Does updating iPhone remove malware?

Malware is malicious software that can negatively impact phones in a variety of ways. Malware includes viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and other threats that can steal data, lock devices, track users, or even take complete control of phones. With the massive growth in mobile usage, malware has become increasingly prevalent on smartphones. Recent statistics show that 30.8% of mobile threats in Q2 2023 were potentially unwanted software, and adware accounted for 34.8% of threats in Q1 2023.

One question iPhone users often have is whether updating their device removes any malware that may have infected it. iOS updates contain security patches and improvements that could theoretically mitigate some malware risks. However, it is unclear if merely updating is enough to fully remove malware that has already infected a device. This article will examine whether updating an iPhone removes existing malware.

How Malware Gets on iPhones

iPhones can become infected with malware in a few key ways:

Visiting suspicious websites: Going to questionable websites, especially those that host pirated content or illegal downloads, can expose an iPhone to malware. These sites may have embedded malicious code or infected ads that can download malware onto the device without the user’s knowledge (According to TechTarget).

Downloading infected apps: Apps downloaded from outside the official Apple App Store have the highest risk of containing malware. Apps that ask for unnecessary permissions or seem suspicious in any way have a higher chance of having malware (According to McAfee).

Phishing attacks: Malicious links sent via SMS, email, messaging apps or social media can trick users into providing sensitive information or downloading infected files. These phishing scams are getting more sophisticated and can be hard to detect (According to Malwarebytes).

In summary, iPhones are most vulnerable when users visit untrustworthy sites, install unofficial apps, or fall victim to phishing scams. Being cautious when browsing, stringent about app sources, and wary of unsolicited links can reduce the risk of malware infection.

Does Updating Remove Malware?

iOS updates regularly patch security vulnerabilities and flaws in the operating system that could be exploited by malware. However, updating your iPhone’s iOS does not directly detect or remove existing malware that may have infected your device.

As discussed on Apple’s forums, iOS updates help “close the door” and prevent future malware infections by fixing the vulnerabilities that malware could use to infect a device. But an iOS update alone does not scan for or eliminate malware already present on the iPhone.

According to Avast security experts, while updating your iPhone’s iOS is an important part of iPhone virus removal, it does not actively detect and wipe out malware. Updating eliminates potential entry points for new malware, but does not directly remove existing infections.

So in summary, updating your iPhone’s iOS can help prevent future malware infections by patching known flaws. But updating alone does not scan your device and eliminate malware already present on your iPhone before the update.

How to Check for Malware

One of the most effective ways to check for malware on an iPhone is to run a scan using antivirus software. Apps like Malwarebytes and Norton Mobile Security can thoroughly scan for malware or suspicious activity. While the App Store offers some protection against malware, antivirus apps provide an extra layer of security.

It’s also important to be on the lookout for unusual behavior that may indicate malware. For example, if apps are crashing unexpectedly, the battery is draining faster than normal, or you notice extra data usage, it could point to a malware infection. Also watch for unfamiliar apps you didn’t download or strange pop-up ads. Periodically reviewing all installed apps and deleting any unknown or unused ones can help detect malware.

Additionally, jailbroken iPhones are more vulnerable to malware since they can install unapproved apps. Check under Settings > General > VPN and Profiles for any suspicious profiles that may have been installed. Restoring from a backup or doing a factory reset removes jailbreaking and can eliminate malware.

Removing Malware from iPhone

One of the most direct ways to remove malware from an iPhone is to delete any suspicious or unknown apps. Go through your apps and remove anything you don’t remember downloading or that looks questionable. Malware is sometimes hidden in apps disguised as legitimate software.

If deleting suspicious apps doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to do a factory reset to wipe the malware from your device. This will erase everything on your phone and restore it to factory settings. Make sure to backup your data first. To reset, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will perform a clean install of iOS and remove any infections.

Using a mobile security app like Malwarebytes can also help detect and remove malware from an iPhone. These apps proactively monitor for threats and viruses. Malwarebytes scans apps, files, and processes running on your device to identify any suspicious activity indicative of malware. The app can then quarantine or delete infected files to disinfect your phone.1

Best Practices to Avoid Malware

There are a few key best practices that can help you avoid malware infections on your iPhone:

Only install apps from the official App Store. Apple thoroughly vets and tests all apps in the App Store, so you can be confident they are safe. Avoid “sideloading” apps from unofficial sources, as this exposes you to potential malware risks. See source.

Be cautious of suspicious links. Malware can be distributed through phishing emails or text messages containing malicious links. Avoid clicking links from unknown or untrusted sources. See source.

Keep your iPhone’s operating system up-to-date. Apple regularly releases software updates that contain important security patches. Always install the latest iOS updates promptly to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. See source.

Signs of Malware Infection

There are some telltale signs that may indicate your iPhone has been infected with malware. The most common signs to look out for include:

Increased data usage – Malware often communicates with command and control servers to send data or receive instructions. This can lead to a spike in data usage that can’t be explained by your normal iPhone activities.

Sluggish performance – Malware strains system resources and can significantly slow down your iPhone. Basic tasks may take much longer than usual.

Overheating – The extra strain on your iPhone’s processor from malware can cause the device to get hotter than normal.

Pop-up ads – Malicious adware may bombard you with pop-up ads, even when you are not browsing the web. These intrusive ads may be hard to close or dismiss.

Pay attention to these red flags, as they could indicate your iPhone has been compromised by malware. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action to detect and remove any infections.

When to Do a Factory Reset

If your iPhone continues to show signs of a malware infection even after running antivirus software, performing a factory reset may be your best option for removing the malware.

Antivirus apps like Malwarebytes can detect and quarantine many types of iOS malware. However, some persistent or complex infections may continue to affect your device even after an antivirus scan. If apps are crashing, the phone is running slow, or you see other unusual behaviors, the malware may still be present.

A factory reset will wipe the device completely, restoring it to default factory settings and removing any files or residual malware left behind. This is an effective way to ensure the malware is eliminated since it erases everything on the device.1

You should also do a factory reset if the malware makes your iPhone unusable. For example, if the device is frozen, apps won’t open, or it keeps crashing or restarting, a reset may be your only option to restore functionality. The reset will erase the malware so the phone can operate normally again.

Factory resetting your device means you will lose any data, photos, or custom settings on your iPhone. Be sure to backup your important information before resetting. However in cases of severe malware contamination, a factory reset is an assured way to wipe the slate clean and remove persistent or sophisticated malware.

Seeking Professional Help

In some cases, you may need help from professionals to fully remove malware from your iPhone. There are two main options to seek professional help:

The Genius Bar at Apple Stores can provide malware removal services. Apple’s experts at the Genius Bar can scan your device, diagnose any malware infections, and help remove viruses, spyware, and other threats. This is often the safest option, since the Genius Bar technicians are Apple-certified and work specifically on Apple devices. According to Best Buy, professional malware removal at the Apple Genius Bar typically costs $39.99.

You can also visit third-party smartphone repair shops that offer virus and malware removal services. These independent repair technicians may charge less than the Genius Bar. However, ensure the shop has specific expertise in iPhone repairs and malware threats. It’s important to verify they use official Apple tools and methods when servicing iOS devices, rather than taking shortcuts. Research online reviews of nearby repair shops before handing your iPhone over to a third party for malware removal.

Conclusion

As we reviewed, upgrading to the latest iOS version does not directly remove malware that may already be present on your iPhone. However, installing regular software updates is still recommended as part of your digital hygiene, as updates patch security vulnerabilities that malware relies on to infect devices.

While updating alone will not delete malicious apps or files, there are steps you can take to actively detect and remove malware from your iPhone. This includes watching for unusual device behavior, using antivirus software, and if necessary, performing a factory reset to wipe your device clean.

Moving forward, you can protect your iPhone from future malware threats by only downloading apps from the official Apple App Store, avoiding suspicious links and attachments, installing iOS updates promptly, and using strong passwords. Following best practices greatly reduces the risk of malware taking hold of your device.

In summary, updating your iPhone does not directly eliminate malware, but is still an important security measure. Combine iOS updates with proactive scanning and safe browsing habits to keep your iPhone malware-free.