How to Check If an APK File Is Installed on Your Phone
APK files (Android Package Kits) are installation files for Android apps. If a harmful APK was installed on your device, it may contain spyware or malware. Checking for unknown APK installations is an important step in phone security.
Below are the methods to verify this.
1. Check Installed Apps Manually (Most Important Step)
Android Steps:
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Open Settings
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Go to Apps or Apps & Notifications
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Select See All Apps
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Carefully check the full list
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Look for apps you do not recognize or did not install
Suspicious apps often have:
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No icon
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Strange names (e.g., “System Update Service”, “RAM Booster”, “Auto Tool”, “Device Service”)
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Spell mistakes
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Hidden icons (but visible in list)
If you see anything unfamiliar, uninstall it.
2. Check “Unknown Sources” or “Install Unknown Apps” Permission
If hackers installed an APK, the “Install Unknown Apps” setting may be enabled.
Steps:
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Open Settings
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Go to Security or Privacy
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Click Install Unknown Apps
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Check which apps have permission to install APK files
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Disable permission for all suspicious apps (Chrome, WhatsApp, Files, etc.)
If you see permission enabled for an app you never used to install apps, that is suspicious.
3. Check File Manager for APK Files
Sometimes APK files remain in storage even if the app is deleted.
Steps:
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Open File Manager
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Go to Downloads folder
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Check APK, Installers, Bluetooth, ShareIt, WhatsApp Documents, etc.
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Look for files ending with .apk
Examples:
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abc.apk
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update.apk
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install_tool.apk
Delete any APK you do not recognize.
4. Check Google Play Protect (Built-in Malware Scanner)
Steps:
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Open Google Play Store
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Tap your Profile Icon
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Select Play Protect
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Run a Scan
It will detect many harmful apps installed through APK.
5. Check Device Admin Apps
Some APK spyware takes Device Admin permission.
Steps:
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Settings
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Security
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Device Admin Apps or Device Management
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Look for unknown admin apps
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Disable and uninstall immediately
Suspicious names include:
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System Service
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Security Control
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Device Access
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System Manager
6. Check Accessibility Permission
Spy apps often use accessibility services.
Steps:
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Settings
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Accessibility
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Installed Services
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Look for unknown apps enabled
Disable any suspicious service.
7. Use Antivirus to Detect APK-Based Malware
Install a trusted antivirus (Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky) and run a full scan.
It will detect:
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Spyware
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RAT (Remote Access Tools)
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APK malware
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Keyloggers
8. Check App Info for Source of Installation
Android now shows how the app was installed.
Steps:
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Go to Settings
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Apps
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Select any app
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Scroll down to App Installed From:
It will show:
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Google Play Store (safe)
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Samsung Galaxy Store (safe)
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Unknown Sources (danger)
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Package Installer (APK file) (danger)
Any app showing Installed from: Unknown Source could be a risky APK.
9. Check ADB or Developer Options (Advanced)
If someone installed APK using computer tools:
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Settings
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Developer Options
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Check if USB Debugging is ON (Suspicious)
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Turn it OFF if enabled
APK can be pushed into your phone through USB Debugging.
10. If You Still Feel Unsafe: Factory Reset
This completely removes all unknown APK-installed apps.
Steps:
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Backup important data
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Settings
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System
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Reset
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Factory Data Reset
This guarantees removal of malware or spyware.
Disclaimer
This content is purely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a promotion, advertisement, or solicitation. The information is for public awareness only. If you are a victim of cybercrime, call 1930 or report to the National Cybercrime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) immediately.