Ana Jovanovic
Fact-checked by Kate Davidson
Short on time? Here’s how to remove viruses & malware from your iPhone or iPad:
- Remove suspicious apps and check app permissions. Look for any apps you don’t recognize and delete them.
- Clear Safari’s history, cache, and cookies. Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data and tap on Remove All Website Data.
- Reset your iPhone or iPad (Optional). Go to Settings > General, then scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad. Tap on Reset.
- Check your OS and storage in Settings. Ensure your operating system is up-to-date and has clear storage to keep your device running normally.
- Stay Protected. Use a high-quality internet security package like Norton Mobile Security to protect yourself from unsafe networks, device theft, smishing messages, and phishing sites.
If your iPhone or iPad drains battery fast, sends strange notifications, or shows unfamiliar apps, you might suspect you have a virus or malware. Fortunately, malware is rare on iOS, thanks to Apple’s strict App Store vetting. But that doesn’t mean iOS devices are entirely immune to trouble.
For example, some apps are designed to overcharge you or steal data. They can occasionally slip past Apple’s defenses, especially on jailbroken devices. Additionally, scam messages with fake login screens can also trick you into handing over personal info.
However, not all iPhone issues stem from malware. Slow performance, crashes, and glitches are often caused by full storage, outdated software, or problematic apps.
Whatever the cause, the steps below will help you fix any issues. I’ve also tested the best iOS security apps with VPNs, Wi-Fi monitors, parental controls, and anti-theft tools to give you extra peace of mind.
March 2025 update: We’ve fact-checked the entire guide to ensure the steps are still relevant on the latest version of iOS. We also moved around steps to highlight the most important information first and made the guide more accessible by adding more links for quicker navigation.
How to Remove Malware & Prevent Security Issues on Your iPhone or iPad (Step-By-Step Guide)
Step 1. Remove Suspicious Apps & Check App Permissions
If your iPhone or iPad’s acting odd — like weird pop-ups, battery drain, or apps you don’t recognize — a rogue app might be the culprit. Apple’s App Store has strong protections, but sketchy apps (think fleeceware or data-grabbers) can sometimes slip through. Here’s how to spot and remove them:
- Check app permissions: Scroll down in Settings to see your installed apps (you may also have to tap Apps at the bottom of the Settings menu). Tap an app to view its permissions, like Location, Camera, Microphone, Local Network, Tracking, or Contacts, and turn off anything that seems unnecessary or suspicious.
- Monitor battery usage: Navigate to Settings > Battery to check which apps use the most power. Frequently used apps like YouTube, Spotify, or Instagram are likely to top the list, but high usage from unfamiliar apps is a warning sign. Apps that use your location also put a strain on your battery.
- Remove suspect apps: If you spot an app with odd permissions, one you don’t recall installing, or one draining too much battery, delete it. Hold the app on your home screen, tap Remove App, then Delete App, and confirm the deletion.
- Restart your device: After deleting any problem apps, restart your iPhone or iPad. This clears out any remaining glitches from those apps.
- Decide your next step: If your device runs smoothly now, jump to Step 6 for protection tips. If problems persist, move on to Step 2.
Step 2. Update Your OS & Free Up Storage
If app removal didn’t fix things, your OS or storage might need attention. An outdated system or cramped drive can mimic malware symptoms — here’s how to sort it:
- Update your OS: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to install any available updates. Turn on Automatic Updates there to stay current moving forward
- Check your storage: Go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage to see how much space is free. If it’s 5 GB or less, delete large files like videos — they’re often the biggest space hogs — or upgrade your iCloud storage to offload data.
- Review installed apps: Look at the Storage menu to see a list of your apps and their sizes. Identify anything taking up more space than it should.
- Decide your next step: If your device runs smoothly after this, you can jump to Step 6 for extra protection. If it’s still sluggish, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3. Clear Safari History & Data
Sometimes, cookies and web caches can include harmful code. You can clear Safari’s history, cache, and cookies by performing the following steps:
- Access the settings: Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Website Data to find stored browsing data.
- Remove everything: Tap Remove All Website Data to clear history, cookies, and caches in one go.
- Decide your next step: If your device works as it should now, jump to Step 6 for protection tips. If issues linger, move to Step 4.
Step 4. (Factory) Reset Your iPhone or iPad
If earlier steps didn’t fix your device, a reset might solve the issue. Here’s how to proceed:
- Locate the reset options: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad to access the reset menu.
- Try a settings reset first: Tap Reset to return network, keyboard, layout, and privacy settings to their defaults. This can fix glitches from apps, networks, or iOS bugs without erasing your data.
- Go for a full reset if needed: If your device is still seriously off, choose Erase All Content and Settings for a factory reset. This wipes everything — apps, contacts, data — so back up to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or another device first, and only do this after going through Steps 1-3.
- Decide your next step: If your device works as it should after a settings reset, jump to Step 6 for protection tips. If you did a full reset, move to Step 5. If it’s still acting up, see What to Do if Malware Has Blocked Your iPhone or iPad?
Step 5. Optional — Restore a Previous Backup
This step applies only if you used Erase All Content and Settings in Step 4. Here’s how to get your data back from an iCloud backup:
- Start your device: Power on your iPhone or iPad and follow the setup screens until you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data.
- Pick iCloud: Select From iCloud Backup to begin restoring from the cloud.
- Sign in: Log into iCloud with your Apple ID to access your backups.
- Choose a backup: Browse the list of backups by date and size, then pick the one that best fits your needs.
- Stay connected: Keep your device on Wi-Fi and plugged into power while it restores — don’t interrupt it.
- Finish setup: Complete the onscreen setup steps. Your apps, photos, and data will keep downloading in the background.
- Decide your next step: If your device works as it should once restored, you can move on to Step 6 for protection tips. If it’s still glitchy or you can’t access it, see What to Do if Malware Has Blocked Your iPhone or iPad?
Step 6. Protect Your Device Moving Forward
Your iPhone or iPad should be working smoothly now, but staying safe requires a few smart habits. Here’s how to keep threats at bay:
- Install a security app: Download a trustworthy iOS security app to monitor Wi-Fi, block phishing attempts, trigger remote alarms and device tracking, and shield browsing with a VPN.
- Protect your passwords: Use Apple’s Passwords app — built into iOS — to manage strong, unique passwords for accounts, Wi-Fi, and IoT devices. For advanced features, like multiple vaults and custom templates to store personal info, opt for a premium password manager like 1Password. Weak passwords leave you exposed.
- Screen your apps: Avoid risky downloads — some apps that overcharge or grab your info can, on rare occasions, slip through Apple’s defenses. Only install what’s verified and necessary, and never jailbreak your device to add unofficial apps — that’s an open door for trouble.
- Maintain backups: Enable automatic iCloud backups at Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Upgrade your storage plan if space runs out to keep your data safe.
- Stay vigilant: These measures harden your device against attacks. If issues resurface, repeat Steps 1-5 or refer to What to Do if Malware Has Blocked Your iPhone or iPad?
Extra Step. What to Do if Malware Has Blocked Your iPhone or iPad?
If you can’t access your iPhone or iPad to examine your device settings, then you need to use recovery mode to either update or restore your device.
Note: You will need either a PC or Mac for this process.
- Enter recovery mode (iPhone 8 and later): Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears. Check Apple’s support site for the right button combo for older models.
- Connect to a computer: Plug your device into a trusted Mac or a PC with iTunes installed to trigger the recovery options. (No worries — malware can’t spread this way on a standard iPhone.)
- Update your OS first: When the dialogue box pops up, choose Update to refresh your OS without losing data — it’s the safer start.
- Restore if needed: If the update fails, select Restore to wipe your device and reset it to factory settings. Back up beforehand if possible — see Step 5 after.
- Seek help if stuck: If recovery mode won’t launch or the restore doesn’t work, visit an Apple Store or an authorized repair expert — don’t risk further damage.
This process cuts through most lockouts. Once you’re back in, keep your device safe with my tips in Step 6.
Quick Summary of the Best Security Apps for iPhone & iPad in 2025
How to Tell if Your iPhone or iPad Has a Virus
Detecting malware on an iOS device can be challenging due to the system’s strict security measures. However, certain warning signs may indicate security issues on your iPhone. Here are some key indicators:
- Spiking data usage: A sudden jump in data often signals malware running hidden processes. Check Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Rapid battery drain: If your battery dies faster than usual, malware might be draining power. Look at Settings > Battery for clues.
- Persistent pop-ups: Frequent ads alerts or push notifications, especially outside Safari, could mean an app is pushing unwanted notifications or content. Disable them in Settings > Notifications or remove the app via Step 1. For browser pop-ups, clear Safari data in Step 3.
- Unknown apps: Apps you didn’t install could hide malicious code or open doors to worse threats. Delete them per Step 1.
- Overheating: A hot device during light use suggests background malware or other problems taxing your hardware. Don’t ignore it — act now.
- Sluggish performance: Regular lagging, crashing, or freezing might mean malware, though check Step 2 first for storage or OS issues.
- Odd messages: If contacts get texts or emails you didn’t send, your device is likely compromised. Update your Apple ID password immediately.
If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately (go back to Steps 1-6) by removing suspicious apps, updating your software, and using a reliable security app to protect your iPhone from further harm.
Can You Scan an iPhone or iPad for Viruses?
iOS devices don’t need traditional virus scanners because of their excellent built-in security features (and the way apps are sandboxed). So, an antivirus app won’t be able to scan for viruses, but you can still use it to flag other security issues like unsafe Wi-Fi networks, phishing attempts, and data breaches. Here’s how:
- Download and install a reputable antivirus app. Go to the App Store and search for a trusted antivirus app. I highly recommend Norton Mobile Security because it’s very secure, feature-rich, and user-friendly. Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your iOS device.
- Open the app. Launch the antivirus app from your home screen.
- Allow the app to check over your phone. Once installed, Norton will check for potential security issues like outdated software or risky settings. I recommend fixing the issue(s) Norton discovers during this step.
What Kinds of Malware Affect iOS Devices?
While iOS devices are generally secure, they aren’t entirely immune to malware. Despite Apple’s stringent app review process and strong security features, some threats can still slip through. Here are the main types of malware that can affect iOS devices:
Spyware
Spyware can secretly monitor your activities and steal sensitive data like passwords, messages, and browsing history. It often comes bundled with apps from unofficial sources. Once installed, it can operate in the background, capturing sensitive information without your knowledge. Mobile security apps like Norton can help protect against spyware by providing real-time protection and alerting you to potentially malicious apps, preventing them from being installed on your device.
Adware
Adware delivers intrusive ads that can degrade your device’s performance and lead you to malicious websites. It typically gets installed when you download legitimate apps with malicious code embedded. These ads can be persistent and hard to remove, disrupting user experience. McAfee protects your iPhone or iPad against adware by scanning and blocking suspicious apps before they can be installed.
Trojans
Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software but carry out harmful activities once installed. They can steal your data, monitor your activities, and even provide hackers with remote access to your device. Trojans often come from apps downloaded outside the official App Store or through phishing links. Using an app like Avira’s, which provides phishing protection to prevent you from clicking on harmful links, will significantly reduce the risk of a trojan infiltrating your iPhone.
What Else Can You Do to Protect Your iPhone or iPad?
Here are a few more security recommendations for iOS that’ll help you safeguard your phone or tablet against various threats:
- Use biometric logins. All iOS devices come with biometric login features, and I highly recommend using them since they’re both very secure and convenient.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) when possible. When you enable 2FA, you’ll be required to enter a second type of verification in addition to your password. This can include options like an email address, a time-based one-time password (TOTP), a 2FA USB tool like YubiKey, or even a biometric scan.
- Protect your logins with a password manager. Password managers generate secure, random passwords for all your accounts and store them in a securely encrypted vault. On iOS, you can enable password managers to auto-fill your logins for websites in your password vault, and the best password managers can be secured with your iPhone or iPad’s biometric scanner, too.
- Install anti-phishing tools. Although you can, to some extent, rely on Safari to block deceptive phishing links and harmful exploit attacks, internet security apps like Norton offer far better web protections than either Safari or Chrome.
- Get a secure VPN. A VPN hides your IP address by bouncing your data to a securely encrypted server — which can prevent ISPs, governments, hackers, and other users from identifying you online. High-quality VPNs like ExpressVPN also provide lightning-fast connections, advanced security tools, and convenient multi-device functionality, so you can connect to your VPN on your computer and your iPhone simultaneously.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can iOS get malware?
Yes, iOS can get malware, although it’s less common than on other platforms due to Apple’s strong security measures and app review process. Malware can still infiltrate through phishing attacks, malicious websites, or apps installed from unofficial sources.
Key malware indicators include increased data usage, battery drain, strange pop-ups, unfamiliar apps, overheating, and poor performance. To protect your device, keep your iOS and apps updated, avoid downloading apps from outside the App Store, use two-factor authentication, and consider using a reputable security app to detect and remove potential threats.
How do you check iOS for malware infection?
There are several ways you can determine if your iPhone has malware. First, check for increased data usage, which indicates background malware activity. Next, observe if your battery drains quickly, as malware can consume significant power.
Watch for strange pop-ups, especially outside of your browser, which can be a sign of adware. Check for unfamiliar apps you didn’t download, as these could hide malicious activities. Overheating and poor performance, such as lagging or crashing, are also indicators. Lastly, if your contacts receive strange messages from you, your device might be compromised.
Will an iOS update remove malware?
Yes, an iOS update can help remove malware by patching security vulnerabilities that the malware exploits. Updates often include security improvements and bug fixes that can eliminate threats. However, updating your iOS may not remove all types of malware.
For a thorough removal, you may need to reset your device to factory settings and restore from a backup. Additionally, using a reputable security app (like Norton) to scan for and remove malware can be effective. Always keep your device updated to protect against new threats and maintain strong security.
Can you get iOS malware from a website?
Yes, visiting malicious or compromised websites can expose your device to malware through drive-by downloads or phishing attacks. These sites may exploit vulnerabilities in your browser or trick you into downloading malicious apps.
To protect yourself, avoid clicking on suspicious links, keep your iOS and apps updated, and use a reputable security app that offers web protection. Additionally, only download apps from the official App Store to reduce the risk of malware.
