The honest answer: iPhones get malware far less often than Android phones, but it can happen

Apple's design makes it genuinely harder for malware to take root on an iPhone than on other devices. Every app goes through Apple's review process before it reaches the App Store, and iOS isolates each app so one cannot easily access another's data or your system files. That said, malware has reached iPhones — usually through apps that slipped past review, through phishing links in messages, or through exploits that target specific iOS versions before Apple releases a patch.

If you think your iPhone has malware, the most useful step is not to scan it (iPhone has no built-in malware scanner and third-party ones cannot actually scan your system), but to look for the signs that something is wrong and then take concrete steps to remove it.

Key Takeaways

  • Signs of malware on an iPhone include sudden battery drain, overheating, unexpected data use, apps crashing, or pop-ups appearing outside of apps.
  • The most effective removal method is to back up your data through iCloud, then erase your iPhone and restore from that backup, which removes most malware.
  • If malware persists after a restore, restore from an older iCloud backup made before you noticed the problem, or set up your iPhone as new without restoring any backup.
  • Keeping iOS updated, avoiding sideloaded apps, and not clicking links in unexpected messages prevent most malware infections.

Signs your iPhone might have malware

Malware on an iPhone usually announces itself through performance changes you will notice in daily use. Your battery drains much faster than normal even when you are not using the phone heavily, or your iPhone gets hot during light tasks. Your cellular or Wi-Fi data use spikes without explanation — check Settings > Cellular or Settings > Wi-Fi to see which apps are using the most data, and look for ones you do not recognize or do not use.

You might see pop-ups appearing on your home screen or in Safari that you did not tap to open, or apps crashing repeatedly. Some malware redirects your web searches or changes your home page in Safari without your action. If you see unfamiliar apps on your home screen that you did not install, or if your iPhone is asking for your Apple ID password repeatedly, those are also warning signs.

None of these signs prove malware is present — a full storage drive, a worn-out battery, or a buggy app update can cause the same symptoms. But they are worth investigating.

How to remove malware by restoring your iPhone

The most reliable way to remove malware is to erase your iPhone and restore it from a backup. Start by backing up your data to iCloud: go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and make sure iCloud Backup is on, then tap Back Up Now. Wait for the backup to finish — you will see a timestamp showing when it completed.

Next, erase your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your Apple ID password and your device passcode when prompted. This wipes your iPhone completely and reinstalls a fresh copy of iOS. When your iPhone restarts, you will see the setup screen.

During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID. Select the backup you just created. Your apps, photos, messages, and settings will restore to your phone. If the malware was in an app or in cached data, this process removes it because the fresh iOS installation cannot carry over the infection.

What to do if malware returns after you restore

If the same symptoms come back after you restore from your most recent backup, the malware may have been in that backup file itself. In that case, restore from an older backup — one made before you first noticed the problem. Go back through Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups and note the dates of your available backups, then erase and restore again using an older one.

If you do not have an older backup, or if malware returns again, set up your iPhone as new without restoring any backup. During setup, when you reach the Apps & Data screen, choose Do Not Restore. You will have a blank iPhone with no apps except the ones Apple includes. Then reinstall your apps one at a time from the App Store, and restore your photos and messages manually from iCloud.com if you need them. This is more work but removes any possibility that a backup file is reinfecting your phone.

Check for and remove suspicious apps

Before or after a restore, look at the apps on your home screen and in your App Library (swipe to the rightmost home screen). Tap and hold any app you do not recognize or do not remember installing, then choose Remove App > Delete App. Pay special attention to apps with generic names like "System Update" or "Security Check" — legitimate system apps do not appear on your home screen.

If an app will not delete (you tap Remove App and nothing happens), it is likely a built-in Apple app that you can only hide. Tap and hold it again and choose Remove App > Remove from Home Screen. If an app keeps reappearing on your home screen after you delete it, that is unusual and suggests malware — in that case, proceed with the full erase and restore described above.

Check your Safari bookmarks and home page settings as well. Go to Settings > Safari > Bookmarks and look for unfamiliar entries. If your home page or search engine has changed to something you did not set, go to Settings > Safari > Home Page and change it back to Google, DuckDuckGo, or whatever you prefer.

Steps to prevent malware on your iPhone going forward

Keep iOS updated. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install updates as soon as they are available — they often patch security holes that malware exploits. Turn on automatic updates if you prefer: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > toggle on Install iOS Updates.

Download apps only from the App Store. Sideloading apps (installing them outside the App Store) bypasses Apple's review process and is how some malware reaches iPhones. Do not click links in text messages or emails from people you do not know, and be cautious with links even from people you do know if the message seems odd or out of character — their account may have been compromised.

Review your App Store purchases and subscriptions regularly. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions and look for services you do not recognize or use. Some malware signs up for paid subscriptions without your knowledge. If you see unfamiliar subscriptions, tap them and choose Cancel Subscription.

When to consider a factory reset if problems persist

If you have restored from backup, removed suspicious apps, and the problems continue, and you are confident the issue is not a failing battery or storage running full, a factory reset may be your last step. This is the same as erasing and setting up as new — you will lose any data not backed up to iCloud, so make sure your iCloud backup is current first.

If problems persist even after a factory reset and setup as new, the issue is likely hardware-related rather than malware. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have your iPhone inspected. Bring your device and your Apple ID credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to download a malware scanner app for my iPhone?

No. Apps claiming to scan your iPhone for malware cannot actually access your system files — iOS prevents them from doing so. They may show fake results to scare you into buying a paid version. The restore method described above is more effective and costs nothing.

Can malware on my iPhone steal my passwords or banking information?

It is possible but uncommon. Malware would need to intercept data as you type or as it travels to a bank's server. Using strong, unique passwords stored in iCloud Keychain (Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Passwords) and enabling two-factor authentication on your bank account makes this much harder. If you are concerned, change your passwords after removing malware.

What if I cannot erase my iPhone because I forgot my passcode?

You can erase it using Find My iPhone. Go to iCloud.com, sign in, open Find My, select your iPhone, and choose Erase This Device. You will need your Apple ID and password. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it.

Is it safe to restore from an iCloud backup if I am not sure when the malware started?

If you are uncertain, restore from the oldest backup available to you — the one furthest back in time. The older the backup, the less likely it contains the malware. You will lose any photos, messages, or app data created after that backup date, but you remove the risk of reinfecting your phone.

Can I get malware from visiting a website in Safari?

It is rare on iOS, but possible. Malicious websites can exploit unpatched security holes in Safari or iOS. Keeping iOS updated closes most of these holes. If a website tries to install a profile or asks for unusual permissions, decline and leave the site. You do not need to do anything else — simply closing Safari is enough.