How to remove ResidentBat from infected devices

What kind of malware is ResidentBat?

ResidentBat is an Android spyware that is installed through physical access to the victim’s device. Once infiltrated, it abuses broad application permissions and enables an Accessibility Service, giving it deep and persistent control over the phone. If detected, ResidentBat should be removed immediately.

ResidentBat in detail

ResidentBat uses built-in Android management features instead of hacking the phone. Because of this, it cannot see everything on the device like advanced hacking tools can. However, even with these limits, it can still seriously invade privacy. The malware asks for a number of permissions (38 in total) when it is installed. Many of these give it access to sensitive data.

When planted, ResidentBat can access text messages (SMS), incoming and outgoing calls, files stored on the device, the phone's microphone and camera, browser bookmarks (on older Android versions, clipboard data (on Android 10 and older), and content from many apps (including messaging apps).

Also, it can monitor app notifications, track location, capture screenshots, and read text shown in apps. In addition to collecting data, ResidentBat is capable of identifying when the device starts or restarts, a call is made or received, SMS is sent or received, an app is installed or removed, the phone is unlocked, and when time or date settings are changed.

Furthermore, the malware can force password changes, lock the device, and remotely wipe all data stored on it. It can also prevent the device from stopping the app, allowing ResidentBat to run constantly in the background.

It is known that the apps targeted by the attackers include Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, VKontakte, Instagram, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and various browsers, and email apps.

Conclusion

ResidentBat is a powerful Android spyware that abuses system permissions to monitor devices. It can access messages, calls, files, location, microphone, camera, and content from popular messaging and work apps, while running constantly in the background.

This level of access can lead to serious harm, including loss of privacy, identity theft, exposure of confidential communications, blackmail, and financial loss if sensitive data or accounts are compromised. Overall, ResidentBat is a threat can cause severe consequences for affected individuals.

More examples of Android malware are Cellik, DroidLock, and FvncBot.

How did ResidentBat infiltrate my device?

Research shows that ResidentBat is not spread online like most malware. Instead, it is installed through physical access to the victim's phone. The malware is disguised as legitimate system apps (for example, Google or phone services) to avoid suspicion. After installation, attackers manually grant all required permissions, including Accessibility and Device Admin access.

If distributed using popular methods, ResidentBat could infiltrate systems via third-party app stores, fake or compromised apps, untrustworthy websites, malicious advertisements, deceptive messages or emails, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Keep your device and apps updated, use a reputable mobile security solution, and avoid opening links or attachments in messages or emails that are unexpected, irrelevant, or from unknown sources. Only download apps from the Google Play Store or official developer sites, and check reviews to verify legitimacy.

Also, do not click suspicious links, ads, or pop‑ups on shady pages, as these can lead to malicious downloads.

ResidentBat requests permissions:

ResidentBat shows a fake messge while recording a call:

Quick menu:

• Introduction
• How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
• How to reset the Chrome web browser?
• How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
• How to reset the Firefox web browser?
• How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
• How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
• How to check the battery usage of various applications?
• How to check the data usage of various applications?
• How to install the latest software updates?
• How to reset the system to its default state?
• How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?

Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".

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Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.

Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.

Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).

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Reset the Chrome web browser:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".

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Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:

Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".

In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".

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Reset the Firefox web browser:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".

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Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":

The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").

Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.

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Check the battery usage of various applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.

Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.

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Check the data usage of various applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.

If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.

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Install the latest software updates:

Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.

Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.

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Reset the system to its default state:

Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.

You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;

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Disable applications that have administrator privileges:

If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".

Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My device is infected with ResidentBat, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

In most cases, you do not need to completely wipe your device to get rid of malware. Threats like ResidentBat can be safely removed using reliable security tools, such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can harm devices in many ways. Depending on its capabilities, it may allow attackers to control a device, steal sensitive data, lock files for ransom, or download and install additional malicious software.

What is the purpose of ResidentBat?

The purpose of ResidentBat is to spy on Android devices. It is designed to secretly monitor and collect sensitive information, including text messages, calls, files, app content, location, and microphone or camera feeds. It can also track device events, capture screenshots, and maintain persistent background access.

How did malware infiltrate my device?

ResidentBat is installed through physical access to the device, not through online distribution. It is disguised as a legitimate app, and attackers manually grant it high‑level permissions to stay hidden and active. While not observed, it could theoretically be spread through fake apps, third‑party app stores, malicious websites, ads, or deceptive messages as well.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can identify and remove most known malware. Because advanced threats can hide deep within the system, performing a full system scan is essential to ensure complete removal.