Phone & Device Security·Updated 2026-10-21

How do I remove malware from my phone?

Short answer

Update the phone, uninstall unknown or suspicious apps, remove any unrecognized device management profiles or admin permissions, and run the platform’s built-in protection scan. If the problem persists, back up personal files and factory reset the phone.

The details

On Android, Google Play Protect scans installed apps; you can also start the phone in safe mode to remove an app that resists uninstalling. On iPhone, malware usually arrives through malicious configuration profiles or account compromise, so check Settings for profiles you did not add and review your Apple account’s devices.

After cleaning, change passwords for accounts used on the phone and turn on MFA.

What to do

Install the latest system update.
Uninstall apps you do not recognize.
Remove unknown profiles and admin permissions.
Factory reset if symptoms continue, then restore only personal files.

Useful next reads and tools

5 Signs Your Phone May Be Hacked · guide

Terms explained

Malware: Malware is any software designed to harm, spy on or gain unauthorized control of a device, network or account.
Multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more kinds of proof to sign in, such as a password plus an app prompt, security key or biometric unlock of a passkey.

Sources

CISA: Secure Our World