Google Play Protect is a malware protection software that comes integrated into the Google Play Store. Being a complement to Google’s digital store, Play Protect is also present in the vast majority of Android phones by default.
Google Play Protect warns you about risks to the operation of your device and the security of your data.
Basically, the operation of this tool is very similar to that of the best mobile antivirus . However, as with many protection software for smartphones and tablets, Google Play Protect goes beyond trojans or malware .
Google Play Protect not only notifies you when an application is potentially harmful to your device, it also keeps performing a constant scan of the device to inform you of failures and risks to the security of your data.
How Google Play Protect works
When you download an app to your Android phone, Google Play Protect immediately launches a comprehensive security scan. Once the protocol is complete, if the app somehow violates Google’s unwanted software policies or is deemed harmful by Play Protect, you’ll instantly receive a notification and the download process stops.
When this happens and you are definitely not sure about the reliability of the app, it is best to cancel the download and delete any related files.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that Play Protect is not only activated when you try to install some software. Actually, this protection mechanism keeps running in the background and periodically scans the device.
In some cases, especially when it comes to applications obtained from sources other than the Play Store, Play Protect can disable or remove it outright.
When that happens, you also receive a notification informing you about the applied measure. Also, when an app accesses your information, Google Play Protect warns you and recommends that you disable or uninstall it.
Should Google Play Protect be disabled?
Some of the most frequent criticisms against Google Play Protect relate to the fact that, in certain cases, this tool removes applications from your device without prior notice. In addition, the software has sometimes been involved in controversies related to data collection policies.
In any case, however uncomfortable it may be in specific situations, it is honestly not recommended to disable Google Play Protect. However, if you really need to do it, it will only be enough to enter the Google Play Store and press the menu that appears in the upper right corner. Next, you need to select the Play Protect settings options and turn off the switch.