Official warning for billions of Android phone owners – don’t make big mistake

THERE are literally millions of Android apps to choose from out there – and they’re not all on the Google Play Store.

Unlike iPhone and iOS, you can download Android apps outside the official store.

Getty

Don’t take unnecessary risks with what you download[/caption]

This is designed to make the operating system as open as possible.

But it has a dangerous downside.

Downloading stuff outside of Google‘s control means these unchecked apps could be riddled with viruses and other worrying hacks.

Dodgy apps do manage to slip through the net onto Google Play Store, but even then, Google has the power to take them down preventing anyone else from getting hacked.

Read more about Android

DROID DANGER

Millions of Android owners told to check their phones – you could be in danger

GOOG GOD!

Check your Google and Android phone now – a MILLION users ‘hacked’

When you download a third party app, there is no such protection at all.

Apps are technically known as APK files and there are loads of sites offering them.

Sometimes pirated apps are available on them too, which is a whole other problem.

Hackers will often use this as a way to lure users trying to save a quick buck.

The risk is not worth it – not to mention, it’s stealing.

Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not.

Read More on The Sun

LOO KNEW?

I’m trolled for not using toilet paper and never washing down below

BREATHE EASY

Snorers ‘can get up to £156 a week in DWP benefits’ due to medical condition

You just don’t get the same level of protection outside of Google’s secure confines.

If you must download a third party app, be sure to scan it with an antivirus software before installing it at the very least.

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

• How to delete your Instagram account
• What does pending mean on Snapchat?
• How to check if you’ve been blocked on WhatsApp
• How to drop a pin on Google Maps
• How can I change my Facebook password?
• How to go live on TikTok
• How to clear the cache on an iPhone
• What is NFT art?
• What is OnlyFans?
• What does Meta mean?

Get all the latest WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadget stories here.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]