[KB2711] ESET Mobile Security for Android FAQ (7.x–8.x)

Issue

Solution

FAQ

  1. How do I install ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    Download and install ESET Mobile Security for Android.
  1. How do I get started with the ESET Mobile Security for Android application?
    Visit our interactive getting started page for guided help to download, install, activate and set up ESET Mobile Security for Android.
  1. Where can I get ESET Mobile Security for Android?
  1. I have a current license for an earlier version of ESET Mobile Security for Android—am I eligible for a free upgrade to the new Android product?
    Yes. Users with a valid ESET Mobile Security for Android license are eligible to upgrade to the latest version for free. Follow the upgrade notification instructions on your device. Upgrade ESET Mobile Security for Android to the latest version.
  1. I have a Multi-Device Security license—can I install ESET Mobile Security from Amazon.com or Google Play?
    Yes, you can download ESET Mobile Security and activate it with your ESET-issued Username and Password.
  1. Is there any difference in product features between the Google Play, Amazon Appstore and ESET Webshop versions of ESET Mobile Security?
    Most of the features included in the app are available for each vendor. These are the only differences you will find in different vendor versions of ESET Mobile Security:
  • The version downloaded from Google Play offers an additional option to send promotional codes to your friends.
  • Version numbers may differ for each vendor.
  1. How do I activate premium features in ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    Activate premium features in ESET Mobile Security.
  1. On how many devices can I install ESET Mobile Security?
    If you purchased ESET Mobile Security through Google Play or Amazon.com, you can install ESET Mobile Security or ESET Smart TV Security on up to five separate devices using the same email account.
  1. Can I install ESET Mobile Security for Android on my rooted device?
    You can install ESET Mobile Security for Android on a rooted device. However, ESET does not recommend using a rooted device and ESET Technical Support may not provide support for customers with ESET Mobile Security for Android installed on rooted devices.
  1. What are the system requirements for ESET Mobile Security for Android to work on my mobile device?
  • ESET Mobile Security for Android is compatible with all publicly released versions of Android, versions 5 and later.
  • ESET Mobile Security requires Google Play services to work correctly.
  • ESET Mobile Security is not supported on devices without Google Play services, such as some Huawei devices.
  • Anti-phishing integrates with the most common web browsers available on Android OS. In general, anti-phishing protection is available for stock browsers that come pre-installed on Android devices.
  1. Will ESET Mobile Security for Android work on my tablet? What about on my Kindle Fire?
    All applicable features and functions of ESET Mobile Security for Android are compatible with tablets running Android version 5 and later. Anti-Theft and Call Filter are not available on tablets that do not support calling or messaging.

    The latest version of ESET Mobile Security for Android does not support Kindle Fire (first generation). Will ESET Mobile Security for Android work on my Tablet device?
  1. Why is SIM Guard not available in my version of ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    SIM Guard is unavailable on certain CDMA and WCDMA mobile devices. If SIM Guard is not available on your mobile device, this does not represent a security risk.
  1. What is Payment Protection in ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    Payment Protection is a premium feature that offers additional security against advanced phishing and other attacks on your banking and payment applications. You can find more information in the Payment application Online Help topic.
  1. How do I prevent the ESET Mobile Security for Android from being deactivated on Huawei and Xiaomi devices with MIUI ROM?
    Tap SettingsAdvanced settingsBattery managerProtected apps and mark ESET Mobile Security as Protected or visit Don't kill my app website for more information.
  1. How do I receive updates for ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore purchases will automatically download detection engine and module updates through Google Play or Amazon Appstore whenever they become available. There are two important update types for ESET Mobile Security for Android:

All updates to ESET Mobile Security for Android are downloaded using your device's data connection. You are responsible for all costs associated with downloading module updates (for example, data transmission fees, roaming fees).

  1. I purchased ESET Mobile Security for Android on ESET.com, can I use the Google Play or Amazon Appstore version?
    Yes, if you want to change to the Google Play or Amazon version, download the app from either of these services and install it over your previous version of ESET Mobile Security.

You can also download ESET Mobile Security for Android from Google Play or Amazon Appstore, and activate it with your license purchased from ESET.com.

  1. I purchased ESET Mobile Security for Android from Google Play but cannot activate it. What should I do?
    If activation of ESET Mobile Security from Google Play failed, you need the Google wallet transaction email containing your order number and the email account associated with your purchase to complete activation.
  1. What customer support is available for ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    All versions of ESET Mobile Security for Android have online contextual help. Tap the question mark (?) at the top of any module to access contextual help specific to that module. Contextual help contains detailed descriptions of the features and functionalities in a given module.

For additional assistance, tap Menu from the ESET Mobile Security for Android main menu and then tap Technical Support. Here you can access the ESET Knowledgebase or complete a support form to email your issue directly to ESET Technical Support.

  1. Is there a trial version of ESET Mobile Security for Android?
    If you want to try the premium features of ESET Mobile Security, you can subscribe to the Premium version for the first 30 days free. During that period, you can cancel your subscription at any time. Additionally, there is a free version of the software available. Which ESET Mobile Security for Android product do I have (Free or Premium)?.
  1. How do I reset my ESET HOME password?
    Reset my Security password for ESET Mobile Security for Android.
  1. What content is deleted using the Remote Wipe feature?
    The ESET Remote Wipe feature will delete all contacts, messages, emails, installed applications including app cache, local calendars, user profile, browser history, Android browser bookmarks, your Google account and the SD card content from your phone.
  1. Why is there no ESET product available for Windows Phone and Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)?
    Windows Phone and Apple iOS are proprietary operating systems with their own application stores. The only way to install software on your device is through these stores. Publishers verify each application and guarantee it is malware-free. The applications from these stores cannot scan and delete other programs. Additionally, each application runs in its own segment – a sandbox – so that even if there is any malware bundled in with an application, it cannot be installed and spread to other programs.
  1. Can I use ESET Mobile Security for Android on a dual-SIM device?
    Dual-Sim devices are supported on ESET Mobile Security for Android, however, Anti-Theft is not supported.
  1. How do I stop receiving Special offers and news from ESET?
    To access this option in ESET Mobile Security, tap Menu Settings Special offers.
  1. What happens if a Potentially unwanted or unsafe application is detected?
    ESET Mobile Security will display a warning if you try to install a potentially unwanted or unsafe application. Tap Remove to uninstall the application or to send it to quarantine, tap Menu in the upper right corner, and select Quarantine. For more options, tap More info to see detailed information about the threat. If you trust the application, ignore the warning and continue using the application by tapping the Menu icon in the upper right corner and selecting the Ignore option.
  1. How do I turn off Permanent notifications? 
    Tap Menu → Settings → Permanent notification
    Android 8 users: Tap and hold the ESET Mobile Security You are protected notification in your device's notifications bar and then tap the toggle next to Permanent Notification. Tap Done.
  1. What is Adware Detector?
    Adware Detector is a new feature in ESET Mobile Security that monitors suspicious apps that display pop-up advertisements even when you are not actively using the app. Read more about how to use an Adware detector.
  1. What is Network Inspector?
    Network Inspector is a diagnostic tool that provides information about the security of your router. It also displays a list of devices connected to your network.

    For more information read the ESET Network Inspector FAQ.

  2. How do I transfer my ESET Mobile Security for Android from my old phone to my new phone?
    Download and install ESET Mobile Security for Android on your new device and add your license key. You can manage your licenses in ESET HOME.

  3. I received a Restricted settings warning for ESET mobile application installed from the .apk file on Android 13. What should I do?
    Read more about Android 13 restrictions.

ESET Mobile Security Known Issues

Currently, there are no known issues with ESET Mobile Security for Android.


Privacy Policy for App permissions

ESET does not use these permissions for data collection or marketing purposes. To protect your personal information and your Android device’s resources, ESET Mobile Security for Android needs access or control of specific device functions. For detailed explanations of each permission, see the table below.

Permission settings for Android 6 (Marshmallow)

If you receive the message "Screen overlay detected" after granting permissions in your ESET mobile product for Android, update your overlay settings to resolve the issue.

To see the permissions given to ESET Mobile Security for Android after installation, follow these steps:

  1. Tap Settings→ Apps (or Manage Applications) to open your device (in some cases, Menu → Settings).
  1. Tap ESET Mobile Security to view the application’s specific permissions.

For anti-phishing to function properly and protect you against dangerous websites, you must allow the Accessibility function.


Permissions for Android version 6 and later

ESET Mobile Security uses dynamic permissions for Android version 6 and later. You will be asked to allow application permissions the first time you use the application features requiring those permissions.

Application feature Application Permission Usage by ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus
Installation Read phone information

Links the license to the unique device identifier to activate the product

Read files

Accesses your files and searches for threats to keep your device safe

Antivirus Read files

Accesses your files and searches for threats to keep your device safe

Call Filter Access calls

Stops unwanted calls

Anti-phishing Monitor your actions

Notifies you when you're interacting with apps

Retrieve window content

Inspects the contents of the windows you're interacting with

Anti-Theft web control Location

Accesses device location to report it in the event your device is marked as missing

Access camera

Takes pictures when the device is stolen

Anti-Theft sim guard Read phone information

Detects SIM card removal

Send messages

Notifies your trusted contacts about missing trusted SIM card

Read contacts

To select a contact from your phone

Draw over other apps  

Necessary for Anti-Theft to be able to lock the device in the event that your device is stolen. (If you download ESET Mobile Security from Google Play, this permission is activated by default)

Permission settings for Android 6 (Marshmallow)

If you receive the message "Screen overlay detected" after granting permissions in your ESET mobile product for Android, update your overlay settings to resolve the issue.

Click here to view permissions for Android version 5

Application permission Google Play description Usage by Mobile Security & Antivirus
In-app purchases

Allows the user to make purchases from within this app

Allows you to upgrade from the Free to Premium version of the app

Device & app history Allows the app to access information about device activity, apps that are running, browsing history and bookmarks
  • Allows access to your web browser history and bookmarks so that the Wipe command can be used to delete this data from your device in the event it is marked as missing.
  • Anti-phishing analyzes URLs in your browsing history to determine if they are unsafe, and to protect against malicious websites attempting to acquire your sensitive information.
Identity Uses accounts on the device, profile data
  • Accesses basic user data so you can sign in to your accounts.
  • Allows the Remote Wipe command to remove personal accounts from the device when marked as missing.
Calendar Uses calendar information

Allows access to the calendar so that it can be deleted from your device if you activate the Wipe command.

Contacts Uses contact information

Allows adding contacts from a contact list.

Location Uses the device's location

Retrieves the location of your device when you request the location from an authorized device or ESET HOME web portal after you marked it as missing.

Phone Uses: phone and call log. Charges may apply.

Accesses your phone settings so the Call Filter, Group Blocking, and Block Last Caller features can block incoming calls from contacts that you chose to block; modifies the audio settings to increase the device volume if you use the Siren command.

Photos/Media/Files

Uses: files on the device, such as images, videos, or audio; the device's external storage

Allows ESET Mobile Security to access your files and search for threats to keep your device safe. Also allows access for the Wipe command in the event that the device is stolen.

Camera Uses the device's camera(s)

Allows a camera to take pictures in the event that the device is stolen.

Wi-Fi connection information

Allows the app to access information about Wi-Fi networking, Wi-fi usage, and connected Wi-Fi device names

Checks online status when Anti-Theft commands are sent (Lock, Find, Siren, and Wipe) and allows a device to update the detection engine.
Device ID & call information Allows the app to check the phone number and device IDs, call activity, and the remote number connected by a call.
  • Allows the unique device identifier to connect or reconnect the device to your ESET HOME account.
  • For the Call Filter, Group Blocking, and Block Last Caller features, the app accesses your phone settings to block incoming calls from contacts that you have previously chosen to block and to modify the audio settings to increase the device volume if you use the Siren command.