Avast Mobile Security - FAQs

General

What is Avast Mobile Security?

Avast Mobile Security for Android is a security app that helps protect your mobile device from unwanted phishing, malware, spyware, and malicious viruses such as trojans. It also helps secure your email accounts and accounts associated with your email addresses, lock your sensitive apps, and protect access to your photos stored on your device.

Avast Mobile Security for iOS is an app designed to protect your privacy online, securely store your photos, block dangerous websites, and alert you if your online accounts or email addresses have been leaked online. It also helps secure your email accounts and accounts associated with your email addresses and protect access to your photos stored on your device.

How does Avast Mobile Security help protect my device?

Avast Mobile Security helps protect your Android device from known malware and threats, and monitors data going in and out according to your preferences. We do our best to protect your device against all possible threats, but no solution is 100% effective.

Like all applications on the Android market, it is subject to limitations imposed by the operating system version running on the device. It cannot protect against exploits targeting specific vulnerabilities in the OS kernel, the network stack and other fundamental parts of the system. However, we take our role in the security industry seriously, and continuously work with Android vendors to develop future solutions to minimize the risk of attacks.

Download and Installation

What are the system requirements for Avast Mobile Security?

For detailed information on system requirements for Avast Mobile Security, refer to the following article: System requirements for Avast applications.

Avast Mobile Security supports both Android phones and tablets. The app is compatible with most ARM Android devices. However, each vendor or manufacturer makes slight changes in their devices, so some features may behave unexpectedly or, in rare cases, not work. Note that Avast cannot cover all vendor customizations to the OS. However, we gladly accept feedback if you experience compatibility issues on your Android device.

If you are using a custom ROM (Read-Only-Memory), the app may not work as expected. If you have any feedback regarding this issue, report it to Avast Support.

Avast Mobile Security is not supported by and cannot be installed or run on:

Symbian, Microsoft Windows Phone/Mobile, Bada, WebOS, or any mobile operating system other than Android. The iOS version of Avast Mobile Security can be downloaded from the App Store.

How do I install and activate Avast Mobile Security?

For detailed installation and activation instructions, refer to the following articles:

Subscription and Activation

Which paid Avast Mobile Security subscriptions are available?

Avast Mobile Security subscriptions are available in two main tiers:

Avast Mobile Security Premium: With this tier, you can take advantage of the following premium features:
- Remove ads: Eliminate third-party ads from your Avast Mobile Security experience.
- App Lock: Protect access to your apps with a PIN.
- Automatic Scan: Set a day of the week and time for the app to scan your device automatically.
- Upgraded Hack Alerts: Monitor up to 5 email accounts and immediately receive a notification if a password linked to your email account is found leaked online.
- Scam Guardian Pro: Includes paid features such as SMS Guard, Email Guard, Call Guard, and Link Guard.
- Scam Guardian Pro: Includes paid features such as SMS Guard, Email Guard, and Call Guard.
- Unlimited Photo Vault: Secure storage of unlimited photos in an encrypted vault on your device.
Avast Mobile Security Ultimate: This is an advanced tier of the paid version. With this subscription, you gain access to:
- All the features included in the previous tier, Avast Mobile Security Premium.
- VPN Secure Connection: This feature helps protect your privacy online by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), ensuring that no one can monitor your online activities.

Is my paid Avast Mobile Security subscription also valid for other paid Avast apps?

No. If you subscribe to Avast Mobile Security Premium or Avast Mobile Security Ultimate through Google Play, your subscription is valid only for this particular app.

No. If you subscribe to Avast Mobile Security Premium or Avast Mobile Security Ultimate through Apple App Store, your subscription is valid only for this particular app.

How do I upgrade to one of the paid versions of Avast Mobile Security?

To upgrade Avast Mobile Security to one of the paid versions, tap Upgrade in the top-right corner, select your preferred subscription tier (Avast Mobile Security Premium or Avast Mobile Security Ultimate), then follow the on-screen instructions to subscribe. When the transaction completes, the paid version of Avast Mobile Security activates automatically on your Android device. Your purchased subscription is valid on devices that are connected to your Google Account and have Avast Mobile Security installed.

The paid versions available may differ according to your region and certain regulatory restrictions. You may see some or all of the subscription packages Avast offers.

Can I use my multi-device subscription to activate Avast Mobile Security?

The following multi-device subscriptions can be used to activate corresponding features in Avast Mobile Security:

Avast Premium Security Multi-device: Activates all features included in Avast Mobile Security Premium.
Avast Ultimate Multi-device: Activates all features included in Avast Mobile Security Ultimate.
Avast VPN Multi-device: Provides access to VPN features only.

What happens if I upgrade from my current subscription to a different subscription?

When you upgrade from one paid version of Avast Mobile Security to another (for example, from Avast Mobile Security Premium to Avast Mobile Security Ultimate), Google Play Store automatically calculates how much of your original subscription was unused. To compensate you for the value of this unused subscription, you receive access to the upgraded subscription for a period of time that is equivalent to the value of that unused subscription at no extra cost. This means you are not immediately charged when you activate your upgraded subscription, but when that period ends (unless canceled first). The length of that access period depends on how much of your original subscription was unused. The date of your first payment is displayed during the subscription upgrade.

When you upgrade from one paid version of Avast Mobile Security to another (for example, from Avast Mobile Security Premium to Avast Mobile Security Ultimate), Apple App Store automatically calculates how much of your original subscription was unused. To compensate you for the value of this unused subscription, you receive access to the upgraded subscription for a period of time that is equivalent to the value of that unused subscription at no extra cost. This means you are not immediately charged when you activate your upgraded subscription, but when that period ends (unless canceled first). The length of that access period depends on how much of your original subscription was unused. The date of your first payment is displayed during the subscription upgrade.

How can I use my Avast Mobile Security subscription on another device?

To start using your Avast Mobile Security subscription on another device, refer to the following article: Transferring or restoring Avast mobile subscriptions.

How can I cancel a paid Avast Mobile Security subscription?

Uninstalling the paid Avast Mobile Security app from your Android device does not cancel your subscription. You will continue to be charged until you cancel it. For information on how to cancel a subscription purchased via the Play Store, refer to the following article: Canceling an Avast subscription via Google Play Store or the App Store.

If you did not subscribe to your paid version of Avast Mobile Security using the Google Play Store, you need to cancel the subscription via your Avast Account. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article: Canceling the renewal for a subscription via your Avast Account.

Uninstalling the paid Avast Mobile Security app from your iOS device does not cancel your subscription. You will continue to be charged until you cancel it. For information on how to cancel a subscription purchased via the App Store, refer to the following article: Canceling an Avast subscription via Google Play Store or the App Store.

If you did not subscribe to your paid version of Avast Mobile Security using the Apple App Store, you need to cancel the subscription via your Avast Account. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article: Canceling the renewal for a subscription via your Avast Account.

What can I do if Avast Mobile Security does not detect my paid subscription?

In rare cases, Avast Mobile Security does not detect your valid subscription and displays the No subscriptions found message when you try to restore your subscription. For instructions on how to resolve this issue, refer to the following article: Troubleshooting activation issues in Avast mobile apps.

Is there a free trial option for the paid versions of Avast Mobile Security?

Yes. The free trial allows you to use premium features for 7 days free of charge. You can enable a free trial when choosing your subscription tier. Once the free trial period ends, your paid subscription starts automatically.

A payment method is required to sign up for a free trial. When the free trial ends, the payment card provided will be charged, unless the subscription is canceled before the end of the free trial.

How can I reactivate my Avast Mobile Security?

If you previously purchased a paid version of Avast Mobile Security through the App Store and want to reactivate your app, for example on a new or reset device, refer to the following article: Transferring or restoring Avast mobile subscriptions.

Avast Mobile Security connects to the App Store and automatically activates the app on your iOS device.

For more information about activating Avast Mobile Security for iOS, refer to the following article: Activating Avast Mobile Security.

Features

What is Smart Scan?

The Smart Scan button on the main app screen scans apps installed on your device and informs you about security risks caused by changes in default settings.

Avast Mobile Security automatically scans newly installed apps the first time they are run. Avast Mobile Security offers to uninstall the app or delete the file if malware is detected. If an app or file is incorrectly identified as malware, you can report the false-positive detection directly to Avast Threat Labs.

To schedule automatic scans, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

What is Alerts?

The Alerts screen provides an overview of important notifications and security-related information that may require your attention. This includes items such as detected security issues, account-related notifications, feature recommendations, and other important status updates from Avast Mobile Security.

To access Alerts, open Avast Mobile Security and tap Alerts on the bottom navigation bar.

Review the available alerts and follow any recommended actions to help keep your device, data, and accounts protected.

What is Scam Guardian?

Scam Guardian within Avast Mobile Security offers several features to help verify website legitimacy and reduce the risk of fraudulent interactions.

The free version of Avast Mobile Security includes Web Guard and Avast Assistant. The paid version, Scam Guardian Pro, which is included in the Avast Mobile Security Premium and Ultimate adds Email Guard, SMS Guard, Call Guard, and Link Guard.

The free version of Avast Mobile Security includes Web Guard and Avast Assistant. Premium and Ultimate tiers upgrade this feature to Scam Guardian Pro, which includes Email Guard, SMS Guard, and Call Guard.

For more information about using Scam Guardian and the features within, refer to the following articles:

What is Web Guard?

Web Guard is a free feature within Scam Guardian, designed to automatically block malicious URLs that could harm your device or steal info like your personal data or passwords. Web Guard also warns you when you visit a potentially sensitive website, and advises you to turn on your VPN for additional protection.

For detailed information about using the Web Guard, refer to the following article: Scam Guardian Pro - Getting Started.

What is Email Guard?

Email Guard is a premium feature that scans your incoming emails. When you check them using a web browser, every new email is labeled as either Safe, Suspicious, or Scam. Email Guard allows you to monitor up to 5 emails at once.

To learn how to use Email Guard, refer to the following articles:

What is App Insights?

App Insights analyzes the apps you have installed from Google Play based on various security and privacy criteria. It then provides insights into any potential risks associated with those apps. For information about using App Insights, refer to the following article: Scam Guardian Pro - Getting Started.

What is Network Inspector?

Network Inspector automatically scans the networks you join for any vulnerabilities, and gives you recommendations for how to protect your privacy and personal info. For information about enabling Network Inspector, refer to the following article: Scam Guardian Pro - Getting Started.

What is App Lock?

App Lock is a paid Avast Mobile Security feature that helps protect most of your sensitive apps using a PIN or pattern. If your device supports fingerprint unlocking, you can also use a fingerprint to unlock apps protected by App Lock.

For information about enabling this feature refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

What is Hack Alerts?

Hack Alerts monitors the accounts connected to your email address and notifies you if there has been a hack or leak.

To activate Hack Alerts, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

To activate Hack Alerts, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started

Free users are only able to monitor one email address at a time. Paid users are able to monitor 5.

What is Photo Vault?

If you uninstall Avast Mobile Security on Android, photos stored in the Photo Vault are no longer accessible. They can be restored by reinstalling Avast Mobile Security on the same device and setting up Photo Vault again using the same email address and PIN code. To avoid losing access, export your files from Photo Vault before uninstalling the app.

Photo Vault allows you to protect access to your photos stored on your device with a PIN code. Photos that are moved to Photo Vault are encrypted and hidden. In the free version of Avast Mobile Security, you can protect up to 10 photos. To secure an unlimited number of photos, upgrade to a paid version of Avast Mobile Security.

To learn how to use Photo Vault, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

If you uninstall Avast Mobile Security on iOS, any photos you have stored in the Photo Vault will be deleted along with the app and there is no option to restore them. We recommend exporting your files from Photo Vault before uninstalling the app.

What is Privacy Advisor?

Many of your online accounts include settings that allow you to control who has access to your personal data. Privacy Advisor helps you to easily locate these settings and adjust them according to your preferences. To access Privacy Advisor, open Avast Mobile Security and tap Explore ▸ Privacy Advisor.

What is Wi-Fi Speed test?

Wi-Fi Speed test measures and rates your network's current download and upload speeds. It also scans your network for problems with your router, encryption, Wi-Fi, and connection. When this action is complete, the app advises whether the network you are connected to is safe. Any detected issues are described, along with instructions on how to resolve them. To perform a Wi-Fi Speed test, open Avast Mobile Security and tap Explore ▸ Wi-Fi Speed test.

What is Junk Cleaner?

Junk Cleaner helps you detect and clean dispensable items that are occupying your device's storage.

For more information about using Junk Cleaner, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

VPN

What is VPN?

The VPN feature in Avast Mobile Security is only available if you have an Avast Mobile Security Ultimate or an Avast VPN subscription.

The VPN feature allows you to connect to the internet via Avast VPN servers, using an encrypted tunnel to help protect your online activity from eavesdropping. VPN in Avast Mobile Security offers:

Protection: When many people are connected to the same public network, attackers can capture sensitive data, such as logins and passwords. The encrypted VPN connection provides adequate protection against these types of attacks.
Anonymization: With broadband connections, many people have fixed IP addresses, which can be tracked when browsing sensitive sites. With a VPN connection, the browsing session is effectively anonymized, as the IP address the remote server sees is the address of the VPN server, not the user.
Access content around the world: Using a VPN allows you to access servers in different parts of the world.

For information on using VPN, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

What is the difference between the VPN in Avast Mobile Security and the standalone Avast VPN app?

The VPN feature in Avast Mobile Security for Android and the Avast VPN app offer the same functionality.

The main difference is how the service is delivered. Avast VPN is available as a standalone application focused only on VPN functionality. In contrast, Avast Mobile Security includes Avast VPN as part of a broader security and optimization solution that combines multiple features (such as device protection, performance tools, and identity protection) within a single app.

How can I add the VPN feature to Avast Mobile Security?

Avast Mobile Security VPN is available for devices with the following subscriptions:

Avast Mobile Security Ultimate for Android
Avast Mobile Security Ultimate for iOS
Avast VPN for Android
Avast VPN for iOS
Avast VPN Multi-Device

For information about activating a paid subscription, refer to the following article: Activating Avast Mobile Security.

What advanced VPN features are available in Avast Mobile Security on Android?

Avast Mobile Security on Android includes advanced VPN features such as: Kill Switch, Auto Connect on unsecured networks, VPN protocol selection, Split Tunneling, advanced server options (P2P‑Optimized, Double VPN, and IP Rotation), Ad Tracker Blocking, and the option to refresh your IP address. For setup instructions, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

What is Kill Switch, and what happens if my VPN disconnects?

Kill Switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly disconnects. Traffic remains blocked until the VPN reconnects or you turn off Kill Switch. Local devices are not accessible while Kill Switch is enabled.

Why does the VPN connect automatically on public Wi-Fi?

This happens when Auto Connect is enabled. Auto Connect automatically turns on the VPN when you connect to an unsecured network. You can manage trusted networks in the Auto Connect settings.

Can I choose which apps use the VPN?

Yes. On Android, you can use Split Tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which bypass it.

Which VPN protocol should I use?

The default protocol is suitable for most scenarios. If you experience connection or speed issues, you can select a different protocol in the VPN settings.

What are P2P‑Optimized, Double VPN, and IP Rotation servers?

These are advanced server options designed for specific use cases. P2P‑Optimized servers are intended for peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing. Double VPN routes your connection through two servers for enhanced privacy. IP Rotation regularly changes your IP address to help reduce tracking and location-based restrictions. Using these servers may affect connection speed.

How many VPN servers are available in Avast Mobile Security?

The server list is dynamic and may change but, generally, Avast Mobile Security VPN offers over 100 server locations to choose from all around the globe, and can automatically choose the optimal server location for your needs.

Settings

How can I manage Avast Mobile Security notifications?

Open Avast Mobile Security and tap Account ▸ Settings.
Tap Notifications.
Use the slider to enable or disable the selected notification.

How can I customize my scan settings?

Tap Account ▸ Settings ▸ Security to access the following options:

The former Deep Scan feature has been removed. However, similar functionality is still available by enabling Scan System Apps and Scan SD Card.

Automatic scan: Allows you to set a schedule for scanning. Select a day of the week and time for the app to scan your device automatically.
Scan System Apps: Choose whether to scan system apps for malware, privacy risks, and unusual behavior.
Scan SD Card: Choose whether to scan SD Cards.
Ransomware Recovery: Attempt to remove ransomware if it has taken control of your device.

How do I verify which version of Avast Mobile Security is installed on my device?

Open Avast Mobile Security and tap Account ▸ About.
Verify your current app version under Avast Mobile Security.

Why am I seeing a message to update Avast Mobile Security?

Avast Mobile Security may occasionally display an in-app prompt asking you to update the app from the App Store if the installed version is no longer supported or is approaching retirement.

Depending on the version and requirements, you may see one of the following prompts:

Required update: A full-screen message that cannot be dismissed. Tap Update now to open the App Store and install the latest version of Avast Mobile Security.
Update reminder: A dismissible message that reminds you to update the app. This reminder can appear at most once per day.

Updating Avast Mobile Security does not sign you out of the app and does not remove your data or settings. The only action required is updating the app through the App Store.

Where can I find My statistics?

My statistics is available via Account ▸ My statistics.

My statistics lets you see all activity Avast Mobile Security performs for Android. This mainly includes updates and scans.

How can I control which data I share with Avast and third parties?

To manage your data sharing preferences, tap Account ▸ Settings ▸ General. Tap the slider next to one of the following options so that it changes to ON to opt in (automatically enabled), or OFF to opt out:

Avast Community IQ
Share app-usage data (In the free version of Avast Mobile Security, this option is enabled by default and does not appear)
Personalized discounts

To manage your data sharing preferences, tap Account ▸ Privacy Settings. Tap the slider next to one of the following options so that it changes to ON to opt in (automatically enabled), or OFF to opt out:

Avast Community IQ
Personalized discounts
Share app-usage data (In the free version of Avast Mobile Security, this option is enabled by default and does not appear)

If you have a paid version of Avast Mobile Security, removing the app from your device does not automatically cancel your subscription. For information about canceling an Avast subscription, refer to the following article: Canceling an Avast subscription via Google Play Store or the App Store.

How can I check if my virus database is up to date?

The virus database is updated automatically. Tap Account ▸ Settings ▸ Security, and scroll down to Virus database to check the date the current virus database was installed. Tap Check for updates to manually install the latest update.

To prevent Avast Mobile Security from updating when you are using mobile data to connect to the internet, tap the slider next to Wi-Fi updates only so that it changes to ON. We do not recommend keeping this setting enabled.

Troubleshooting

How can I uninstall Avast Mobile Security?

If you no longer want to use Avast Mobile Security, you need to cancel your subscription before uninstalling the app from your device.

For detailed uninstallation instructions, refer to the following article: Uninstalling Avast Mobile Security.

How can I disable third-party ads in Avast Mobile Security for Android?

To support the ongoing development of Avast Mobile Security, the free version of the app includes third-party ads that do not interfere with app usage. Paid versions of Avast Mobile Security are ad-free and include a range of additional premium features and benefits. Subscribe to a paid version of Avast Mobile Security by tapping Upgrade in the top-right corner of the main app screen.

What should I do if the Accessibility permission is disabled repeatedly?

To improve performance, some Android devices force apps to stop when your device screen turns off. This often causes apps with the Accessibility permission to lose this permission.

To re-enable the Accessibility permission, open your device settings, search for Accessibility, then grant this permission to Avast Mobile Security.

We recommend changing your system settings to prevent Avast Mobile Security from losing the permission. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article: Preventing your Android device from stopping Avast apps.

Why can’t I turn on some Avast Mobile Security features when Advanced Protection is on?

Advanced Protection in Android restricts a permission that Avast Mobile Security needs. While Advanced Protection is turned on in Settings ▸ Security & privacy ▸ Advanced Protection, some Avast Mobile Security features cannot be turned on. The restriction is intended behavior in Android, not a problem with your device or with Avast Mobile Security. A resolution is in progress.

How can I reset the PIN for App Lock?

For information about resetting the App Lock PIN, refer to the following article: Avast Mobile Security for Android - Getting Started.

What should I do if Avast Mobile Security for Android crashes or stops running?

Try one of the following options:

Fully uninstall, then reinstall Avast Mobile Security.
Report the issue to Avast Support so that our support representatives can perform a deeper analysis.
Join the Avast Beta program to test the latest versions of Avast Android apps before public release. This means that you receive app updates and bug fixes earlier.

What can I do when Avast Mobile Security for Android cannot remove malware?

In rare cases, Avast Mobile Security detects malware but cannot uninstall it. This is usually caused by the level of permissions granted to the suspicious app or the app being installed as a system app. For more information, refer to the following article: Resolving a malware removal issue in Avast Mobile Security.

How can I report a false positive detection to Avast Threat Labs?

In rare cases, Avast Mobile Security may detect and mark a clean file as malware. You can report false detections to Avast Threat Labs directly from the scan results screen:

Tap ⋮ More options (the three dots) next to the detected file that you want to report.
Tap Not malware.
Type a description of the issue.
Tap Send.

How can I disable sound alerts for background notifications from Avast Mobile Security?

On some Honor or Huawei devices, a sound plays each time you receive a notification from Avast Mobile Security. To prevent this, follow the steps below on your Honor or Huawei device:

Open your device Settings and go to Apps & notifications.
Select Notifications management.
Tap Avast Mobile Security for Android, then select Background services.
Tap the blue (ON) slider next to Ringtone, so it changes to OFF.

A sound no longer plays each time you receive a notification from Avast Mobile Security.

Why does Avast Mobile Security need so many permissions?

Avast Mobile Security for Android requires many permissions that may initially seem unnecessary. This is because permission classifications in Android are assigned a name based on the most common use case, but do not describe all the kinds of processes that require the permission. For example, the full internet access permission is required to receive updates to malware definitions, and Scan and Web Guard need permission to read phone data so the data can be scanned for threats.

We take your privacy very seriously. The permissions requested are the minimum set that is needed to implement the functionality of Avast Mobile Security for Android. For more information, refer to the following article: Permissions required by Avast Mobile Security.

How can I report an issue to Avast Support?

We offer many self-help articles on the Avast Support pages. However, some issues may require deeper investigation by Avast Support.

If you have a paid subscription to Avast Mobile Security, you can contact Avast Support. Our support agents will help you resolve your issues.

Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security Premium

Android and iOS

Updated on: 06/11/2026