How do I remove malware from my iPhone?

Malware on iPhones is becoming increasingly common as more threats target iOS devices. While iPhones are generally very secure, malware can still find its way onto your device, usually when you visit suspicious websites or download shady apps. The good news is that removing malware from an iPhone is possible if you take the right steps.

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How do I know if my iPhone has malware?

Here are some signs your iPhone may be infected with malware:

Pop-up ads appear frequently, even on reputable sites

Your browser redirects to strange sites you didn’t intend to visit
Your iPhone is noticeably slower
The battery drains faster than usual

You notice unusual activity on your other online accounts that you access from your iPhone
Apps crash or freeze unexpectedly
You can’t uninstall strange apps you don’t remember downloading

If you notice any of these issues, it’s possible malware has infected your iPhone.

How does malware get on my iPhone?

There are a few common ways malware can infect an iPhone:

Visiting compromised websites – Malicious sites may automatically download malware onto your device without you realizing it.

Phishing attacks – Opening links in scam emails or texts could expose you to malware.
Third-party app stores – Downloading apps from anywhere other than the official App Store increases your risk.
Outdated software – Failing to update your iPhone’s OS and apps leaves vulnerabilities malware can exploit.

Jailbreaking – Modifying your iPhone’s software often disables key security protections.
Infected computers – Malware can spread to your iPhone from an infected computer when you sync or charge your device.

How to check for malware on an iPhone

If you suspect your iPhone has malware, here are some steps to help confirm an infection:

Check for unusual activity in the Battery and Data Usage screens in Settings. Malware may be quietly running in the background draining your battery and using data.
Review the list of installed apps on your iPhone. Delete anything you don’t remember downloading.
Look for apps you can’t delete. Malware sometimes disguises itself as an important system app.

Check Safari and other browser histories for unfamiliar or suspicious sites.
Scan your iPhone with a reputable anti-malware app like Malwarebytes to detect infections.
Check your various online accounts for any unauthorized activity conducted from your iPhone.

These steps may help uncover any malware lurking on your device. If you discover suspicious app or network activity, you likely have a malware problem.

How to remove malware from an iPhone

If you confirm your iPhone is infected, take these steps to remove the malware:

Delete suspicious apps – Remove any apps you don’t remember downloading or that seem shady. This may get rid of simple malware.

Run anti-malware software – Use a reputable anti-malware app for iOS like Malwarebytes to scan your device and remove infections.
Reset network settings – This clears any potentially malicious network configuration changes made by malware. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Restore your iPhone – For serious infections, a full restore may be necessary. This wipes your device and reinstalls a clean iOS version.

Change all passwords – Once your iPhone is clean, make sure to change the passwords for all accounts accessed on the device.
Update your iPhone – Make sure your iPhone, iOS, apps, and browser are all fully up to date after removing the malware.

Running reputable mobile anti-malware software and performing a full reset are generally the most effective ways to decontaminate an infected iPhone. Prevent future infections by avoiding suspicious links and apps.

Best malware removal apps for iPhone

Here are some top anti-malware apps to help detect and remove infections from your iPhone:

App	Key Features
Malwarebytes	Threat detection, malware scanning, removal tools, real-time protection
Lookout Security & Antivirus	Malware scanning, data breach alerts, lost device features
Norton Mobile Security	Malware scanning, security extensions for Safari and Chrome, online threat protection
Avast Mobile Security	Virus scanning, app locking, web shield, anti-theft tools
AVG Antivirus Security	Virus scanning, malware removal, real-time app scanning, anti-theft

Malwarebytes is our top overall pick for its fast, full scans and versatile malware removal tools. All these apps can help rid your iPhone of malware and provide ongoing protection.

Tips to avoid iPhone malware

Here are some tips to keep your iPhone malware-free:

Stick to the App Store – Avoid third-party app stores or sideloading apps from unknown sources. Only download apps from the official Apple App Store.
Update software – Always keep your iPhone, iOS, apps, and browser fully updated for the latest security protections.
Use screen lock – Set a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID lock to prevent unauthorized access.

Don’t jailbreak – Jailbreaking removes vital iPhone security defenses, increasing malware risk.
Be cautious of links/attachments – Don’t open links or files from suspicious emails, texts, ads, websites, and social media posts.
Install security apps – Use robust iOS antivirus apps to detect malware before it can infect your device.

Practicing cautious browsing habits and device usage will significantly lower your risk of malware. But malware can sneak through even on safe sites – that’s why running reliable mobile security software is so important for every iPhone.

Malware risks on iPhone vs Android

Some key differences in malware risks for iPhones vs Android phones include:

Androids allow app downloads from third-party stores, increasing malware exposure. iPhones only allow apps from the official Apple App Store.

Jailbreaking an iPhone increases malware risk, but this process is more difficult compared to rooting an Android.
There are over 8 million known Android malware samples vs only over 30,000 for iOS.
App Store review process catches most malicious iOS apps but malicious apps still slip through on Android app stores.

iOS sandboxing restricts app access to only designated files and resources. Android apps have broader system access permissions.

Overall, Apple’s tight control over iOS and the closed App Store ecosystem make iPhones less prone to malware than the more open Android platform. However, iOS threats are on the rise, so you still need to take precautions and safeguard your iPhone.

Can I get malware from an iMessage on iPhone?

Yes, it’s possible to get malware through an iMessage, but it’s extremely rare due to iOS security protections. Two scenarios where malware could spread through iMessage include:

Links in messages – An infected link could be sent in an iMessage. Clicking the link on your iPhone would expose it to malware.
Media files – Malware code could theoretically be bundled into an image, video, or audio file sent over iMessage which infects your phone when opened. However, this vulnerability has not yet been reported in the wild.

To minimize any malware risk from iMessage:

Do not open suspicious links sent in messages, even from known contacts (their account may be compromised).
Be cautious of unexpected media files sent over iMessage from unknown numbers.
Keep your iPhone software up to date for the latest security fixes.

Practicing good security habits will help prevent any potential malware infection from iMessages.

Can I get malware from Safari or other browsers on iPhone?

Yes, it’s possible for malware to infect your iPhone through Safari or another iOS web browser in these common scenarios:

Malicious websites – Visiting a website harboring malware can trigger an automatic download to your device, especially without your knowledge or consent.

Compromised legitimate sites – Some legitimate sites become infected with malware which can then spread to visitors.
Fake or spoof sites – Malware may be distributed by fake websites masquerading as legitimate popular services.
Malicious ads/pop-ups – Even legitimate sites can sometimes display infected ads or pop-ups that attempt to infect devices.

To reduce the risk of malware from general web browsing on an iPhone:

Don’t visit websites you find suspicious or unfamiliar.
Watch for browser redirects, which are a sign of potential infections.

Clear your browser history and cookies regularly.
Install an iOS antivirus app that scans Safari and other browsers.
Use a pop-up blocker and don’t click on suspicious ads.

Advanced mobile browser and device protections make infections from iOS web browsing rare, but still possible. Cautious browsing habits are your best defense.

Can you get malware from the Apple App Store?

While extremely rare, it is possible for malware to get onto the official Apple App Store. Here’s how it can occur:

Missed malware – With over 2 million apps on the App Store, some malware occasionally slips through Apple’s review filters.

Delayed malware activation – Apps may seem safe on initial review but later update with malware-laced code.
Legitimate apps turned bad – Once good apps can be acquired and misused to add malicious code.
User data abuse – Some apps harvest more user data than they should, despite not being clear malware.

While Google Play likely harbors more malware, the App Store isn’t 100% safe. To reduce your malware risk:

Stick to popular, well-known apps from reputable developers.
Check app ratings and reviews for red flags.

Use an iOS antivirus app to scan new app downloads.
Monitor app permissions and access.
Update apps frequently for latest protections.

The chances of downloading malware from the official App Store remain very low. But it’s smart to exercise some caution when trying new apps from unknown developers.

Should I use antivirus apps on iPhone?

There is some debate around whether you need antivirus apps on iPhone, but here are some good reasons to use them:

Provides an extra layer of active scanning to catch malware signatures.

Monitors app behavior for suspicious activity indicating malware.
Blocks malicious links, infected sites, and phishing content.
Quarantines or removes malware if found.

Scans new app downloads from any source including App Store.
Protects browsing on Safari, Chrome, Firefox and others.
Extra security for riskier activities like jailbreaking.

Reputable iOS antivirus apps are lightweight, don’t drain resources, and provide vital monitoring and malware detection an iPhone alone can miss. While no single app can guarantee 100% protection, they add valuable security layers for little effort.

What can happen if you don’t remove iPhone malware?

Failing to remove malware from your iPhone can allow serious harm including:

Identity theft from contacts, passwords, and other personal data access

Fraudulent use of bank and credit card information
Hacking of email, social media, and other online accounts
Bricking or crashing your iPhone if malware interferes with system files

Costly cellular data overage fees from malware secretly downloading or streaming large amounts of data
Shortened battery life and system performance issues
Further malware spreading to your contacts or other household devices

Left unchecked, iPhone malware can expose your sensitive personal information, enable financial fraud, impair your device functionality, and support broader malware networks. Removing infections quickly limits the potential damage.

Conclusion

While iPhones have robust integrated security, malware infections can still occur under the right circumstances. However, you can take steps to avoid iPhone malware, remove existing infections, and prevent future issues:

Only download apps from the official App Store.

Keep your system and software updated.
Don’t open unsolicited links and attachments.
Stick to reputable websites when browsing.

Install a trusted iOS antivirus app.
Perform regular security scans and updates.
Reset your device to factory settings if seriously infected.

Practicing smart security habits, leveraging robust iOS defenses, and using supplemental antivirus tools will help you identify, isolate, and eliminate any malware threatening your iPhone.