If you use an Android phone, keeping your applications and data safe is important — and luckily, the built-in Google Play Protect helps do just that.
Every time you download an app from the Google Play Store (which is the only safe way to download Android apps), Play Protect works in the background just like anti-virus software to check for anything suspicious. It’s like having someone inspect an Amazon box before you open it, just to make sure there’s nothing harmful inside. Even after you’ve installed the app, Play Protect keeps scanning your phone daily to make sure everything is running safely.
You don’t have to install anything extra — Play Protect is built right into your Android device. To check if it’s working, go to the Google Play Store app, tap your profile picture in the top-right, then tap Play Protect. You’ll see when your phone was last scanned and whether everything looks good.
If Play Protect ever finds an app that’s acting strangely or trying to harm your phone, it can warn you or even remove the app automatically. In short, Google Play Protect is a simple but powerful way to help keep your phone safe — no complicated steps required.