Instructions for scanning APK files for viruses to ensure safety before installation

For Android users, when there is a need to install an application that is not available on the Google Play Store or is not available in the area where you live, the simplest way is to download the APK file to your device and install it. . Just like .exe files on Windows operating systems, APK files are used to install software on Android systems.

However, because APK files can sometimes come from unknown, floating sources on the internet (and of course not as strictly censored as on the Play Store), there is a risk of them being attached to viruses and malware. It is entirely possible to cause harm to your device. For that reason, scanning the APK file for viruses before installing it on your system is a good idea, and below are a few great applications that can help you do that.

Metadefender

Metadefender allows you to upload an APK file so that it can be scanned by many different antivirus tools. For APK files in compressed file format, they will be automatically extracted to perform a scanning process on each individual file inside.

However, a full scan of the unextracted APK file will also be performed. Users simply drag and drop their files into the scanning tool, and a report is compiled in just a few seconds.

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You can access the Metadefender service on your PC, and you can also scan files directly from your Android phone. Although there is no dedicated Metadefender app for mobile devices, you can still use the tool through your mobile browser.

In particular, not only APK files, Metadefender can be used to scan IP addresses, URLs, files and more.

2. VirusTotal

VirusTotal is another great solution you can try. This tool has the ability to comprehensively analyze APK files and help detect almost all types of viruses and malware popular on the internet today.

VirusTotal is easy to use: You just need to upload your files and make sure they are error-free. Additionally, you can also copy-paste URLs in VirusTotal, or use the search function to check IP addresses, domains, or file hashes.

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One advantage VirusTotal has over Metadefender is that the tool has a specialized app version for mobile devices, which can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.

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Visit Virustotal.com to start scanning the APK file you suspect.

Micah Soto

Update 18 October 2023