Is That App Safe to Download? A Beginner’s Checklist
Staying safe online means knowing what apps you can trust and what apps to avoid
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this app safe to download?” you’re not alone. Our phones and computers make life easier, but they also attract sneaky apps that can cause trouble. The good news? You can spot most risky apps with a simple checklist.
Below is a friendly, step-by-step guide you can use on both Mac and Windows computers and iPhone and Android phones.
What’s Going On
Apps are just small programs that do things for you. Most are helpful. Some aren’t. Unsafe apps can:
Track what you do
Show unwanted ads
Steal your information
Slow your device down
This guide shows you how to check an app before you download it.
Why It Matters
When you stay alert, you avoid scams, protect your bank accounts, and keep your device healthy. A few quick checks can save a lot of headaches.
The Beginner’s Checklist
Below are the most important things to check before installing an app.
1. Look Up the App’s Name
Type the app name into Google or your favorite search engine. Add the words “reviews” or “is it safe.”
If you see lots of complaints or warnings, skip it.
If you see trusted reviews from well-known sites like Google Reviews and Trust Pilot, that’s a good sign.
2. Check the Developer
A developer is the company or person who makes the app. Look for trusted, recognizable companies like Apple, Microsoft and Google.
On iPhone or iPad, scroll down on the App Store page to see the developer.
On Android, look under the app name in the Play Store.
On Mac or Windows, check the developer on the app’s website.
If the developer name looks random, odd, or misspelled, be careful. You might want to skip this app.
3. Read the Reviews (Not Just the Stars)
Stars help, but the written reviews tell the real story.
A safe app often has many detailed reviews from real people.
Be cautious if you see many short, repetitive reviews or all 5-star reviews posted on the same day.
Anything less than 4 stars is an app you can skip!
4. Check the Number of Downloads
This applies to iPhone and Android.
Well-known apps usually have many downloads.
If an app claims to do something popular but only has a few downloads, slow down.
5. Search for the App on the Official Store
Always install apps from the official stores:
Mac: Mac App Store
Windows: Microsoft Store
iPhone/iPad: App Store
Android: Google Play Store
If the app is only available from a random website, that’s a big red flag. Most legitimate apps can be downloaded directly from official stores.
6. Check the App’s Permissions
A permission is what the app is allowed to access — for example, your camera or location.
A flashlight app should not need your contacts.
A calculator does not need your microphone.
If the app asks you for these permissions, click to decline and safely delete the app from your device.
Not sure how to check what permissions the app needs? On the app page:
iPhone: Scroll to “App Privacy”.
Android: Look under “Permissions”.
Mac/Windows: After installing, check Settings > Privacy to see what the app is using.
7. Look at the App’s Website
A safe app usually has a clear website. Things to check:
Does the site list a real company name?
Does the site have support information like an email or phone number?
Does the site use proper spelling and grammar?
If the website looks sloppy or confusing, trust your gut.
8. Check for Recent Updates
Apps that are updated often are usually more reliable and safer for use.
On app stores, look for “Last Updated.”
If an app hasn’t been updated in years, skip it.
9. Watch Out for Copycats
Scam apps sometimes copy well-known apps. Look for:
Slightly different spelling (”WhatsUp” instead of “WhatsApp”)
Wrong logo colors
Few downloads
Few reviews
If you are downloading a popular app, it will always have many reviews and downloads.
10. Ask a Trusted Friend
Sometimes a second pair of eyes helps. If something feels “off,” reach out to a trusted friend to confirm your intuition.
What You Can Do: A Simple Step-by-Step
Here’s a quick version you can print:
Search the app name.
Check reviews.
Confirm the developer.
Look at download numbers.
Make sure it’s in the official store.
Read permissions.
Look at the app website.
Check when it was last updated.
Watch for copycats.
Ask for help if unsure.
Extra Tips for iPhone & Android
iPhone
Open Settings > Privacy & Security to see app permissions. If any apps are asking for more permissions than they need, you can deny access and delete them.
Update your phone often to stay protected.
Android
Open Settings > Apps > Permissions.
Turn off permissions you don’t need.
Extra Tips for Windows & Mac
Windows
Use the Microsoft Store when possible.
If downloading from a website, only use well-known companies.
Turn on Microsoft Defender (it’s built in).
Mac
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
Keep “App Store and identified developers” turned on.
Avoid apps that require “unknown developer” overrides.
Did You Know?
Most harmful apps don’t come from the official app stores.
Scam apps often have fake 5‑star reviews. Real reviews sound human.
You can remove permissions anytime — or delete apps entirely.
Tech Term Explained
Permission: What the app is allowed to access. For example, your photos, microphone, or location.
Developer: The maker of the app — a company or person.
Official Store: A safe place to download apps that have been checked for problems.
Final Thoughts
You now have a simple way to check if an app is safe. These steps work on both computers and phones. Trust your instincts — if something feels strange, skip it! There are so many helpful apps out there, you will have no trouble finding an alternative that will do just what you need!
Wishing you a safe and secure week ahead,
Steve