iPhones can get viruses and malware just like any other device. While iPhones are generally more secure than Android phones, they are not completely immune to malware. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to remove viruses and other malware from your iPhone.
Can iPhones get viruses?
Yes, iPhones are susceptible to viruses and malware, just like other devices. However, it is less common for iPhones to be infected than Android devices. Here are some key points on iPhone viruses:
- iPhones cannot get traditional computer viruses that infect Windows PCs. But they can get iPhone-specific malware.
- Apple’s closed iOS ecosystem makes it harder for viruses to infect iPhones. Apps can only be installed from the App Store, which Apple monitors.
- Jailbreaking an iPhone makes it more vulnerable to viruses by breaking Apple’s security barriers.
- Many iPhone viruses rely on social engineering tricks to infect devices, rather than technical exploits.
- Common sources of iOS malware include phishing links, shady third-party app stores, and insecure public WiFi networks.
So while iPhones are reasonably secure, they are not invulnerable. A small number of malware threats have managed to sneak into the App Store undetected. And many viruses rely on the user being tricked into installing them rather than exploiting technical flaws in iOS.
What are the symptoms of an iPhone virus?
Here are some common signs your iPhone may be infected with malware:
- Frequent pop-up ads, even on reputable websites
- Apps crashing unexpectedly
- Sluggish performance
- Overheating
- Unusual activity on your Apple ID account
- Signs of surveillance like the camera turning on randomly
- Unknown apps appearing on your home screen
- Higher than expected data usage
- Weird text messages being sent from your phone
If you notice any of these issues, it may indicate malware infection. Other less common iPhone virus symptoms include automatic app downloads, changed security settings, and unauthorized password changes.
How can I remove a virus from my iPhone?
Here are some steps to clean malware off an infected iPhone:
- Delete any suspicious apps – Check your home screens for any unknown or shady looking apps. Delete anything that looks suspicious. This removes any malware bundled with that app.
- Run an iPhone antivirus app – Install a trusted iPhone antivirus app like Norton Mobile Security to scan for and remove malware. This can detect and clean up any viruses lurking on your device.
- Reset network settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears out any malware that may have wormed its way into your network configuration.
- Restore your iPhone – For severe infections, you may need to wipe your iPhone and restore from a backup. This completely removes any viruses but erases your data too.
- Change passwords – Update passwords for your Apple ID, iCloud, email accounts, and any other sensitive accounts logged on your device. This stops malware from accessing your accounts.
- Update your iPhone – Make sure you have installed the latest iOS updates. These often contain security patches to protect against emerging iPhone threats.
Running a scan with antivirus software and resetting your iPhone is usually enough to remove most iOS malware. Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources in the future to prevent reinfection.
What is the best antivirus app for iPhone?
Here are some top antivirus apps for detecting and removing malware on iPhones:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Norton Mobile Security | Real-time protection, intelligent scanning, web protection, WiFi security |
| Avast Mobile Security | Virus scanner, web shield, app insights, anti-theft |
| McAfee Mobile Security | Virus scan, web protection, app privacy, device tracker |
| 360 Security | Lightweight scanner, junk cleaning, speed booster, app lock |
| TotalAV Antivirus | Virus detection, system optimizer, real-time protection, VPN |
Look for apps that offer real-time protection against phishing websites and infected apps. Web protection and network security features are also important. And extra tools like system optimizers and antitheft can provide added security.
Stick to well-known, established antivirus brands like Norton, McAfee, and Avast for the best protection. Avoid untrusted apps with poor ratings or reviews.
How can I prevent viruses on my iPhone?
Here are some tips to avoid iPhone viruses and malware:
- Only download apps from the official App Store – Apps on the App Store are vetted by Apple for security.
- Don’t jailbreak your device – Jailbreaking bypasses iOS protections, opening you to malware.
- Watch out for phishing scams – Don’t click suspicious links, even from seemingly trusted sources.
- Use strong passcodes – Set a secure 6+ digit passcode to protect your data if your phone is lost or stolen.
- Think before installing profiles – Installing configuration profiles can give attackers access to your data.
- Avoid public WiFi – Use trusted connections instead of public WiFi where info can be intercepted.
- Update your device regularly – Updates patch security flaws and improve malware detection.
- Use antivirus software – Run reputable antivirus apps for extra malware protection.
Practicing safe browsing habits, only installing apps from trusted sources, and keeping your device updated are the best ways to keep your iPhone malware-free.
Can you get a virus from Safari on iPhone?
Yes, it is possible to get a virus or malware from the Safari browser on your iPhone. Here are some ways this can happen:
- Clicking phishing links in Safari can infect your phone with malware that steals data.
- Visiting compromised or malicious websites can lead to drive-by downloads of viruses onto your device.
- Fake Safari browser extensions can contain malware payloads.
- Safari browser exploits targeting unpatched security flaws have allowed iOS malware infection in the past.
However, the risk is lower than on desktop browsers. Apple vets and controls extensions in Safari’s Extension Gallery for security. Downloads and plugins are limited compared to desktop browsers. And Safari has robust built-in phishing and malware blocking.
To reduce your Safari risk on iPhone:
- Only install extensions from the Extension Gallery
- Don’t click questionable links in emails, messages, and websites
- Watch out for spoof websites disguised as legit ones
- Make sure to update iOS and Safari promptly
- Use antivirus software as an added precaution
Practicing safe browsing and timely updates are your best protection against iPhone malware infection through Safari.
Is Apple Store app safe from virus?
Yes, the official Apple App Store app that comes preinstalled on iPhones is safe and does not pose a virus risk. Here are some reasons why:
- Apple thoroughly vets every app submitted to the App Store for security issues.
- Apps cannot directly access critical iOS system or hardware functions that could compromise security.
- App sandboxing isolates each app from the rest of the iOS system for containment.
- Apps must request user permissions for sensitive data access like contacts and photos.
- Apple can remotely disable or remove malicious apps that sneak through App Review.
- Updates to the App Store app itself are handled securely by Apple.
While no app store is perfect, Apple has several robust protections in place to keep the official App Store malware-free. Any apps downloaded from the App Store undergo rigorous security checks by Apple.
The only real risk from the App Store comes from user actions like entering payment info into compromised apps. As long as you avoid shady developers and stick to legitimate apps from recognized brands, the App Store itself if safe from viruses.
Can iPhone antivirus remove existing virus?
Yes, most iPhone antivirus apps can detect and remove many existing viruses and other malware on your device. Features to look for include:
- On-demand scanning – Manually scans your iPhone for viruses and malware.
- Real-time protection – Constantly monitors device activity to block new malware infections.
- Quarantine – Isolates detected threats so they can’t cause further harm.
- Malware removal – Deletes any malicious apps or files from your iPhone.
- Junk cleaning – Clears out caches, temporary files, and other clutter hiding malware.
A combination of on-demand scanning to detect threats, followed by quarantine and deletion to remove them, is the most effective approach. Extra junk cleaning helps erase any leftover traces.
Just be aware antivirus apps are not foolproof. Advanced new malware can sometimes evade detection, especially tailored iPhone viruses targeting specific users. But antivirus apps provide an important extra layer of protection and remediation against iPhone malware.
Summary
- iPhones can get viruses but less often than Android devices due to Apple’s tight control of iOS.
- Symptoms of an infected iPhone include sluggishness, pop-ups, overheating, and unknown apps appearing.
- Reset your iPhone to factory settings and install antivirus software to remove existing viruses.
- Leading antivirus apps for iOS include Norton Mobile Security, Avast Mobile Security, McAfee Mobile Security, and others.
- Only download apps from the official App Store, update regularly, and avoid suspicious links to stop infection.
- The App Store app itself is safe, but user-installed apps may contain malware in rare cases.
- Antivirus apps can detect and remove many existing viruses, but aren’t perfect against advanced new threats.