If your iPhone has been acting strangely: freezing, crashing, overheating, or bombarding you with pop-ups, you may start to wonder whether your device has an iPhone virus or malware infection.
While iPhones are generally secure thanks to Apple’s strict ecosystem, no device is completely immune to digital threats, especially with the rise of phishing attacks, shady websites, and rogue configuration profiles.
In this guide, Techparley explains exactly what to do if you think your iPhone has a virus or malware, how to spot the signs, remove suspicious apps or settings, and prevent future attacks.
Whether you’re dealing with fake virus alerts or something more serious, here’s how to regain control of your iPhone and stay protected in 2025.
Can iPhones Really Get Viruses?
Technically, iPhones do not get traditional viruses like computers do, thanks to iOS’s restrictive app sandboxing model. However, malware, spyware, and malicious configuration profiles can still find their way in, particularly through jailbreaking, unverified apps, or malicious links.
While extremely rare, cases of iPhone spyware like Pegasus have proven that sophisticated attackers can target iOS devices. More commonly, users may experience scam pop-ups, calendar spam, configuration hijacking, or battery-draining apps, which mimic virus-like symptoms.
Signs of iPhone Virus or Malware Infection
If you’re unsure whether your iPhone is compromised, look out for these red flags:
- Unexpected pop-up ads or fake virus warnings
- Overheating or rapid battery drain, even when idle
- Sluggish performance or unresponsive apps
- Data usage spikes not tied to regular activity
- Suspicious apps you didn’t install
- Calendar events or browser redirects to shady websites
- Microphone or camera activating without permission
Note: These symptoms can also result from software bugs or a failing battery, so don’t jump to conclusions. The key is to investigate and rule out threats step by step.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Suspect Malware
1. Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches or rogue processes mimicking malware activity.
- iPhone X and newer: Hold the side and volume button until the slider appears.
- iPhone SE, 8 or earlier: Hold the top (or side) button.
2. Check for Unknown Apps or Profiles
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
- Remove any unknown configuration profiles. These can silently change settings, add tracking, or redirect your browser.
- Then, check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to look for unfamiliar apps.
If you see an app or profile you didn’t install, delete it immediately.
3. Clear Safari History and Website Data
Many iPhone “virus” scares are caused by malicious redirects or pop-up ads in Safari.
- Navigate to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- This will remove cached pages, cookies, and stored data that may be triggering issues.
4. Update iOS to the Latest Version
Apple frequently releases updates that patch security holes.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, install it. A newer version may automatically neutralise the issue.
5. Run a Security Scan (if jailbroken)
If your phone is jailbroken, you’re more vulnerable to malware.
- Use trusted tools like ClamAV, iCleaner, or ReProvision to detect threats.
- If you didn’t jailbreak your phone but bought it second-hand, verify its status using apps like System Status Lite.
6. Reset All Settings
If the problem persists:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- This won’t delete your data, but it will revert system preferences and network settings to factory defaults.
7. Erase and Restore from Backup
As a last resort:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- When setting it up again, choose to restore from a recent iCloud or iTunes backup taken before the issue began.
If the problem continues after restoring, consider setting it up as a new device, without restoring the backup.
What Not to Do
- Don’t install third-party antivirus apps from the App Store. Apple’s sandboxing prevents them from scanning other apps or files effectively.
- Avoid clicking pop-ups that say “Your iPhone is infected.” These are fake and often lead to phishing or subscription scams.
- Don’t jailbreak your iPhone, unless you fully understand the security risks.
What About Pegasus or Spyware?
If you suspect highly targeted surveillance (e.g. Pegasus spyware), you’re likely a high-profile target. While rare, tools like Apple’s “Lockdown Mode”, launched in iOS 16, can harden your iPhone’s defences:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
- Only enable it if you truly believe you’re under targeted attack, it restricts many functions.
You can also request a free scan from Amnesty International’s Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT), though this requires some technical expertise and a computer.
How to Prevent Future iPhone Infections
- Never click suspicious links or attachments, especially in SMS or email.
- Install apps only from the App Store, not from external sites or third-party stores.
- Keep iOS up to date with the latest security patches.
- Enable two-factor authentication for Apple ID and critical apps.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
- Review app permissions regularly in Settings > Privacy.
FAQs about iPhone Virus or Malware Infection
Can iPhones get malware?
While rare, iPhones can be compromised by malicious profiles, phishing links, or spyware—especially on jailbroken devices.
Do I need antivirus for iPhone?
No. Apple does not allow antivirus apps full access to scan your iPhone, and iOS security features are robust enough for most users.
How do I detect iPhone virus or malware infection on my device?
To detect iPhone virus or malware infection on your device, look for suspicious apps like Cydia or use tools like System Status Lite to check jailbreak status.
Can I get hacked just by visiting a website?
It’s unlikely, but possible if the site uses a zero-day exploit. Keeping iOS updated is your best protection.
What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone?
Lockdown Mode is a high-security setting that limits features and is designed to protect against sophisticated attacks like spyware.
