Turn on Google Play Protect features in Settings>Google>Security (or in the Play Store settings). Read a bunch of app reviews before installing an app to look for any complaints about adware or suspected malware.Ĥ. Only install apps from well-established app sources like Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. Never ever tap on a link that appears in a popup while browsing, especially if they're warning you that your phone is infected - they're just trying to scare you into installing some bogus "antivirus" app that is probably malicious itself.ģ. Avoid shady websites that deal with things like porn, gambling, and "free" (aka pirated) apps/music/movies.Ģ. Here's my usual spiel:įor the most part, it's still quite difficult to get an actual virus on your phone, because malware requires you to manually accept the installation (which is why they try to fool you into thinking you're installing something legitimate). Realistically, antivirus apps are not really necessary on Android devices. Welcome to Android Central! You should avoid Avast anyway: