Manage settings in Malwarebytes for Android

The Call Protection, Real-Time Protection, Ransomware Protection, Safe Browsing Scanner, and Text Protection security features in Malwarebytes help protect your device from scams, ransomware and phishing links. Turn on these security features to protect your device.

Avoid scam calls with Call Protection

Call Protection in Malwarebytes protects your device by blocking scam calls and warning you if a suspected scammer attempts to contact your Android device. Configure this feature to ensure calls from known numbers are not affected, or block hidden numbers and calls from foreign countries. This feature is only available for paid and trial users on Android.

To turn on Call Protection:

1. On the Malwarebytes Dashboard, tap Call Protection.
2. On the Call Protection screen, tap Give permission.
3. In the pop up, tap Malwarebytes, then tap Set as default. 
4. On the Call Protection screen, customize your protection by toggling the following settings on or off:
   • Block hidden numbers: Turn this setting on to block all unknown and private numbers.
   • Block numbers not in contacts: This setting blocks all numbers outside of your existing Contacts. To turn this setting on, you need to allow Malwarebytes to access your contacts.
   • Show blocked call alerts: Turn this setting off if you don't want to see alerts for calls blocked by Malwarebytes.
   • Block numbers from foreign countries: Turn this setting on to limit incoming calls to numbers in your country.

1. On the Malwarebytes Dashboard, tap Call Protection.
2. Toggle Call Protection Off.
3. On the Default apps screen, tap Caller ID & spam app.
4. Tap None.
5. Call Protection is now turned off. To get back to the main dashboard, tap the back arrow at the top left of your screen.

Avoid spam messages with Text Protection 

Text Protection in Malwarebytes alerts you when you receive a suspicious text message and warns you not to open it to protect you from fraud or phishing attempts. After you get an alert about a suspicious text message, we recommend blocking the spam number and deleting the text message. 

Note: The Text Protection setting will not appear if your phone or tablet does not have a SIM card. 

To turn on Text Protection:

1. On the Malwarebytes Dashboard, toggle On Text Protection.
2. Tap Go to settings to grant Malwarebytes permission to alert over other apps.
3. Tap Give permissions, then tap Allow to allow the app to scan your text messages.
4. Once both permissions are granted, the Text Protection feature is active.

Block malicious apps with Real-Time Protection

Real-Time Protection blocks malicious files and apps, as well as ransomware threats with its Ransomware Protection capability.

1. On the Malwarebytes Dashboard, under Security, toggle On Real-Time Protection.
2. If the Usage Access permission prompt displays, tap Enable now to grant the required permission.

Manage Ransomware Protection

The Ransomware Protection capability is automatically enabled and disabled along with Real-Time Protection. However, users can toggle Ransomware Protection On and Off anytime without affecting Real-Time Protection.

We recommend having this feature on at all times for the best protection. To manage Ransomware Protection:

1. On the Malwarebytes Dashboard, tap Settings.
2. Tap Security
3. Tap Protection
4. Toggle Ransomware Protection On or Off.

Note: Ransomware Protection can be unintentionally triggered by plugging in headphones and power cords or adjusting volume settings. If this happens, use the steps above to turn off Ransomware Protection.  

Detect malicious websites with Safe Browsing Scanner

Safe Browsing Scanner detects malicious websites when using browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera on mobile devices.

1. On the Malwarebytes Dashboard, under Security, toggle On Safe Browsing Scanner.
2. If the Accessibility Services permission prompt displays, grant this permission by toggling on Safe Browsing Scanner on your device's Accessibility screen. Different devices may require different steps to enable this feature.