“Wait, can iPhones even get viruses?” That’s a question many Apple users ask. iPhones are known for their tight security, but they aren’t bulletproof. If your iPhone is acting up—battery draining faster, overheating, or random pop-ups—it might be more than a glitch. This guide will help you identify, remove, and prevent malware on your iPhone or iPad.
Can iPhones Get Viruses?
Yes, they can—but it’s rare. Apple’s walled garden and strict App Store policies make it hard for malware to get in. But not impossible. Jailbroken devices are more exposed, and with new EU regulations opening Apple to third-party app stores, the risk may increase. Examples like Pegasus spyware and AdThief malware show that even iPhones aren’t completely immune.
Signs Your iPhone or iPad Has a Virus
If your iPhone is acting weird, it might not be just a bug. Here are some common warning signs.
- Battery draining quickly: Check Settings → Battery for unusual activity.
- Overheating randomly: If your iPhone heats up on standby, something may be running in the background.
- Strange pop-ups or unknown apps: Unexpected behavior or unfamiliar apps are red flags.
- Data spikes or odd messages: This could mean your phone is sending data without your knowledge.
- Frequent crashes or slow performance: Apps freezing or lagging can hint at deeper issues.
How to Remove a Virus or Malware from iPhone or iPad
If you spot one or more of the above symptoms, here’s how to clean things up.
1. Restart your iPhone
Sometimes, a restart is all it takes to kill a glitchy process. It won’t remove malware, but it’s the easiest first step.
- Press and hold the side button and volume up button until you see the power slider.
- Drag the slider to power off your iPhone.
- Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
If you use an older iPhone with a Home button, just press and hold the power button to bring up the slider.
2. Delete Suspicious Apps
Having apps installed that you don’t remember is a major sign that your phone might be infected or even getting hacked. The first step is to remove any unfamiliar apps right away.
- Find the suspicious app on your Home Screen or App Library.
- Long-press the app icon.
- Tap Remove App.
- Select Delete App.
- Confirm again by tapping Delete.
If you find apps that were clearly not installed by you or anyone you trust, it’s best to factory reset your iPhone immediately. This ensures no malicious code remains hidden.
For extra safety, contact Apple Support and report the issue—they may be able to check for more serious threats or breaches.
3. Clear Safari History
If weird pop-ups or redirects start after visiting a shady website, clearing your browser history can stop them from reappearing. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select Apps > Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Tap the Clear History and Website Data.
- Select the time frame and confirm by tapping Clear History again.
This removes cached pages, cookies, and browsing data that could be causing suspicious redirects. It won’t affect saved passwords or bookmarks.
4. Update iOS and Apps
Malware often exploits old vulnerabilities. Keeping your iPhone and its apps up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your device.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
After that, update your apps too:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon at the top right.
- Scroll down and tap Update All under the available updates section.
Updating ensures you get the latest security patches and performance improvements from Apple and app developers.
5. Reset All Settings (If Problems Persist)
This resets your preferences without deleting personal data. It’s useful when things feel off, but you don’t want to lose your photos, apps, or files. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode to confirm.
This will reset Wi-Fi networks, keyboard dictionary, Home Screen layout, location settings, and privacy settings—but your personal data stays untouched.
6. Restore From an Earlier Backup
If the issue started recently, restoring from an earlier backup might help. This works best if the problem was introduced by a recent change, app, or file. Just be careful not to pick a backup that also contains the same issue.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your Apple ID at the top, then select iCloud.
- Choose iCloud Backup and check when the last successful backup was made.
- Go back to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings and confirm.
- Once your iPhone restarts, follow the on-screen setup instructions.
- When prompted, choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC.
- Select an older backup from before the issue started.
Restoring from backup brings back your apps, settings, and data—but always verify the backup is from a clean, earlier point in time.
7. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
Still facing issues? Erase everything and start fresh. This is the most drastic step, but it ensures that any hidden or persistent malware is completely removed.
Follow these steps to factory reset your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode when prompted.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete.
Once your iPhone restarts, it will be like new. You can either set it up as a new device or restore from a known clean backup.
Best Practices to Stay Safe in the Future
Following good habits can prevent most iPhone issues. These tips will help you avoid malware, phishing attacks, and risky situations before they start.
- Don’t jailbreak your iPhone—it opens doors for malware and disables many built-in protections.
- Only install apps from the App Store. Sideloading from other sources is risky and can introduce hidden malware.
- Avoid sketchy links and suspicious emails, especially those asking you to click on unknown links or download files.
- Update iOS and apps regularly to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to secure your data from hackers on open networks.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID to block unauthorized access, even if your password gets leaked.
- Check your app permissions occasionally and remove access for apps you no longer use or trust.
Do You Really Need Antivirus on iPhone?
Not really. iOS is a sandboxed operating system, which means each app runs in its own isolated space and can’t access system-level data or data from other apps. Because of this, antivirus apps on iPhones can’t scan your entire device like they can on a PC or Android phone.
Instead, these apps focus on web protection, warning you about risky websites, detecting phishing attempts, blocking malicious links, and offering privacy-related features such as email breach alerts and VPNs. Some also include safe browsing tools or parental controls.
They’re helpful, especially if you often browse unfamiliar sites or use public Wi-Fi, but they’re not essential for most users. If you follow good security habits—like keeping your iPhone updated, avoiding shady links, and sticking to the App Store—you likely don’t need an antivirus app at all.
Still Worried About a Virus?
Take a breath. Most iPhone issues come from buggy apps—not malware. Start with the basics: restart, delete unknown apps, and update regularly. If needed, reset your iPhone and start fresh. With good habits, your iPhone can stay clean and safe.
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