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Issue abstract: Potantially nefarious activity
Detailed description: I received a notice in the notifications screen of my S25 Ultra saying that an update had failed overnight. I clearly wasn’t payproper attention so I clicked the link for it to finish. It opened a site https:// docs.nortonmobile .com followed by the usual numbers & letters that is a part of a URL beyond the main site page. I had to break up the link address because it was perceived to be a link vs plain text as I pasted it. Within a few seconds I realized and closed the process. It is now informing me that I have to restart my phone for the update to take effect. It’s correctly identifying the time I have set for needed restarts. And Norton isn’t alerting on any issues BUT I cannot find within the app anywhere to make it run a full scan rather than just a Smart Scan. Has anyone else encountered this or knows whether the site I listed above is legit or if not what sort of scam it is: ie phishing, virus loading, spyware,…?
Product & version number: Norton 360
OS details: Android version 16 with latest security patch date Feb 5, 2026.
What is the error message you are seeing?
If you have any supporting screenshots, please add them:
Hello @Msdsb
In Norton 360 for Android, the Smart Scan is the default automated check, but it is not exactly a “Full Scan” as seen on the desktop version. By default, it primarily focuses on installed apps and key system files where malware is most likely to hide.
However, you can configure the Smart Scan to act like a comprehensive “Full Scan” by enabling specific optional settings.
How to Perform a “Full Scan” on Android
Since there is no dedicated “Full Scan” button, you must manually enable deeper scanning options in the app settings:
Open Norton 360 on your Android device.
Tap Account at the bottom, then select Settings.
Tap Security.
In the Scans section, turn on the sliders for:
Scan System Apps: Scans pre-installed system applications.
Scan SD Card: Scans all files on your external storage (if applicable).
Return to the main screen and tap Run Smart Scan.
Key Differences
Feature
Smart Scan (Default)
“Full” Smart Scan (Configured)
Primary Focus
Installed apps and core system files
Every file, system app, and SD card
Speed
Fast; designed for frequent checks
Significantly longer; similar to PC full scans
Use Case
Daily automated protection
Periodic deep checks or troubleshooting
Even with these settings enabled, some issues like persistent adware may be considered “Potentially Unwanted Programs” (PUPs) and might require manual removal if the scan does not flag them.
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On Norton 360 for Android, the Smart Scan is the default, comprehensive mobile security check, while a “full scan” is achieved by enabling optional settings within the app. Unlike the desktop version which has distinct “Quick” and “Full” scans, the Android app combines these elements.
Smart Scan
Scope: The Smart Scan (the default scan initiated by the “Run Smart Scan” button) primarily focuses on key areas where malware is most likely to hide, including currently installed apps and core system files.
Speed: It is designed to run relatively quickly to provide a fast assessment of potential threats.
Integrated Protection: It works in conjunction with other Norton 360 features, such as real-time protection, which automatically scans new apps as they are installed from Google Play.
Focus: The goal is a quick, efficient, and frequent check for immediate security and network issues.
“Full Scan” (via Configuration)
Scope: The Android app does not have a separate, dedicated “Full Scan” button like the desktop version. Instead, a more comprehensive scan is enabled by manually turning on specific options in the app’s settings.
Customization: You can configure the scan to look at every single file on your device, including:
System Apps: Scanning pre-installed system applications.
SD Card: Including any external storage media in the scan.
Duration: Enabling these options means the scan will take significantly longer, similar to a full scan on a computer, as it checks more data.
Frequency: Because of the longer duration, this is something you might run occasionally, while relying on the automatic and Smart Scans for daily protection.
In essence, the Smart Scan is your regular, quick security check, while the “full scan” in the Android environment involves enabling deeper-level checks through the app’s settings for a more thorough, albeit time-consuming, examination of your device’s entire storage. You can manage these preferences in the Account > Settings > Security menu in the Norton 360 app.
