iPhones are known for their security features: The protection Apple provides against malware is one reason people purchase these devices.
Your phone isn’t immune to all threats, but malware on your iPhone should be a concern.
How can you make sure your iPhone isn’t infected with malware or viruses? Let’s see how it works.
Can iPhones Get Viruses?
Although iPhone malware is uncommon, there are always risks of your phone being infected. If this happens, it could spell doom for your phone. While some problems, like draining your battery, can be annoying, others, such as identity theft, could prove to be much more serious.
You can still reduce the damage, even if the worst happens. You must first learn how to spot malware on iPhones.
How does Malware affect iPhones?
Malware, like computer viruses and other malware, often starts by affecting your iPhone’s performance.
Your battery might be draining faster than usual. You might also notice a decrease in battery life due to colder temperatures and age. If you find that your iPhone is charging more often, you should check for malware.
You may notice your phone heating up faster when it is infected with malware. iPhone malware can make your phone work harder, which is why it heats up faster.
Phone overheating and battery drain are major annoyances. However, unless they become a constant nuisance, you won’t be thinking about updating your iPhone immediately. An iPhone virus can cause your phone to stop working, which is a more serious consequence.
Malware can affect more than your iPhone. Someone could use your iPhone to steal your passwords or other sensitive data. These could be sold or used to hack into your accounts.
How to check your iPhone for viruses or malware
It’s clear that an iPhone can be infected. Let’s now look at some ways to check it for viruses. These are the steps to take if you feel suspicious.
1. Look for Unfamiliar Apps
You can check your iPhone for malware or viruses by determining if you have any unknown apps. This means that you should not look for apps that have been downloaded or are the default Apple ones.
To identify them, swipe through the folders and files on your home screen. If you don’t see them but aren’t sure if they exist, go to your iPhone settings and check if there is anything you don’t know.
2. Check if Your Device Is Jailbroken
Jailbreaking your phone may seem attractive due to the amount of customization that you will get. This is a bad idea for several reasons. You’ll not only void your warranty but also be more vulnerable to iPhone malware.
It can be difficult to determine if your phone has been jailbroken. Cydia is one possible indicator. This app is only available for jailbroken iOS devices.
3. Check to see if you have any large bills
Your iPhone might be using more data each month than you anticipated when it is infected with malware. You’ll be charged more if your allowance is exceeded.
If you receive incoming calls or texts that you don’t remember receiving, this could be a sign that malware is present on your iPhone. These calls can result in higher bills than you expected.
To check how much data your device has used, go to Settings > Mobile Network. Scroll down to Mobile Data. You can also check with your mobile network provider.
4. Take a look at your storage space
Checking your iPhone’s storage can help you identify malware. Your iPhone may have malware if you have too many photos, videos and other similar files.
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Space.
How to Get Rid Of A Virus On Your iPhone
You should immediately take action if you suspect your iPhone is infected with malware after trying all of the above. These are the best ways to remove a virus from your iPhone.
1. Restart your iPhone
In some cases, malware can be removed by restarting your iPhone.
The device you use will determine how you do it. If your iPhone has a home button you can hold it and then press the on/off button. Continue doing this until the phone turns off, then turn it back on.
If your iPhone does not have a home button, you can force restart it and place it in Recovery Mode.
Resetting your iPhone to factory settings is an alternative if restarting fails. However, this will erase your data. Make sure that you have a backup of all your data (and that the malicious application isn’t reinstalled after you reinstall it).
2. Delete Unusual Apps
If you find apps that are not necessary, it is worth deleting them. You can do this by holding the icon of an app until it is highlighted, then click Remove Application.
It is possible to delete any apps you haven’t downloaded from the App Store. You should stop downloading apps from other sources.
3. Clear your History
Clearing your Safari history might be a good way to remove a virus from your iPhone. You can also protect yourself against having passwords or other data stolen.
Clear your history by going to Settings > Safari. Scroll down to Clear history or Website data.
4. Use Security Software
Antivirus software should detect and remove any malware from your iPhone.
Even if you don’t have the money yet, it is worth downloading a good security suite. It can scan for viruses and other malware.
5. Replace your iPhone
You might have to replace your iPhone if you have tried everything to get rid of the malware.
Most cases of malware are user-made and can involve jailbreaking. Apple’s warranty might not cover you.
You now know how to check your iPhone for viruses
Now you are able to scan your iPhone for malware or viruses. Although it’s unlikely, your iPhone can be infected. This has been confirmed by many users. It is important to know what to do in the event of an emergency. This article will give you some helpful tips.
These tips will help you identify and remove malware from your iPhone before it causes serious damage. Once you have removed it, minimize the chance of something similar happening again.
