What is the free app to scan for malware on iPhone?

Scanning an iPhone for malware is an important step in keeping your device and data secure. While iPhones are generally considered more secure than Android devices, they are still susceptible to malware attacks. The good news is that there are some great free options for scanning an iPhone for malware.

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Why You Should Scan for Malware on iPhone

Here are some key reasons why it’s important to scan your iPhone for malware regularly:

Malware can steal personal data like contacts, photos, messages, and passwords.

Some malware is designed specifically to monitor activity on iPhones and transmit that data to external servers.
Malware may attempt to gain root access to your device, allowing it complete control.
Malware can connect your device to a botnet, which is then used for nefarious purposes.

Certain malware can lock you out of your device completely until you pay a ransom (ransomware).

While the iOS platform offers more security than Android, malware still poses a real threat. New iPhone malware continues to be uncovered regularly. Running periodic scans using a reliable malware scanner is crucial to protecting your data and device.

Best Free Malware Scanners for iPhone

Here are some of the top free options for scanning your iPhone for malware:

1. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted names in malware scanning. Their free iPhone app offers malware scanning along with web protection when browsing on your iPhone. Key features include:

Ability to run quick or deep scans of your iPhone system files, apps, and data.
Scheduled scanning options so you can run periodic scans automatically.

Real-time web protection blocks known malicious sites and content when browsing.
Detailed scan reports show you what files have been scanned and highlight any threats found.
Background scanning provides constant monitoring for suspicious activity or malware infections.

For the most comprehensive protection, Malwarebytes offers a premium version with additional features like data breach monitoring and device privacy tools. But the free version still provides robust malware scanning for your iPhone.

2. Avira Mobile Security

Avira Mobile Security is another leading free malware scanner from a respected security company. Key features of their iPhone app include:

Fast and full system scans that check apps, files, and the iOS operating system.

Real-time protection that constantly monitors your device for malware or network attacks.
Wi-Fi security scanning detects vulnerabilities in your home or public Wi-Fi connections.
Integrated VPN (virtual private network) shields your web traffic from prying eyes.

App insights provide risk ratings for installed apps and details on required permissions.

Avira puts an emphasis on network-based threats in addition to standard malware. Their free mobile security suite gives iPhone users solid basic protection.

3. AVG Antivirus Security

AVG is another longtime leader in the security space. Key features of their free iPhone antivirus app include:

Real-time malware protection constantly monitors for threats from app installs or websites.
Ability to schedule weekly, daily, or monthly scans to regularly check your iPhone.
Scan vault secures your photos, videos, contacts, and SMS messages.

Wi-Fi security scanner checks home and public networks for risks.
Performance optimizer clears junk files and frees up storage space.

AVG provides core malware defense along with network scanning, making it a solid basic option for protecting your iPhone.

4. Lookout Security & Antivirus

Lookout is a well-known mobile security company. Features of their free iOS security app include:

App security scans check both system apps and any apps you install for malware risks.
Network security protects from external threats when connected to home Wi-Fi, public hotspots, or cellular data.

Browsing security blocks malicious websites and unsafe links.
Tool removes existing malware from your iPhone system and apps.
Lost phone features like locating your phone on a map remotely.

With a focus on apps and browsing, Lookout is geared toward malware and web-based threats. Their free scanner delivers protection for these common iPhone attack vectors.

5. Norton Mobile Security

Norton is one of the original, pioneering cybersecurity companies. Their free iOS antivirus app provides:

Real-time protection against app and network-based threats.

Smart firewall blocks dangerous ports that cybercriminals use to control devices.
Safe web browsing warns users about malicious links and sites.
App advisor offers insight into risky apps and suggests alternatives.

Call blocking prevents nuisance calls and texts.

Norton has been securing devices and data for decades. Their iPhone malware scanner leverages that experience to provide reliable protection.

Key Factors in Choosing an iPhone Malware Scanner

Here are some key criteria to consider when selecting a malware scanning app for your iPhone:

Detection rate – The ability to reliably detect the latest iPhone malware threats. Look for recent test results from firms like AV-Test.
Scan options – At a minimum provide quick and full system scans. Additional options like scheduled scans are preferable.
Real-time protection – Constant monitoring for malware is important for full protection.

Network security – Scan Wi-Fi networks, block malicious sites/links, and monitor traffic.
Impact on performance – Don’t drain your battery or slow normal usage with resource-heavy scanning.
Cost – The best value comes from capable free scanners to protect your iPhone.

Prioritizing features like malware detection rate, scan flexibility, and network protection will help you select a robust scanner tailored to your iPhone security needs.

How to Scan Your iPhone for Malware

Once you’ve downloaded and installed one of the recommended free scanners from the App Store, here are the basic steps to check your iPhone for malware:

Open the security app and hit the “Scan” button to initiate a manual scan.

For a quick scan, choose that option if available. It will check core system files and apps in a few minutes.
For a full, deep scan choose that setting – may take 15 minutes or more to thoroughly scan the whole system.
You can view the scan results right in the security app when it completes.

The app should highlight any threats found. You can then view details and remove the malware.
Consider scheduling recurring scans on a weekly or monthly basis for ongoing protection.

Malware scanners are designed to be easy to use for anyone. Running manual and scheduled scans is straightforward and provides assurance your iPhone is free of malware.

Removing Malware from iPhone

If your security app does detect malware on your iPhone, here are the steps to clean it:

Open the security app and go to the details page for the threat.
The app should provide options for quarantining or removing the malware.

Tap the option to delete or remove the malware from your device.
The security app will then eliminate the malware from your iPhone system.
A rescan should now show your iPhone as clean and free of threats again.

iPhone security apps make it straightforward to isolate and remove any malware. Make sure to delete any associated apps that may have been compromised to fully eliminate the threat.

Best Practices for iPhone Malware Protection

In addition to regularly scanning for malware, here are some important practices that can help keep your iPhone malware-free:

Only download apps from the official Apple App Store. Avoid third-party app stores.

Don’t jailbreak your iPhone as this opens it up to risks.
Keep your iPhone software up-to-date with the latest iOS version.
Don’t click suspicious links in emails, messages, or websites.

Use strong passcodes on your iPhone and don’t share them with others.
Backup your iPhone regularly to external storage or iCloud.
Be cautious when on public Wi-Fi networks – consider using a VPN.

Enable two-factor authentication using Touch ID or Face ID.

Combining robust malware scanning with proactive security measures will provide layered protection for your iPhone and sensitive personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iPhone malware a real threat?

Yes, iPhone malware is a proven threat. The iOS platform has historically been more secure than Android, but it is still susceptible to malware attacks. New malware strains like the XCSSET banking Trojan have shown that iPhone risks are increasing.

Do I really need an antivirus app on iPhone?

Antivirus apps provide an important additional layer of active scanning to complement the built-in iOS security. So while not considered quite as essential as on Android, having a dedicated scanner like Malwarebytes can improve your protection against iPhone malware threats.

What iPhone malware symptoms should I look for?

Here are some signs that may indicate your iPhone has been infected by malware:

Unexpected pop-up ads within apps or Safari browser

Apps crashing frequently or freezing
Sluggish performance and lag
Strange activity on accounts (email, social media, bank, etc)

Unusual battery drain, network usage, or overheating
Unknown apps installed you didn’t download

Any of these symptoms could signal malware and the need to scan your iPhone.

Is it safe to scan my iPhone for malware?

Yes, using a legitimate security app from the Apple App Store is completely safe for scanning your iPhone for malware or other threats. The apps only have access to detect malware, not actually install anything else or change settings on your iPhone. Scanning gives you visibility into any risks without posing any harm to the device or your data.

Can iPhone malware be removed?

Yes, if malware is detected on your iPhone by a security app like Malwarebytes, it can safely be removed. The app will isolate and delete the infected files from your iPhone to eliminate the threat and return your device to a clean state.

The Bottom Line

Scanning your iPhone regularly with a trusted free malware scanning app is a wise precaution. Malware on iOS is growing increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. Protect your device and personal data by using a leading scanner like Malwarebytes, Avira, AVG, Lookout, or Norton. Combine it with smart security habits for comprehensive iPhone malware protection.