Question & answer

Do I need antivirus on my phone?

The short answer

On iPhone, no. iOS sandboxing makes real antivirus impossible. Security apps for iPhone are mostly VPNs and web filters. On Android you usually don’t need it if you stick to the Play Store and keep Google Play Protect on. A reputable security app still adds useful web protection and anti-theft for phones used carelessly or bought outside official channels.

In detail

The two platforms need different answers. On iOS, apps cannot scan other apps. Apple’s sandboxing makes classic antivirus technically impossible. What is sold as iPhone antivirus is really a bundle of other tools. It usually combines a VPN and web filtering with breach alerts and scam-call tools. Some of those features are useful. Virus scanning is not part of it, whatever the name suggests.

Android is more open, and that cuts both ways. Google Play Protect scans apps by default. If you install only from the Play Store and run a current Android version, you are reasonably safe without extra software. The real risks come from elsewhere. Think of sideloaded APKs and fake banking apps. Phishing links in texts and WhatsApp are another risk. So are cheap phones that shipped with an old Android version.

Security apps from established labs like Bitdefender, Norton and ESET add web protection that catches phishing links in any browser. They also bring anti-theft tools.

Our advice is to start with good habits and add software second. Install apps from official stores and keep the system updated. Use a password manager and two-factor authentication. For Android users who want a safety net, the mobile protection in multi-device suites is worth switching on. The same goes if you look after a family member’s phone. You often already pay for it.