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To check a supported Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, open Settings > Device care > App protection > Scan phone. Samsung calls this a scan for security threats. Menu names and availability differ by model, software version, carrier, and region, so the path may look different on your device.
Run the built-in Samsung security scan
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Open Settings.
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Tap Device care. On some versions, the menu is called Battery and device care.
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Tap App protection or Device protection.
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Tap Scan phone and follow any on-screen instructions.
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Samsung’s current US guidance gives the App protection path, while its diagnostics guidance cautions that settings and screen layouts can vary by model and software version. Samsung’s malware-protection instructions and Galaxy device diagnostics guidance describe the relevant menus.
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If you cannot find the scan option
Use the search field in Settings to look for Device care or Device protection. Some Samsung support instructions show the alternate route Settings > Battery and device care > Device protection > Scan phone. Older software may use Smart Manager or Google’s Verify apps option; Samsung UK documents those alternatives in its Smart Manager malware-check instructions.
If none of those labels appear, check Samsung support for your exact model and region. There is no single menu path guaranteed across all Galaxy devices.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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What a clean scan can—and cannot—tell you
A scan result is useful, but Samsung’s guidance does not establish that a clean scan proves a device is free of every threat. It also does not publish the scan’s technical detection method or threat-database scope in the cited support material. Treat the result as one check, not a guarantee; no infection-rate or scan-effectiveness percentage is established by those sources.
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Unwanted ads, freezing, or slow performance that begins after installing a third-party app can be a reason to investigate that app. Be cautious with pop-ups claiming that a virus was found: fake alerts may imitate phone warnings and try to get you to download more apps. Do not install an app just because an unsolicited alert tells you to.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
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Review unfamiliar apps
Samsung’s regional guidance recommends using Safe mode to temporarily disable third-party apps, then reviewing Settings > Apps for apps you do not recognize and uninstalling a suspect one. Safe mode steps and button combinations vary by model, so follow the instructions for your device in Samsung’s malware-protection guidance.
For symptoms such as persistent ads, freezing, or slow performance after an app installation, Samsung also provides troubleshooting steps for Galaxy devices.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Reduce the chance of unwanted apps or activity
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Keep your device software and operating system updated.
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Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black | Powerful Processor, Galaxy AI, Immersive Viewing, Durable Battery, 2026, US 1 Year Warranty- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
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- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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Review app permissions and avoid granting access when a request seems suspicious or unrelated to the app’s purpose.
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Enable Auto Blocker if it is available on your device. Samsung says it can block unauthorized app sources, USB cable commands, certain software updates over USB, and malware images in messaging apps. Availability and the effects of Maximum restrictions can vary.
Samsung states that it does not recommend third-party anti-malware products. Start with the built-in scan and Samsung’s device-specific guidance rather than adding a separate scanner by default. See Samsung’s malware-protection guidance.
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