Many users are faced with a paradoxical situation: they want to scan their device for viruses, but cannot find the scanning application itself. This is because on most modern smartphones antivirus protection it is already built into the operating system and runs in the background, without a separate icon on the main screen.
Understanding where to look for security tools is critical for quickly responding to threats. Depending on the manufacturer of your gadget, be it Samsung, Xiaomi or pure Android from Google, the path to these functions may differ significantly.
In this article we will analyze all possible ways to access security mechanisms. You will learn how to run a deep system scan, where to find the threat log, and what to do if standard tools cannot cope with suspicious activity.
Built-in protection Google Play Protect
The basis of security in the Android ecosystem is the service Google Play Protect. It automatically scans all installed applications and periodically checks existing ones for malicious code. To manually run a scan or view the protection status, you do not need to download third-party software.
This tool is accessed directly through the app store. Open the application Google Play Market on your device. Click on your profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen. In the menu that opens, select Play Protect.
Here you will see the current protection status: whether real-time scanning is working and when the last scan was performed. If the system detects a potentially dangerous application, it will offer to remove it. To force the analysis, click the button Check.
⚠️ Attention: Google Play Protect protects mainly against threats when installing applications from the store. It may not notice malicious code if you install apps from unknown sources (APK files) downloaded through a browser.
Regularly log into Play Protect at least once a week to make sure that the virus signature database is updated and scanning is active.
Search for branded antiviruses from manufacturers
Large vendors often equip their shells with additional security utilities. These apps usually have their own icons and provide advanced functionality compared to Google's basic solution. You can find them in the settings menu or among pre-installed apps.
On devices Samsung this function is integrated into the device maintenance menu. You need to go to Settings, then select section Device maintenance (or Device care). Inside you will find an item Device protectionthat uses the database from McAfee.
Owners smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco can find the built-in scanner in the application Security (green icon with a shield). It is usually located in the Tools folder or directly on the desktop. Inside the application there is a section Antivirusthat allows you to perform a quick and complete scan.
- 🛡️ Samsung: Settings → Device maintenance → Device protection.
- 🤖 Xiaomi/Redmi: Security application → Antivirus tab.
- ⚡ Huawei/Honor: Phone Manager application → Viruses.
- 📱 OnePlus/Oppo: Phone Manager application → Virus check.
Installing and running third-party antivirus
If the built-in tools are not enough or you want advanced features such as phishing protection in the browser or blocking annoying calls, you should install a third-party solution. The selection of applications in the store is huge, but it is important to choose proven products.
To download, go to Google Play Store and enter the name of a popular vendor in the search, for example, Kaspersky, ESET, Dr.Web or Avast. After installation, the application icon will appear in the general list of apps. Launch it, provide the necessary permissions and click the button Scan or Scan device.
Some antiviruses require you to create an account to activate premium features, but a basic scan is usually available for free. Please note that the simultaneous operation of two active antiviruses with real-time protection can slow down the smartphone.
☑️ Correct installation of the antivirus
Specifics of working on different versions of Android
The interface and availability of security functions vary from version to version. In older versions of Android, such as 6.0 or 7.0, built-in security may be missing or not work correctly without a constant connection to Google services. In modern versions, starting with Android 10 and higher, security is built deep into the core of the system.
For example, in Android 11 and newer there is a feature Scoped Storagethat limits application access to the file system, which in itself reduces the risk of infection. However, the settings menu in these versions has become more hidden. Often the security item is moved to the Security and privacy section in the general phone settings.
If you have a device with custom firmware, the menu may look different. Always use the settings search: click on the magnifying glass icon at the top of the settings screen and enter the word “virus” or “security” so that the system itself suggests the desired section.
| Android version | Protection type | Where to find | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 6-8 | Basic / Third-Party | Settings → Security | Additional installation is often required. Software |
| Android 9-10 | Google Play Protect | Play Market → Play Protect | Automatic scanning during installation |
| Android 11+ | Enhanced protection | Settings → Security | Control permissions and access to data |
| Android 12+ | Privacy panel | Settings → Privacy | Monitoring access to camera and microphone |
It is worth noting that some manufacturers may change the standard access paths in their interface updates. If you cannot find the required item in the described places, check the current menu structure in the official help for your specific device model.
What to do if the antivirus does not open
Sometimes the user tries to run a scan, but the application crashes, freezes, or the scan button is inactive. This may be due to corrupted system files, a software conflict, or low RAM.
First, try clearing the security application cache. Go to Settings, select Applications, find the desired antivirus in the list (or Google Play Services), click Storage and select Clear cache. This action will not delete your personal data, but it will reset temporary files that may have caused the crash.
If the problem persists, check for updates for the application itself and the operating system. Outdated software may not work correctly with new virus signature databases. Go to Settings → Software update and install available packages.
Why can an antivirus be silent?
Sometimes malware disguises itself as system processes or gains administrator rights, blocking the work of security utilities. In such cases, safe mode is required.
Safe mode and removal of uninstallable viruses
In the most difficult cases, when a virus blocks the launch of the antivirus or prevents you from removing a suspicious application, you must use Safe Mode. In this mode, only system applications are loaded, which allows you to bypass malware blocks.
To enter safe mode, you usually need to hold down the power button on the screen. When the reboot menu appears, press and hold the item Turn off or Reboot until a message about entering safe mode appears. Confirm the action.
After the reboot, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in the corner of the screen. Now you can safely go into application settings and remove a virus that was not previously removed. After cleaning, reboot your phone as usual to exit this mode.
⚠️ Note: In Safe Mode, some phone functions will not be available and third-party applications will not appear in the menu. This is normal system behavior for diagnosing problems.
If the virus is not removed even in safe mode, it may have gained superuser rights (Root), and a full reset to factory settings will be required.
Prevention and setting up automatic protection
The best way to deal with viruses is to prevent them. After you have opened the antivirus and scanned it, do not disable the protection. Set up automatic scanning so that the system itself keeps order without your intervention.
In the settings of most antiviruses there is an option Auto-scanning or Real-time protection. Make sure the switch is active. It is also recommended to enable scanning when connecting a USB cable to avoid infection from the computer.
Regularly update signature databases. Even the most powerful antivirus is powerless against a new virus if its database is a month out of date. Most modern solutions do this automatically if there is a Wi-Fi connection.
- 🔄 Enable auto-updating of virus databases in the application settings.
- 🚫 Prohibit the installation of applications from unknown sources in the security settings.
- 👀 Be careful with advertising banners offering to “clean” phone."
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a separate antivirus if you have Google Play Protect?
For most users who download applications only from the official store and do not visit dubious sites, built-in protection is sufficient. A third-party antivirus is needed for those who often install APK files from the Internet or want additional functions such as anti-phishing and call blocking.
Why does the antivirus write that there are no threats, but the phone is slow?
Slowdowns are not always caused by viruses. Most often, the reason is full memory, a large number of background processes, or outdated hardware. Try clearing your cache and uninstalling unused apps. If the problem persists, the malware may be masquerading as a system process, and a deep scan in Safe Mode is required.
Can an antivirus remove system files?
Qualified antivirus apps are configured to avoid touching important system files. However, if a virus has entered the system partition, removing it may affect the stability of the OS. Always back up important data before treating serious infections.
How to check your phone for viruses without installing applications?
The only reliable way without installation is to use the built-in Google Play Protect through the app store. You can also use online file scanners by uploading a suspicious APK file to a service like VirusTotal, but this will not check apps already installed on the system.