If you’ve got an Android phone, you may also have several Android apps downloaded on your phone that could be putting your data and personal security at risk. In order to protect your personal data and extend the life of your device, you may want to consider removing a few questionable apps from your phone.
Tech experts say these are the 12 Android apps worth deleting because they raise red flags and suspicions. They’re data snatchers that can slow down your device and make it less effective.
Weather Apps
Weather apps can contain viruses — one app had a built-in Trojan that collected credit card data from more than 5,000 users that downloaded it. Most smart devices come with pre-loaded weather apps, which means you don’t need to download a separate weather app and risk your data.
Social Media Apps
Social media apps like Facebook and Snapchat take up so much of your data and storage space while accumulating a treasure’s worth of information about you. Many users have come to find that accessing Facebook via a browser is easier to use and less taxing on your phone.
Optimizers
Optimizers like Clean Master clear your cache and delete unnecessary programs, but they can also be major battery drainers. Most devices also come with built-in optimizers now, which means you don’t have to take risks downloading these programs.
Built-In Browsers
Built-in browsers are usually slow-working and not very popular, according to experts. Built-in browsers usually open when you click on a link, but unlike a browser like Chrome, these browsers don’t have protection again data interception, leaving you more vulnerable.
Random Antivirus Programs
Some antivirus programs have a good reputation — they’re not ALL bad. But those put out by unknown developers can be created by hackers to steal your personal data and block your phone. Do your research if you plan to download one.
Browsers With Additional Features
This includes browsers with gaming and video streaming, but many of these browsers feature tons of ads that slow down your phone. They can also take advantage of your phone’s functions by doing things like collecting your locations and searches.
Memory Apps
Apps that increase your phone’s RAMS are forms of optimizers. All they can do is clear your phone’s cache temporarily, but they aren’t necessary since so many devices come with these already built in. These memory apps also often collect your data.
Lie Detectors
Fun idea, but lie detectors are only just that: good fun. There is zero proof that these mobile lie detectors worse, plus they’re collecting your data and killing your battery.
Defragmentation Apps
These apps can only analyze how much space certain programs take up, but they are otherwise quite useless on a modern smartphone. These apps also use up your phone’s resources and can collect data.
Music Player
This app lets you listen to saved audio files, but the app still contains many ads and will drain your battery and consume data.
Battery Savers
Countless apps promise to extend battery life. But nothing — especially an app — can change how quickly your phone charges. What they can do is provide an endless stream of ads and take up major battery power in the process (which pretty much defeats their purpose).
Wi-Fi Apps
And, finally: Wi-Fi apps. These apps claim to provide Wi-Fi hot spots, speed boosters, and network protection. But they can also gain access to all of your data — and should be avoided at all costs.
