Is Verizon Digital Secure constantly running in the background on your device, draining your battery, consuming data, and perhaps even impacting performance? You're not alone! Many users find pre-installed carrier apps like Digital Secure to be more of a nuisance than a benefit. While Verizon intends for it to provide security and privacy, its constant activity can be frustrating.
Let's take back control of your device! Are you ready to dive in and learn how to stop Verizon Digital Secure from running in the background? If so, let's get started!
Understanding Why Verizon Digital Secure Runs in the Background
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's helpful to understand why Verizon Digital Secure is so persistent. It's designed as a comprehensive security suite offering features like:
Antivirus/Anti-Malware Scans: Continuously scanning your device for threats.
Safe Browse: Protecting you from malicious websites.
Wi-Fi Security: Alerting you to unsecure Wi-Fi networks and providing a VPN.
Identity Theft Protection: Monitoring the dark web for your personal information.
To provide these "real-time" protections, the app needs to be active in the background. However, if you have other security solutions or simply don't want these features from Verizon, its constant operation can be redundant and resource-intensive.
Step 1: Check if Verizon Digital Secure Can Be Uninstalled
Before attempting to disable or force stop the app, let's see if you can simply uninstall it. This is the cleanest solution if available. Note that some versions of the Digital Secure app, especially on carrier-locked devices, might not allow direct uninstallation.
Sub-heading: For Android Devices
Navigate to Settings:
From your Home screen, swipe down from the top to open the Quick Settings panel, then tap the Gear icon (Settings).
Alternatively, find the "Settings" app in your app drawer and tap it.
Find the Apps Section:
Look for "Apps," "Apps & notifications," "Applications," or "App info" and tap on it. The exact wording can vary by Android version and phone manufacturer.
Locate Digital Secure:
Scroll through your list of installed applications until you find "Digital Secure." You might need to tap "See all apps" if it's not immediately visible.
Attempt to Uninstall:
Tap on "Digital Secure."
On the app info screen, look for an "Uninstall" button.
If you see it, tap it and confirm the uninstallation. Congratulations! You've successfully removed it.
If the "Uninstall" button is greyed out or replaced with a "Disable" button, proceed to the next step.
Sub-heading: For iOS Devices (If Applicable - Less Common)
Verizon Digital Secure is primarily an Android application. While there might be some related Verizon apps on iOS, they generally have less deep integration and background activity compared to their Android counterparts. If you find a "Verizon Digital Secure" or "Verizon Protect" app on your iPhone:
Press and Hold the App Icon: On your Home screen, gently press and hold the app icon.
Select "Remove App": A menu will pop up. Tap "Remove App."
Confirm "Delete App": Then tap "Delete App" and confirm again.
Step 2: Disabling Verizon Digital Secure (When Uninstall Fails)
If you couldn't uninstall the app in Step 1, disabling it is the next best option for Android devices. Disabling an app prevents it from running, appearing in your app drawer, and consuming system resources.
Sub-heading: Android's Built-in Disable Feature
Return to App Info: Follow the steps in "Step 1: For Android Devices" to navigate back to the "Digital Secure" app's info screen within your phone's Settings.
Tap "Disable":
Instead of "Uninstall," you should now see a "Disable" button.
Tap it.
You might receive a warning message stating that disabling a built-in app may cause other apps to malfunction. For Verizon Digital Secure, this is rarely the case as it's not essential for core phone functions.
Tap "Disable App" or "Yes" to confirm.
Force Stop (Optional, but Recommended): After disabling, you might also see a "Force Stop" button. Tap this to immediately terminate any active processes of the app.
Clear Cache and Data (Optional, but Recommended):
While still on the app info page, tap "Storage & cache" (or similar).
Tap "Clear cache" and then "Clear storage" (or "Clear data"). Be aware that clearing data will reset the app as if it were newly installed if you ever re-enable it. This step helps ensure no residual background processes remain.
Step 3: Managing Background App Restrictions (Advanced Android)
Even if an app is disabled, sometimes remnants or permissions can cause issues. This step provides a more granular approach to restricting background activity for any app, including Digital Secure if it somehow remains active or re-enables itself.
Sub-heading: Restricting Background Data & Battery Usage
Access App Info Again: Go to Settings > Apps > Digital Secure (or the app you want to restrict).
Battery Usage:
Tap on "Battery" or "Battery usage."
Look for options like "Background activity," "Allow background activity," or "Optimize battery usage."
Toggle off any option that allows unrestricted background activity.
Select the most restrictive option available, such as "Restricted" or "Optimized" (depending on your phone's UI). This tells your phone's operating system to aggressively manage Digital Secure's power consumption when it's not actively in use.
Mobile Data & Wi-Fi:
Go back to the main App Info screen for Digital Secure.
Tap on "Mobile data & Wi-Fi" or "Data usage."
Look for an option like "Background data" or "Allow background data usage."
Toggle this off. This prevents the app from using your mobile data when it's not in the foreground.
Step 4: Revoking Permissions (If Digital Secure is Still Present)
If Digital Secure remains on your device (even if disabled) or you just want to further limit its potential impact, revoking its permissions can be effective.
Sub-heading: Limiting App Access to Your Device
Navigate to App Permissions: From the Digital Secure app info screen (Settings > Apps > Digital Secure), tap on "Permissions."
Review and Revoke:
You'll see a list of permissions the app has requested (e.g., Storage, Location, Phone, Contacts).
Carefully review each permission. While some might seem innocuous, others could contribute to background activity.
Tap on each permission you wish to revoke and select "Don't allow" or "Deny."
Be cautious when revoking permissions for apps you still use, as it can break functionality. However, for an app you want to completely sideline like Digital Secure, revoking all non-essential permissions is a good strategy.
Step 5: Checking for Updates and Alternatives
Sometimes, app behavior changes with updates. If you still experience issues, checking for updates (or consciously avoiding them if a past update caused the problem) can be part of the solution. Also, consider if you truly need the features Digital Secure offers.
Sub-heading: App Updates and Potential Re-enablement
App Store: Periodically check your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android) to see if Digital Secure has an update. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs that cause excessive background activity, or, conversely, they might introduce changes that make it harder to disable.
System Updates: Be mindful that system software updates (OS updates) can sometimes re-enable or re-install bloatware like Digital Secure. After a major system update, it's a good idea to re-check your settings for Digital Secure.
Sub-heading: Considering Third-Party Security Alternatives
If you're disabling Verizon Digital Secure because you don't want its security features, but you still desire protection, consider reputable third-party security apps. Many highly-rated antivirus and VPN solutions are available that offer more control and often better performance. Some popular choices include:
Bitdefender Mobile Security
Norton 360
McAfee Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security
Malwarebytes
Remember to research and choose an app that fits your specific needs and budget!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to managing Verizon Digital Secure, along with quick answers:
How to check if Verizon Digital Secure is still running in the background?
Go to your device's Settings > Apps > Digital Secure. The app info screen often shows its current status or background activity. You can also check your phone's battery usage stats for apps consuming power in the background.
How to re-enable Verizon Digital Secure if I change my mind?
Go to Settings > Apps, find "Digital Secure" (you might need to tap a "Disabled apps" filter), and tap the "Enable" button.
How to prevent Verizon Digital Secure from being re-installed after a phone reset?
If it's a pre-installed app, a factory reset will likely bring it back. To prevent its active running, you'll need to repeat the disabling steps outlined above after the reset.
How to stop Verizon Digital Secure notifications?
Go to Settings > Apps > Digital Secure > Notifications. From there, you can usually toggle off all notifications or customize which ones you receive.
How to know if Verizon Digital Secure is draining my battery?
Check your phone's battery usage statistics (Settings > Battery > Battery usage or similar). This will show you which apps are consuming the most power, and if Digital Secure is high on the list, it's a culprit.
How to unsubscribe from Verizon Digital Secure premium features?
You'll typically need to manage your subscription through your My Verizon account (either the app or website) or by contacting Verizon customer support directly. The app itself usually won't have a direct unsubscribe option.
How to manage permissions for Verizon Digital Secure?
Go to Settings > Apps > Digital Secure > Permissions. Here, you can individually toggle permissions on or off.
How to clear cache and data for Verizon Digital Secure?
Go to Settings > Apps > Digital Secure > Storage & cache (or similar). You'll find options to "Clear cache" and "Clear storage" (or "Clear data").
How to find alternatives to Verizon Digital Secure's VPN feature?
Many reputable third-party VPN services are available on app stores. Popular choices include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN.
How to completely remove Verizon Digital Secure if disabling isn't enough?
For truly stubborn, non-removable bloatware, some advanced Android users might resort to methods like using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to uninstall system apps, but this is a technical process and carries risks, including potentially voiding warranties or causing system instability if not done correctly. It's generally not recommended for average users.
