How to Scan APK Files to Check Whether they Have a Virus
Sometimes, we want to install apps that are not available on the Play Store. One of the key features of Android is the ability to sideload apps. You can download apk files from various sources and then sideload them on your device.
Normally, Android blocks every third-party app installation due to security reasons. Still, you can sideload Apk files on Android by enabling the ‘Unknown Sources’. The actual problem with the third-party app is that you never know whether the file is safe or not.
Before sideloading any Apk file on an Android, it’s always best to scan them first. Scanning with an online virus scanner ensures that files you are about to sideload don’t contain anything harmful.
So, if you are looking for ways to scan Apk files to check whether they have a virus, you are reading the right guide. In this article, we will share a step-by-step guide on how to scan Apk files before installing. Let’s check out.
- Using VirusTotal
https://www.virustotal.com/gui/
VirusTotal is an online virus scanner that scans files stored on your device. Since it’s an online scanner, it doesn’t require any installation.
In the case of an Apk file, VirusTotal can help detect all kinds of viruses and malware present inside the Apk file.
Another good thing about VirusTotal is that’s it’s completely free. You don’t even need to create an account to use the security service.
The service is also pretty easy to use: upload the Apk file and hit the Scan button. If it finds any malware, it will immediately let you know.
Alternatively, you can install the VirusTotal Android app from the Google Play Store.
VirusTotal Android app
The VirusTotal app for Android is entirely free, but it’s limited to scanning the apps you have already installed on your device.
- Using MetaDefender
https://metadefender.opswat.com/?lang=en
MetaDefender is another best online virus scanner on the list that you can consider. You need to upload an Apk file on the MetaDefender, and multiple Antivirus engines will scan your file.
Compared to VirusTotal, MetaDefender scanning is fast. Although it’s possible to scan files directly from the Android smartphone, using the MetaDefender website from a PC is more convenient.
The best thing about MetaDefender is that it can scan almost everything, including the URLs, Apk files, IP address, and more.
So, these are the two best services to Scan Apk files before sideloading. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also. If you have any doubts related to this, let us know in the comment box below.