You should remove bloatware (unneeded pre-installed apps), spyware/malicious apps, apps with excessive permissions, and potentially certain third-party apps like VPNs or antivirus programs if they're unnecessary or poorly rated, as they often pose privacy/security risks, drain battery, or offer little value, opting for web versions or more trusted alternatives. Focus on apps that request unnecessary access (location for a calculator), run constantly in the background, or seem suspicious.
The following are Android apps you should not install on your phone:
Popular apps such as 'Noizz', 'Essential Horoscope', 'UC Webbrowser' and 'SuperVPN' have been removed after being accused of spying and violating privacy. If you still have any of these apps on your phone, it is strongly recommended that you uninstall them immediately.
6 app permissions you should avoid giving
Not surprisingly, the top three apps that are searched for in order to be hacked are owned by Meta. They are Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These three have a boatload of info on us and our friends. But some other popular ones are on the list too and they also know a lot.
Here are some sites and apps you should be aware of.
On Android, dangerous permissions are those that grant access to sensitive user data or critical system functions. Examples include: READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE / WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE. RECEIVE_SMS / SEND_SMS.
Which app permissions should you avoid
Top 5 most deleted apps in 2024
Potentially Harmful Applications (PHAs), also known as malware, are apps that can put users, user data, or devices at risk and are categorized into different types like trojans, phishing, and spyware.
These applications typically exhibit characteristics such as known vulnerabilities, inadequate security controls, circumvent security controls or data protection, or a high potential for exploitation by malicious actors.
While removing bloatware can significantly improve performance, it's essential to know the risks:
Top 10 Apps in 2026 That Drain Your Mobile Data and How to Manage Them
How to detect spyware on your Android phone: 10 signs
These apps can look like harmless tools on the surface but often allow users to send disappearing messages, hide contacts, and even clone phone activity. From vault apps that store hidden photos to encrypted messengers with stealth modes, the possibilities for secret affairs are disturbingly easy.
Check Downloaded Apps
If they have two of the same utility apps, like calculators, notes, or flashlights, one of them might be a decoy. Look out for common decoy app names or apps that don't seem necessary.
Not surprisingly, the top three apps that are searched for in order to be hacked are owned by Meta. They are Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These three have a boatload of info on us and our friends. But some other popular ones are on the list too and they also know a lot.
Use a Protective Case
They not only keep your phone safe in general but they may help protect your camera lens. You want to look for a case with a raised bezel, which essentially means that the case has a sort of ridge that surrounds the camera lens.
Facebook is the most banned app across the globe. According to the study, which was conducted by Linkee.ai, the social media app is banned in China, Russia, Iran and North Korea among other countries but also managed to bring in $130B in revenue in 2023.
Based on interest, it's likely Android phones get hacked more than iPhones. The two-factor authentication platform Rublon reported that there was 13 times more interest in hacking Android phones than iPhones in 2021.
Signal is a messaging app with privacy at its core. It is free and easy to use, with strong end-to-end encryption that keeps your communication completely private.
Start by deleting unknown apps, updating your software, and running a security scan. Change passwords to any affected accounts and turn on 2FA. If you believe your phone has been hacked, start by removing any suspicious apps, updating your phone, and getting access back to any hacked accounts.