Resetting an iPhone is a common troubleshooting step that attempts to restore the device to its factory settings. This process wipes the iPhone clean and removes any files, apps, settings and other data on the device. Resetting can often fix software issues, lagging, crashes and other problems by giving the iPhone a “fresh start.”
But will resetting an iPhone also remove any viruses or other malware that may have infected the device? In short, performing a factory reset on an iPhone will typically eliminate any viruses or malware present. However, some sophisticated threats may persist even after resetting the iPhone.
How viruses can infect iPhones
iPhones and other iOS devices have historically been considered very secure and resistant to viruses and malware. This is due to Apple’s closed operating system, App Store screening process and sandboxing that isolate apps. However, iPhones are still vulnerable to some malware attacks through:
– Social engineering – Users may be tricked into installing malware after clicking links in phishing emails, texts or web pages. This takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the user rather than the iPhone itself.
– Compromised App Store apps – While rare, some apps containing malware have made it past Apple’s vetting process into the official App Store. Downloading and installing these compromised apps can infect an iPhone.
– Jailbreaking – Jailbreaking removes many of the iPhone’s security barriers so users can install unauthorized apps. But this also provides opportunities for malware to infect a jailbroken iPhone.
– Network attacks – Sophisticated malware may be able to infect iPhones or steal data by exploiting vulnerabilities in WiFi or mobile networks, often requiring the user to click a corrupted link.
So while rarer than on other platforms, targeted iPhone malware does exist and resetting the device may be required to remove such infections.
Does resetting an iPhone remove viruses?
Performing a factory reset on an iPhone will wipe the device back to its default settings, removing any files, apps or modifications made to the system. This should eliminate any simple malware or virus from the iPhone in most cases.
Specifically, a factory reset will:
– Delete all downloaded and installed apps – This removes any infected apps harboring malware.
– Remove all files and documents – Wiping personal files eliminates any malware-infected files.
– Clear all settings and preferences – Settings modifications made by malware will be reset.
– Restore original factory iOS version – Patches any iOS vulnerabilities used to jailbreak or compromise the system.
– Erase all user data and accounts – Logs out any accounts to prevent access by malware.
– Release RAM and storage space – Clears out any processes or temporary files used by viruses.
So in general, performing a factory reset or restore on your iPhone should remove any standard malware or viruses infecting the device. Think of it as completely reinstalling the operating system on a computer.
Will resetting remove advanced malware?
While most viruses will be eliminated by an iPhone reset, more advanced malware may persist in some cases:
– Malware stored in device firmware – Sophisticated threats directly written to the iPhone firmware or hardware may survive a reset.
– iBoot or bootloader malware – Malware that infects low-level system boot processes may load itself again after resetting.
– Remotely reinfecting malware – Some threats may transmit backups to remote servers and reinfect an iPhone after it is reset.
– Malware reinstalled from iCloud – If malware is present in your iCloud backup, restoring from this backup during a reset may reinfect the device.
– Jailbreak malware – Malware associated with some jailbreaks could re-jailbreak and infect a device after reset if precautions are not taken.
So users dealing with advanced, persistent iPhone malware should take additional steps to ensure the threat is fully removed and avoid reinfection from backups. Extra anti-malware scanning and changing account credentials may be necessary.
In most standard cases though, an iPhone factory reset or restore will fully eliminate any common viruses picked up by the device or user.
How to reset an iPhone to factory settings
If you suspect your iPhone has been infected by malware or other viruses, here are the steps to fully reset and restore the device:
1. Backup your iPhone data – Use iCloud or iTunes to backup personal data you want to preserve. Don’t backup malware!
2. Disable Find My iPhone – Turn off Find My iPhone activation lock so your device can be wiped.
3. Perform factory reset – Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose “Erase All Content and Settings”.
4. Setup as new iPhone – When prompted during setup, choose “Set Up as New iPhone” to fully wipe clean rather than restore a backup.
5. Update iOS – Download and install the latest iOS software update after resetting your iPhone.
6. Change Apple ID password – Update your Apple ID password to prevent reinfection from a compromised account.
7. Install anti-malware app – Download a reputable anti-malware app to periodically scan for persistent threats.
8. Avoid compromised apps – Only install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store. Avoid jailbreaking.
Performing these steps should fully reset your iPhone and remove any standard viruses or malware present. While not 100% effective against highly sophisticated cyber threats, in most cases a factory reset will wipe an iPhone free of malicious infections.
Signs your iPhone may be infected with malware
How can you tell if your iPhone has already been infected by a virus or other malware? Here are some telltale signs:
– Slow performance – Malware activity can cause sluggish response times and lag.
– Overheating – Increased malware system processes can sometimes overheat an iPhone.
– Reduced battery life – Malware can rapidly drain batteries by overusing system resources.
– Pop-up ads – Increased pop-up ads, especially for unfamiliar products, may indicate adware.
– Strange new apps – Apps you don’t remember downloading have appeared on your iPhone.
– Higher data usage – Unusually high data usage could mean malware is transmitting data.
– Unusual activity alerts – Your bank or other sites may email you about suspicious login or account activity.
– Crashes and freezes – Malware can make apps and even entire iPhones freeze or crash unexpectedly.
– Weird behavior – Phones acting erratically, like calling random numbers or speaking text, may indicate malware.
While not definitive proof, these issues after downloading a new app or opening a suspicious link may mean your iPhone has been infected. Running a scan with anti-malware software and resetting your iPhone can help resolve these problems.
How to avoid iPhone viruses and malware
Resetting your iPhone is the solution after infection has occurred. But avoiding viruses and malware in the first place is ideal. Here are smart tips to improve iPhone security:
– Only install apps from the official App Store – This is the best way to prevent malware-infected apps.
– Don’t jailbreak your iPhone – Jailbreaking bypasses security controls and increases malware risk.
– Keep iOS up-to-date – Install iOS updates promptly to patch vulnerabilities.
– Use strong passwords – Strong Apple ID and app passwords prevent unauthorized access.
– Think before clicking – Don’t install profiles or open links from unsolicited texts and emails.
– Install security apps – Use a VPN and anti-malware apps for additional iPhone protection.
– Backup regularly – Backup your iPhone so you can fully wipe and restore it if compromised.
– Monitor accounts – Watch for unauthorized charges or password change notifications.
Following best practices for iPhone security reduces the chances you’ll need to reset your iPhone to remove malware in the first place. But if your iPhone does get infected, a factory reset will wipe away most viruses.
FAQ: Reset iPhone to remove virus
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about resetting an iPhone to remove viruses:
How do I backup my iPhone before a reset?
You have two options to backup an iPhone before resetting it – using iCloud or iTunes. For iCloud, enable iCloud Backup in Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Then connect to WiFi and power to backup. For iTunes, connect your iPhone to a computer running iTunes and create a backup.
Will resetting delete my data?
Yes, resetting an iPhone will delete all data, media, settings and apps on the device. It essentially erases the iPhone back to a blank, factory-fresh state with no content on it.
Is a factory reset the same as a restore?
Factory reset and restore are generally interchangeable terms that mean wiping an iPhone back to default factory settings and removing all user data. This is done through Erase All Content and Settings.
How long does an iPhone reset take?
Resetting and erasing all content from an iPhone generally takes just a few minutes. Exact time varies based on iPhone model and amount of data to be wiped. Just let the reset process complete until your iPhone restarts.
Will I lose iOS if I reset iPhone?
No, resetting your iPhone will not delete or downgrade the iOS version installed on the device. Resetting actually brings iOS back to a clean, default state while keeping your current iOS version intact.
Can I reset without computer?
Yes, you can reset an iPhone without needing a computer. On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Erase All Content and Settings. The iPhone will handle the entire factory reset process itself.
Will resetting fix lagging iPhone?
If your iPhone is noticeably slow or lagging, resetting it can often improve performance by eliminating any malware or buggy apps causing the issue. Resetting provides a “clean slate” for your iPhone’s system resources.
Can Find My iPhone locate a reset iPhone?
The Find My iPhone app can still locate and track an iPhone even after it has been reset. This is because resetting does not disable the device’s activation lock which Find My iPhone relies on.
Is factory reset same as out of box?
Reset iPhone brings the device back to the same default software state it had when you first unboxed it. However, any physical wear and tear remains on the hardware itself after being reset.
Conclusion
While iPhones have robust security and malware resistance, they can still become infected in some situations. Resetting your iPhone to factory default settings provides a proven way to erase viruses, adware, spyware and other malicious threats that may have reached your device. While not 100% effective against the most sophisticated cyber attacks, in most cases fully wiping and restoring your iPhone will remove nefarious infections and restore normal function. Be sure to backup your personal data before resetting your iPhone. And combine smart security practices with occasional resets for the best defense against nasty malware.
| Reset iPhone Benefits | Reset iPhone Drawbacks |
|---|---|
|
|