How to Clean Malware & Adware on Android

If you own an Android device and suspect it is infected with malware or adware, you’ve come to the right place. As a copywriter with over 20 years of experience in the technology niche, I’m going to walk you through how to identify, remove, and prevent malware and adware on your Android device — using sound practices and clear language. This article is tailored for the site https://adcod.com/ and follows SEO-best practices: optimized headings, clear sections, actionable steps, and suggestions for further internal reading.

Today, Android remains the most widely used mobile operating system in the world — and that popularity makes it a primary target for hackers and malicious software developers. Every day, thousands of new malware variants are created specifically to exploit Android users’ data, display intrusive ads, or even take full control of the device. Understanding how to perform a proper malware and adware cleanup isn’t just a maintenance task — it’s an essential skill for digital security in 2025 and beyond.

Why Android Devices Get Malware & Adware

Even though modern Android operating systems have stronger protections than ever, there are still many avenues by which malware (malicious software) and adware (software designed to show unwanted ads) can infiltrate a device. Some common reasons:

• You install apps from unofficial or third-party app stores, bypassing the trusted Google Play Protect ecosystem.

• A seemingly harmless free app includes hidden adware components or unwanted permissions.

• You click on suspicious links, ads, or attachments which act as trojans or exploit chains.

• Pre-installed apps on certain devices (especially budget or unbranded ones) might include adware or even malware deep within the system. For example, the family of malware known as Shedun has been noted for being nearly impossible to remove because it embeds into the system partition.

• Adware can slow your device, drain battery, increase data usage, and show unwanted pop-ups or ads.

• The good news: many of these threats can be removed or mitigated with the right approach.

Recognising the Signs of Infection

Before you dive into removal, you need to know if your device is compromised. Look out for these red flags:

• Unexplained pop-ups or ads that occur even when you aren’t actively using an app.

• Apps you didn’t install appearing on the device.

• Device overheating, unusually fast battery drain, or high data usage without obvious cause.

• Browser homepage or search engine changed without your input.

• The device becomes sluggish or crashes more often.

• Suspicious changes in permissions for apps you don’t recognise.

Spotting these early means you can act faster and reduce damage.

Also read: Why am I suddenly getting pop-up ads on my Android phone?

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Malware & Adware on Android

Here’s a clear process to clean your Android device. Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Back-Up Your Important Data

Always begin by backing up photos, contacts, documents, and any essential data. In rare severe cases you might need to do a factory reset. So backup now to avoid loss.

Step 2: Clear Browser Cache and Downloads

Malware or adware sometimes lives in cached files or downloaded folders. Go to your browser settings (for example in Google Chrome) and clear cache and downloads. As one guide notes: “Clear your cache and downloads… reboot in safe mode… then identify and uninstall suspicious apps.”

Step 3: Reboot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables third-party apps temporarily, which makes it easier to remove malicious apps. On most devices: hold down the power button, then long-press “Power off” until “Safe mode” appears, tap it to reboot.

Step 4: Identify and Uninstall Suspicious Apps

In Safe Mode go to Settings → Apps & notifications → See all apps. Sort by recently installed or by unexpected permissions. Uninstall any app you don’t recognise, or that you recently installed before problems began. According to Google’s documentation: “On an Android phone or tablet … press and hold your device’s power button … touch and hold Power off … Safe mode.”

Step 5: Enable Play Protect & Scan with Anti-Malware

Open the Play Store → Profile icon → Play Protect → Settings → Turn on “Scan apps with Play Protect”. Then use a reputable mobile security app (for example Malwarebytes for Android) to run a full scan of your device. One detailed guide instructs: “Install an Android antivirus… open Malwarebytes for Android… run a scan.”

Step 6: Remove Administrator Privileges from Suspicious Apps

Some adware or malware uses device administrator privileges and thus cannot be uninstalled until the admin rights are revoked. Go to Settings → Security → Device administration (or similar) and check for apps with admin rights you did not authorise. Then deactivate and uninstall them.

Step 7: Change Your Google Account Password and Enable 2-Step Verification

If the device may have been compromised, change your Google account password and any other critical accounts (banking, email). Also turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure access.

Step 8: Remove Unknown WiFi Networks & Secure Your Network

Malware may connect to untrusted networks. Delete unfamiliar WiFi entries, and avoid using public or unsecured WiFi that may expose you to threats.

Step 9: Consider a Factory Reset if Problems Persist

If you remove apps and scan but the issues continue (e.g., ads re-appear, unknown apps reinstall themselves), you may need to perform a factory data reset. But be sure to use a clean backup — malware can be restored from infected backups. The Malwarebytes guide states that a factory reset should be last resort.

Also read: How will I know if my Android phone is hacked?

Prevention: How to Keep Your Android Device Clean

A clean device today is only useful if you protect it tomorrow. Here are prevention best practices:

• Only install apps from the official Play Store (or trusted stores).

• Before installation, check the permissions the app requests — avoid apps asking for more than they need.

• Keep your system software up to date — security patches matter.

• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads, links, or attachments inside emails/texts.

• Use a mobile security app with real-time protection and regular scans.

• Disable “Install unknown apps” from sources other than Play Store.

• Review installed apps every few months and uninstall those you no longer use.

• Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi and avoid doing sensitive tasks on public networks.

• Educate yourself about the latest threat types — for example the Shedun family of malware installed itself in system partitions, making removal extremely difficult.

Final Words

Cleaning malware and adware from your Android device is absolutely doable — but it requires discipline, the right tools, and a bit of know-how. Follow the steps above in sequence, backup your data first, scan and remove problematic apps, secure your accounts, and adopt prevention habits. By doing so you’ll not only remove current threats but also build stronger resilience for the future.

If you run into stubborn cases (for instance apps that reinstall themselves or root-level adware) you may need to consult a specialist or consider flashing a clean ROM, but for most users the above process will restore security and performance.

Published on ADCOD, stay safe and stay smart with your Android device.

Also read: What is soft reboot Android?