- If you continue to notice problems such as random pop-ups or apps installing on your device even after following the measures mentioned in this guide, then the best solution is to factory reset your smartphone.
- In some cases, the malicious app will not be visible in the app drawer, so you should do a complete check through your phone’s Settings.
- Once you delete the virus APK, we recommend changing the passwords of all the accounts signed in on your phone when the app was installed.
WhatsApp-related frauds have risen sharply in recent times, with scammers increasingly tricking users into installing malicious APK files disguised as the messaging app. Once installed, these fake apps can silently access sensitive information, monitor activity, and in some cases allow attackers to take control of key phone functions. If you suspect a WhatsApp APK scam has compromised your phone, this guide walks you through simple and effective steps to fix the issue. It also explains how to protect yourself from similar scams in the future.
Signs That Your Phone May Be Hacked
If you have recently installed an APK from WhatsApp and notice the issues mentioned below, then you should act immediately:
- Phone heating up even while idle
- Rapid battery drain
- Unknown apps are installing and appearing in the app drawer
- Pop-ups asking for accessibility access
- Bank alerts or random OTPs that you did not request
Note that one symptom alone may not confirm that your device is compromised, but several issues together are a major red flag.
Also Read: Detect AI Scams on WhatsApp Using Norton Genie
Fix a Phone Hacked by WhatsApp APK Virus
Follow these steps to safeguard yourself from the potential virus or malware:
1. Disconnect from the Internet Immediately
Turn on airplane mode on your phone and ensure that mobile data, WiFi, USB tethering, and all other forms of accessing the internet are cut off. This prevents the malware from receiving remote commands and sharing your data with the hacker’s servers.
2. Uninstall Unknown APKs and Apps
Check your phone for unknown or random apps that you did not install. In some cases, the malicious app will not be visible in the app drawer, so you should do a complete check through your phone’s Settings.
1. Open Settings on your phone and go to Apps.
2. Now select App Management. The option name will vary by your phone’s OEM.
3. Check the list of all the apps installed on your device. If you notice any unknown apps, delete them immediately.
3. Boot into Safe Mode
The Safe Mode on Android disables all external apps on your phone, leaving it in the same condition as a factory reset. It shows installed apps as a greyed-out option. This helps to analyse which app is causing the problem on your device. Here’s how you can enter safe mode:
1. Power off your phone.
2. Hold the power and volume down keys to boot into Safe Mode.
3. Verify the text or watermark of Safe Mode once your device boots.
4. Check for any unknown apps and uninstall them quickly.
5. Once you are done, restart your device to boot it normally.
4. Run an Antivirus Scan
If you still notice any issues, or you are just paranoid, then its recommeded to run an antivirus scan which will detect any hidden viruses. Here are some free and reputable antivirus software for Android that you can try:
5. Change Passwords of Your Accounts
Once you delete the virus APK, we recommend changing the passwords of all the accounts signed in on your phone when the app was installed. This is a precautionary measure to revoke any potential access gained by the compromised app. You should change the password of your Google account, Microsoft account, and also social media services like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and others.
6. Factory Reset Your Device (If Problems Persist)
If you continue to notice problems such as random pop-ups or apps installing on your device even after following the measures mentioned in this guide, then the best solution is to factory reset your smartphone. This will ensure that all the hidden virus and malware is wiped from the system completely, giving you a fresh and safe start.
How to Stay Safe From WhatsApp APK Frauds
Even after staying cautious, it is possible to make a human error by unintentionally installing an APK file from WhatsApp in the flow of the moment. This leaves a significant risk of exposing yourself to hackers and scammers, for just making a simple mistake of installing an unknown app. But there’s no need to worry, as the Android OS provides an option to prevent it. Here’s how you can enable it:
1. Open the Settings app on your phone and search for Installation sources.
2. Search for WhatsApp, and disable the toggle.
Your phone will now block any attempt to install an app when you try to open an APK file received on WhatsApp. Here’s how it would look:
This security feature is available on all Android phones. However, the name of the settings may vary. You can refer to your phone’s OS guide for installation sources of apps.
FAQs
Q. How to stop WhatsApp fraud?
You can prevent WhatsApp fraud by avoiding clicking on links received from unknown numbers. You should also immediately report and delete such chats, and never install any anonymous APKs. However, there is no direct method to stop receiving fraudulent or scam messages on WhatsApp.
Q. How to check if my WhatsApp is hacked?
You can go to WhatsApp settings and check for any unknown linked devices, as that is the most common way using which hackers get access to your account. You can also check previous active sessions from the same menu, and remove any unauthorised logins for your safety.
Wrapping Up
With WhatsApp frauds increasing by the day, it has become necessary to stay more cautious while opening any link or installing any APK that you receive. By disabling the app installation permission of WhatsApp, you can safeguard yourself from unintentional mistakes of installing a malicious app. It is also important to spread this word among more people, especially those who are not very aware of the modern scammer tactics.
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