 📋 Settings → Applications → Permissions — revoke access to contacts, SMS and geolocation from unnecessary apps.
• 🔒 Settings → Security → Device administrators — remove unknown applications from the list.
• 🌐 Settings → Network and Internet → VPN — remove suspicious ones VPN profiles.

Alternative solutions: how to do without disabling the antivirus

In most cases, it is not necessary to disable protection - it is enough to use workarounds. Let's consider the most effective ones:

1. Adding exceptions to the antivirus

If Play Protect or a third-party antivirus is blocking a specific file, add it to the exceptions:

• For Play Protect: unfortunately, Android 9 does not have an exceptions function. An alternative is to upload the file to VirusTotal and make sure it is safe.
• For third-party antiviruses: Usually the option is in the settings (for example, in Kaspersky this Settings → Threats and exclusions).

2. Use ADB for installation APK

If the antivirus blocks installation through the graphical interface, try installing the application via ADB:

adb install path/to/file.apk

This method bypasses some checks, but does not guarantee bypass Play ProtectAfter installation, the application can still be uninstalled by the system.

3. stores

Instead of downloading APK from random sites, use trusted sources like:

• 📦 APKMirror (checks files before publishing).
• 🛒 F-Droid (open software without malicious code).
• 🔍 APKPure (has its own verification system).

4. Temporary network shutdown

If the antivirus blocks the installation due to suspicious activity on the network (for example, when downloading files via Tor), disable mobile data and Wi-Fi during installation. This will not disable Play Protect, but may help bypass some restrictions.

⚠️ Attention! On some devices (for example, Huawei or Xiaomi), manufacturers add their own protection mechanisms that cannot be disabled through standard settings. In this case, you may need to unlocking the bootloader or obtain rootrights, which will invalidate. guarantee and increases the risks.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When disabling the antivirus on Android 9 users often make critical errors that lead to infection or inoperability of the device. Let's consider the most common ones. common:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Disconnection Google Play Services	Corruption of many applications (Gmail, Maps, YouTube)	Do not disable Google services - deactivate only Play Protect
Removing system anti-virus components via root	Unstable operation of the OS, errors during updating	Use temporary disabling instead of deleting
Ignoring virus warnings	Installation of malware, data theft	Always check files before installation VirusTotal before installation
Disable protection on a permanent basis	Increased risk of infection when connecting to public networks	Turn on the antivirus immediately after completing tasks

Another common problem is the antivirus blocks legitimate applications (for example, emulators or tools for developers In this case:

1. Check the app's reputation on forums (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Download the file from the official website of the developer, and not from third-party resources.
3. If the antivirus deletes the application after installation, try installing it in safe mode.

On devices with Samsung Knox or Huawei AppGallery additional restrictions may occur. For example, Knox can block installation APK even when Play Protectis disabled. In this case:

• 🔧 Try disabling Knox via Settings → Biometrics and security → Knox.
• 📱 Use Samsung Smart Switch to install applications from PC.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling antivirus on Android 9

Is it possible to disable antivirus on Android 9 without root access?

Yes, Google Play Protect and most third-party antiviruses are disabled without root. However, some functions (for example, removing built-in system antiviruses on Xiaomi or Huawei) may require superuser rights.

Why did some applications stop working after disabling the antivirus?

Some apps (for example, banking or corporate) check for an active protection. If the antivirus is disabled, they may block access for security reasons. In this case, try adding the application to exceptions or using it in safe mode.

How to check if the antivirus is completely disabled?

To make sure that the protection is deactivated:

1. Try installing a test one APK (for example, ACRA test app).
2. Check the status Play Protect in Google Play Market.
3. Run a scan through another antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) - if it passes without blocking, protection is disabled.

What to do if the antivirus does not turn back on?

If after disabling you cannot turn on Play Protect:

1. Update Google Play Store and Google Play Services via Google Play.
2. Clear cache and data Google Play Services in Settings → Applications.
3. Reboot your device.
4. If the problem persists, reset the settings Google Play Store to factory settings (in Google account settings).

Is it possible to disable the antivirus for only one application?

There is no built-in exceptions function for Android 9 there is no built-in exception function for Play Protect. Alternative options:

• Use isolated user profile (if supported by the device).
• Install the application in container (for example, through Island or Shelter).
• Temporarily disable the antivirus only while working with the application.