A virus is a classification of malware that infects computer systems, replicates itself, and spreads to other files and devices, causing damage or performing malicious actions. It is an ongoing threat that must be protected against through software updates and anti-virus programs.

How can I scan for viruses on my phone?

Use a reliable antivirus or a dedicated malware removal application to scan for all malware and virus types on your phone. This may remove background viruses and also stop other viruses from spreading to other files.

Can websites infect my device with a virus?

There are very low chances of getting your phone infected simply by visiting a website. However, if your security system is weak, other types of malware created to exploit specific types of vulnerabilities may pose a threat. Always ensure you have a reliable security application and follow safe browsing guidelines.

Do Apple and Google send warnings about viruses?

Google and Apple don’t send warnings about viruses. Any communication supposedly from either of them is designed to trick you into downloading dangerous malware, revealing sensitive personal information, or transferring your money.

Is it possible for a hacker to see through my camera?

Spyware and other malware can allow hackers to access your phone camera and other parts of your device, potentially allowing them to spy on you in real time. To protect yourself, you should use a dedicated anti-spyware tool and be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Can viruses be removed by resetting my device?

Restarting your phone will not remove malware from your device, but restoring it to factory settings probably will. Before formatting your device, back up your data to restore it in the future. When restoring your phone from a backup, clean the files from malware, viruses, and other harmful software. Use a malware removal tool to clean up and clear your phone's cache, cookies, and browsing history.

How to Remove a Virus From Your iPhone or Android Phone

Abeerah Hashim - Security Expert

Last updated: November 10, 2023

Read time: 20 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Windows users know how important it is to be alert against different malware. Their OS has been a hacker's favorite target for decades. But what about phones? Are they prone to catching digital infections? What can you do about it?

THE TAKEAWAYS

Smartphones are also vulnerable to malware threats like computers, Windows, or Mac. So, again, you need to monitor your phone usage patterns and apply security best practices to prevent phishing and malware threats. Yet, regardless of how cautious you remain, there’s always a threat of virus infections to your mobile phones. Therefore, it is imperative to promptly detect and remove viruses or malware from your Android phone or iPhone. Numerous antivirus apps are available today to ensure robust protection against such infections. Still, you must also learn and apply the necessary manual steps to get rid of viruses on smartphones.

Today, almost every individual on Earth has a mobile phone, specifically a smartphone. And every user knows how to protect their devices from physical damage. But did you know that your phones are also vulnerable to malware attacks? Ever bothered to scan and remove viruses from your iPhone or Android phone?

Indeed, smartphones are exceedingly valuable things. They allow us to read and write emails, keep in touch with friends through apps like Whatsapp and Telegram, watch YouTube videos, and we can even perform financial operations with our banks. However, what makes these toys so valuable is the insane amount of information they hold about us. They know everything; our friends, what we tell them, how much money we spend on a given store, or what we have in the bank. Unfortunately, that’s where the risk lies.

What would happen if an external agent manages to insert a piece of software into your smartphone so that he can know about you as much as your device does? It’s a nightmare scenario. But, on the other hand, we can hardly imagine the worst thing to happen to anybody. The thing is: it happens. It’s what a virus does when it finds its way into your telephone.

Fortunately, whether you are an iOS or Android user, there are ways to eliminate such malware.

Technically the word “virus” means a specific type of malware that spreads through infected files. (However, we’re not going to split hairs in this article. And we’ll use the words malware and virus as synonyms, although malware refers to many more types of threats.)