How can I protect my Samsung Galaxy device from malware

Last Update date : Apr 27. 2026

Malware on Samsung devices is rare but can happen through unsafe apps or ads. You can protect your device by managing permissions, using security features, and removing suspicious apps.

Decide which apps to allow access to

After installing an app, you can decide which apps to allow access to your device. A malicious app may leak information from your device, so be careful about granting permissions. Even if you allow access, if you haven’t used an app for a while, its permissions will be automatically reset and you will have to grant permissions again when you use the app next time.

How to change app permissions:

App Settings App Settings

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

Choose app to change permissions Choose app to change permissions

Step 2. Choose an app to change permissions of.

Select app permissions Select app permissions

Step 3. Select Permissions.

Allow permissions for app Allow permissions for app

Step 4. Select an option to allow access.

Select allow or don't allow for app permissions Select allow or don't allow for app permissions

Step 5. Select Allow or Don’t allow.

Notes:
Only grant permissions to trusted apps to prevent data misuse.

Open Samsung Internet app Open Samsung Internet app

Step 1. Open Samsung Internet app.

Select menu Select menu

Step 2. Select Menu (three horizontal lines).

Select ad blockers setting Select ad blockers setting

Step 3. Select Ad blockers.

Select from Suggested apps Select from Suggested apps

Step 4. Select from Suggested apps to download.

Note: 

  • You must be logged into your Google account to download an ad blocking app.
  • You may have to pay for some ad blocking apps, so check their descriptions and reviews before downloading.
  • If you use a third-party internet app, adjust the app's security settings.
Battery and device care Battery and device care

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Battery and device care.

Select Device protection Select Device protection

Step 2. Select Device protection.

Tap Scan phone Tap Scan phone

Step 3. Tap Scan phone.

Press and hold Volume down and Side key Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key.

Select Power off Select Power off

Step 2. Select Power off.

Press and hold Volume down and Side key Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 3. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key at the same time.

Release Side key while holding Volume down key Release Side key while holding Volume down key

Step 4. Once the Samsung logo appears on screen, release the Side key, while holding the Volume down key.

Try updating in Safe mode Try updating in Safe mode

Step 5. When Safe mode appears on the lower left corner of the screen, release the key.

Follow the steps below to delete an app in Safe mode.

Apps menu Apps menu

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

Identify unknown or malicious apps Identify unknown or malicious apps

Step 2. Identify the app that you don’t recognize, or think is malicious.

Uninstall app Uninstall app

Step 3. Select Uninstall.

Tap OK Tap OK

Step 4. Tap OK.

From Safe mode, switch to normal mode by following the steps below.

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and Side key simultaneously.
Step 2. Tap Restart.

Switch from Safe mode to normal mode

Note:

  • Volume and Side key locations may vary depending on the device model.

More ways to protect your device

Here are some more tips to protect your device and keep it malware-free:

  • Only download apps from the Play Store or Galaxy Store, which verifies the safety of all apps. 
  • We do not recommend using third-party anti-malware apps.
  • Keep your device's software and operating system up to date.
  • Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.

Note: Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.

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If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung mobile, tablet, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app. Find out more about sending an error report.

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