Yes, you can check for malware on your iPhone. While iPhones are generally considered more secure than Android devices, they are still vulnerable to malware attacks. Here are some quick answers about checking for malware on iPhones:
How can malware get on my iPhone?
Malware can get on your iPhone in a few different ways:
- Visiting malicious or compromised websites in Safari
- Installing apps from outside the App Store
- Clicking links or opening attachments in phishing emails/texts
- Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks
- Physical access – someone installing malware directly on your device
What are the signs of malware on my iPhone?
Here are some signs that may indicate malware on your iPhone:
- Sluggish performance
- Apps crashing frequently
- Battery draining faster than usual
- Overheating
- Pop-up ads in browsers/apps
- Unusual spikes in data usage
- Unknown charges or premium SMS texts
How can I manually check for malware on my iPhone?
Here are some steps to manually check for malware on your iPhone:
- Check installed apps – Look for any apps you don’t remember downloading, or apps acting suspiciously
- Check Safari history, cookies, cache – Malware may leave traces here
- Check iPhone settings – Look for unknown profiles, VPNs, or suspicious settings changes
- Check SMS/iMessage history – Malware can send premium texts
- Check Apple ID account activity – Malware may access your account
- Scan with antivirus software – Use a trusted iOS antivirus app to scan
- Restore from backup – Wipe device fully and restore from an earlier backup
How can I avoid malware on my iPhone?
Here are some tips to avoid iPhone malware:
- Only install apps from the official App Store
- Avoid jailbreaking your device
- Keep your iPhone software up-to-date
- Don’t click links/attachments from unknown sources
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Be cautious on public Wi-Fi networks
- Install a trusted mobile security app
Should I use antivirus software on my iPhone?
Most experts agree you don’t need traditional antivirus software installed on your iPhone, as Apple’s built-in security is generally robust enough. However, some added security from a trusted mobile security app can be beneficial for catching threats Apple’s protections might miss. Top antivirus apps like Lookout, Norton, and Bitdefender make iOS versions with helpful features like:
- Scanning apps, files, and network connections for threats
- Blocking phishing websites and malicious links
- Protecting online privacy via VPN
- Scanning messages for spam/malware
- Web filtering to block dangerous websites
While not critical, a quality mobile security app provides useful extra malware protection for your iPhone.
What should I do if I find malware on my iPhone?
If you find malware on your iPhone, here are the steps you should take:
- Delete any suspicious apps or profiles
- Run a full scan with antivirus software
- Reset all passwords, especially for sensitive accounts
- Look for unknown/unauthorized charges or activity
- Restore iPhone to factory settings if malware persists
- Contact your mobile provider about new sim card if needed
Catching and removing malware quickly can prevent major damage. Be alert for any further suspicious activity and take steps to lock down accounts that may have been compromised.
Can I check for malware on my iPhone without antivirus software?
Yes, you can check for malware on your iPhone without using antivirus software. Here are some effective steps:
- Review installed apps – Delete anything suspicious
- Check Safari history, cookies & cache
- Look for unknown profiles in Settings
- Check Apple ID account activity
- Scan SMS, iMessages for suspicious links/texts
- Monitor cellular data usage for spikes
- Restore iPhone to factory settings
While manual checks can detect and remove some malware, antivirus apps use advanced heuristics, malware databases, and real-time scanning to catch threats that may be missed manually. So antivirus software is still recommended for thorough protection.
Manual Malware Checks for iPhone
Review Installed Apps
One of the simplest ways to check for malware on an iPhone is to closely review all installed apps. This can help you identify any apps you don’t remember downloading, as well as any apps acting suspiciously, like causing crashes, draining battery, overheating your device, or requesting unnecessary permissions.
Check apps on all your Home Screens and inside folders. Anything suspicious should be deleted. You can always reinstall apps obtained from the App Store later if needed.
Check Safari History, Cookies, Cache
Malware often leaves traces in browser history, cookies, and cache data. Open the Safari app and go into Settings > Safari. Review history, cookies, and cached files for any unusual or unknown entries. Delete anything suspicious.
Look for Unknown Profiles
Malware can sometimes be installed via unknown device profiles. Check Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management on your iPhone. Delete any profiles you don’t recognize.
Monitor Apple ID Activity
Malware may access your Apple ID without permission to send or read data. Carefully check account activity at appleid.apple.com for any unauthorized access, apps, or charges.
Scan Messages
Malware can spread through phishing links and texts in SMS/iMessages. Open the Messages app and carefully check your recent message history for any suspicious links or texts. These should be deleted.
Check Cellular Data Usage
Some malware causes frequent data connectivity to send premium texts or transfer private data. This can show up as spikes in cellular data usage. Go to Settings > Cellular and monitor for any suspicious spikes.
Restore iPhone
If malware persists through the above steps, you may need to perform a full factory reset of your iPhone to wipe it clean. Back up your data first, then go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Erase All Content and Settings.
Using Antivirus Apps for Malware Protection
While manual checks are helpful, dedicated antivirus apps provide far more robust and comprehensive protection:
Advanced Threat Detection
Antivirus apps use heuristic scanning and constantly updated malware databases to identify the latest threats. This provides a much higher detection rate than manual methods.
Real-Time Monitoring
Antivirus software runs active processes to monitor device activity in real time. This enables them to catch malware faster before significant damage occurs.
Web Filtering and Network Protection
Leading antivirus apps can filter web traffic through VPN connections to block phishing sites, malware downloads, and other dangerous content.
Application Scanning and Monitoring
Antivirus apps can scan inside iOS applications to detect malware payloads. They also monitor app behavior for anomalies such as excessive data/battery use.
Additional Security Features
Products like Lookout and Norton Mobile Security include additional features such as WiFi security analysis, system advisors, loss and theft protection, and more.
Top Antivirus Apps for iPhone Malware Protection
Here is an overview of some top antivirus apps to consider for protecting your iPhone from malware:
| App | Key Features |
| Lookout | Real-time protection, web/app scanning, WiFi security, system advisor, theft protection tools |
| Norton | Intelligent malware scanning, web portal protection, online privacy via VPN, system tuner, mobile contacts backup |
| Bitdefender | Malware scanner, web protection advisor, privacy tools, app lock, account privacy, device locator |
| TotalAV | Virus scanner, web shield, junk cleaner, game booster, system security monitor, duplicate photo finder |
| Malwarebytes | Malware monitor and cleaner, web protection, scam call blocker, privacy audit, data breach monitor |
Conclusion
While iPhones have robust built-in security, malware threats still exist. Taking some proactive steps to check for any malicious activity can help identify and stop iPhone malware. Running periodic manual checks by reviewing system data and settings can detect some threats. However, for the strongest protection, installing advanced antivirus software designed specifically for iOS is highly recommended.
Leading antivirus apps like Lookout and Norton provide comprehensive real-time scanning to catch the latest iPhone malware, along with useful extras like web filtering, data privacy tools, device locators, and more. With vigilance and the right security software, you can rest assured your iPhone is safe from malware.
