Do Android phones really need third-party antivirus software?

Android smartphones now ship with multiple layers of protection, including Google Play Protect, which blocked 27 million malicious apps in 2025, and sandboxing that isolates each app’s data. The operating system receives frequent security updates and employs an opt-in permissions model that limits app access to personal information. While the platform is not immune to malware, most attacks target user behavior through phishing messages, fake calls or insecure Wi-Fi connections—threats that antivirus software cannot fully prevent.

Users who regularly sideload apps, disable Play Protect, or use devices lacking recent updates may benefit from an additional security app, especially if it offers VPN or SMS filtering. Major security firms such as Norton, McAfee and Avast continue to market Android antivirus suites, but for typical users the built-in defenses and safe-browsing habits provide sufficient protection.