Google Play Store is the online shop where you can download apps for your Android smartphone. For iPhones, it's the App Store. The latter has been actively protected by Apple for years, keeping viruses and faulty apps out. In contrast, Android is much more open to developers and users, but this also carries risks. Apps with malicious intent may appear. These can be apps that attempt to steal user data or defraud people.
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Pay attention to the title of the app Some apps contain viruses – these are often free apps with eye-catching names such as “Free sexy backgrounds”. Such viruses can secretly send expensive or annoying messages to your contacts or strangers. You can usually tell from the title whether an app is official and safe. It's best to only choose apps that have been downloaded thousands of times and have good reviews. That way, you'll be on the safe side. |
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Read the terms of use In the app's installation window, you can see which permissions the app requires. This way, you know what you're agreeing to. |
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Download from the official Play Store Only apps from the Play Store are checked by Google. Apps from other sources are usually not checked at all and often contain viruses or malware. Be especially careful with apps that are offered to you via a link in an email. |
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Turn off Bluetooth when not in use If Bluetooth is permanently enabled and visible, other users can receive your smartphone's signal and send you a virus. Therefore, do not accept files from unknown devices via Bluetooth, as they often contain viruses. |
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Reset your device If your mobile phone is no longer working as it should, we recommend resetting it to factory settings. This will delete all personal data, apps, and settings. Therefore, make sure to back up your most important files beforehand. But be careful: a complete backup is not a good idea, as this could also save any viruses. |