Microsoft Defender on my Pixel 10 Fold

Question

I turn on MS Defender in settings but it continues to turn itself off. I'm not sure why this keeps happening.

Answer 1

Hi there!

With regards to your concern, this behavior is usually caused by Android's battery optimization, conflicting security apps, or an issue with the app's permissions.

Aside from the steps on the link above, here are other few things you can try:

1. Update Microsoft Defender
   • Open the Google Play Store and make sure Microsoft Defender is updated to the latest version.
2. Check Battery Optimization
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Defender > App battery usage (or Battery > Battery optimization, depending on your Android version).
   • Set Microsoft Defender to Unrestricted or Don't optimize so Android doesn't stop it in the background.
3. Verify Required Permissions
   • Open Settings > Apps > Microsoft Defender > Permissions.
   • Ensure all required permissions are granted.
   • If Defender uses Accessibility or VPN protection, confirm those services remain enabled under Settings > Accessibility and Settings > Network & Internet > VPN (if applicable).
   1. Check for Conflicting Apps
      • If you have another antivirus, VPN, or security app installed, try temporarily disabling or uninstalling it to see if Defender remains enabled.
4. Reset the App
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Defender > Storage & cache.
   • Clear the app cache. If the issue persists, clear storage, then sign back in and configure Defender again.
5. Restart Your Device
   • After making the above changes, restart your Pixel and check whether Defender stays enabled.

If the issue continues even after doing the above steps, the next best step is to follow the guide on the Microsoft support page here and find your device which is "Pixel" then follow the steps accordingly:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/web-protection-keeps-turning-off-on-my-android-device#bkmk_device-specific

I hope the above helps!