iPhones get viruses differently than other phones, and the steps to check for them are not what you might expect

iPhones are harder to infect than Android phones because of how Apple locks down the system. A true virus that spreads itself on iOS is extremely rare. What you are more likely to encounter is malware hidden inside a downloaded app, a phishing link that steals your password, or spyware installed by someone with physical access to your phone. The good news: you can check for these threats yourself without special tools.

Apple does not offer a built-in antivirus app, and third-party antivirus apps on the App Store cannot scan your entire phone the way they do on Android. Instead, you look for signs of infection and remove the source. This guide walks you through the actual steps to take if you think your iPhone has a problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your installed apps for ones you do not recognize or do not remember downloading, then delete them immediately.
  • Look at your battery drain, data usage, and phone temperature — sudden changes can signal malware running in the background.
  • Review your Apple ID sign-in activity and connected devices to spot unauthorized access to your account.
  • Restart your phone in Safe Mode to see if problems disappear, which tells you whether an app is the culprit.
  • If you cannot isolate the problem, backing up your data and restoring your iPhone from scratch is the most reliable fix.

Look for apps you do not recognize or remember installing

Open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Purchased, then My Purchases. Scroll through the list of every app you have ever downloaded on this Apple ID. Look for anything you do not recognize or do not remember installing. Malware often hides inside apps with names that sound legitimate but are actually fake versions of real apps.

If you find an app you did not install, tap it and select Remove from iPhone. Do not just delete it from your home screen — removing it from your account prevents it from being reinstalled automatically. If you see apps you installed but no longer use, delete those too. The fewer apps running, the smaller the attack surface.

Also check your home screen and app library for apps with unfamiliar icons or names. Malware sometimes installs with generic names like "System Update" or "Settings Manager" to blend in. If you are unsure what an app does, search for its name online before deleting it.

Check your battery, data, and phone temperature for unusual activity

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Your maximum capacity should be above 80 percent if your phone is less than two years old. If it has dropped suddenly, malware running in the background could be draining it. Also note whether your phone feels hot to the touch during normal use — that is another sign of background processes consuming power.

Open Settings > Cellular and scroll down to see which apps have used the most data in the current period. If an app you rarely use has consumed gigabytes of data, it may be uploading information without your knowledge. Reset the statistics by tapping Reset Statistics at the bottom, then monitor the same apps over the next few days.

Sudden battery drain, excessive heat, and unexpected data usage often appear together when malware is active. If you notice all three, the problem app is likely one of the top data users in your cellular settings.

Review your Apple ID sign-in activity and connected devices

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Sign-in Activity. This shows every device and location where your Apple ID has been used in the last 30 days. Look for sign-ins from places you do not recognize or devices you do not own. If you see suspicious activity, tap the entry and select This Wasn't Me to flag it.

Next, check Devices in the same menu. You should see only the phones, tablets, and computers you actually own. If a device is listed that you do not recognize, select it and tap Remove from Account. This prevents anyone with that device from accessing your photos, messages, or payment information through iCloud.

If your Apple ID has been compromised, change your password immediately. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. Use a password at least 16 characters long with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Restart your iPhone in Safe Mode to isolate the problem

Safe Mode prevents third-party apps from running, which tells you whether an app is causing the problem or whether the issue is with iOS itself. To restart in Safe Mode on an iPhone with Face ID, press and hold the volume up button and the side button together until the power-off slider appears. Release both buttons, then press and hold the power-off slider until your phone restarts. You will see "Safe Mode" at the bottom of the lock screen.

Use your phone normally for 15 minutes. If the battery drain stops, the overheating stops, or the strange behavior disappears, an app is the culprit. Restart your phone normally (press and hold volume up and side button again, then slide to power off, then turn it back on). Delete the apps you identified earlier as suspicious.

If the problem continues in Safe Mode, the issue is with iOS itself, not an app. In that case, move to the next step.

Back up your data and restore your iPhone from scratch

If you have tried everything above and the problem persists, the most reliable fix is to erase your phone and set it up as new. This removes any malware that might be hiding in system files. First, back up your data. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Wait for the backup to finish — this can take 30 minutes or longer depending on how much data you have.

Next, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to confirm. Tap Continue, then enter your Apple ID password. Your phone will restart and erase completely. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen.

Set up your phone as new rather than restoring from your old backup. This ensures you do not restore the malware along with your data. After setup is complete, go to the App Store and reinstall only the apps you actually use. Restore your photos, messages, and documents from iCloud by signing in with your Apple ID.

Prevent future infections by managing your downloads and permissions

Only download apps from the official App Store. Apps outside the App Store bypass Apple's review process and are much more likely to contain malware. Even on the App Store, read the reviews before installing anything. If an app has hundreds of one-star reviews mentioning crashes, battery drain, or unexpected charges, skip it.

Review your app permissions regularly. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and check which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, photos, and contacts. Remove permissions from apps that do not need them. For example, a flashlight app does not need access to your location or contacts.

Be cautious with links in text messages, emails, and social media. Malware often spreads through phishing links that look legitimate but lead to fake login pages designed to steal your password. If a message asks you to "verify your account" or "confirm your identity," do not click the link. Instead, go directly to the official website or app and log in there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a virus just by visiting a website on Safari?

Visiting a website alone cannot install malware on your iPhone. However, a malicious website can trick you into downloading a fake app or clicking a phishing link. Never tap "Install" or "Download" when a website asks you to, and be suspicious of pop-ups claiming your phone is infected.

Do I need to buy antivirus software for my iPhone?

No. Antivirus apps on the App Store cannot scan your entire phone because Apple does not allow it. They can only check websites you visit and warn you about phishing links. The steps in this guide are more effective than any paid app.

What does it mean if my iPhone keeps asking for my Apple ID password?

Repeated password prompts can mean your Apple ID has been compromised or an app is trying to access your account. Change your Apple ID password immediately, then check your sign-in activity for unauthorized devices. If the prompts continue, restore your iPhone from scratch.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi on my iPhone?

Public Wi-Fi is not encrypted, so anyone on the network can see your data. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts like banking or email on public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a VPN app from a trusted provider, though this adds another app to your phone that you need to trust.

How do I know if my iPhone has been hacked?

Signs include apps you do not recognize, sudden battery drain, excessive data usage, unexpected charges on your Apple ID, or messages from friends saying they received strange texts from you. If you notice any of these, follow the steps in this guide starting with checking your installed apps.