Types of APPs not to download on your Smartphone

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With the millions of apps available in the official Android and iOS stores, it's normal to be tempted to download a lot of them, especially after buying a new phone with a lot more storage space available. But what seems like a good idea to make life easier can end up causing major headaches.

Among the vast array of apps available for our smartphones, some of them pose threats disguised as solutions. By installing them on your device, you iceland mobile database the door to viruses and other types of malware, which can steal your personal data and passwords, track your steps, and cause a lot of damage.

To maintain your security and privacy, it is best to avoid installing certain software. Below, you will find some types of applications that you should never download on your smartphone.

Flashlight apps and other native features
You don't need to download any app to activate your cell phone's flashlight.
You don't need to download any app to activate your phone's flashlight. Source: Unsplash

Despite having the flashlight function available natively on cell phones, many people download third-party apps that provide this tool. The same goes for the keyboard and several other features, usually found in apps full of ads and with invasive permissions.

To use them, you need to allow access to your contact list and location, among other data, putting your privacy at risk . In addition, they will take up some of your storage unnecessarily, since the phone already has these features installed at the factory.

APKs
APKs are very popular among Android users.
APKs are very popular among Android users. Source: Pixabay

Much sought after by users of Google's operating system, which allows you to download apps from unofficial sources, the Android Application Pack (APK) is a software installation package similar to Windows executable (.exe) files . With it, you can install programs that are not available on the Google Play Store.

It is possible to find APKs for cameras, streaming services, and games that provide access to paid features for free, illegally, attracting countless interested parties. However, this type of file can be manipulated and altered by hackers, who take advantage of it to add malware.

It is worth noting that not all APKs contain malicious files, but there are risks when installing an app from an unknown source.

Unknown antiviruses
Antivirus on your cell phone? Its use divides opinions.
Antivirus on your cell phone? Its use divides opinions. Source: Pixabay

Installing antivirus software on your cell phone is a practice that divides opinions. While some advocate the use of security programs, seeking greater protection against online dangers and also in cases of smartphone theft, others believe that the operating system itself does the job, especially on the iPhone.

If you prefer not to give up this extra help, be careful when choosing an antivirus for your smartphone, avoiding downloading versions from unknown developers. These programs usually collect a lot of user data and do not explain what they do with it, and can hide several traps disguised as protection.

Apps to clean your cell phone memory
Deleting unnecessary apps already helps to clear your cell phone's memory.
Deleting unnecessary apps can help clear your phone's memory. Source: Apple/Disclosure

There are a wide range of apps to free up memory on your phone, which attract new users with the promise of making your device faster. However, in general, these programs do not offer anything new, and are only generic solutions that only serve to hinder performance even further.

Instead of installing these “magic” software programs, clean your device yourself. A simple way to optimize its performance is to delete apps that you rarely use. It’s also a good idea to clear the cache of apps and save files to the cloud, using the system’s own tools.