Google Play Protect: what it is and what to do with its warnings
What Google Play Protect does, how to check it's on, what its warnings mean and how it differs from device certification.
Google Play Protect is the security system built into Android phones with Google services. It checks apps you install, from Play Store or from APKs, and periodically scans the ones you already have.
Check that it's on
- Open Play Store and tap your profile picture.
- Go to Play Protect to see the last scan date.
- Tap the gear icon and make sure Scan apps with Play Protect is on.
What its warnings mean
| Warning | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Harmful app blocked" | Known malware | Don't install; if already installed, uninstall it |
| "Unknown app" | Play Protect hasn't seen the app before | Only install if you trust the source and checked the signature |
| "App built for an older version of Android" | Outdated app without current protections | Look for an alternative |
| "Play Protect turned off this app" | An installed app started behaving suspiciously | Uninstall it |
Play Protect isn't certification
"Play Protect certification" in the store's settings doesn't say whether Play Protect is on, but whether your phone's manufacturer passed Google's compatibility tests. See the certification guide.
Should you turn it off?
No. Modded-app sites tell you to disable it, which is exactly what malware distributors want. If it blocks a file you believe is legitimate, check the signature first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Play Protect an antivirus?
It plays a similar role, scanning apps for malware. On most phones you don't need another antivirus.
I installed an APK someone sent me. What now?
Turn on airplane mode, uninstall the app, run a Play Protect scan, change your banking passwords and PINs from another device, and call your bank on its official number.