Tips for Keeping Your Android Phone Virus-Free

Android phones are not unlike your typical computer, it can do many of the same things such as browsing the web, or playing games. But just like any typical computer, Android phones can also get viruses.

In this guide I'll show you some quick and easy tips that will help keep your Android phone virus-free.

Check the Reviews

When downloading a new app for your Android phone, always check the reviews for it. Often when an app contains a virus other helpful users will write negative reviews for it, claiming that it had contained a virus that infected their phone.

Chances are if an app has one or more reviews like this, you probably don't want to download it.

Check the Permissions

Before you download an app, it should have a list what the app can and can't do on your phone. This list is called the "permissions list" and it's very important to read before installing any new app to your Android phone.

If you see anything alarming or odd about the permissions list -such as giving the app access to something it normally shouldn't- then you should be wary of downloading and installing the app.

If anything on the permissions list doesn't look right or confuses you, then it's always a good idea to do a quick search on the app or the permission in question so you know exactly what it's doing and what it has access to.

Get an Anti-Virus

Sometimes even if you're incredibly careful about what apps you download there's still a chance you may get a virus, and so it's always a good idea to have an anti-virus installed just in case so that you can use it to scan for and remove any viruses you may have.

There are many anti-viruses available (Both free and not) on the Android Market and some are better than others, so just like with every other app it's best to read the reviews on each so you can choose for yourself which one will suite your needs the best.

Two that I personally recommend to look into are AVG's 'Anti-Virus' and 'Lookout Security & Antivirus'.

Keep it Updated

This goes for both your anti-virus and your Android phone. It's best to install the latest updates for both as often times the latest updates will help to fight off viruses.

If possible, you'll want to set your phone to automatically check for updates as often as possible so that you'll be informed of whenever there's a new update that needs installing.

Conclusion

Hopefully after reading this guide you'll have a better understanding of how to keep your Android virus-free and will know what to do if you ever do end up with a virus on your Android phone.