Device care
Keep
Samsung's battery, storage, memory and security settings hub, shown in Settings as Battery and device care.
Samsung package
Device security
Advanced: com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity Advanced Vendor documentation
The malware scan inside Device care, shown as App protection, which uses a partner antivirus engine. You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first.
Searching for it by name? Read the full answer on Device Care .
What it does
This package provides the App protection scan in Samsung's Battery and device care screen. It checks installed apps for malware and suspicious behavior using a security partner's engine, which Samsung names as McAfee, and can run a scan automatically. Samsung's Galaxy Store lists it as App protection. It runs when a scan is scheduled or started.
Also shown as App protection.
If you disable it
The App protection scan disappears from Device care. Google Play Protect still scans apps. Some owners report app installs failing on certain phones after removing it, so re-enable it if that happens.
How to disable it
On most phones Settings greys out Disable for this package, so ADB is the way to turn it off. The commands below work without root and can be undone.
Disable it (reversible)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurityTurn it back on
adb shell pm enable com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurityThe stronger option removes it for your user only; the original copy stays on the phone and a factory reset brings it back. Prefer disabling: it is easier to undo.
Uninstall for the main user
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurityRestore after an uninstall
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurityNew to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.
Data and battery
Sends information about installed apps to the scanning service to check them against known malware.
Where it appears
- Made by Samsung Electronics.
- Android versions: 9 to 16.
- Seen on: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24.
Questions people ask
What is com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity?
com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity is Device security. The malware scan inside Device care, shown as App protection, which uses a partner antivirus engine.
Can I disable Device security?
You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first. On most phones it takes ADB.
What happens if I disable Device security?
The App protection scan disappears from Device care. Google Play Protect still scans apps. Some owners report app installs failing on certain phones after removing it, so re-enable it if that happens.
Sources
- Samsung UK: What is Device Care and how do I use it?Vendor documentation
- Galaxy Store: App protection listingVendor documentation
- Samsung Knox: application list, Galaxy S20 FE 5G (SM-G781B), Android 11Vendor documentation
- Bayton system app database: com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurityCommunity list
- Universal Android Debloater list entryCommunity list
Each source answered when this page was checked on 25 October 2026.
Confidence: Vendor documentation. Backed by the maker's own documentation, the Android source or the Play listing. How we decide a verdict.
Cite this page: https://mysystemapp.com/packages/com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity/ (verified 25 October 2026). Something wrong or out of date? Request a correction.