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We all know that our computers can get viruses, but what you might not know is that your phone can get a virus too. In this day and age, tablets and smartphones are just as vulnerable to getting a virus as your computer, and if your device becomes infected, it could wreak havoc on your life. Virus on phone? Here’s how to detect and remove Android malware — as well as check that your iPhone is running virus-free.

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Virus on phones: How phones get viruses
How to remove malware on your device?
Android malware
Virus on iPhone
Symptoms of an infected device

Virus on phones: How phones get viruses

The most common way for a smartphone to get a virus is by downloading a third-party app. However, this isn’t the only way. You can also get them by downloading Office documents, PDFs, by opening infected links in emails, or by visiting a malicious website. Both Android and Apple products can get viruses. While Apple devices may be the least vulnerable, you are still at risk. Here are some of the tell-tale symptoms that your phone may have a virus:

Rapid data loss – One of the first signs that your phone has a virus is a rapid loss of data. Viruses often run many tasks in the background, therefore sucking up your data.
Pop-ups – As with computers, a sign that malware might be on your phone is an abundance of pop-ups. Though some pop-ups may be legitimate, it’s always good practice to never click on any link in a pop-up.
Draining battery – Is your battery suddenly draining and you don’t know why? It may be due to a virus on phone. This, too, is because viruses often run programs in the background, and that drains your power and therefore battery.
Unexplained charges – Since these phone viruses often use up your data, you could notice charges that you are not expecting. Android users also report seeing extra SMS charges, because viruses often send unsolicited messages to premium numbers.
Strange apps – If you ever notice an app on your phone that you didn’t download, it’s likely you have a virus on your smartphone.
Apps that crash – Apps crash on occasions, but if you start noticing that your apps are crashing over and over again, it is definitely a sign that there is a virus on your phone.

There are, however, other explanations for these types of behaviors beyond just an infected device. It could also mean your phone is old and failing, your battery is dying, your operating system is outdated, or maybe you “rooted” or “jailbroke” your device. By piecing together the evidence, you should be able to understand whether a virus is indeed the problem.

How to remove malware on your device?

To prevent getting viruses on your phone, keep your operating system updated and don’t venture outside of iTunes or Google Play when looking for new apps.

Android malware

If you have a virus on an Android device, here’s how you can fix it: The first thing you should do is remove any apps that are questionable (apps you don’t remember downloading, basically anything that seems suspicious). Our Hotspot Shield VPN app for Android has a Malware Protection feature. With the click of a button, it will scan your device and inform you of any apps that contain viruses (see image above). You can delete the infected apps from within the Hotspot Shield app.

Once they are gone, you should restart your device. Make sure not to download any third party unapproved apps and you will keep your device safe. Your Android should also have antivirus.

Virus on iPhone

If you have an Apple device, it is less likely you will get a virus. But if you do, there are ways to remove them. First, you should back up your device in iTunes or iCloud. Go to Settings > General, and then click “Reset.” Click on “Erase All Content and Settings.”

Once it’s done, reset your device, and then go through all of the steps to set it back up. At this point, you can go back to your iCloud or iTunes account and sync up your phone. If this doesn’t work, you can also take your device to the Apple Store and they will scan your smartphone for viruses or malware and remove them there and then.

As with all online security, the best line of defense is keeping your guard up and not clicking on suspicious links or visiting malicious websites. And while many of us may follow best practices on our computer, it’s important to remember that your phone is just as vulnerable.

How to tell if your phone or tablet has a virus

These days, smartphones and tablets are just as vulnerable as regular computers, and malware is often used to subvert your private accounts. This video will tell you if your phone or tablet has a virus.

Long before ransomware and large-scale hacks became everyday problems, viruses were crawling into our desktops and infecting our screens. Somewhere in the world, there’s a cynical coder with an ax to grind or bills to pay who can’t wait to ruin your day.

These days, smartphones and tablets are just as vulnerable as regular computers, and malware is often used to subvert your private accounts. Your phone is a gateway to a lot of personal data, and malware is often designed to break into your email, online banking, and apps.

Getting lazy now could wreak havoc on your smartphone or tablet, plus all the networks it’s connected to. The more time the malware has, the more it will try to manipulate your apps and data as well as steal from you.

Be proactive.There are simple steps to make sure your smartphone is safe from hackers.

The most dangerous situation is when your device is infected, and you don’t even realize it. Malware doesn’t announce itself. It works as secretly as possible so that you’ll overlook the damage it’s causing.

One commonly held belief is that Apple phones and tablets never get malware. But the devices are not impervious to infections and scammers.

Symptoms of an infected device

• Data usage: The first sign that your phone has a virus is the rapid depletion of its data. That’s because the virus is trying to run a lot of background tasks and communicate with the internet. If you don’t have an unlimited data plan, this could also cost you money. You may have to buy extra data to keep up with all that wasted processing. Essentially, you’ re paying to let malware ruin your device and run havoc on it.

• Crashing apps: There you are, playing Angry Birds on your phone, and it suddenly crashes. That’s strange. It never used to happen. After the game crashes a few more times, you start to suspect fowl-er, foul play. Most viruses tamper with your regular operations, and it’s common for your favorite apps crash without explanation. Make sure you update all of your apps to prevent viral interference.

• Pop-ups: Many websites have pop-up ads. But if you start seeing pop-ups all the time, especially for products or services that seem suspicious, you may want to check for a virus. Whatever you do, don’t click on the links. Virus-based pop-ups are almost always designed to make your device even sicker.

• Unexplained charges: Ads and crashing apps are annoying. Mysterious billing will hit you where it hurts, your bank account. It’s particularly common among Android users, who find unusual charges in the “SMS” category. Their gadgets are infected with malware and sends messages to premium-rate numbers.

• Unwanted apps: True to its name, Trojans download apps may look legitimate. They’re designed in the same style as real apps to avoid detection. If you see an app that looks familiar, but you don’t remember downloading it, check and see whether it’s authentic. If it looks fishy, delete it.

• Battery drain: All of these digital shenanigans take a lot of energy. Not only does your phone use up more data, but the battery runs out faster as well. Like actual viruses, malware can leave the body of your device completely exhausted.

The symptoms for Apple and Android devices are pretty similar, but the treatments can be very different for each. These include removing questionable apps under settings. Read more detailed instructions on getting rid of a virus on Android or iPhone or Ipad.

Take your viruses seriously, because they definitely mean you harm, and they won’t go away on their own. How else can you maintain your security in the wild world of cyber-crime?

Be sure to listen or download my podcasts, or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. From buying advice to digital life issues, click here for my free podcasts. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.