What cleaner apps do I need on Galaxy S4 Mini?

[dylan0524]

I need help with knowing what cleaner files I need - like which are necessary, helpful or junk. I was told I need the app killer plus junk cleaners and boosters but see lots saying those are not only useless but harmful. Can someone please tell me the necessary apps I need to keep my phone clear of crap as well as viruses, malware etc?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! No, do not install any app/task killers or boosters. They don't do anything useful, and usually worsen the performance. In addition, they're more likely to include adware or even malware, depending on where you get them.

Let the system take care of RAM and storage. If you're worried about malware, for the most part, it's still quite difficult to get an actual virus on your phone, because malware requires you to manually accept the installation (which is why they try to fool you into thinking you're installing something legitimate). Use common sense:

1. Avoid shady websites that deal with things like porn, gambling, and "free" (aka pirated) apps/music/movies.


2. Never ever tap on a link that appears in a popup while browsing, especially if they're warning you that your phone is infected--they're just trying to scare you into installing some bogus "antivirus" app that is probably malicious itself.


3. Only install apps from well-established app sources like Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. Read a bunch of app reviews before installing an app to look for any complaints about adware or suspected malware.


4. Turn on Google's "Verify Apps" function. This allows Google to periodically scan your phone's apps to look for malware. It's usually in your Google Settings app, under Security (although it might also be in the main System Settings, in Settings>Security).


5. Turn off "Unknown Sources" in Settings>Security. This prevents any app that wasn't obtained from Google Play Store from being installed (which could include malicious apps that are inadvertently downloaded).

 

[dylan0524]

Welcome to Android Central! No, do not install any app/task killers or boosters. They don't do anything useful, and usually worsen the performance. In addition, they're more likely to include adware or even malware, depending on where you get them.

Let the system take care of RAM and storage. If you're worried about malware, for the most part, it's still quite difficult to get an actual virus on your phone, because malware requires you to manually accept the installation (which is why they try to fool you into thinking you're installing something legitimate). Use common sense:

1. Avoid shady websites that deal with things like porn, gambling, and "free" (aka pirated) apps/music/movies.


2. Never ever tap on a link that appears in a popup while browsing, especially if they're warning you that your phone is infected--they're just trying to scare you into installing some bogus "antivirus" app that is probably malicious itself.


3. Only install apps from well-established app sources like Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. Read a bunch of app reviews before installing an app to look for any complaints about adware or suspected malware.


4. Turn on Google's "Verify Apps" function. This allows Google to periodically scan your phone's apps to look for malware. It's usually in your Google Settings app, under Security (although it might also be in the main System Settings, in Settings>Security).


5. Turn off "Unknown Sources" in Settings>Security. This prevents any app that wasn't obtained from Google Play Store from being installed (which could include malicious apps that are inadvertently downloaded).

Thanks for all the great info! I did all you recommended.