If your cell phone has a virus, first disconnect it from the internet by turning off Wi-Fi and mobile data.Then, restart the device in Safe Mode to prevent malware from running. Next, remove any suspicious or recently installed apps, clear your browser cache, and install a reputable antivirus app to scan and remove malware. If the problem persists, back up your important data and perform a factory reset as a last resort to wipe the device clean.
1. Disconnect from the Internet
- Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data: immediately to prevent the virus from spreading or sending your data to attackers.
2. Restart in Safe Mode
- Reboot your device into Safe Mode: to temporarily disable third-party apps.
- In Safe Mode, you can identify and uninstall suspicious apps that may be causing the infection.
3. Remove Suspicious Apps
- Go to your phone’s settings and find the “Apps” or “Apps & Notifications” section.
- Look for any apps you don’t recognize or that were installed around the time the virus appeared, and uninstall them.
4. Clear Browser Cache
- Clear the cache and cookies: in your web browser’s settings.
- This can remove malicious scripts and components downloaded by the virus.
5. Install and Scan with an Antivirus App
- Download a trusted mobile security or antivirus app from a reputable app store.
- Run a full scan to detect and remove any malware that the previous steps didn’t catch.
6. Change Your Passwords
- If you suspect your data has been compromised, change the passwords for your important accounts, such as your Google, email, and banking accounts.
7. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
- If the virus continues to cause problems, perform a factory reset.
- This will erase all data, settings, and apps, returning the phone to its original state and effectively removing persistent malware.