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Microsoft Defender on Samsung Android Phone

Anonymous
2025-05-23T00:09:34+00:00

Hi, I purchased a new Android phone yesterday and transferred across the apps and settings from my previous phone, which had Microsoft Defender.

About an hour ago I received an email from Microsoft with this warning:

I did nothing to turn it off (as far as I know) but have no idea how to turn it back on.

Have tried web searching and am more confused than when I started . . . couldn't find any setting in MS Defender and I kept coming across references to MS Defender for Endpoint, and that it is included in Microsoft 365 (which I have).

Would be most grateful for a layman's guide as to how to turn Web Protection back on.

Many thanks in advance.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | Android

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-26T00:50:32+00:00

    Hi again Udit,

    I am now almost sure that it was just Google and Microsoft trying to claim/show that their respective security platforms are not secure . . . so pathetic!!!

    However, it also may be that one or the other was just very slow in giving the correct status/position . . . because, despite the 2 e-mails that I received (the 1st from Microsoft and the 2nd from Google 2 days later), the phone is now telling me that it is "protected" (although I certainly didn't manage to change any settings).

    Herewith the latest screenshot:

    BTW Udit: from the screenshot, which is of the first page of MS Defender (i.e. when it first opens) you will see that there are no "Menu" nor "Settings" options. Therefore, any clue as to where the ones you referred to might be?

    Thanks, John

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-25T06:35:30+00:00

    Hi Udit,

    Thanks for your response . . . I briefly tried to apply your suggestions but on the first page (presume main screen) all I get are 3 options . . . the 1st to "Add device" and the 2nd & 3rd to "Add Devices" which lead to a shared link for my defender etc. etc.

    I haven't had the time to explore further but there is certainly no option like "Web Protection" nor "Device security" and no "Menu" nor  "Settings" option.

    I haven't had the time to try other options, but will hopefully tomorrow.

    In the meantime, I am beginning to despair. I have now had the Samsung A26 5G for a grand total of 3 days, but am continuing to receive dumb messages. This time from Google:

    Wow!!! . . . I wonder what they consider a long time . . . or is this just another example of 2 multibillion dollar companies (Google and Microsoft) fighting like small schoolboys over a toy in the playground and each telling us not to trust the other's security features?

    . . . because this is what comes up when I click the " Security Checkup" link:

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  3. Udit Tanwar 3,375 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-05-23T00:50:58+00:00

    Hello John,

    Thank you so much for reaching out, I am Udit an independent advisor, and I am glad to assist you today. Please follow these steps to resolve it.

    Open the Microsoft Defender app on your new phone. If it’s not installed or didn’t transfer properly, you can download it again from the Google Play Store.

    Once the app is open, sign in with the same Microsoft account that you use for your Microsoft 365 subscription.

    On the main screen, look for an option like Web Protection or Device security. If you don’t see it right away, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots) and go to Settings.

    In Settings, find Web Protection. If it's turned off, you should see an option to enable it.

    When you try to turn it on, Microsoft Defender might prompt you to grant permissions. These could include accessibility or VPN permissions that allow it to monitor web traffic for threats.

    Follow the prompts to allow these permissions:

    You may be taken to your phone’s Accessibility settings. There, find Microsoft Defender and enable the service.

    If asked to allow Defender to set up a VPN, accept that as well. This is how Web Protection works in Android.

    After permissions are granted, Web Protection should be active.

    Please also ensure that no other security or VPN apps are interfering with Defender, as this can sometimes cause Web Protection to turn off or not work correctly.

    If after these steps, restart your phone and then opening Defender again to check the status.

    Hope this helps get everything back on track. Feel free to ask if you need any more help.

    Best regards,

    Udit

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