To run a virus scan on a Samsung Galaxy S21, open Settings > Battery and device care (or Device care), tap Device protection or App protection, then choose Scan phone. For another built-in check, run Google Play Protect from the Play Store. Menu names vary by software version and region, so search Settings for “protection” or “scan” if the path looks different.
Run a scan with Samsung’s built-in protection
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery and device care or Device care.
- Open Device protection or App protection.
- Tap Scan phone and review the result. If you cannot find the option, use Settings search for “Device protection,” “App protection,” or “scan.”
Samsung notes that menu names and screen layouts can vary by model and software version. The specific labels available on an S21 can also differ across regions and updates. A scan result is useful, but a clean result is not a guarantee that every possible threat has been found.
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On some current Samsung US software, you can also check Settings > Device care > Diagnostics > App safety Diagnostics for apps identified as security risks. Samsung recommends connecting to Wi-Fi and restarting before running that diagnosis; apps flagged there may have been placed in deep sleep. This option may not appear on every S21 configuration. Samsung’s troubleshooting guidance describes the feature and its availability caveats.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRun Google Play Protect as a second check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, turn on Improve harmful app detection as well.
Play Protect is Google’s built-in app-safety check, separate from Samsung’s Device protection or App protection scan. Google explains these settings in its Android guidance for removing malware or unsafe software. Neither scan should be treated as proof that a phone is completely free of threats.
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- Display: 6.2" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness for vivid visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Camera: Rear dual camera system with 64MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses for stunning photos and videos.
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What to do if a scan finds an unsafe app
Follow the scanner’s removal prompt
Check the app name and follow the instructions shown by Samsung or Play Protect. If the app is unfamiliar or you still notice unusual behavior, review recently installed apps and remove ones you do not trust. Avoid treating a single symptom as proof of infection: pop-ups, sluggishness, or freezing can have other causes, though Samsung recommends checking for unauthorized apps when they occur after installing third-party software. See Samsung’s troubleshooting steps.
Use Safe Mode to isolate third-party apps
- Open the phone’s power menu.
- Touch and hold Power off, then choose Safe mode when prompted.
- While in Safe Mode, open Settings > Apps and uninstall the app you suspect.
- Restart the phone normally to leave Safe Mode.
Safe Mode disables third-party apps, which can help narrow down whether one is causing the problem. Samsung documents this workflow in its guidance for a potentially hacked Galaxy phone and its malware-protection instructions.
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Reduce the chance of installing harmful apps
- Keep Android, One UI, and security updates current.
- Prefer downloads from Google Play or Galaxy Store, and check an app’s permissions if it seems suspicious.
- On software that includes it, find Settings > Security and privacy > Auto Blocker to block apps from unverified sources outside official stores. The setting may not be available on every S21.
Samsung’s regional support pages describe different bundled protection: its UK guidance names McAfee protection for the S21 series, while its US malware page says antivirus apps are not pre-installed on Galaxy phones. Do not assume the same bundled component is present on every S21; check the settings on your device. Samsung’s US page also covers permissions and Safe Mode: Protect your Galaxy phone or tablet from malware. Samsung’s UK scan instructions are at How to check for malware or viruses.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Android 11 | One UI 3.1 | Octa-core | 128GB | 8GB | Adreno 660
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- 12 MP Camera | LED Flash | 1080p | Speaker
- 6.36 x 2.98 x 0.31 | 7.05oz | Single SIM | GSM, HSPA, LTE, CDMA
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- This Phone Is Unlocked And Compatible With Any Carrier Of Choice On Gsm And Cdma Networks (E.G. At&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, Us Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, Etc.).
- When You Receive The Phone, Insert A Sim Card From A Compatible Carrier. Then, Turn It On, Connect To Wi-Fi, And Follow The On Screen Prompts To Activate Service.
- The Device Does Not Come With Headphones Or A Sim Card. It Does Include A Charger And Charging Cable That May Be Generic.
- Tested For Battery Health And Assured To Have A Minimum Battery Capacity Of 80%.
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- This pre-owned product has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon qualified vendors.
- This product is in "Excellent condition". The screen and body show no signs of cosmetic damage visible from 12 inches away.
- This product will have a battery that exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
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