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Help S3 is this spyware / virus?

S

scubascuba3

Lurker
Recently my phone has been acting strangely, generally in the evening UK time, it appears for a short time that someone has control of my phone, moves apps, opens Google, opens YouTube, and other apps, only lasts for 20 mins or so. Seems more messing about rather than trying to log into accounts etc. Even started typing rubbish on a text.
So questions are? Has anyone experienced this? What is it? Should I do a factory reset? I'm trying to avoid this as its hassle to get things set up again. I've installed 4 spyware / anti virus apps and nothing is ever found. Ideas anyone?
 
scubascuba3 said:
Recently my phone has been acting strangely, generally in the evening UK time, it appears for a short time that someone has control of my phone, moves apps, opens Google, opens YouTube, and other apps, only lasts for 20 mins or so. Seems more messing about rather than trying to log into accounts etc. Even started typing rubbish on a text.
So questions are? Has anyone experienced this? What is it? Should I do a factory reset? I'm trying to avoid this as its hassle to get things set up again. I've installed 4 spyware / anti virus apps and nothing is ever found. Ideas anyone?
Click to expand...

Hello scuba. We have seen those behaviors reported around the various Android device areas here. The most often successful remedy is to back up data and apps/widgets you are sure you need, then do a factory data reset:

Samsung Galaxy S3 hard reset - PDA Smartphone PNA hard reset soft reset

Once restoring your backups after the reset is completed, be sure to not include any 3rd party app/widgets which could import the problem right back into your device (until further analysis).
 
Thanks Frisco. Anyone know if play store knows which apps were installed? Also how about the external SD card, that doesn't need to be wiped also?
 
scubascuba3 said:
Thanks Frisco. Anyone know if play store knows which apps were installed? Also how about the external SD card, that doesn't need to be wiped also?
Click to expand...

Play Store will remember you and your apps by your Google/Gmail account as you sign back in during the final stages of the reset. :)

I've never wiped my SD card.. some do as a precaution, but it's your call. ;)
 
scubascuba3,

I sent you a Personal Message (PM) and have moved this thread to the GS3 forum so people with this device might offer some further assistance.

Good luck and welcome to Android Forums! Hope you stick around. We have a great community here!

jmar
 
Do you have a freaky partner? Or a kid? :)

Seriously though, ive never heard of anything like that but id factory reset, dont worry about the SD card. If that fails, call a preist ;)
 
Funny. Its not a jealous partner or kid. Is the cause an app installed or is it more likely internet? Is weird though poltergeist did go through my mind. Always around the same time usually 7pmish UK time. I'll factory reset tomorrow once I've backed up
 
The internet cant do anything unless you actively tap a link and install an .apk file (app) i think. And even then, in Settings, Security, you would have to have Unknown Sources checked.
Android and the Play Store are fairly safe imo and im a logical athiest but i still put it down to ghosts lol :)
Wish i had something more sensible to offer mate.
If it was me, id turn on s-voice and try n befriend the phontergeist
 
Well there you go mate... dont you watch films?... obviously ghosties ;)
Ma flat is actually around the same age lol :eek: Cat-B listed building.

Funny how if google introduced a new device in a couple of weeks that could have a conversation with us, we'd love it. But if our phone decides "**** u man.. im gona watch some youtube, youre not the boss of me" we get freaked out lol :beer:
 
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