A POWERFUL Google trick to save you from dangerous Android apps takes just seconds to check.
It’s worth using it: the feature roots out dangerous apps and lets you kill them in seconds.
These sinister apps – known as malware – can wreak all manner of havoc on your devices.
They could spy on you, steal your info or even money, or silently slow your device down (and drain its battery in the process).
“Malware is unsafe or unwanted software that may steal personal info or harm your device,” Google warns.
Google Play Protect is the answer to that, giving you an opportunity to easily identify rogue Android apps and shut them off.
Thankfully Google Play Protect is very easy to use, and only takes seconds to
First go into your Google Play Store app.
That’s where you’d normally download apps or check for updates.
Then tap on the profile icon in the top right.
Now navigate to Play Protect > Settings, and then turn Scan Apps With Play Protect on.
This will only cover apps that you’ve downloaded from the Play Store specifically.
But if you’ve installed apps that you’ve downloaded from elsewhere, there’s a helpful solution.
Just turn on Improve Harmful App Detection in your settings menu.
You can also manually scan apps by going into Play Protect and choosing Scan.
It should only take a matter of seconds to run the check.
And if a malicious app is found, you’ll be prompted to take action.
Uninstalling apps is also very easy.
Just go to the Settings app and then navigate to Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
Here's Google's official list of signs that you might have malware on your Android phone...
You may have malware on your device if:
Device symptoms
Browser symptoms
Other symptoms
From there, simply tap the apps that you want to delete and choose Uninstall.
Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the app’s removal.
If you’re worried about security then it’s also worth performing a security checkup.
This will check your Google account for any issues that might be leaving you exposed to cyber-crime or privacy breaches.
Just go into your Google account settings and look for the Security Checkup option.
