How do I remove malware that is blocking apps on an Android phone?
Answer
When malware makes apps unusable, start in Safe Mode to uninstall recent unknown apps, clear forced overlays, and run a scan with Google Play Protect. If the phone still redirects, pops ads, or blocks Settings, back up what you can and factory reset, then change Google and banking passwords from a clean device.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Do not share passwords, recovery codes, or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about the “virus.”
- A factory reset erases local photos, downloads, and app data that were not backed up.
Follow these steps
Note the worst symptoms
Write down which apps fail, whether ads appear over the home screen, and the names of any apps you do not recognize. That list helps you decide between a targeted uninstall and a full reset.
You should see: You have a short list of symptoms and suspicious apps.
Boot into Safe Mode and remove unknowns
Press and hold Power, then touch and hold Power off and choose Safe Mode (wording varies by brand). In Safe Mode, uninstall recently added or unknown apps under Settings > Apps. Restart normally afterward.
You should see: Suspicious third-party apps are removed and the phone returns to a normal boot.
Run Play Protect and review permissions
Open the Google Play Store > profile icon > Play Protect and scan the device. Then review Settings > Apps for Display over other apps, Accessibility, and Device admin permissions; turn those off for anything you do not trust.
You should see: Play Protect finishes a scan and high-risk overlay or admin permissions are revoked.
Reset if the phone is still hijacked
If apps remain unusable after Safe Mode cleanup, back up what you can, then use Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). After setup, install apps only from Play Store and change Google, email, and banking passwords from a different clean device.
You should see: The phone returns to a clean install, or you know a reset is needed because soft cleanup failed.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Sudden inability to open apps, constant ads or redirects, new apps you did not install, overlays that block Settings, and Play Protect warnings.
Before you change anything: Write down any Google account email used on the phone. Back up photos and important files if the phone still allows USB or cloud backup. Do not enter banking passwords while ads or fake login screens are appearing. Prefer Play Store apps over APK files from unknown links.