As a mobile OS, Android is a pretty secure mobile ecosystem with checks implemented by Google at various stages to make sure that malware doesn’t infect your devices. Since Android is an open source OS with a huge marketshare, it will be impractical to think that the OS can be completely free of malware and other malicious apps. 

Most people prefer using anti-virus on their Android devices just to keep them safe from viruses and malware. Personally, I think they are an overkill and you can easily keep your device free from any kind of malware by following the tips mentioned below.

Only use the Play Store

Generally, it is a good idea to only install apps and games from the Play Store and not from other third party sources, unless you are assured of their authenticity. Malware is generally packaged as an APK file and can only wreak havoc on your device if it is installed on it.

APKs of pirated apps and games include malware so it is always a good idea to avoid them and buy original apps/games from the Play Store directly.

Avoid the pop-ups

Sometimes while browsing websites on your Android, you will get a pop-up asking you to download an APK that will provide you with access to many new apps for free or claim that your Android device is infected and you can clean it by installing their free anti-virus app. Always, ALWAYS stay away from such pop-ups, ads and APKs. These malicious APKs will steal your personal data and can also harm your device.

Beware of new developers

The downside of Play Store’s openness is that a lot of shady developers upload malicious apps that can harm your Android device. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid buying or downloading apps and games from relatively new developers on the Play Store.

It is also best to check the reviews and screenshots of the app before downloading them. If you think the screenshots look fake or of low quality, it is better to avoid installing them.

Enable Google’s built-in malware checker

With malware for Android devices increasing at an alarming rate, Google released a service that checks for all the installed apps on your device periodically and automatically removes them if they are harmful. In fact, if you ever install an APK from outside the Play Store, you should automatically get a prompt asking you whether you would like to verify the app first before installing it.

Make sure that you have enabled this service by going to Settings -> Security and enabling Verify Apps option.