You get a text with a strange link while connected to café Wi-Fi, and you want to know whether the link or the network is the problem. McAfee is built for that kind of moment, combining a virus scanner, a VPN and scam alerts in one Android app. It is listed under antivirus on Google Play and is free to install.
McAfee LLC and an app first released in 2011
McAfee LLC develops the app and points users to service.mcafee.com for support. Its first release dates to May 29, 2011, and the current build, version 10.10.0.537, was last updated on October 28, 2026.
It needs Android 11 or newer and carries an Everyone content rating. There are no ads, though some features are sold through in-app purchases. Real-time scanning, a VPN for public Wi-Fi, identity monitoring and warnings about risky texts and emails make up the core of what it does.
Scam Detector, Secure VPN and identity monitoring
The core is real-time scanning for threats in personal files, apps and downloads. A scam feature flags risky texts and emails, blocks harmful sites even after an accidental click, and explains the danger so you know what to watch for.
The Secure VPN is meant for public Wi-Fi and can switch your location and IP address to other countries. A Wi-Fi scan checks networks for security risks. Identity monitoring watches up to 10 email addresses, plus ID and passport numbers, and warns you about breaches or dark web exposure.
The developer also describes a Social Privacy Manager that adjusts over 100 privacy settings, plus tools to remove personal data from sellers and clean up old online accounts. A free McAfee Security plan is also offered.
Android 11 minimum and in-app purchases
McAfee needs Android 11 or newer. Phones on older versions are not covered. The app shows no ads, though in-app purchases are present. It is free to install, and the paid tiers add extra protection.
McAfee pros and cons
Pros
- No ads
- Over 50 million installs on Google Play
- 4.7 Google Play rating from about 910.6 thousand ratings
- Combines antivirus, VPN, scam alerts and identity monitoring
- Real-time scanning of files, apps and downloads
Cons
- Requires Android 11 or newer
- Includes in-app purchases for extra protection
- Current version is 10.10.0.537
Is McAfee safe?
McAfee comes from McAfee LLC and has been published since 2011. It carries an Everyone content rating and shows no ads. Since it is a security tool that scans messages and browsing, read each permission prompt during setup before you accept it, and check which paid add-ons you actually want.
How to install McAfee
- Press the Google Play button on this page.
- Check the listing in the Play Store and press Install.
- Open McAfee when the install finishes. Updates arrive through Google Play.