Remove Malware from Samsung Phones: Stop Bad Apps, Pop-Ups and Redirects

If your Samsung phone slows down, your screen is inundated with annoying ads, your browser settings change, or there’s a weird increase in your phone’s Internet activity, then it is possible that you have malware installed on your device. This guide teaches you how to remove malicious apps from a Samsung phone by following easy step-by-step instructions.

Can a Samsung phone get infected with malware?

Adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious apps are these days able to infect your Samsung phone. When a malicious app is installed on your phone, unwanted advertisements will pop up or your browser homepage and the search engine will be modified without your consent.

Here are a few typical signs that you have adware installed on your Samsung phone:

• Advertisements appear in places they shouldn’t be.
• Your web browser’s homepage has mysteriously changed without your permission.
• Web pages that you typically visit are not displaying properly.
• Website links redirect to sites different from what you expected.
• Browser popups appear which recommend fake updates or other software.
• Other unwanted apps might get installed without your knowledge.

When a Samsung phone is infected with malware, you may notice poor device performance, a battery that drains much quickly, unexplained data usage, or apps that unexpectedly crash. You should keep in mind that some of these symptoms can just mean your device is simply overloaded with junk.

How did my Samsung phone get infected with malware?

Malicious apps such as adware or browser hijacker are installed by the users, whether that is knowingly or not. The key thing to remember about malware is that you have to actually install the malicious app. Malware writers will use increasingly clever techniques to try and trick you into doing just that.

As malware writers try to earn money for their bad deeds, they continually look for new ways to get their malicious software installed on your phone. The best recommendation is still to think twice before installing untrusted software or clicking on strange-looking links.

When downloading apps it’s recommended that you only do so from a legitimate app store such as the Google Play Store, Galaxy Store, or another major manufacturer. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

To remove malicious apps from your Samsung device, you can use the free malware removal guide below.

How to remove Malware from Samsung phone (Virus Removal Guide)

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.

• STEP 1: Uninstall malicious apps
• STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
• STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malicious apps

STEP 1: Uninstall malicious apps

In this first step, we will check if any malicious apps are installed on your phone. Sometimes browser hijackers or adware apps can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these apps.

1. Open the “Settings” menu.

   Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
   

2. Tap on “Apps”.

   When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
   

3. Find the malicious app.

   The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the applications that are installed on your phone. Scroll through the list and look out for any suspicious app that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
   Most often, cyber criminals hide malware inside video or photo editing apps, weather apps, and camera apps.

   Check the developer, installation source, and any scanner detection before removing an app. A generic name or unfamiliar icon is not enough. If Android will not let you uninstall a confirmed unwanted app, check Device admin apps in Settings or restart in Safe Mode; do not remove a work or school management app without its administrator.

   

4. Uninstall the malicious app

   When you find a suspicious or malicious app, tap on it to uninstall it. This won’t start the app but will open up the app details screen. If the app is currently running press the “Force stop” button, then tap on “Uninstall”.
   

   A confirmation dialog should be displayed to confirm you want to uninstall the app, tap on “OK” to remove the malicious app from your phone.

   

STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings

In this second step, we will reset your browser to its default settings to remove spam notifications, unwated search redirects, and restore its factory settings

Before clearing app storage: save important tabs and check that any bookmarks or passwords you need are backed up. This resets local browser data and signs you out of sites; it does not delete your Google or Mozilla account. For notification spam alone, first revoke that site’s notification permission.

Resetting the browser settings to their default it’s an easy task on Windows or Mac computers; however, when it comes to Android, this can’t be done directly because it’s not an option built-in into the browser settings. Restoring the browser settings on Android can be done by clearing the application data. This will remove all the cookies, cache, and other site settings that may have been saved. So let’s see how we can restore your browser to its factory settings.

STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malicious apps

In this final step, we will install Malwarebytes for Android to scan and remove malicious apps from your phone or tablet.

Malwarebytes for Android can check installed apps and accessible files for threats. The free version supports manual scanning. Review the results and confirm Android’s uninstall prompts for detected malicious apps; automatic and real-time protection features depend on the plan.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

   You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.

   

   Malwarebytes for AndroidManual malware scan; optional paid protection features

   Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for Android

2. Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.

   In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.

   

   When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
   

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process

   When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
   Tap Get Started, or I have a Subscription if you already pay for the app. Review any plan or trial offer before accepting it.
   
   Follow the setup prompts to reach the dashboard. The free version supports manual scans; real-time protection and scheduled scans depend on the plan. Choose only the optional features you want.
   
   Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
   
   Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
   

4. Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

   On the current dashboard, find the Device section and tap Scan now.

   Allow storage access when prompted so Malwarebytes can check files as well as apps. Let the scan finish and open its results. Keep the app updated through Google Play.

5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

   Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
   

6. Review the results and uninstall detected malicious apps.

   On the current results screen, tap the menu next to a detected app and choose Uninstall app, then confirm Android’s uninstall prompt. Do not choose Always allow for an app you have not verified.
   

7. Restart your phone.

   Confirm that the selected apps were uninstalled. Restart if requested, then check whether the original problem has stopped. Keep the detection details and ask for help if an app cannot be removed or comes back.

Your Samsung phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.

Keep your phone protectedStop the next infection before it starts

Malwarebytes for Android Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malicious apps and scam links before they can harm your phone.See Malwarebytes for Android

If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
• Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.