Key Takeaways
- Unusually high data usage or battery drain often indicates malware running in the background, leaking data to third parties.
- Random pop-up ads or unfamiliar apps installing themselves on your smartphone could signal an adware infection.
- Overheating, lagging, frequent reboots, or performance issues while performing basic tasks are also telling signs of malware infection.
If your smartphone seems to be acting up—perhaps bombarding you with random pop-ups or displaying unfamiliar apps—these could be red flags of malware. Here are six clear signs of malware that I’ve personally encountered, which could help you identify if your phone is infected.
1 Unusually High Data Usage
Malware usually runs in the background on phones, quietly performing tasks such as sending personal information to third parties or downloading harmful files. Such activities can consume a significant amount of data. For me, an unexpected spike in my mobile data usage was the first red flag that there might be malware on my phone.
To get a better understanding of what was going on, I went to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Mobile data usage on my Android device. This provided a clear view of how much data each app was consuming.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can check the data usage by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. When I noticed apps using significantly more data than usual, especially ones that shouldn’t be consuming that much, it was a strong indicator that malware might be involved.
2 Random Pop-up Ads Started Appearing
Malware or malicious apps are often designed to generate revenue for cybercriminals by displaying ads, commonly known as “adware.” Interacting with these ads can lead to more issues, such as additional infections or being tricked into downloading more malicious software.
Although pop-up ads are common while browsing, I noticed an unusual increase in ads, especially in places where I wouldn’t normally see them. This led me to suspect that adware might have infiltrated my device. Another clear sign was the appearance of these ads even when I wasn’t using a web browser or any specific app.
3 My Battery Drained Overnight Without Any Reason
Typically, my phone loses only a few percentage points of battery overnight. However, recently, I noticed that the battery was draining significantly overnight, even though I hadn’t changed any settings. This also happened when I left my phone idle for hours during the day.
At first, I suspected I might have left an app running by accident, but the issue persisted even after closing all apps and rebooting my phone. That’s when I realized it wasn’t normal.
If your phone’s battery suddenly drains for no apparent reason, malware could be the culprit. Pay attention to any unusual battery behavior, especially if it occurs consistently, as it can be an early warning sign of infection.
4 Apps Keep Crashing, and My Phone Randomly Reboots
Occasional app crashes are quite normal and can happen for various reasons. However, when nearly all of my apps began freezing or crashing—even after I updated them—I knew something was off.
The situation escalated when my phone began rebooting on its own. These random reboots felt like an invisible hand was controlling my phone. If you’re experiencing frequent app crashes or your phone reboots at unusual times, it could be a sign that something malicious is at play.
5 My Phone Started Overheating and Lagging Even With Simple Tasks
Even when apps weren’t crashing and my phone wasn’t rebooting, I noticed it would get unusually hot and lag. This was particularly troubling because the lagging was severe enough to impact my ability to use the device effectively.
The overheating and lagging weren’t limited to specific apps or times; they occurred randomly, even when I was just checking emails or using WhatsApp. Although my Galaxy S22 is a couple of years old, it shouldn’t struggle with these basic tasks. This inconsistency in performance was alarming and led me to suspect something more sinister might be happening.
If you’re wondering why your phone is overheating and lagging for no apparent reason, malware could be the culprit. It’s worth investigating your phone to determine if it’s affected.
6 Unfamiliar Apps Keep Showing Up on My Phone
Malware often operates by automatically installing apps in the background. These apps may seem harmless initially, but they are designed to track your data, bombard you with ads, or steal sensitive information. Initially, I thought it might have been a simple mistake or something installed by my phone carrier over an update, but the sheer volume of these strange apps made me extremely suspicious.
In my case, when I checked the permissions of these unfamiliar apps, I discovered they were requesting access to contacts, storage, and even my microphone—permissions they had no legitimate reason to need. If you also notice unfamiliar apps installing themselves on your phone, it’s important to investigate further.
Spotting the signs of malware early can significantly improve your device and personal information protection. By keeping an eye out for the six clear indicators I’ve shared, you can stay one step ahead of potential threats. If you notice these signs on your phone, a factory reset may help remove the malware and restore normalcy.
