How to Scan for Malware with Device Care

How to Check for Malware or Viruses on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung Galaxy devices come with built-in security tools to detect and remove malware or viruses. Use Smart Manager (older models) or Device Care (newer models) to scan your phone for threats and ensure optimal performance.

1. What Is Smart Manager and Device Care?

Samsung provides two security tools depending on your device's Android version:

- Smart Manager: Available on older Galaxy devices running Android 6 (Marshmallow) or earlier. It offers malware scanning, battery optimization, and storage management.

- Device Care: Found on newer Galaxy devices (e.g., Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy A series). It includes a security tab powered by McAfee for malware detection and system optimization.

2. How to Check for Malware Using Device Care

Follow these steps to scan your Galaxy device for malware or viruses:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap Device Care or Battery and Device Care.
3. Select Security.
4. Tap Scan to start checking for malware, viruses, and suspicious activity.
5. Review the results. If threats are detected, follow the on-screen instructions to remove them.

3. How to Check for Malware Using Smart Manager

For older Galaxy devices, use Smart Manager to scan for malware:

1. Open the Smart Manager app on your device.
2. Tap Device Maintenance or Security.
3. Select Scan to check for malware, viruses, and performance issues.
4. Follow the prompts to clean up detected threats.

4. Why Check for Malware on Your Galaxy Phone?

Malware can compromise your device's security, performance, and privacy. Common signs of malware include:

- Sluggish performance or slow app loading times.

- Unusual battery drain despite minimal usage.

- Unexpected pop-up ads or redirects.

- Unfamiliar apps appearing on your device.

- Sudden spikes in data usage without explanation.

5. Additional Things to Check

If you suspect malware, take these extra steps:

1. Check for suspicious apps in Settings > Apps. Uninstall any unknown apps.
2. Clear cache and data for browsers (e.g., Samsung Internet, Google Chrome) under Settings > Apps.
3. Restart your device in Safe Mode to disable third-party apps temporarily.
4. Perform a factory reset as a last resort if malware persists. Back up important data first.

6. Supported Samsung Galaxy Devices

Device Care is available on:

- Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S26 series

- Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series

- Galaxy A series (2021 and later)

Smart Manager is available on:

- Older Galaxy devices running Android 6 (Marshmallow) or earlier

7. Related Samsung Support Topics

- How to Free Up Storage Space on Samsung Galaxy Devices

- How to Use Smart Switch on Samsung Galaxy Phones

- How to Clear Cache Files on Samsung Galaxy Devices