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To run a virus scan on a Samsung Galaxy S21, open Settings > Battery and device care (or Device care) and look for Device protection or App protection, then tap Scan phone. For a second built-in check, run Google Play Protect from the Play Store. Menu names can differ by software version and region, so search Settings for “protection” if the path does not match.
Run Samsung’s built-in phone scan
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery and device care or Device care.
- Open Device protection or App protection.
- Tap Scan phone and review the result. Follow the on-screen instructions if an app is flagged.
Samsung says menu names and screen layouts may vary by model and software version. If you cannot find the option, use Settings search for “Device protection,” “App protection,” or “scan.” The exact feature and wording can also differ by market. Samsung’s troubleshooting guidance describes a separate path on supported software: Settings > Device care > Diagnostics > App safety Diagnostics. It says to connect to Wi-Fi and restart before running that diagnosis; apps identified as risks may appear after Device care places them in deep sleep.
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Run Google Play Protect as an additional check
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon, then Play Protect and the settings icon.
- Make sure Scan apps with Play Protect is enabled.
- If you install apps from outside Google Play, consider enabling Improve harmful app detection.
Google Play Protect checks apps and can warn about harmful software. It is a separate check from Samsung’s Device protection or App protection scan, and neither scan should be treated as a guarantee that every threat has been found. See Google’s instructions for removing malware or unsafe software.
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Follow the scan’s removal prompt
Check the flagged app’s name and follow the instructions shown by Samsung or Google. If you recognize the app and are unsure why it was flagged, avoid opening it while you review the alert and the app’s source.
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Use Safe Mode if the problem continues
Unexpected ads, freezing, or slow performance can be reasons to check recently installed or unfamiliar apps, but those symptoms alone do not prove the phone has malware. Safe Mode temporarily disables third-party apps, which can help you see whether one is causing the problem.
- Open the power menu.
- Touch and hold Power off, then choose Safe mode.
- While in Safe Mode, open Settings > Apps and uninstall an unfamiliar or recently installed app you suspect.
- Restart the phone normally to leave Safe Mode.
Samsung documents this troubleshooting approach for suspected unauthorized apps and persistent problems. See its guidance on slowdowns, freezes, and ads after installing third-party apps and what to do if a Galaxy phone may have been hacked.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep the S21 safer after scanning
- Install Android, One UI, and security updates when they are available for your device.
- Prefer apps from Google Play or Galaxy Store, and review an app’s permissions if it seems suspicious.
- On supported software, check Settings > Security and privacy for Auto Blocker, which Samsung says can block apps from unverified sources outside official stores.
Samsung’s US guidance says antivirus apps are not pre-installed on Galaxy phones, while Samsung UK’s S21-series guidance names McAfee protection. These region-specific descriptions do not establish that every Galaxy S21 has the same bundled component; check the features available on your own phone. Samsung’s current US advice is to use built-in protections and its troubleshooting steps rather than assume a separate antivirus app is required. Samsung’s malware-protection guidance covers app permissions and Safe Mode, and Samsung UK’s S21-series page describes its regional scan information.
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