Protecting your Android device from exploits and malware goes beyond simply installing the latest security updates. Google regularly updates the operating system to address new threats, and includes built-in protections like Google Play Protect, which automatically scans apps for “harmful behavior.” These protections run constantly in the background, notifying users of potential security risks. However, some Android manufacturers add their own security features, raising the question of whether these additions are truly necessary – or if they simply introduce performance overhead and redundancy.
One such feature, common on Samsung Galaxy phones, is called App Protection (formerly Device Protection). A staple of Samsung’s One UI for over a decade, App Protection is powered by McAfee and aims to identify potential security threats, particularly those originating from apps downloaded outside of the official Google Play Store or Galaxy Store. While apps verified by Google are generally considered safe, sideloading apps or using third-party app stores can increase the risk of installing malicious software.
App Protection scans installed apps for malware or suspicious activity, both in the background and during the installation process. Samsung explains that the tool is designed to scan apps as they are being downloaded and installed, which inevitably slows down the process, especially for larger applications. The company explicitly states that using App Protection “may make app installations slower, but it allows you to block the installation of apps with security risks.” This proactive scanning differs from simply scanning already-installed apps, which doesn’t automatically prevent the installation of a harmful application.
The feature offers granular settings, allowing users to schedule daily scans (which only run when the phone is charging and the screen is off) and to enable scanning during app installation. Samsung notes that apps deemed “low risk” may not be scanned daily. Users can initiate a manual scan through Settings → Security and privacy → App security → App protection.
However, App Protection isn’t a foolproof solution. Like Google Play Protect, it’s designed to identify potential issues, not automatically resolve them. If a problem is detected, it’s up to the user to remove the app. Samsung recommends using Safe Mode – which disables all third-party apps – to uninstall potentially malicious software. To activate Safe Mode on a Samsung Galaxy phone, hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously, then touch and hold Power down until the Safe mode button appears.
The potential downside of App Protection is its impact on performance. Any background security feature can consume system resources, potentially affecting the responsiveness of other apps and features. In the case of App Protection, the slowdown is most noticeable during app installations. This is particularly relevant for users with older or lower-end Samsung Galaxy devices, where processing power is more limited.
Interestingly, App Protection isn’t enabled by default in recent versions of One UI. However, it’s often bundled with the “Auto Blocker” feature, which offers “maximum restrictions” and may be enabled by default. Users might unknowingly activate App Protection while enabling other Auto Blocker settings, such as blocking automatic attachment downloads or removing location data from photos.
To check if App Protection is enabled, navigate to Settings → Security and privacy → App security → App protection → App Protection settings. A toggle switch allows users to disable the feature. If enabled, the settings are hidden behind the “App Protection settings” menu. The main App Protection page displays the date of the last scan, if any.
the decision of whether to use App Protection comes down to a trade-off between security and performance. Given that Google Play Protect provides similar functionality, many users may find that App Protection is redundant. The added layer of security may not be worth the potential slowdown, especially for those who primarily download apps from trusted sources. Using App Protection requires agreeing to McAfee’s license agreement and privacy policy, which some users may be hesitant to do.
