Updated on: December 21, 2024
Scanning your iPhone for viruses isn’t possible, but you can take steps to identify and address any issues. iOS’s security design prevents apps (including antivirus tools) from accessing system files or other apps, making iPhones more resistant to standard malware — but this also makes regular malware scans impossible.
But iPhones are still susceptible to various other threats, such as spyware, phishing attacks, and adware. Regular vigilance and monitoring for unusual activity are essential to keeping your device secure.
You can also strengthen your iPhone’s defenses with cybersecurity tools designed for iOS, such as antiviruses with web protection, VPNs, ad blockers, etc. In this guide, I’ll show you the most practical steps to detect suspicious activity and safeguard your iPhone from any online threats.
Signs You Have Malware on Your iPhone
Unfortunately, iPhones can’t be scanned for viruses due to iOS’s security features. Therefore, you’ll have to manually check your device for signs of unusual behavior and take steps to address them. Here’s what to look out for:
Unusual Battery Drain
If your iPhone’s battery is draining faster than usual, it could be a sign of malware running in the background. To check your battery usage, go to Settings and tap Battery. Under Battery Usage by App, take a look to see if any unfamiliar or unused apps are depleting your iPhone’s battery. If there are apps you don’t recognize or that you haven’t used in a long time, it’s a good idea to uninstall them.
Unexpected Data Usage Spikes
A sudden increase in data usage can indicate malware operating behind the scenes. Viruses may use your data to send spam messages, download harmful files, or display unwanted ads.
To check your data usage, go to Settings → Cellular, scroll down to your list of apps, and tap Show All. If you notice any unfamiliar apps using excessive data, uninstall them immediately.
For apps you recognize but rarely use, consider restricting their background data usage or updating them.
Overheating
Malware could cause your iPhone to become excessively warm by overworking your CPU. This is often accompanied by reduced performance or a shorter battery life.
You should first check your iPhone’s battery usage to see if any apps are consuming excessive power. Consider deleting any such apps you don’t remember installing.
If you don’t identify any unfamiliar apps draining your battery, there could be other reasons for your phone overheating. You can read more about them and what to do here.
Poor Performance and App Crashes
App crashes, slow response times, and sluggish performance can all point to a malware infection. Malicious software may disrupt normal operations, causing instability within apps or your iPhone’s system. Watch out for pop-ups or ads appearing even when your browser is closed, as this is another red flag.
Strange or Unfamiliar Apps
If you see apps on your home screen that you don’t recognize, malware could be to blame. These apps can appear through phishing attacks, browser exploits, or unauthorized installations. Regularly review your apps and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or use.
iCloud Account Lockouts
Being unexpectedly locked out of your Apple ID or iCloud account is a serious sign of suspicious activity. Hackers may gain access to your account, change your login credentials, or trigger security locks. If this happens, you can attempt to reset your Apple ID password. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Change Password.
- Follow the rest of the instructions to attempt to reset your password.
NOTE: If you can’t change your password or you suspect your iCloud account has been hacked, contact Apple support as soon as possible.
Sudden Decrease in Storage Space
If your iPhone’s storage is filling up unexpectedly, malware could be the culprit. Malicious software can install hidden files, duplicate data, or gradually expand in size, taking up valuable space.
To check your iPhone’s storage, go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage to see a breakdown of your storage use. Look for any apps or files that are taking up more space than expected, especially ones you don’t recognize or use often. Delete unnecessary apps or large files that may be consuming space.
How to Keep Your iPhone Malware-Free
Here are some other simple methods you can use to prevent or fix any potential issues with your iPhone.
Use Antivirus Software with Web Protection
Look for an iOS-specific antivirus solution that offers real-time protection and web filtering to keep you safe while browsing and downloading apps. Good antivirus software (such as Norton, for instance) helps detect and block malicious websites and apps that could harm your device. Norton’s iOS antivirus even scans for suspicious calendar invites and blocks them before they can cause damage.
Keep Your Software Updated
Keeping your iPhone’s operating system and apps up to date can fix various vulnerabilities. This will help you minimize the risk of falling victim to known security issues.
To check iOS for updates, go to Settings → General → Software Update and see if any updates are available.
You can also update your iPhone apps manually. To do this, open the App Store on your iPhone and tap your profile icon or the account button at the top of the screen. Then, scroll down to view available updates and release notes. You can update a specific app by tapping Update next to it or select Update All to update every app at once.
That said, turning on automatic updates is the easiest way to ensure your apps stay up to date. Simply go to Settings → App Store and turn on the toggle beside App Updates.
Review App Permissions
Periodically review any permissions you have granted to your apps. If an app has access to more data or features than it needs, consider restricting those permissions to limit potential vulnerabilities. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Here, you can see a list of permission categories. Examples include Location Services, Microphone, and others.
- Tap on any category to see a list of apps that have these permissions enabled.
- Turn off the permissions for any apps if you see anything unusual.
- Repeat the same steps for any other permission categories.
Clear Safari and Browser Data
Clearing your Safari data can help resolve many issues with your iPhone. For instance, you can remove unwanted website cookies, cached files, and history that could be causing the issue. To do this, go to Settings → Apps and find Safari on the list. Tap on it and scroll down until you see Clear History and Website Data. Tap on it.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
While it doesn’t directly detect malware, enabling 2FA adds another layer of security to your iPhone, protecting your accounts even if someone gains access to your device.
To set up 2FA, go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security and tap Two-Factor Authentication. From there, just follow the prompts to set up 2FA for your Apple ID.
Use an Ad Blocker
An ad blocker prevents intrusive and potentially harmful ads (malvertising) from appearing on websites and apps. By blocking these ads, you not only speed up your browsing but also protect your device from phishing attempts and malicious redirects. Many good iOS VPNs (such as Private Internet Access) come with excellent ad blockers and have the added benefit of keeping your browsing private, even on public Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Jailbreaking Your iPhone
Jailbreaking your iPhone removes essential security features and allows unauthorized apps and modifications. By keeping your device in its original state, you ensure that it benefits from the latest security measures provided by Apple.
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if my iPhone has a virus?
To check if your iPhone has a virus, look for signs of unusual behavior, like rapid battery drain, unexpected data usage, or app crashes. If you notice any of these issues, it could indicate malware. Be on the lookout for unfamiliar apps, odd performance problems, or strange activity in your accounts, as these are also common signs of infection.
Since iPhones are designed with strong security features, malware is rare. But if you suspect an infection, use security tools like antivirus software to boost protection and secure your device.
How do I run a security scan on my iPhone?
Unlike on other devices, you can’t run a traditional virus scan on an iPhone. iOS’s security design prevents apps, including antivirus software, from scanning the device’s system files. However, you can monitor for suspicious activity by checking settings like battery usage, data consumption, and app behavior.
Do iPhones need a virus scan?
You can’t run a regular virus scan on iPhones; this has to do with how iOS was designed. However, there are steps you can take to detect and get rid of any unwanted and malicious apps. Using tools like antivirus software with web protection, an ad blocker, and a VPN can help prevent cyber threats.