A computer-implemented method for pre-installation detection of malware on mobile devices may include intercepting one or more communications of an application installation agent that installs applications on a mobile computing device. The method may further include identifying, based on the one or more intercepted communications, an application that has been at least partially downloaded by the application installation agent. The method may also include, in response to identifying the application, and before the application is installed on the mobile computing device, scanning the application for malware. The method may additionally include determining, based on the scan, that the application contains malware. The method may finally include performing a security action in response to determining that the application contains malware. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.