Remove WhatsApp Malware From Your Android Phone

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications out there, and it’s used by millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, some users have recently been experiencing a malware attack that causes unwanted advertisements to pop up when they open the app. This malware can also spread to other applications on your device, causing further issues. In this article, we’ll explain how you can remove WhatsApp malware from your Android device.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the WhatsApp malware is only found in modified versions of the application that are downloaded from third-party sources. The official WhatsApp application from the Google Play Store is not affected by this issue, so if you’ve only downloaded WhatsApp from there, you should be safe.

However, if you’ve downloaded WhatsApp from a third-party website or app store, you may be at risk. In addition, if you’ve downloaded other apps from unverified sources, you may have inadvertently downloaded malware onto your device. In the guide below we will remove the fake WhatsApp version and the other malicious apps (Google Updater, Google Installer, Google Powers and Google Installer for U), reset your browser settings and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android.

How to remove WhatsApp Malware from Android

To remove WhatsApp malware from your Android device, follow these steps:

• 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.

   

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

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 automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

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

   

   Malwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost

   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.
   This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.
   
   Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step.
   
   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. Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

   You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.

   

   Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.

   

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. Click on “Remove Selected”.

   When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
   

7. Restart your phone.

   Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.

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

• Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
• Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.