How to check for viruses on an iPhone: A step-by-step guide

Can you scan an iPhone for malware and viruses?

Yes, you can scan your iPhone for malware and viruses. While Apple doesn’t have a built-in virus scanner, you can use trusted third-party security apps to check for suspicious activity.

The good news is that iPhones come with strong security features. Thanks to iOS’s sandboxing, apps are kept separate, making it hard for traditional viruses or malware to spread. Plus, Apple vets every app in the App Store, so you’re only downloading trusted, verified software.

Before turning to third-party apps, you can try checking for malware using your iPhone’s settings. Doing so is simple and can give you peace of mind without needing to download extra apps.

How to check for viruses on your iPhone using settings

While iPhones don’t have a dedicated virus scanner, you can still identify signs of malware by reviewing certain settings. Here’s how to check for viruses on your iPhone using settings:

• 1. Look for unusual apps
• 2. Review your data usage
• 3. Review app permissions
• 4. Inspect performance issues
• 5. Check your storage
• 6. Analyze battery usage
• 7. Check for jailbreaking
• 8. Monitor pop-ups and ads
• 9. Analyze network activity
• 10. Scan your iPhone for viruses and malware

When checking your iPhone for viruses, start by looking for unfamiliar apps. To do this, go to your iPhone settings and scroll down to see a list of all installed apps. If you spot an app you don’t remember downloading, it’s best to remove it right away because it could be harmful. Simply find the app in your App Library, press and hold the app icon, then tap “Delete app” to confirm.

Before you scan files for viruses and malware, be sure to check app data usage. Increased data usage might signal that your iPhone has a virus because some malware can secretly drain your data plan. To check for unusual activity, go to “Settings” > “Mobile network” (“Mobile service”) and review your mobile data usage. If you notice a large, unexplained spike, it could indicate a problem.

Keep in mind that apps you use the most, like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Messenger, are likely to be at the top of the list. Look for unfamiliar or rarely used apps that consume a lot of data — this unusual activity could be a sign of malware.

Malicious apps often request access to features they don’t need, like your camera, microphone, contacts, or location. If you notice an app asking for permissions that don’t align with its function, it could be a red flag. To manage app permissions, simply go to “Settings,” scroll down to the app in question, and adjust the permissions for features like the camera, location, and microphone.

If your device starts slowing down or overheating, or apps keep crashing without reason, it might be time to update your iOS. However, it could also mean you have a virus on your iPhone. Overheating is a key warning sign because malware forces your phone’s processor to work harder, draining both battery and memory.

Photos, videos, and apps naturally take up space, but if you notice your storage suddenly shrinking for no reason, you might be dealing with malware. However, keep in mind that sudden, unexplained storage shrinkage is not a common symptom of malware on iPhones. Other causes for unexpected storage shrinkage could include cached data, app updates, or system files growing in size.

To check just in case, go to “Settings” > “General” > “iPhone storage,” and look for unusual spikes. If you find large amounts of space being taken up by apps you don’t remember downloading, like unfamiliar photo editing tools, file managers, or random utility apps, it could be a sign of iPhone malware.

Checking your battery health and consumption can help you spot signs of a virus. Malware often runs hidden processes that drain your battery quickly. If you notice a sudden drop in battery life and can’t link it to common causes like location services or background app refresh, it might be something more concerning.

To check, go to “Settings” > “Battery” and review which apps or processes are using the most power. If an app you barely use or don’t recognize is consuming a lot of battery, it could be malware running in the background. Delete the app to remove malware from your iPhone. However, if the malware has embedded itself deeper into your system or is affecting other files, this solution may not be enough.

Note: Don’t fall for the “battery virus” scam. An iPhone battery virus scam tricks you with a fake warning that says your phone’s battery is damaged or infected. It pushes you to download an app to “fix” it, but by doing so, you could actually harm your device. The app is usually malware that drains your battery and affects your device’s performance.

Jailbreaking removes iOS restrictions, allowing you to install apps from outside the App Store. But is jailbreaking safe for your iPhone? No, jailbreaking is not safe for your iPhone because it makes your device more vulnerable to viruses and other threats.

To check if your iPhone is jailbroken, look for hidden apps like Cydia or missing default apps such as Safari, Mail, App Store, Settings, or Camera. If any of these key apps are missing, your device might be jailbroken.

You can reverse jailbreaking by restoring your iPhone to factory settings. However, remember to back up your data first to avoid losing important files.

A sudden surge in pop-ups and ads could signal that your device is at risk from adware or malware. Many malicious programs use these pop-ups to display misleading ads or phishing attempts, which try to trick you into sharing personal information or downloading harmful software.

If your browsing experience changes — for example, if you are suddenly overwhelmed by fake virus warning pop-ups or redirected to scam websites — it’s a sign that your device might be compromised, and you may need to remove adware from your phone. By activating your ad blocker in Safari settings, you can reduce these risks.

To activate the Safari ad blocker, follow these steps:

1. In “Settings,” scroll down and tap “Safari.”

2. Enable “Block pop-ups” by toggling the switch to the right.

Analyzing network activity is a smart way to check your iPhone for a virus or other malware infection. While reviewing data usage helps you spot unusual spikes in app consumption, network analysis goes deeper by examining the specific connections your device makes. If you notice unexpected links to unfamiliar servers, it could indicate malware.

To check for unexpected links, go to “Settings” and tap “Wi-Fi” to ensure you’re connected to a trusted network. Then, inspect your browsing history in Safari for unknown websites and look for unusual notifications or performance issues in your apps.

As a last resort, consider scanning your device for iPhone viruses and malware. To scan your iPhone, you can use a reputable iOS security app, which is available in the App Store. Some security apps will detect suspicious activity and identify any problematic apps that may be using excessive data.

How to scan your iPhone for malware

If you want to learn how to scan your iPhone for viruses and other malware, start by downloading a reputable security app from the App Store. Once you’ve installed the app, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to run a scan. After the scan is complete, the app will provide you with a report. If it finds anything suspicious, don’t panic — most security apps will guide you through the process of removing any threats.

How to protect your iPhone from viruses

Follow the steps below to protect your iPhone from viruses and other threats that could steal your sensitive data or damage your device.

Update your iPhone regularly

Keep your operating system, apps, and browsers up to date to maintain your cyber hygiene. Updates often include security patches that fix newly discovered cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats. While it’s tempting to click “remind me later,” it’s best to install security updates as soon as they’re available.

Use strong and unique passwords

A strong and unique password is your first line of defense against viruses and hackers on your iPhone. To easily manage complex passwords and securely store your app logins and other sensitive information, consider using a reputable password manager for iOS.

Don’t jailbreak your phone

Jailbreaking your iPhone allows you to customize it, but it also makes your device a much easier target for viruses and hacking. Before you make any changes that could compromise your iPhone’s security, understand the trade-offs — weigh the benefits of added features against the risks of exposing your personal data and leaving your device vulnerable to threats.

Regularly back up your phone

If your iPhone ever gets compromised, having a backup means you can quickly recover your information. To protect your iPhone against viruses and other threats, regularly back up your device using iCloud in the Settings menu. This simple step not only protects your important data but also gives you peace of mind, knowing you can restore all your files if needed.

Enable security settings in Safari

To protect your iPhone against viruses, enable the necessary security settings in Safari. To do this, go to “Settings,” find “Safari,” tap on it, and then enable “Block pop-ups” (under “General”) and “Fraudulent website warnings” (under “Privacy & security”) by toggling the switches to the right.

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

Use 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your accounts and protect your iPhone from viruses. With 2FA, you verify your identity with a code sent via SMS, a token, or an app after entering your password. This double verification process makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password.

Only download apps from the App Store

Apple reviews and tests every app in the App Store before it reaches users. While sideloading apps, jailbreaking your iPhone, or using enterprise and developer modes might seem appealing, these options put your device at serious risk. To protect your iPhone from viruses and keep your personal data safe, stick to downloading apps exclusively from the App Store.

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Using a virtual private network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi protects your device by encrypting your internet connection. This encryption prevents hackers from spying on your data or injecting malicious content into your browsing sessions. While a VPN for iPhone doesn’t directly block viruses, it can stop cybercriminals from stealing sensitive information, like your passwords and personal details, which they could use to target you with malware.

Be careful with links

Scammers often use fake websites, emails, calls, and texts to trick you into giving up personal information or falling for their malicious schemes. To protect yourself from fraudsters, make sure that the Threat Protection on your iOS devices is on. NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks malicious domains and phishing sites, preventing you from accidentally landing on dangerous pages that could compromise your iPhone.

FAQ

Can iPhones get viruses from websites?

Yes, iPhones can get viruses from websites. While iPhones are generally secure, malicious websites can still pose a threat. Clicking on scam websites can lead to phishing attacks or malware disguised as harmless downloads. Although the risk of being infected by a traditional virus is low, it’s never zero.

Does the iPhone have a built-in virus checker?

No, the iPhone doesn’t have a built-in virus checker or traditional antivirus software. However, iOS includes strong security features like app sandboxing and strict App Store guidelines to help keep your iOS devices protected.

How can I tell if my iPhone has a virus?

You can tell if your iPhone has a virus or has been hacked by looking out for these signs:

Overheating and battery drain. If your iPhone overheats and its battery drains rapidly, unknown processes may be running in the background, which is a potential sign of a phone hack.

Strange messages to contacts. If your contacts are receiving odd messages from your phone, often with suspicious links, your iPhone might be infected with malware.

Sluggish performance. If your iPhone suddenly becomes slow and unresponsive, it could be because a hacker is using its power for malicious activities like cryptocurrency mining or data theft.

High data usage. If your mobile data is disappearing faster than usual, cybercriminals might be using your connection for phishing schemes or other malicious activities.

How do I remove viruses and other malware from an iPhone?

To remove viruses and malware from your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Restart your phone. A simple reboot can sometimes resolve the issue.

2. Update iOS. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software update” and install the latest iOS version to patch vulnerabilities.

3. Delete unfamiliar apps. Get rid of any apps that you don’t recognize or trust.

4. Clear browser data. In Safari settings, clear your history and website data.

5. Restore from backup. If the problem persists after clearing your history and website data, restore your iPhone from a clean backup.