Why You Should Scan APK FilesSideloading apps works well on Android, but there are some disadvantages. Another way you can prevent malware from being loaded onto your phone is by scanning your APK files for viruses before installing. Tap your Google account profile picture in the upper right corner and select Play Protect on the next screen. Tap the Scan button to have Google scan your phone for any app-related issues. You can also access Play Protect by going to Settings → Security and privacy → App security.