Does Android need antivirus? What Play Protect already does — and when to add more
Android phones ship with a malware scanner, Google Play Protect, switched on by default. Most of the real risk comes from apps installed outside the Play Store and from scams — which is where a security app can earn its place.
Short answer
Many Android users are reasonably protected already: phones with Google Play run Play Protect in the background, and most Android malware arrives through apps installed from outside the Play Store. Stick to Google Play and keep updates coming; add a security app if you install apps from elsewhere or want phishing protection across the household.
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Android is open in a way the iPhone isn't: you can install apps from outside the Google Play Store. That flexibility is also why most Android malware reaches phones the way it does. The good news is that every phone with Google Play already has a free first layer of protection running in the background.
What Android already does
- Google Play Protect checks apps on Google Play before you download them, and scans your phone for potentially harmful apps from other sources.
- It warns you about risky apps and can deactivate or remove them.
- It's on by default, and Google recommends keeping it on.
- Apps run separately from each other and must ask for permissions — to your location, contacts, camera and so on — which you can review and revoke.
- Security updates arrive from Google and your phone's manufacturer; how long a phone keeps getting them depends on the model.
Where the real risks are
- Apps installed from outside Google Play — often from a link in a text or a website telling you to download a file.
- Apps that ask for powerful permissions they don't need, such as accessibility access or device administration.
- Scam texts, messages and fake login pages that target your passwords rather than your phone.
- Phones that no longer receive security updates.
- Fake "your phone is infected" pop-ups that push you to install something immediately.
When Play Protect is likely enough
- You install apps only from Google Play and keep your phone updated.
- You check the permissions an app asks for and deny the ones that don't make sense.
- You don't need extras such as a VPN or breach monitoring.
When a security app makes sense
- You — or someone in the family — install apps from outside Google Play.
- You want web and phishing protection that flags scam links before you open them.
- Your household wants one subscription covering phones and computers, with one place to see every device.
- You'd use the extras a suite bundles, such as a VPN, a password manager or breach monitoring.
A security app can't make up for missing system updates, though. If your phone no longer gets them, that's a reason to plan a replacement, not just to install an app.
Best antivirus for Android: what to look for
- Protection against scam and phishing links, not just file scanning.
- Low battery and performance impact — independent labs such as AV-TEST publish Android test results.
- Sensible permissions for what the app does.
- An established vendor, installed from Google Play.
- Coverage for your other devices, if that's why you're buying.
Quick check: is Play Protect on?
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon at the top right.
- Tap Play Protect, then Settings.
- Make sure Scan apps with Play Protect is on.
On Android, where an app comes from matters more than which antivirus you run. Stick to Google Play, keep updates coming, and add a suite when the household needs more.
Sources · checked Oct 13, 2026
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