No, a simple restart won't permanently remove most phone viruses because malware often reloads, but it can temporarily stop active threats and buy time; a factory reset will wipe everything, including viruses, but installing security software or booting into Safe Mode (for Android) are better initial steps to identify and remove infections before resorting to a full data wipe.
Install an Android virus protection software to:
To 100% remove a virus, the most reliable method is to back up your data, then erase your hard drive and reinstall the operating system, as some sophisticated malware can hide deeply. For less severe infections, use a reputable antivirus, boot into Safe Mode, run scans with multiple tools (like Malwarebytes, Microsoft Safety Scanner), delete temporary files, and check browser extensions before restarting and scanning again.
Factory resets remove most viruses
Performing a hard reset will get rid of most viruses on your device because it wipes everything away. When you return your phone to its original state, the process removes all programs and system files from your device, leaving your phone with a clean slate.
You'll know your phone has a virus by symptoms like slow performance, rapid battery drain, high data usage, pop-up ads, strange apps, or unexpected messages to contacts, indicating malicious software is using your phone's resources or stealing data. To check, review your Settings > Apps for unfamiliar apps, monitor data/battery usage, and run a scan with a reputable mobile antivirus app like McAfee Security for Android from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Fact: Regular restarts can prevent freezes and ensure smoother performance. Myth: Restarting too often can harm your phone. Fact: A weekly restart is beneficial and won't damage your device, but a daily restart isn't necessary.
Symptoms of a viral infection depend on where you're infected, but some common ones include:
The best antivirus software for 2026 consistently includes Norton 360, praised for its comprehensive features (VPN, password manager, cloud backup) and strong lab results, and Bitdefender, noted for excellent threat protection, low system impact, and user-friendliness, with options like McAfee offering unlimited device coverage and free choices like Microsoft Defender (built-in) or Malwarebytes being popular for specific needs. Your choice depends on budget and needed features, with Norton and Bitdefender often leading overall, while free options or those for Macs (like Intego) are also highly rated.
The term battery virus is deliberately misleading. While malware can affect your device's performance and potentially cause faster battery drain through excessive background processes, a virus cannot physically damage or infect your battery.
Once you have recovered from an infection, you have a good degree of protection against becoming infected again. But some viruses – for example the herpes virus – are capable of circumventing the immune system and setting up home permanently in the host cells.
Signs on your device
Most computer viruses are legacy threats that can be easily removed by antivirus software with access to the latest virus signatures. Your antivirus program will scan your system, detect any viruses, and offer to quarantine or delete the files.
Resetting a phone clears all data, including unwanted and potentially malicious programs that may carry viruses and other kinds of malware, such as adware, spyware, and Trojans.
Unfamiliar apps, losing access to your accounts, call and messaging features that suddenly stop working, and performance issues — such as apps crashing, a hot or loud device, and reduced battery life — are all common signs that your phone has been hacked.
Learning to properly use a virus scan will keep you much safer: without regular full scans, your system may be hiding some unpleasant surprises.
A Rundown of Our Antivirus Picks
You can find out how to get the free military McAfee version on my site or on DISA. What antivirus does the military use? The US military or Department of Defense uses McAfee antivirus for their home users and on the standard desktops and laptops.
The main difference between free and paid antivirus tools is that paid solutions generally offer more robust security. Most free programs only give basic protection, but a paid antivirus often includes advanced features like enhanced malware detection, customizable scans, and dedicated customer support.
If it's a viral illness, typically symptoms are shorter lasting and classically the symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and a lot of times you can have some body aches. A lot of times the symptoms last for maybe three days to a week and then slowly get better over time.
10 signs your computer has a virus
The good news is that viral infections usually aren't serious. Most will go away in a few days without medical treatment. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
If you close and then re-open the app and it tries to access your location again, it will ask for your permission again. Apps won't use your location until they have asked for your permission and you grant permission.
The process, also known as a restart, shuts down the operating system and clears temporary memory, without affecting user data or settings. The primary difference between a restart and a reset is that the latter erases data and returns the device to its factory settings, while a reboot simply refreshes the system.
Your phone's performance improves, and the restart reduces the odds that any hidden threats can remain active. It's like putting a lock on your door and double-checking the windows before leaving the house. It's just a good security habit that doesn't take much effort.