11 Best Free Apps for Removing Viruses on Android & iOS Devices

Today, we are all trying to go ANTI-VIRUS in our lives, and your phones deserve the same.

Phones are often attacked by viruses, malware, trojans, and other malicious attacks. So how to remove viruses from phones, or in this case, let’s say protect them? 

So, to make it easier for you, we have brought the best free antivirus cleaners for Android and iOS devices. These are trusted antivirus cleaner apps that will keep your devices safe.

We’ll be discussing what these free phone cleaners and antivirus apps offer, how effective they are, and their distinctive features.

Let’s get started!

What Does Mobile Phone Virus Mean?

A mobile virus is a code or script that is developed to alter the phone’s OS, application, data, etc., and could spread from one mobile device to another.

Smartphone viruses make their way while you are installing applications from unknown sources, downloading attachments, rooting phones, and clicking suspicious links. Adware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, and spyware are some of the most common types of mobile viruses.

Mobile phone viruses are hazardous because they can degrade your phone’s performance and battery and leak confidential data like conversations, passwords, numbers, and even banking details.

How to Know If Your Phone Has a virus? 

There are many different ways to find out whether your phone has been affected by a virus. Here are some most common ways to identify a phone virus 

• Scanning with Antivirus Software: Installing antivirus software and scanning phone data and applications are the most common and precise ways to detect viruses on the phone. 
• Dipping Phone’s Battery/ Performance: Viruses mostly keep running as a background application in mobile phones. A sudden dip in the phone’s performance or battery could indicate infection. 
• Multiple Ads: One of the major motives behind creating viruses is to bug the user’s phone and application with ads. If your phone suddenly started showing a lot of ads and irrelevant notifications, your phone might have been infected with the virus. 
• Higher data Consumption: Some viruses consume cellular data or Wi-Fi to bug your phone. If there is a sudden spike in data consumption, it might be a potential sign for viruses. 

Different Types of Mobile Viruses

Here are the diverse types of viruses that can infect your smartphone. 

• Adware: Adware is an advertisement virus often installed with freeware software or apps downloaded from untrusted sources on the phone.  
• Ransomware: Ransom threats that successfully encrypt files and ask for payments to decrypt or restore them.  

• Spyware: spyware is a virus that disguises itself as an app to collect users’ data and leaks it over the Internet. 
• UXSS: Universal Cross-Site Scripting is a script that automatically installs in your phone when you accidentally click a malicious URL in an email or chat.  
• Browser Exploits: These types of viruses infect your browser and search engine. These viruses often affect your browser notification and search results. 

Best Free Apps for Cleaning Android Viruses

• Avira
• Bitdefender
• Avast
• McAfee
• Norton Security
• Trend Micro Mobile Security

Antiviruses not only checks your phone for malware, but it also remove virus from your phone. Well, we have done all the homework for you. Here, you will have all the information about how antivirus cleaners for android work, what type of android viruses do they scan, how effective their performance is, and the unique features in their free and paid versions of all the apps for Cleaning Viruses 

Let’s get started by reviewing the best free antivirus cleaners available for android.

• Avira Antivirus Security

Avira security is a free cloud-based antivirus that makes it light on your battery. The anti-theft feature on this antivirus allows you to detect your phone’s location even when it is miles away.

You can do this by logging into Avira’s dashboard, and it will help you raise a loud, alarming sound. The mobile antivirus cleaner can even detect the apps you are not using anymore, but they are still consuming your personal information.

Avira Free Antivirus Security Features

• Virus Cleaner and Scanner that scans, cleans and blocks malware, virus and spyware
• System Optimizer makes your device faster by cleaning memory and storage
• Identity Protection keeps a check on leakage of email ids or personal accounts
• Anti-Theft Phone Locator helps you in finding, tracking, and recovering your lost device
• Privacy Advisor detects which apps have/ request access to your sensitive data
• App Lock helps in protecting selective apps
• VPN provides 100 MB daily that secures information and enables you to access geo-restricted websites

Avira Internet Security Additional Features with Premium Package

• Web protection blocks all access to malicious websites
• Microphone protection ensures which app can access your microphone
• Camera protection gives control of which app can access your device’s camera.

Pricing of Avira Antivirus Security

The paid version of Avira Prime for 5 devices costs ₹337/ month and ₹3,356/ year. The same for 25 devices costs ₹436/ month and ₹4,374/ year.

Compatible Platforms for Avira Antivirus Security

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Bitdefender Antivirus

Bitdefender Antivirus app only focuses on providing protection, and perfectly does its work without cluttering your phone with unnecessary features. Once you have downloaded the antivirus app, you will be required to run a manual full scan of your phone.

Later on, it runs an automatic scan for all new installations and updates. After the scan, you will be directed to the results screen, and you can uninstall the required apps. Bitdefender Antivirus is a cloud-based antivirus cleaner and provides a feather-like performance.

Bitdefender Features

• On-Install Scanning completely scans your pre-installed apps to detect virus
• On-demand Scanning allows you to run a quick can anywhere, anytime
• Autopilot Mode recommends you security actions as per your usage patterns
• WearON connects mobile security to your smart watch
• Anti-Fraud prevents you from online fraud while shopping, banking or just browsing
• Account Privacy checks on online data breach
• Additional Features in the Paid Version
• Unlimited VPN allows you to browse privately without any data restriction
• Windows Protection provides the best security and great speed for Windows

Pricing of Bitdefender Antivirus

Bitdefender offers a paid version ranging from ₹899/ year to ₹2699.55/ year with a 14-day full trial. The antivirus also offers various plans for office security, Mac, internet security, family pack, etc.

Compatible Platforms for Bitdefender Antivirus

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Avast Security

Avast Security free antivirus provides fast, light, and free protection to your devices. This antivirus cleaner is also a cloud-based antivirus system that provides six layers of security and is quite user-friendly. Avast security has a large web presence with about more than 435 million ion users worldwide. It is considered one of the best virus removers for mobile phones. 

Beyond the basic function of device protection, this antivirus detects outdated software, unprotected sensitive documents, harmful browser add-ons, password strengths weaknesses, etc. This Avast antivirus app for cleaning viruses was awarded PC Editor’s Choice and AV-Test Editor’s Choice recently.

Features of Avast Security

• Robust Virus Scanner detects, and scans hidden viruses
• Super-Intelligent Antivirus uses smart analytics to detect viruses before they affect your device
• Offers Cyber Capture automatically scans suspicious files over the cloud and notifies the same
• Smart Scan detects loopholes in weak passwords and settings
• Wi-Fi Inspector detects Wi-Fi weakness or any strangers on your Wi-Fi

Additional Features with Paid Versions

• Secures 10 devices means you can share security with your closed ones
• Secure Navigation prevents you from landing on fake websites
• Private Folder allows you to hide personal photographs
• VPN allows you to surf privately

Pricing of Avast Security

The basic version of this antivirus is absolutely free for all devices. The paid plan starts from ₹1,199/ per year with add-on features.

Compatible Platforms for Avast Security

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• McAfee Security

McAfee Security’s antivirus cleaner app provides a bundle of features in its free version such as a Wi-Fi network scanner, real-time malware detection, and one of the best anti-theft protections. McAfee could clean all the viruses from your phone within minutes of installation. 

The antivirus phone cleaner offers a CaptureCam feature that takes a selfie whenever someone enters the wrong PIN 3 times.

Features of McAfee Security

• Loud Alarm this allows you to trigger a very loud alarm if you have lost your device using the online dashboard
• Remote Cleaning allows you to erase all the sensitive data from your device when it gets lost
• CaptureCam after entering 3 wrong PIN codes, the front camera will take an image
• Track GPS Location allows you to locate your device on a map with GPS
• Schedule Scans runs automatic scans according to your will
• Wi-Fi Scanner gives a warning when you connect to an unprotected network
• Battery Booster automatically extends battery when its low

Additional features offered in paid versions:

• App Lock allows you to protect selective applications
• Unlimited VPN to securely browse on public networks
• File Backup makes sure there is no loss of data
• Advanced Ad-Blocker gives an undisturbed app experience

Pricing of McAfee Security

McAfee mobile security provides a variety of paid plans, starting from the basic plan priced at ₹999/ year which is available for 1 device, to a premium plan priced at ₹1,999/ year for 10 devices.

Compatible Platforms for McAfee Security

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Norton Security

Norton security is one of the most popular names in the world of antivirus. The antivirus cleaner for android offers excellent features and protection without affecting the performance of your device. Once the app is installed, it performs an automatic scan for all the installed apps. Due to its smart algorithm and regular updates, Norton is widely considered one of the best malware removal apps for Android.  

The antivirus phone cleaner app also provides an option to run a scan on your SD card. All the versions of the app are paid, but you can choose a 14-day trial period to test the antivirus app.

Norton Security Features

The basic plan Norton Mobile Security for Android provides:

• App Advisor uses patent-protected app scanning technology against malware, privacy leaks, and ransomware
• Wi-Fi Security detects and notifies about unsafe Wi-Fi networks
• Web Protection protects from navigation to malicious websites
• SMS Security filters text messages to identify phishing attacks
• Device Report Card provides a 30-day analysis of scanned websites, apps, and Wi-Fi networks

Additional features in Norton 360 Deluxe plan:

• Secure VPN allows you to browse anonymously and keeps your data private even on public Wi-Fi
• Parental Control allows you control access over specific apps and websites
• Password Manager manages and protects all your passwords

Pricing of Norton Security

Norton Security virus cleaner for Android offers two packages with a 14-day trial period. The Norton Mobile Security costs ₹799/ year and the Norton 360 Deluxe costs ₹999/ year.

Compatible Platforms for Norton Security

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Trend Micro Mobile Security

The Trend Micro Mobile Security cleaner app improves your devices’ performance, offers advanced privacy and security while you enjoy surfing anywhere on the internet.

The free antivirus cleaner requires a good speed to internet connectivity to scan your device, as it tends to get slower if used on cellular data. The cleaner app offers you a free version with basic features to start with.

Features of Trend Micro Mobile Security

• Security Scan gives a 360-degree real-time scan, pre-installation scan, and SD card scan
• Social Network Privacy Scanner recommends certain opportunities to improve security settings on social media networks
• System Tuner helps your battery last longer and recovers storage space
• Security Report shows a list of items scanned like apps, SMS, websites

Additional Features in the Paid Version

• App Manager removes unused apps and unnecessary installer and setup files
• Web Guard protects you from online hackers and reaching unwanted websites
• Lost Device Protection prevents data theft and secures your lost device
• Wi-Fi Checker detects and notifies weak and unsafe Wi-Fi connections

Pricing of Trend Micro Mobile Security

There is a free version available for download on Google Play Store. But, the paid version of Trend Micro Mobile Security antivirus for android with web guard and lost device protection costs ₹225/ year.

Compatible Platforms for Norton Security

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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Best Free Apps for Cleaning Viruses on iPhone

• TotalAV
• Kaspersky
• Lookout
• Sophos Scan and Clean
• Panda Dome

Here is something that you should know about best antiviruses on iPhone. iPhone Virus scanning by external apps is not possible on iOS. This is because iOS devices like iPads and iPhones already run on a mechanism called ‘sandboxing’.

This prevents any external app from making changes to your device. So, the antivirus apps for iOS provide internet security to devices. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular apps available in the market.

• TotalAV

The TotalAV antivirus for iOS works on a privacy-focused search engine, DuckDuckGo. The free phone cleaner and antivirus app ensures that the users can browse the web without being tracked or targeted by unwanted advertisers.

This cleaner app works like a web shield to ensure that your data stays secure even on public Wi-Fi networks.

Features of TotalAV Antivirus

• Device Locator helps locate your lost device
• Photo Cleanup removes duplicate photos and screenshots from your device
• Breach Scanning scans your emails to check if your data is compromised

Additional Features Offered in the Paid Version

• Anti-Phishing Protection blocks emails that come from a suspected source
• Unlimited VPN encrypts browsing that makes you hard to track or hack

Pricing of TotalAV

TotalAV antivirus cleaner offers three packages; Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, Total Security that range from ₹2000 to ₹4500 per year.

Compatible Platforms for TotalAV

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus offers a secure and free antivirus for your iOS devices that works without impacting the device’s performance. The free version of this antivirus app provides the basic protection for your device, but the paid version adds a lot of new features.

The antivirus also offers a 30-day free trial for you to check all the features. You can also opt for a family package that protects up to 10 user accounts.

Features of Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

• Antivirus protection against infected files
• Prevents access to suspicious websites
• Scans & protects all applications on your iPhone

Additional Features in the Advanced Version

• Secure VPN Connection enables you to browse privately
• Password Manager protects your passwords and allows autofill
• Protects Privacy restricts social media platforms from tracking your behavior and collecting sensitive information
• Account Check notifies and advices for data leaks
• Personal Wi-Fi Monitoring alerts you whenever a device connects to your personal Wi-Fi connection
• Additional Payment Security protects your online shopping and banking payments

Pricing of Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

The Kaspersky antivirus offers two advanced options ranging from ₹2,499.50 to ₹5,499.50 for personal and family use respectively. It allows you to test the package before buying with a 30-day trial.

Compatible Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Lookout Mobile Security

Lookout Mobile Security protects your iOS devices with four layers of in-depth security. The anti-theft feature of the free antivirus cleaner app even works on the silent mode which helps you locate your device. The premium version adds more features to make an ideal security package with a strong 24*7 customer support.

Features of Lookout Mobile Security

• Complete Mobile Security provides all-round security to your device against viruses
• System Advisor checks your device against root detections and ensure that the operating system runs efficiently
• Anti- Theft raises an alarm for lost device even in silent mode
• Signal Flare saves your device location when battery is low

Additional Features in Premium Package

• Wi-Fi Alert notifies you when you join an unsafe network
• URL Scanning ensures that every URL you surf is safe
• Cyber Watch monitors and notifies if your personal or financial information is exposed online
• 24*7 Restoration Assistance provides you experts in case of any theft

Pricing of Lookout Mobile Security

The Lookout Premium package ranges from ₹4.99 to ₹9.99 per month.

Compatibility Platforms for Lookout Mobile Security

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Sophos Scan and Clean

Sophos scan and clean offers complete step-by-step guides on its website to understand hi-tech app features like password safe. Its distinctive features like a background check and QR code scanner make sure to check whenever you are trying to connect to an unknown network or website.

The Sophos cleaner app is completely free, although you have an option to switch to a premium package for an ad-free experience.

Features of Sophos Scan & Clean

• AI Protection helps find hidden attacks
• Real-Time Check monitors and warns against any suspicious activity
• Web Filtration scans malicious websites and URLs
• QR Code Scanner checks QR codes and prevents your device from navigating to phishing websites
• Background Check scans and notifies on any network switch.

Additional Features of the Paid Version

• Unlimited devices protect up to 10 Mac and unlimited iOS devices
• Privacy Protection restricts unwanted access to your microphone and camera
• Parental Control provides control over children’s access to the web content
• Premium Support gives access to live chat and email support

Pricing of Sophos Scan & Clean

Sophos cleaner app provides a one-year subscription at ₹1,874.25 with a 30-day free trial.

Compatible Platforms for Sophos Scan & Clean

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

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• Panda Dome

Unlike many free antivirus applications, Panda Dome provides parental control in its free version. Along with GPS location tracking, the antivirus cleaner also offers a ‘panic button’ which will instantly alert the parents about the current location.

This is a great way to keep your children safe, even when they are away. The Panda Dome antivirus offers very limited features in its free version, so you can consider taking a premium version with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Features of Panda Dome

• Free VPN offers private web browsing on 1 device with 150 MB/ per day with a default location in the free version
• Anti-Theft Tool uses a GPS tracker to locate the lost device
• Parental Control allows you to track your children’s safety

Additional Feature in the Premium Package

• Unlimited VPN to privately browse from your desired location with no data restriction
• Password Generator assists you in creating strong and unique passwords
• 24*7 Technical Support available

Pricing of Panda Dome

The Panda Dome antivirus cleaner app offers four packages, essential, advanced, complete, and premium ranging from ₹1,439.49 to ₹4,799.49 annually.

Compatible Platforms for Panda Dome

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

To Summarize

There are multiple free apps for removing viruses on android and iOS devices, all with their unique set of features and benefits. You need to analyze your browsing habits and requirements to select the one that is suitable for you. We would recommend you to always go for a free version or a trial pack to test the app and then make an informed decision.

FAQs