iPhones seem to be the most secure device among all smartphones, as their security features are top-notch, preventing online fraud. However, malware and viruses make their way into iPhones but leave signs. You need to detect the signs and check for viruses on your iPhone.
But how to check for viruses on iPhone?
Let’s read the complete guide and understand all the “hows” regarding iPhone viruses.
Signs Your iPhone Might Have a Virus
Here, we have the warning signs that you can notice easily while using your phones.
- Unwanted pop-ups or advertising in Safari or other applications.
- You notice an abrupt and unexplained decline in battery life.
- Even when your device is inactive or used sparingly, it becomes warm.
- You found an app on your iPhone but did not install it.
- Unexpected surges in Wi-Fi or cellular data usage.
- Apps or the phone itself frequently crash or freeze without warning.
How to Check for Viruses on iPhone
When you identify the signs, you need to run a proper step-by-step check.
Let’s learn how to check for viruses on iPhone to confirm.
Step 1: Look for Suspicious Apps
You must locate any apps that you have not yet downloaded but are still on the device.
- Open your home screen or setting and go through all of the apps you have loaded.
- Find the app in your App Library, tap the app icon, and then select “Delete app” to
confirm.
Step 2: Check for Pop-Ups or Redirects in Safari
open Safari and verify the browsing functionality. If you see numerous redirects to dubious sites, delete your browsing data.
- Navigate to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Block Safari ads if you see phony virus warning pop-ups or are routed to scam websites.
- Scroll down in Settings and select Safari.
- Toggle the switch to the right to enable block pop-ups.
Step 3: Monitor Battery Usage
If you see a sudden decrease in battery life and can’t connect it to a typical reason, such as location services or background app refresh.
- Navigate to Settings > Battery to see which apps are using the most power.
If you see unusual power drains from programs you don’t recognize, they could be harmful.
Step 4: Review App Permissions
Detect the red signal in apps that request permission to access the camera, microphone, contacts, or location. To prevent harmful threats, you must manage app permissions.
Steps:
- To review app permissions, go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Restrict access to crucial elements like the camera, microphone, and location for any questionable apps.
Step 5: Scan for Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking bypasses iOS’s restrictions, but is it safe? It is not safe; a jailbroken phone is an easy target for any hacker, as it leaves the phone vulnerable to infection.
- If you find apps like Cydia on your device, it may have been jailbroken.
- To uninstall jailbreaking, restore the iPhone to its factory settings.
Step 6: Analyze Network Activity
Analyzing network traffic is an effective approach to scanning your iPhone for viruses or other malware infections.
To check unexpected links,
- Go to Settings and hit Wi-Fi to ensure you’re linked to a reliable network.
- Then, check your Safari browser history for strange URLs, as well as any unexpected notifications or performance concerns in your apps.
Step 7: Scan your iPhone for Viruses and Malware
As a final option, scan your iPhone for viruses and spyware. To scan your iPhone,
- Download a reliable iOS security app from the App Store.
- Some security apps will detect suspicious activities and identify any apps that are using an excessive amount of data.
Steps to Remove Viruses from an iPhone
Remove the viruses from your iPhone immediately, which can protect you from huge losses.
- Restart Your iPhone: Turn off and restart your smartphone. This can sometimes fix small software issues.
- Delete Suspicious Apps: Delete the suspicious apps right away. To uninstall an app, long-press it and select Delete App.
- Update iOS: Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Restore from Backup: If the problem remains, try restoring your phone to an earlier backup that must be free of any suspicious apps or data.
- Factory Reset: As a final resort, select Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. After rebooting, reinstall only trusted apps from the App Store.
How to Prevent Viruses on Your iPhone
Check out the preventive measures below.
1. Install Apps from Trusted Sources Only
Always download programs from the Apple App Store. Before an app is released on the App Store, Apple verifies and tests it. Sideloading and jailbreaking a phone, on the other hand, may seem appealing, but it offers serious security risks.
2. Enable Automatic Updates
Update your apps and iOS to the latest version. Frequent updates include security patches to address new cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats.
3. Avoid Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking allows more customization and bypasses Apple’s restrictions. However, this freedom causes increasing vulnerability as it also breaks the security feature of iOS.
4. Use a Strong Password
Protect your iPhone with a complex passcode or biometric authentication. Consider utilizing a trusted password manager for iOS to handle complex passwords and securely store app logins and other important information.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Add an additional layer of security to your Apple ID and accounts. After enabling 2FA, hackers will find it impossible to bypass both verification codes and get access to your account, even if they know your password.
6. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links:
Avoid clicking on unexpected links or downloading attachments from untrustworthy sources, as these links include malicious code that might steal your sensitive information.
Conclusion: Stay Cautious!
Although there is little risk that your iPhone may become infected, it is important to remain watchful. Follow the guide about how to check viruses on your iPhone. Also, keep your eyes sharp over odd activity on your device and take immediate steps to be safe. You can have a safe and malware-free iPhone experience with Apple’s security system and your proactive efforts.
Cautiousness never disappoints!
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