Can Phones Get Viruses? 10 Signs Your Device May Be Infected
If your phone keeps freezing mid-scroll, crashes out of nowhere, drains battery, or just feels slower than usual, it could be infected. Yes, phones can get viruses, even brand-new ones with the latest updates.
And it’s not rare, either. In just the first few months of 2025, there were over 180,000 new Android malware samples discovered. That’s a whole lot of risky phones out there. The good news? Spotting the early signs can save you major stress and protect your personal data before things get worse.
Here’s how to know if your phone’s acting weird because of a virus, and what you can do about it.
10 Signs Your Phone Might Have a Virus
1. Unfamiliar Apps or Features
Did a random app just appear on your phone like magic? Or maybe you noticed a new setting you don’t remember touching? That could be malware quietly moving in. Some viruses install secret apps that collect your data, spy on your activity, or spam your contacts without you realizing it.
Even if you think your sibling downloaded something or a software update added new tools, don’t assume it’s harmless. Go through your app list carefully. Delete anything you don’t recognize, then run a full antivirus scan.
Keep in mind, hidden malware doesn’t always show up on your home screen, sometimes it hides in system settings or disguised names. Check app storage and data usage to catch weird-looking apps pretending to be system files.
2. Battery Draining Quickly
If your battery’s dying faster than usual or your phone heats up when you’re barely using it, something’s running nonstop in the background. Some viruses constantly send data, track activity, or mine cryptocurrency using your phone’s power, and that burns through your battery.
Go to Settings → Battery (on Android) to see which apps are hogging energy. If something unfamiliar is near the top, that’s your red flag. Run a scan and uninstall anything shady.
Sure, sometimes an old battery or a heavy app like TikTok can cause drain, but if it starts suddenly and pairs with other weird behavior (like lag or data spikes), it’s worth checking for malware.
3. Strange Noises During Calls
Hearing weird clicks, static, or faint beeps during calls? Malware can sometimes mess with your phone’s call functions or recording features.
Try making a call in another area or network first, poor signal can cause noise too. But if it keeps happening, especially alongside other symptoms, it’s time to run a virus scan. Some malicious apps can eavesdrop or log your calls.
You can even record a short call to check if the sounds repeat, if they do, something’s definitely off.
4. Unexplained Data Usage Spikes
If your mobile data suddenly shoots up, even though you’re not streaming or downloading anything new, malware might be secretly transferring data. Many viruses send info back to hackers’ servers or download unwanted files in the background.
Check which apps are using the most data in Settings → Data Usage. Disable background data for any suspicious ones.
Legit apps like cloud backups or video calls can also cause spikes, so compare with your recent activity. But if you notice consistent data surges when you’re not doing anything, that’s a clear warning sign your phone might have a virus.
5. Sluggish Performance or Frequent App Crashes
When apps start freezing, lagging, or crashing for no reason, it’s often because malware is eating up your system resources. Some viruses run hidden processes that overload your phone’s CPU and memory, slowing everything down.
First, clear your cache, restart, and uninstall recently added apps. If that doesn’t fix it, run a full malware scan.
Of course, low storage or outdated apps can also cause slowdowns, but virus-related lag usually feels more intense, like apps taking forever to open or your screen freezing completely. If your phone suddenly feels like it aged five years overnight, it’s time to investigate.
6. Unwanted Pop-Up Ads or Redirects
If you’re getting random pop-ups, redirects, or ads that won’t quit, even when your browser’s closed, malware might be running the show. Some free apps show ads, but if they appear everywhere or feel aggressive, that’s not normal.
Uninstall the last few apps you downloaded and scan your phone.
Sometimes it’s just a spammy website, but if multiple apps show weird ads or redirects, that’s malware territory. Some adware even uses overlays, meaning the pop-ups appear on top of everything else, creepy, right?
7. Suspicious Messages Sent From Your Account
If your friends or followers start asking, “Why’d you send me this weird link?”, that’s a big red flag. Some viruses take over your messaging or social apps to spread phishing links.
Change your passwords ASAP, run a malware scan, and let people know not to click anything suspicious from you.
Even if it’s a glitch or someone logging into your account elsewhere, it’s best to double-check. Scan your device and review which apps are connected to your social accounts. You might be surprised at what’s lurking there.
8. Overheating Without Obvious Reason
Your phone’s burning hot even when you’re not gaming or charging? Malware could be maxing out your processor without your permission.
Close running apps, uninstall suspicious ones, and run a scan. If your phone keeps heating up, it could be malware mining crypto or running background scripts nonstop.
Sometimes hardware or environmental factors cause heat, but if overheating comes with battery drain or data spikes, that’s malware behavior. Don’t ignore it, high temps can even damage your battery long-term.
9. Unusual Permissions Requests
Ever download an app that wants access to your camera, mic, or contacts, for no real reason? That’s a huge warning sign.
Go through your app permissions in Settings → Privacy and revoke anything that doesn’t make sense. For example, a flashlight app shouldn’t need access to your messages or location.
Malware loves sneaking in through excessive permissions because that’s how it steals data. Regular permission audits are one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, and they only take a few minutes.
10. Random Pop-Ups Asking for Passwords or Info
Out of nowhere, your phone asks for your password, OTP, or payment details? That’s classic phishing behavior.
Never enter info in random pop-ups. Close them right away, then run a malware scan. If you’re unsure whether a request is real, go directly to the app or website instead of tapping the prompt.
Legit apps only ask for verification occasionally, if it keeps happening, it’s definitely suspicious. These fake prompts can look shockingly real, so always double-check before typing anything.
7 Ways to Check and Remove a Phone Virus
1. Install Trusted Antivirus Apps
The easiest way to find a phone virus? Let antivirus do the work. Trusted apps scan your phone, remove threats, and even block shady downloads in real time.
Go for reputable ones that update regularly and have many good user reviews. Run full scans weekly or whenever your phone starts acting weird. Some antivirus tools even alert you before malware can install, giving you automatic protection.
2. Boot into Safe Mode (Android)
Safe Mode detoxes your phone. It turns off all third-party apps, so you can tell if one of them is causing the problem.
If your phone runs fine in Safe Mode, uninstall recently added apps until the issue disappears. You can usually enter Safe Mode by holding the power button, then tapping and holding “Power off” until you see the option.
It’s one of the fastest ways to pinpoint problem apps without fully resetting your phone.
3. Check App Permissions
Malware often hides in apps that ask for way too much access. Go through your app list and check permissions; if something looks sketchy, revoke it.
Apps shouldn’t need access to everything on your phone. Cutting off unnecessary permissions limits what malware can do and might even stop it from working altogether.
Make it a monthly habit to check permissions; it keeps your phone safer and your privacy tighter.
4. Update Your Operating System
Updates aren’t just for new emojis or UI tweaks; they patch security holes that hackers use to break in.
Always install updates as soon as they’re available. Turning on auto-updates helps, especially if you tend to forget.
Keeping your OS current means malware has fewer vulnerabilities to exploit, making your phone much harder to infect.
5. Clear Cache and Temporary Files
Your cache stores leftover app data, and sometimes, malware hides there too. Clearing it can remove minor infections and speed up your phone.
Go to Settings → Storage or App Management to clear cache files. Do it regularly to keep things clean and prevent infected files from hiding.
Bonus: your phone will likely run faster afterward, so it’s a win-win.
6. Use Built-in Security Features
Modern phones come with solid built-in protection. On Android, Google Play Protect automatically scans apps and alerts you about shady ones. On iPhones, Privacy & Security settings show which apps access your data.
Keep these features turned on. They work quietly in the background, catching threats early before they cause damage.
It’s free, easy, and already part of your phone, so there’s no reason not to use it.
7. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If all else fails and your phone still acts possessed, a factory reset will wipe out everything, including malware.
Back up your important data first, then reset from Settings → System → Reset Options. Once it’s clean, only reinstall apps from trusted sources like Google Play or the App Store.
Afterward, keep antivirus running, check permissions regularly, and stay updated. A reset gives your phone a fresh start, use it wisely.
Stay Ahead of Phone Threats
Catching a virus early is one of the best ways to avoid the chaos it can cause. Keep your system updated, double-check app permissions, and pay attention to weird behavior.
Pair those habits with a trusted antivirus, and your phone will stay fast, safe, and stress-free.
Malware might be getting smarter, but so are you. Stay alert, stay updated, and keep your digital life clean.
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