Alex Ruben
How to Effectively Scan Your Firestick or Android TV for Viruses Using VirusTotal
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your streaming devices like Firestick and Android TV is paramount. With the increasing threat of malware and viruses, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect your personal data and enhance your streaming experience. This guide will walk you through a straightforward, step-by-step process on how to use VirusTotal, a free online tool, to scan your device for viruses. By following these instructions, you will gain peace of mind, knowing your device is secure.
Before you begin, ensure that your Firestick or Android TV is connected to the internet and that you have access to the settings. You will need to download the Downloader app, which will facilitate the installation of VirusTotal. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary permissions to install apps from unknown sources.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options on Your Device
To access certain settings, you must first enable Developer Options on your Firestick or Android TV. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Settings from the home screen.
- Select My Fire TV or Device.
- Go to About and click on the device name repeatedly until you see a message stating you are now a developer.
Step 2: Install the Downloader App
The next step is to install the Downloader app, which will help you download VirusTotal:
- Return to the Firestick home screen and navigate to the search icon.
- Type in Downloader to find the app.
- Download and install the app by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Allow Installation from Unknown Sources
Before you can install VirusTotal, you need to adjust your settings to allow installations from unknown sources:
- Go back to Settings and select My Fire TV.
- Click on Developer Options.
- Select Install Unknown Apps and enable it for the Downloader app.
Step 4: Download VirusTotal
Now that you have the Downloader app and the necessary permissions, you can download VirusTotal:
- Open the Downloader app and click Allow when prompted for permissions.
- On the home screen of Downloader, enter the URL
25931in the textbox and press Go. - You will be redirected to the Troypoint Toolbox home screen. Scroll to find VirusTotal and click Download.
- Follow the installation prompts to complete the download.
Step 5: Launch VirusTotal
After installation, you can launch VirusTotal:
- Once the installation is complete, you will see a message indicating that VirusTotal is ready to launch. Click Done.
- Select Delete to remove the installation file to save space.
- Go back to your apps and launch VirusTotal.
Step 6: Scan Your Device for Viruses
With VirusTotal open, you can begin scanning your device:
- Select Scan and wait for the process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on how many apps you have installed.
- VirusTotal will scan both user-installed and system apps. You can toggle between them as needed.
Step 7: Review Scan Results
Once the scan is complete, VirusTotal will show you a detailed report:
- If any apps are flagged as having potential threats, take immediate action to uninstall them directly from the VirusTotal interface.
- For apps you are unsure about, conduct research online or consult a tech expert for advice.
- After taking action, rescan your device to ensure all threats have been removed.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips and common issues you might encounter:
- If you receive a “no internet” message while scanning, check your device’s internet connection and ensure it is stable.
- For smoother navigation, consider using a Bluetooth mouse to interact with the VirusTotal application.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully scanned your Firestick or Android TV for viruses using VirusTotal. Keeping your device free of malware ensures a safer and smoother streaming experience. Regularly performing scans can help protect your personal data and enhance overall device performance. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more tutorials for further assistance with your streaming devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if VirusTotal finds a virus?
Immediately uninstall any suspicious apps that are flagged and consider researching them online for more information.
Can I use VirusTotal on other devices?
Yes, VirusTotal can be used on various devices; however, the installation process may differ based on the operating system.
How often should I scan my device for viruses?
It’s recommended to perform a scan at least once a month or anytime you notice unusual behavior on your device.