Google Play Protect review

Google Play Protect is the antivirus most Android owners already have. It is built into the Google Play Store, it is on by default, and Google recommends keeping it on. Before you download an app from Google Play it runs a safety check, and it also looks for harmful apps you installed from other sources. If it finds one it can warn you, turn the app off or remove it. Newer additions target fraud: it sends privacy alerts about apps that gather permissions in breach of Google's developer policy, can reset app permissions, and can stop an unverified app that requests permissions scammers often abuse. Google says Play Protect scans 200 billion Android apps a day. It is also the most limited tool here. It checks apps, not websites, Wi-Fi networks or scam texts, and it gives you few settings or reports. Keep it on whatever you install, and add one of the free apps above if you want web and scam warnings.

Who it is for

Everyone with a certified Android phone, as the baseline layer that is already on.

Price

Free and built in to Android devices with Google Play, no paid plan.

Every day, Google Play Protect automatically scans all of the apps on Android phones and works to prevent the installation of harmful apps
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Safety check on Google Play apps before you download them
• Checks for potentially harmful apps installed from other sources
• Can deactivate or remove harmful apps
• Privacy alerts about apps that break Google's developer policy
• Can block unverified apps that request permissions often abused for financial fraud

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Already installed and on by default, nothing to download
• Strength: No ads, upsells or extra battery-hungry app
• Strength: Google says it scans 200 billion Android apps daily
• Weakness: Focuses on apps; there is no Wi-Fi check, breach alert or scam text assistant
• Weakness: Few settings or reports compared with dedicated apps
• Weakness: Only on devices that are Play Protect certified

Key facts

• Price: Free, built in
• Default state: On by default
• Daily app scans: 200 billion (Google figure)
• Where to check: Play Store app, profile icon, Play Protect

Where it ranks

Google Play Protect is No. 4 in our Best Free Antivirus for Android verdict.