All it takes is one suspicious or malicious Android app installed on your device for it to put your data and security at risk. If you’ve found a suspicious app and you want to report it to Google, here’s how to do it.
Before you start, remember that most Android malware doesn’t come with a warning banner. Knowing how to avoid malware on Android in the first place is your best form of defense. You can start by only installing apps from the Google Play store.
If you need to install apps outside of the Play Store, you should be absolutely certain you trust the source before you sideload them onto your device. Third-party app stores like the Amazon Appstore might prove to be better to use than sites offering you APK file downloads directly.
Don’t take for granted that every app in the Google Play Store is safe to use, though. Suspicious apps will fall through the cracks from time to time. Thankfully, Google offers users a way to report apps that you feel are suspicious for review.
Report Suspicious Android Apps from Your Device
The easiest method for reporting an app as suspicious is to report it through the Google Play Store on your device. Open the Play Store app and search for the suspicious app.
In the top-right section of the app listing, you’ll see the three-dot menu button. Tap this and click “Flag as Inappropriate.”
You’ll have a list of seven categories for your complaint, from sexual content to impersonation. Choose the reason that best suits your complaint. If you’re reporting an app for malware, for instance, choose “Harmful to Device or Data.”
If the option for “Harmful to Device or Data” isn’t available, or it doesn’t fit your choice, select another reason. If none of the reasons match, choose “Other Objection” at the bottom of the list.
