Friend
Professional
- Messages
- 2,653
- Reaction score
- 850
- Points
- 113
Can iPhone get viruses? In this article I will tell you how to scan your iPhone for malware and how to remove a virus from it if it is detected.
The iPhone is well known for its security measures: the malware protection offered by Apple is one of the main reasons why people buy these devices.
However, it is important to remember that your phone is not 100 percent protected from threats.
In this guide, we will show you how to detect and remove viruses from your iPhone.
Malware that gets onto your iPhone can cause serious damage. In some cases, the malware will cause minor inconveniences, such as quickly draining the battery. However, if personal data is stolen, as you can imagine, things are much more serious.
In any case, you can still minimize the damage. Let's first learn how to detect malware on iPhone.
You may notice that your battery is draining faster than before. Of course, other factors can affect battery life, such as colder weather and the age of your device. If you notice that you need to charge your phone more often, I recommend running a malware scan.
When your phone is affected by malware, the device will overheat faster. Again, there are other reasons for the phone to overheat, such as overcharging or having a lot of apps running. However, if your phone is affected by malware, it will work harder and overheat seriously.
Dead batteries and overheating phones are certainly important issues. But unless they become critical, you probably won’t even think about upgrading your phone. A more serious consequence of iPhone malware is that your phone will eventually stop working altogether.
I would like to point out that malware that has infected your iPhone will likely affect more than just the device's functionality. Attackers can steal your passwords and other sensitive data. Cybercriminals will sell the stolen information or use it to hack your accounts.
Here are some practical ways to check your iPhone for viruses or malware.
Look through the files and folders on the Home screen. If you don't see anything and you're still unsure, check your iPhone's settings. You might find something unfamiliar there.
Of course, you may have bought a used device and not known that it was jailbroken. However, for the security of your iPhone, it does not matter whether you jailbroken it yourself or suspect that someone else did this procedure. Checking for jailbreak is one of the steps to detecting a virus.
Knowing if your phone has been jailbroken is not easy. One possible sign is the presence of the Cydia app. This app is only available on jailbroken iOS devices.
Another possible sign of malware on your iPhone is strange incoming or outgoing calls that you didn't make or don't remember receiving. Again, these calls can result in an unexpectedly large bill.
Check how much data you've used by going to Settings > Mobile Network and scrolling down to Mobile Data . You can also contact your mobile carrier.
To check your storage space, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage .
How you do this depends on your device. For example, if your iPhone has a Home button, hold it down and the On/Off button. Do this until your phone turns off and then turns back on.
If your iPhone doesn't have a Home button, you can still force restart your iPhone and put it into recovery mode.
If restarting your iPhone doesn't work, try resetting it to factory settings instead.
You can also delete any apps that you did not download from the App Store. In the future, you should refrain from downloading non-App Store apps.
To clear your history, go to Settings > Safari. Then scroll down to Clear History and Website Data.
If you don't have an antivirus on your device, download a decent security suite and scan your iPhone for malware.
Since most malware is user-generated and jailbreak-related, your issue is not covered by Apple's warranty.
Check if your iPhone is really infected with malware. If you find that the problem is due to improper use of the device, think about what you are doing wrong.
However, if your phone is infected, there are different ways to get rid of malware. After cleaning your device from malware, use only apps from the App Store!
Source
The iPhone is well known for its security measures: the malware protection offered by Apple is one of the main reasons why people buy these devices.
However, it is important to remember that your phone is not 100 percent protected from threats.
In this guide, we will show you how to detect and remove viruses from your iPhone.
Can iPhones get viruses?
So, can iPhones get viruses? The short answer is yes. Of course, iPhones are less likely to get infected with malware than Android smartphones. However, such incidents do happen.Malware that gets onto your iPhone can cause serious damage. In some cases, the malware will cause minor inconveniences, such as quickly draining the battery. However, if personal data is stolen, as you can imagine, things are much more serious.
In any case, you can still minimize the damage. Let's first learn how to detect malware on iPhone.
How does malware affect iPhone?
Just like computer viruses, malware often slows down your iPhone's performance.You may notice that your battery is draining faster than before. Of course, other factors can affect battery life, such as colder weather and the age of your device. If you notice that you need to charge your phone more often, I recommend running a malware scan.
When your phone is affected by malware, the device will overheat faster. Again, there are other reasons for the phone to overheat, such as overcharging or having a lot of apps running. However, if your phone is affected by malware, it will work harder and overheat seriously.
Dead batteries and overheating phones are certainly important issues. But unless they become critical, you probably won’t even think about upgrading your phone. A more serious consequence of iPhone malware is that your phone will eventually stop working altogether.
I would like to point out that malware that has infected your iPhone will likely affect more than just the device's functionality. Attackers can steal your passwords and other sensitive data. Cybercriminals will sell the stolen information or use it to hack your accounts.
How to check iPhone for viruses or malware?
If you think your iPhone is infected with malware, please follow the instructions below.Here are some practical ways to check your iPhone for viruses or malware.
Check for unknown applications
One of the easiest ways to detect malware on your iPhone is to check if there are any unfamiliar apps on your phone. You should look for apps that you did not download and that are not Apple's default apps.Look through the files and folders on the Home screen. If you don't see anything and you're still unsure, check your iPhone's settings. You might find something unfamiliar there.
Check if your device has been jailbroken
The number of options that a user gets after jailbreaking makes this procedure very attractive. However, I strongly advise you not to do it. In addition to voiding the warranty, you will also make your iPhone more vulnerable to malware.Of course, you may have bought a used device and not known that it was jailbroken. However, for the security of your iPhone, it does not matter whether you jailbroken it yourself or suspect that someone else did this procedure. Checking for jailbreak is one of the steps to detecting a virus.
Knowing if your phone has been jailbroken is not easy. One possible sign is the presence of the Cydia app. This app is only available on jailbroken iOS devices.
Check your phone bills
If your iPhone has malware installed, your phone will use more data each month than planned. If you exceed your data plan, you'll get a bigger bill.Another possible sign of malware on your iPhone is strange incoming or outgoing calls that you didn't make or don't remember receiving. Again, these calls can result in an unexpectedly large bill.
Check how much data you've used by going to Settings > Mobile Network and scrolling down to Mobile Data . You can also contact your mobile carrier.
Check your free storage space (Storage Space)
Your phone's storage may be nearly full due to a large number of apps or photos. But if the remaining storage space is significantly less than expected, your iPhone may be infected with malware.To check your storage space, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage .
How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your iPhone
If you have done all of the above and suspect that your iPhone is infected, you need to act immediately. Below are some simple instructions on how to get rid of a virus on your device.Restart your iPhone
In some cases, restarting your iPhone can help remove malware.How you do this depends on your device. For example, if your iPhone has a Home button, hold it down and the On/Off button. Do this until your phone turns off and then turns back on.
If your iPhone doesn't have a Home button, you can still force restart your iPhone and put it into recovery mode.
If restarting your iPhone doesn't work, try resetting it to factory settings instead.
Remove unusual applications
If you notice apps that shouldn't be on your phone, removing them should help rid your phone of malware. To do this, hold the icon until the individual app is highlighted, then tap Remove App.You can also delete any apps that you did not download from the App Store. In the future, you should refrain from downloading non-App Store apps.
Clear history
Clearing your Safari history will help you get rid of viruses on your iPhone. Plus, you'll protect yourself from having your passwords and other data stolen.To clear your history, go to Settings > Safari. Then scroll down to Clear History and Website Data.
Use security software
Antivirus software installed on your iPhone will detect and remove any malware.If you don't have an antivirus on your device, download a decent security suite and scan your iPhone for malware.
Replace your iPhone
If you've tried everything you could and still can't clean your iPhone of malware, you'll likely need to replace your device.Since most malware is user-generated and jailbreak-related, your issue is not covered by Apple's warranty.
Act quickly if you suspect your iPhone is infected with malware
Although these cases are rare, your iPhone can be infected with viruses and other types of malware, so it is important to know what to do in such a case.Check if your iPhone is really infected with malware. If you find that the problem is due to improper use of the device, think about what you are doing wrong.
However, if your phone is infected, there are different ways to get rid of malware. After cleaning your device from malware, use only apps from the App Store!
Preventing iPhone Viruses
Preventing your iPhone from getting viruses and malware is always better than curing it. Here are some tips to help you protect your device:Update iOS regularly
Apple continually releases security updates for iOS. Make sure your iPhone is always running the latest version of the operating system. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update.Don't jailbreak
While jailbreaking can provide additional features, it also significantly reduces the security of your device. Avoid jailbreaking to preserve iOS's built-in security measures.Download apps only from the App Store
The App Store has strict safety rules for apps. By downloading apps only from there, you significantly reduce the risk of malware infection.Be careful with Wi-Fi connections
Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN for additional protection.Use two-factor authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. This will add an extra layer of security to your account and device.Myths about iPhone viruses
There are many misconceptions about iPhone viruses. Let's dispel some of them:Myth 1: iPhones never get viruses
While iPhones are indeed more resistant to viruses than many other devices, they are not completely invulnerable. Infection is possible, especially on jailbroken devices.Myth 2: Antivirus apps are essential for iPhone
In most cases, iOS's built-in security measures are sufficient. iPhone antivirus apps have limited functionality due to iOS limitations.Myth 3: Pop-ups in Safari mean your iPhone is infected
Most often, this is just intrusive advertising and not a sign of infection. Close the tab and clear your Safari history if this happens again.When to contact a specialist
If you have exhausted all the above methods and still have problems with your persist device, it may be time to seek professional help:Contact Apple Support
Apple specialists can diagnose your device and offer solutions that are not available to regular users.Visit the Apple Store
If you have the opportunity, visit your nearest Apple Store. The Genius Bar staff can give your device a thorough inspection.Consult an independent specialist
If your device is out of warranty, you may want to contact an independent iPhone repair specialist. Make sure you choose a trusted and experienced professional.Conclusion
Although iPhones are considered to be among the safest smartphones, it is important to remain vigilant and take steps to protect your device. Regularly check your iPhone for signs of infection, follow preventative recommendations, and do not hesitate to seek help if you suspect a problem. Remember that the best protection is a combination of awareness, caution, and timely action.Source