Do Android phones need antivirus software in 2026?

[jacksparrow]

With Google Play Protect getting better, I'm wondering: do Android phones need antivirus software anymore, or is it just a resource drain?

 

[Zmadislynd]

To be honest you do not need any additional apps since Play Protect is integrated with the system at the moment. The question do android phones need antivirus software is normally a no as long as one is on the official store they are safe.

 

[AnnP111966]

I believe that it is the case whether you sideload random apks over the web or not. When you are downloading the modded games via dubious websites then yes do android phones need antivirus software will be a huge yes since such files tend to contain hidden trackers.

 

[Evelinawright]

These applications are simply digital snake oils in 2026 and they only increase the number of ads being shown to you with a drained battery. I was never using one and my banking details is just alright so do not bother with them.

 

[Ggranilel]

Majority of the population forgets that current android versions isolate all the apps, and thus a virus cannot propagate in the same manner as on windows. There is a question, in my opinion, that only people with very old phones should be concerned with, they may need antivirus software.

 

[jameswill8520]

I just have bitdefender because of the anti-theft and web filtering features that are good indeed. Although the system is secure yet you can still make bad choice by clicking on a bad link in an email so that is where the additional protection will make me feel better.

 

[rebeccareed]

Simple common sense matters just do not click on the strange links in your text messages. Individuals continue querying as to whether androids require antivirus software but the actual virus is the individual who is clicking on the you win a prize popups.

 

[HeatherMun]

In the event that you are a power user and root your phone then you may want to research on it and scan one time. Otherwise the provided security of the built in Google is more than sufficient to do 99 percent of what we do on our phones daily.

 

[Lisa]

Last year, I installed one and literally it flagged my system settings as a threat that was amusing. Instead, conserve on the amount of storage space you have and simply ensure your system software is up-to-date.

 

[jessicabell]

It is a complete drain of resources and no more since the background scanning causes the phone to be hot. Nobody is writing specific malware to your device unless you are a high profile target.

 

[captainghost]

One can only think about it because of the additional features such as vpn or password managers that they include. Assuming that you are simply requesting whether or not android phones require antivirus software in the real case of actual viruses then the answer would be a resounding no.

 

[JordanSkye]

This application will be unnecessary to most users as long as they use Play Store applications and regular updates, however, security applications can assist with phishing protection, malware scanning, and privacy monitoring.

 

[GaleGaytan]

It is unlikely that most Android phones in 2026 will require the third-party antivirus as long as users use the Play Store and keep their system up-to-date and do not use risky apps. Antivirus applications are not yet necessary since Android already has in-built protection such as Google Play Protect, although they can be used by anyone who downloads apps through other sites.