Many users seek online virus scanners that can be used directly in a web browser without requiring downloads. Currently, these scanners only support Windows devices, so Android users must download reliable virus scanners from the Google Play Store.
This article will introduce 5 standout scanners from our testing to facilitate quick virus and vulnerability scans on your Android devices.
1 What Can An Online Virus Scanner for Android Do?
Online virus scanners for Android can perform various operations to safeguard business-related data and files from all perspectives. Here are some essential things online virus scanners can do for Android devices:
Detection and removal of Malware
Enterprises use online virus scanners on Android devices to scan entire devices and detect malicious files and programs like viruses, Trojans, and adware.
These malicious files can compromise the security of Android devices, so online virus scanners diagnose them and prevent their entry into the system to avoid problems.
App Scanning
Online antivirus scans for Android mobiles can scan every application installed to detect vulnerabilities. They identify unusual behavior of apps and prevent them from posing security risks.
File Scanning
All the files in an Android device are thoroughly scanned using an online virus scanner. It identifies and lists all the malicious files on the device to remove them and ensure all the files on the device are free from harmful codes and malware.
Real-time Protection
Numerous online virus scanners are available to provide real-time protection against potential threats by continuously monitoring device activities.
This proactive approach prevents malicious attackers from accessing the device and is instantly identified if entered into the system. They are also coded efficiently to consume less battery and data.
Restricting devices can only run approved apps & websites.
Configure security policies to ensure compliance of devices.
Set the application allowlist or blocklist.
Regularly update the operating system and applications of the device remotely.
Prevent files from being copied to USB devices.
2 Best 5 Online Virus Scanners for Android [Free & Paid]
Avast Mobile Security for Android
Avast is a free online virus scanner for Android mobile devices to block potential threats. It detects malicious apps before installing them and verifies Wi-Fi network security for Android devices.
It safeguards personal and official images and videos using a strong password or PIN code to ensure only authorized users can access them. Businesses can hide online activities and access geo-restricted content with Avast VPN services.
It also notifies you if your password has been hacked. Avast mobile security for Android also helps to manage storage space by removing cache and junk files. It also offers premium features to ensure the high security of Android mobiles.
Ratings in the Google Play Store: 4.6(around 6M views)
Norton Mobile Security
Norton is a well-known and trusted name in the cybersecurity industry. Norton mobile security is a dedicated virus scanner to detect suspicious files and programs on Android devices.
The safe search feature of Norton online virus scanner flags unsafe websites, and its call blocking feature prevents spam calls to avoid distractions and fraud. It also provides features to secure data on lost or stolen phones.
It offers a free trial. Currently, it charges $17.99 for the first year with 60 days money-back guarantee.
Norton provides Wi-Fi, internet, device security, and reports of 30 days of analysis of device network and vulnerabilities.
Ratings in the Google Play Story: 3.8(with around 1M reviews)
Bitdefender
Bitdefender possesses all the essential features to support personal and corporate security standards to safeguard mobile devices from malicious attacks. It supports the world’s most well-known and most prominent brands, like Ferrari, to provide high-end cyber security.
Bitdefender has an autopilot that offers adequate security recommendations for individual devices depending on the usage and risks to Android devices. It has a malware scanner to detect and prevent their access to the devices and offers a VPN to access blocked sites to perform necessary tasks.
Its app locking and anti-theft feature make it perfect for enterprises with severe threats to data breaches. Bitdefender also safeguards your smart watches with the WEARON feature to avoid vulnerabilities. It costs $14.99 per month for one account.
Ratings in the Google Play Store: 4.4(369K reviews)
AVG Mobile Security
AVG is a free anti-virus for Android that protects your mobile phone against malicious threats, malware, and spyware. It is an all-in-one security app for your Android that protects it 24/7.
It provides anti-virus capabilities and a smart scan to find hidden vulnerabilities. AVG malware force uninstaller helps businesses easily remove persistent malware programs from Android.
It ensures Wi-Fi network security so users can perform online transactions safely. AVG offers a password-protected Vault to hide images, videos, and sensitive files. AVG is compatible with Android 8.0 or later versions and supports multiple languages; hence, it is adopted worldwide.
Ratings in the Google Play Store: 4.5(7M reviews)
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee is an overall scanner for device protection. It detects spam messages, calls, files, and programs when received and alerts users to be aware of it before getting exposed to malicious attacks.
It contains the latest AI technology that makes the system better and more secure with time. It can scan URLs in text messages and alerts and block risky links and files.
McAfee total protection is available for $29.99 per year charges, while you can also purchase it monthly.
It provides a secure VPN and privacy protection shield to use mobile devices safely. Its anti-virus service is only available for Android devices and offers personal data and online account cleanup facilities.
3 Awards & Badges for Antivirus
AV-TEST
AV-TEST is a leading and independent institute of IT security that independently monitors the performance produced by antivirus and protection software. They assess how well the products meet their respective standards, such as safety, simplicity and usefulness.
You need to search for antivirus software that has performed well in AV-TEST scores. For this purpose, go to the AV-TEST website to compare tests and learn how different antivirus products work during live demonstrations.
AV-Comparatives
Another independent organization that tests security software but has more ways than one can be counted is AV-Comparatives, along with the other checklists. They rate the quality of antivirus products based on protection, performance and overall security scores.
With AV-comparatives, watch out for security products that were well rated by AV-TEST. It is possible to find their reviews and test results helpful when choosing an online Android virus scan.
Ratings on Google Play Store
Ratings and reviews by users on the Google Play Store give valuable information about what people have gone through concerning a specific antivirus application used with Android devices.
Open the antivirus app on Google Play Store and look at the overall score, check customers’ reviews and find recommendations about its functionality scores and system suitability. Being aware of apps with many poor reviews or dubious commentary is essential.
4 What Are the Processes of Removing Viruses with Scanners?
Step 1.
Download Online Antivirus for Android
Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone and search for an online anti-virus scanner. For example, we search ‘AVG Anti-virus’.
Step 2.
Launch the App
After opening the AVG anti-virus page on Play Store, click the install button and then open the tab. A welcome note will be displayed on the screen. Click on Get Started button at the bottom to launch it. Click on the ‘Continue’ button several times to proceed.
Step 3.
Click on Start a Scan
The scanner app requires access permission to start an online antivirus scan for Android. Allow permission to start the smart scan. After a few minutes, it will thoroughly scan the device. Progress will be displayed in percentage. After a complete scan, it will display viruses, vulnerabilities, malware apps and malware files separately.
Step 4.
Resolve
Click on the ‘Resolve’ button below the details for malicious files found and proceed to remove these threats. AVG also displays advanced issues in the device that you can resolve.
5 Why You Need An Android Virus Scanner?
Mobile Threats
The increasing number of smartphones has led to a tremendous rise in mobile threats. Most often, Android devices are widely used operating systems worldwide, making them more vulnerable to such threats.
Versatile threats in the digital world can compromise personal and official information, such as viruses, Trojans, phishing attacks and spyware.
Stealing confidential data can lead to breaches of sensitive logins and passwords, enabling hackers to access financial accounts and can cause severe financial damages to individuals and organizations.
Installing Android online virus scanners that can fight against mobile threats is essential to overcome these challenges. It helps monitor device activities and files continuously, identify potential vulnerabilities, and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. They serve as a barrier for mobile threats to gain unauthorized access.
Benefits
An Android virus scanner can add several tangible benefits to your device's well-being and functioning. Here are some crucial benefits of installing online virus scanners:
Real-Time Security
Android virus scanners constantly monitor the devices for potential threats. This preventive approach guarantees early identification and management of developing risks.
Safe App Installation
The widespread use of applications necessitates determining how safe they are. In turn, a virus scanner helps you choose sensibly by verifying applications before installation and offloading the risk of downloading malicious software.
Optimized Device Performance
The virus scanners improve the device's performance by identifying and eliminating threats. It guarantees that your Android device functions optimally without being burdened with security issues.
Peace of Mind
It is very relaxing to know that the virus scanner on your device is trustworthy. You can search, download and use applications without worrying about potential security threats, improving productivity.
6 What Are the Symptoms of Malware, Virus?
Here are a few vital signs that can identify malware and viruses on an Android device:
Slow Performance
A sudden decrease in processing speed and overall device functioning can be due to viruses. The device may slow down on startup, hang up or take a longer loading time.
Unusual Pop-Ups or Ads
The rise in activities by intrusive banners or notifications that pop up even when not using any web browser or particular application indicates that the device contains vulnerabilities.
Unexpected Crashes
Sometimes, application and operating system crashes lead to the unpredictability of the environment with an unknown satisfaction level.
Unexplained Data Usage
If you find excessive data usage on your device that is unanswerable, some virus or malicious software might be running on the device.
Excessive Battery Drain
If your device's battery consumption is much higher than usual, it means some malicious programs are running that continuously consume the battery power.
Changed Browser Homepage or Search Engine
If your device browser's home page, search engine or other settings are changed without your consent, then it means some unauthorized entities are misusing your device.
New or Unwanted Apps
If new or unwanted apps you have not installed are encountered on your Android device, it means suspicious viruses or activities are carried out.
Password Changes
If passwords are changed without your consent, especially in the case of accounts that need to be secured, there might be a possibility of viruses or malware.
7 FAQs
Q1. How to know if a free online scanner is safe?
Checking the online scanner certifications is the best way to ensure the app is safe. Moreover, you can check its rating on the Google Play Store and official software review platforms. Check its security features and read the description to verify its security.
Q2. What permissions does an antivirus require?
An anti-virus requires permission to access all your device files, including storage access, network access, device administrator access, and SMS and call tracking permissions. Sometimes, they also require access to the microphone, camera and location of the device for comprehensive scanning and prevention of threats.
Q3. Is there a built-in virus scanner on Android?
Google Play Protect is a built-in online scanner available on all the latest Android devices. Users need to enable it, and they will get alerts about malicious apps on the device.
Q4. Which antivirus is 100% free?
Total AV is an award-winning antivirus that is 100% free to use.
Q5. Can I scan a file online for a virus?
Yes, you can search for an online virus scanner, upload the file, and proceed to scan it. The scanner will detect if it contains any virus.
8 Conclusive Note
Every enterprise needs a proactive and secure system to identify device vulnerabilities that can result in data breaches and discontinuity of work. Numerous online antivirus scanners are available on the Google Play Store to protect Android devices from viruses, Trojans, and malware.
Anti-viruses detect cyber threats and prevent them from entering the system. After scanning, antivirus scanners remove these vulnerabilities and ensure device continuity. These scanners also contain features like vaults to store files and images in lock or make them undiscoverable for unauthorized users.