How to remove virus from iPhone?

Can iPhones get Viruses from websites?

iPhone users often ask the question: Can iPhones get viruses from websites or other sources despite the strong security of Apple devices?

Apple is very particular about the security of its devices. The iPhone is one of the most secure smartphones currently on the market. This, of course, does not mean that the answer is an unqualified ‘no’ to the query- can my iPhone get a virus?

As long as you update your iPhone regularly and don’t jailbreak it, the chances of getting an iPhone virus are meager. Let us, therefore, see how can you get virus on iPhone from websites or outside sources despite Apple’s strong security and how to remove virus from iPhone when infected.

How can iPhones get viruses from websites or other sources?

We all know that the security of its devices has long been one of Apple’s biggest priorities. But despite such strong security you may still find many iPhone users are asking – can iPhones get viruses from websites?

The chances of getting malware or viruses on iPhones from outside sources are extremely low. This is because all the Apps in the Apple store go through thorough security checks before being uploaded to the store. If any virus or malware is detected Apple will not approve the app to be uploaded. Moreover, Apple does not allow any downloads from the web. But can iPhones get a virus due to hacking by visiting a website?

iOS devices are relatively safe compared to Android devices because there are many more Android users than iOS which makes Android a bigger target of hackers.  Therefore, my first response to the query, ‘Can an iPhone be hacked by visiting a website’ would be – this is unlikely unless your phone is jail-broken.

However, although the likelihood of iPhone getting infected by viruses is very low, it may be technically possible for iPhones and other iOS devices to get viruses or malware from websites or the internet. There are incidences where legitimate apps in the iOS App Store were infected with viruses or malware. Now, how can you get a virus on your iPhone in rare cases?

When you download any app from the Apple store it is always virus or malware free. But when the app is updated there is a chance of it getting infected. This is because the data for updates come from developers who might transfer viruses in the process. However, in this case, the chances of getting a virus on an iPhone are low because its internal security will not allow the infected app to feed any data into the device and the app may eventually crash. But it cannot be an unqualified no to the query –  can my iPhone get a virus? The fact remains that your iPhone could potentially be infected by viruses or Malware.

Though Apple has taken many precautionary steps to ensure the safety of its iOS devices, which include encrypting all messages and strict security screenings of all App Store offerings, you might have heard a lot about iPhones acting strangely or running slow due to viruses or malware infection.

How can phishing attacks lead to viruses or malware on an iPhone?

Phishing is another common method that hackers use to attempt to compromise your iPhone’s security—even without jailbreaking. In a typical phishing attack, you might receive an email, text message, or pop-up that appears to be from a well-known company such as Google, PayPal, or even your bank. These messages are often carefully designed to look legitimate, tricking users into clicking links or downloading attachments.

Here’s where it gets risky: those links may direct you to websites that look official but are actually malicious. If you enter your details, the attackers can steal your sensitive information like passwords or payment credentials. Sometimes, simply downloading an attachment or tapping on certain links can allow harmful software—such as malware or spyware—to make its way onto your device.

The bottom line is that phishing doesn’t just threaten your personal information; in rare cases, it can also be a gateway for malware installation, which remains one of the few avenues through which iPhones may become infected. So, it’s always wise to steer clear of suspicious emails or texts and be especially cautious about clicking any links or downloading unfamiliar files.

How can iPhones get malware from websites or other sources?

Though it’s rare, it has been found that iOS devices at times can be infected by malware or viruses, even if the devices aren’t Jail-broken. Now, how can malware get on iPhone from visiting a website?

It needs to be remembered that, no matter how strong a platform may be, there will be still some exploitable weaknesses. The malware, which is ‘malicious software’, may come from infected websites, e-mails, and third-party programs.

Although malware typically tends to be more associated with PCs and Windows devices, it has been detected that it can also affect Macs, iPads, iPhones, and other Apple devices. Even if you don’t jailbreak your iOS device, despite very rigid control from Apple, the App Store cannot always keep malicious apps from finding their way into your device. Hackers can find alternative methods to compromise it. One way hackers distribute malware is by tricking iPhone users into downloading free versions of apps that users would otherwise have to pay for.

Security researchers at Google have also recently found evidence of efforts to hack iPhones using websites that would discreetly implant malware or malicious software to gather contacts, images, and other data. Nevertheless, these exploits tend to live only for a very short period as Apple issues regular updates of its devices to the latest software to make sure they are adequately protected.

However, the facts remain that very few malware and viruses are targeted at iOS devices as compared to Android. According to a report, only 0.7% of the total malware threats around are aimed at iOS devices. The reason for such a low percentage of threats is simply that it is very hard to target iOS and infringe on its security.

Therefore, the true answer to the query- can iPhones get viruses from websites or can malware get on iPhone from outside sources, can be made in one sentence  – even though the instances of infections from viruses or malware on iPhones are not so common, the security of iOS devices is not impregnable. Updating your iOS regularly is one of the best ways to protect against such infections.

What is smishing and how does it affect iPhones?

Another growing threat that iPhone users should be aware of is smishing. Smishing is essentially a form of phishing, but instead of luring you in through suspicious emails, hackers use text messages to try and trick you. These messages often appear to come from trustworthy sources—like your bank, a delivery service, or even Apple itself—and they usually include a link or a request for personal information.

On iPhones, smishing can manifest as unexpected texts urging you to click on a link to “verify your account,” “track your package,” or “claim a prize.” If you take the bait, you might be redirected to a fake website designed to steal your personal data, or your device could be exposed to potentially harmful software. Even though iOS devices have robust security, no platform is immune to clever social engineering tactics like smishing.

To stay safe, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages, and never share sensitive information unless you are absolutely sure of the sender’s identity. If in doubt, contact the organization directly through their official website or customer service number.

Is it possible for someone to spy on you through your iPhone’s camera using malware?
This is one of those unsettling questions that pops up from time to time—and with good reason. While iPhones have strong safeguards, it is theoretically possible for hackers to use malware or spyware to access your phone’s camera without your knowledge. Such software usually finds its way in if you have installed a malicious app or fallen victim to a phishing scam, like opening a suspicious link or downloading something you shouldn’t.

For example, certain sophisticated spyware discovered by security companies like Citizen Lab and Lookout has previously managed to breach iOS security—often by exploiting vulnerabilities before Apple could patch them. These rare cases are typically well-funded operations, rather than random one-off attacks, but they highlight the importance of being cautious.

So, while it’s not common, it’s not entirely impossible. The best defenses? Avoid installing apps from outside the App Store, keep your software updated, and don’t open links or attachments from unknown sources. Staying alert and practicing good digital habits can keep you out of the reach of prying eyes.

You may also like to read this related post: How to remove Malware from iPhone – an easy guide 

How to check for viruses on iPhone?

Once you know how can iPhones get viruses from websites, your next question may be – how to check for viruses on iPhone?

Despite the strong security of Apple devices against viruses if you notice your device acting strangely or running slow, doubt may arise in your mind that your iPhone may be infected with the virus. In such a situation, you should first ensure that it is an iPhone virus causing unnatural behavior on your device.

How to run a security check on your iPhone?

Although iPhones don’t come with traditional antivirus scanners like you’d find on PCs or Android devices, there are still effective steps you can take to check your device’s overall security and ensure nothing suspicious is going on.

Start by reviewing your installed apps. Uninstall any unfamiliar or unused apps—especially those not downloaded from the official App Store. Next, take a peek at your app permissions by going to Settings > Privacy & Security. Look for any apps that have access to your location, microphone, camera, or other sensitive information that doesn’t make sense.

You should also keep an eye out for unexpected pop-ups, apps behaving oddly, or a sudden drop in battery life—all of which could point to unwanted software running in the background. If you notice anything amiss, restart your device and update to the latest version of iOS, as Apple is quick to patch vulnerabilities. Restarting can help clear out temporary glitches or rogue processes and may isolate any potential malware—giving you a clean slate to observe if the odd behavior persists. However, keep in mind that while a restart can help temporarily, it’s unlikely to remove any deeply embedded malware for good, as sophisticated threats often hide deeper within the system or specific apps.

Staying updated ensures you benefit from Apple’s frequent security patches, giving you an extra layer of protection against newly discovered threats.

For extra peace of mind, you can use security apps from reputable companies like Avast, Lookout, or McAfee, but remember, no solution can replace cautious browsing and downloading habits. Regularly backing up your device and enabling features like two-factor authentication are further simple steps to keep your iPhone safe. Now, how to check for virus on iPhone? 

Here are some common symptoms of virus checker for iPhone

• Overheating of the device: When your device is running hot, malicious apps could be overusing CPU resources and memory, causing your device to overwork;
• Slow speed: Your device runs much more slowly than usual;
• Data usage: The first sign of an iPhone virus is that there will be rapid data depletion. This is because the virus (malicious software) can eat away your data by communicating with its creator via the internet and running different tasks in the background. Therefore, if you notice a huge spike in data usage, there’s a good chance that a virus has managed to intrude on your device;
• Crashing apps: If you have a virus on your iPhone, the apps will no longer function properly and will tend to crash too easily and frequently. This is because the iPhone’s internal security won’t allow the infected app to feed any data into your iPhone and the app may eventually crash;
• Pop-up ads: While surfing the net if you start getting pop-up ads all over the place on your device, especially for dubious products and services, then that could be the result of virus infection of your device. In such a situation you should never click those ad links because it may worsen the situation further;
• Unwanted apps: Trojans download apps that look just like other real apps on your device. They are designed in the same manner as legitimate apps to avoid detection. Therefore, if you see an app that looks familiar, but you don’t remember downloading it, check its authenticity. There’s a good chance that a virus has managed to intrude on your device. If the app looks suspicious, delete it;
• Battery drain: All kinds of viruses consume lots of power and cause the battery of your device to run out faster. Therefore, if you find your iPhone battery draining fast all of a sudden then you also need to check if your device has a virus;

How do you identify and delete suspicious apps on your iPhone?

After noticing the telltale signs of possible malware, your next step is to zero in on any suspicious apps that might be causing trouble. Sometimes, malicious software disguises itself as a familiar-looking app or sneaks in alongside something you recently installed. Here’s how you can spot and remove any questionable apps:

• Scan for unfamiliar apps: Take a careful look through all your installed apps. If you see anything you don’t remember downloading, or an app you no longer use, it’s wise to treat it with suspicion. Likewise, if your device started acting strangely soon after you installed a new app, consider removing it as a precaution.
• Check app data and battery usage: Apps harboring malware often run in the background, eating up data and draining your battery much faster than usual. To investigate:

>Data usage: Open your Settings, tap Cellular (or Mobile Data), and scroll to see which apps are using the most data. Apps you rarely use that are consuming an unusual amount of data should raise a red flag.
>Battery usage: In Settings, tap Battery and review the list of apps under Battery Usage By App. If an app appears to be gobbling up battery disproportionately, it could be misbehaving.

• Remove the suspects: Once you’ve identified an app that looks suspicious or is hogging resources, simply touch and hold its icon, tap Remove App, and then confirm deletion.

By staying vigilant and regularly reviewing the apps on your iPhone, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware slipping through the cracks.

What to do if your iPhone apps are behaving oddly?

If you begin to notice your iPhone apps behaving oddly—freezing, crashing out of the blue, or generally being more temperamental than a moody weather app—don’t panic just yet. Sometimes, these issues can be caused by poorly coded apps or buggy updates, but they may also signal something more concerning, like a malware infection.

Here’s what to do if your iPhone apps are misbehaving:

• Delete suspicious apps: If an app is consistently crashing or causing glitches, especially one you don’t recall installing, it’s best to remove it immediately. Hold down the app icon until it wiggles, tap ‘Remove App,’ and confirm.
• Update your apps and iOS: Outdated versions can sometimes conflict with each other or your system. Head to the App Store, tap your profile, and check if any updates are available for your misbehaving app—or for iOS itself.
• Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart does wonders. Power off your iPhone and turn it back on to clear temporary issues.
• Check app authenticity: If an app looks unfamiliar or doesn’t come from a trusted developer (think Spotify or WhatsApp rather than something like “Music Player Pro 2024”), be cautious. Only download apps from the official App Store, and scrutinize reviews before installing anything new.

If your apps continue to act up after trying these steps, or your iPhone still feels off, it could be a sign there’s something more stubborn lurking beneath the surface. Don’t worry—there are still more tricks up your sleeve to tackle persistent issues.

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue or you continue noticing odd behavior, move on to the next section to learn how to fully remove a virus from your device.

How do you check which apps are using the most data or battery on your iPhone?

If you suspect your iPhone is acting up—sluggish performance, battery vanishing like socks in a dryer, or your data usage going through the roof—it’s wise to check which apps are behind the mischief.

To monitor data usage for individual apps:

• Open Settings and tap on Cellular (sometimes called Mobile Data in certain regions).
• Scroll down to view a list of apps, each showing how much cellular data it has consumed. Apps using the most data will naturally show the highest numbers—keep an eye out for anything unusual.

For battery usage:

• Go back to Settings and select Battery.
• Wait a moment as your iPhone loads up details, then scroll down for the list of apps and the percentage of battery each has used over the past 24 hours or 10 days. This can help identify any app that’s unusually power-hungry and potentially misbehaving.

If you spot an unfamiliar app at the top of either list, or one you seldom use gobbling up resources, it may be worth investigating—sometimes these are the first signs of unwanted software at work.

How to remove virus from iPhone?

Now that you know how to check virus on iPhone from the symptoms detailed above, the next question that will come up is – how to remove virus from iPhone if it is found to be infected.

If your device is acting strangely and showing any of the symptoms of virus infection mentioned above, the best way to remove viruses from your iPhone is to reset your device to factory settings. Follow the steps below on how to remove virus from iPhone if you suspect that your device is infected with a virus.

How to get rid of virus on iPhone:

Here’s how to get rid of a virus on your iPhone by restoring your device to factory settings:

1. Use iCloud or iTunes to back up your iPhone;

2. Go to Settings > General > Reset;

3. Tap ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ which would clear all apps and data on your device;

4. Restart your device and follow the steps to set it up again;

5. Sign in to iCloud while setting up the device to restore your iPhone from iCloud backup;

6. Download the apps again you consider necessary from the App Store;

Restoring your iPhone to factory settings is the most effective way to permanently remove any malware or viruses that may have taken hold, as it wipes your device clean and gives you a fresh start. Just make sure you only reinstall trusted apps from the official App Store once the reset is complete.

How to restore your iPhone to an earlier clean backup?

If a standard factory reset doesn’t solve your virus woes, you might want to try restoring your iPhone to an earlier backup made before you noticed any problems. This method can help you wipe out malware or suspicious changes by rolling your device back to a safe state.

Follow these steps to restore your iPhone to a previous backup:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC, and open Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows).
2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode by quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side/Lock button until you see a screen showing a cable and a computer (or the support.apple.com/iphone/restore message appears).
3. On your computer, you’ll be prompted to either Update or Restore your device. Choose Restore. This will erase your device and reinstall the latest iOS.
4. Once the process completes, you’ll have the option to restore your data from a backup. Select a backup that was created before your device started behaving strangely—ideally from a time before any infections or odd issues cropped up.
5. Let the restore finish, then monitor your iPhone for any recurring issues before reinstalling additional apps.

By reverting to a backup taken during “happier times,” you can often quickly undo the damage done by malware, dodgy apps, or unwanted changes—just make sure you don’t restore from a backup made while your device was already exhibiting suspicious activity.

If you are unsuccessful in removing viruses from your iPhone even after restoring your device to factory settings then you should make an appointment with Apple’s Genius Bar. They have software for performing iPhone virus scans for thoroughly checking your device to detect and remove any hidden malicious files.

You may also like to know: How to Delete Cookies on iPhone

Frequently asked questions

Now that I have explained in detail the actuality of – can iPhones get viruses from websites or other sources or how can iPhones get malware from outside sources, let me also answer some of the related questions often asked by iOS users:

Can Apple iPhones get viruses?

While the answer to the query ‘Can Apple iPhones get viruses’ is ‘extremely rare’, iPhones have been known to get viruses, especially when they are jailbroken.

Can iPhones get viruses from Safari?

iPhone users often ask – can an iPhone get a virus from Safari? The answer to this is – you may rarely get viruses or malware from Safari if you have an updated iOS version.

The iOS software on your iPhone is very secure and unless you’ve jailbroken your device and subsequently removed the built-in protections and Apple codes into the software, you will not get a virus on your iPhone from Safari.

While iPhones don’t include built-in antivirus scanning tools like some computers do, Apple does provide security features to help you stay protected. One such feature is Safety Check, which allows you to manage which apps and people have access to your information. Although Safety Check isn’t designed to detect or remove viruses, it can help you control and limit what apps or contacts can see or do on your device—particularly useful if you suspect a malicious app or unauthorized access.

Beyond tools like Safety Check, Apple’s overall approach to iPhone security is robust and multi-layered:

App Store vetting: Apple reviews every app before it becomes available in the App Store, using a multi-step process to identify potential safety issues, including hidden malware.
App authenticity verification: Before you can download an app, iOS uses cryptographic checks to ensure the app hasn’t been tampered with. If an app’s integrity is compromised, your iPhone simply won’t install it.
Frequent software updates: Apple regularly releases iOS updates to patch new security vulnerabilities, so your device stays protected against emerging threats.
Restricted memory access: Features like Data Execution Prevention (DEP) prevent malicious code from running in protected areas of your device’s memory, making it much harder for viruses to execute.

If you’re concerned about your iPhone’s security, regularly check your app permissions, keep your device updated with the latest iOS version, and avoid installing apps from unknown sources. These simple steps, along with Apple’s built-in security, go a long way toward keeping your iPhone safe from malware and other threats.

If you still receive mail that claims that you have been hacked with malware, it is probably a scam and not real and you can ignore such a message. But, if the message continues to come, you should clear Safari’s cache by doing the following:

Go to Settings > tap ‘Safari’ > tap ‘Clear History and Website Data’, then confirm by tapping “Clear.”

Dealing with Pop-Up warnings and scam messages

Similarly, if you ever get a pop-up virus warning on your iPhone—especially one using urgent language or asking for sensitive information like passwords or payment details—know that these are almost always scams. These warnings are designed to scare you and trick you into visiting suspicious websites or providing personal information.

The best thing to do is ignore the warning, close the pop-up, and avoid interacting with it in any way. Clearing your Safari cache, as described above, can also help prevent these pop-ups from reappearing.

Recognizing Phishing and Smishing Attacks

Beyond pop-ups, hackers often try to steal your sensitive information through phishing and smishing schemes:

• Phishing: This happens when you receive emails or messages pretending to be from a trusted person or company. These messages typically include links to fake websites designed to steal your usernames, passwords, or credit card details. Engaging with these links or downloading attachments may put your personal data at risk or even inject malware into your iPhone.
• Smishing: Similar to phishing, but delivered via text message (SMS). Hackers send messages containing malicious links, hoping you’ll click without thinking twice. While the delivery method is different, smishing attacks have the same goal: to trick you into handing over your information or downloading something harmful.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t click suspicious links in emails or texts, even if they seem to come from someone you know.
• Avoid responding to messages that ask for sensitive information or urge immediate action.
• If something feels off, delete the message and consider blocking the sender.

By staying vigilant for these kinds of scams and knowing what to look out for, you’ll help keep your iPhone—and your information—safe.

What to Do If You Receive an Antivirus Alert

If you have an antivirus app installed—such as Avast Security, which is available in the App Store—it may notify you about unsafe sources or potential threats on your device. Some trusted antivirus apps offer real-time detection and can warn you about suspicious activity. Take these alerts seriously if they come from a reputable app you’ve installed yourself. Follow the app’s recommended steps to address the warning, such as scanning your device or reviewing recent downloads.

However, always be cautious if an alert appears in your browser or from an unfamiliar app, especially if it demands immediate action or payment. Stick to well-known security apps and never download anything from pop-ups or unknown links.

Staying vigilant and using trusted security tools can help you avoid scams and keep your iPhone protected from genuine threats.

You may also like to read: How to Clear App Cache on iPhone

How do I scan for viruses on my iPhone?

Like to know how to check for virus on iPhone?

You can perform an iPhone virus scan by downloading Avast Security which is a popular antivirus app for iOS devices. The free Pro version of Avast Security is available in the Apple App Store. It is a fast, stable, and efficient software capable of protecting all your iOS devices from any threat from outside sources.

Can iPhone have malware? 

Yes, iPhones can have malware, though it’s generally less common than on Android devices due to Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem. However, iPhones can still get malware through various means, especially if they are jailbroken or if users download apps from unofficial sources.

Apple’s rigorous app review process makes it unlikely that you’ll encounter unsafe apps on the App Store, but it’s not impossible. Occasionally, malicious apps with hidden code or vulnerabilities can slip through the cracks. While these threats are usually discovered and removed quickly, the risk increases significantly if you jailbreak your iPhone or install apps from third-party sources outside the official App Store.

Additionally, there have been rare cases where hackers gained access to a developer’s account or a third-party software library, compromising an otherwise legitimate app even after App Store approval. In such situations, an infected app could exploit iOS vulnerabilities and potentially install malware on your device.

Overall, while the chances are lower compared to other platforms, it’s still important to be cautious about what you install and to keep your device updated with the latest security patches.

How to check for malware on iPhone?

Following are a few signs to check for malware on iPhone:

1. The iPhone’s battery life has become shorter than usual;

2. Pop-up ads appearing frequently;

3. Your Apps are crashing for no apparent reason;

4. Unknown apps are installed on your device;

5. Unusually high data usage;

6. The operating system is running slow;

7. Overheating of your iPhone;

Can iPhones be hacked?

The answer to whether can iPhones be hacked is, yes. It is possible to hack your iPhone. But Apple devices being among the most secure devices your iPhone is at much less risk than other electronic devices. If you take the proper precautions, a hacker of average skill will find it too difficult to target your iPhone and he will want to go after easier prey.

Can an iPhone be hacked by visiting a website?

iPhone users often ask – can an iPhone be hacked by visiting a website? The answer is, yes there is every chance of your iPhone getting hacked if you go on visiting unsafe websites.

This can occur if the website contains malicious code or if the hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system or the web browser to deliver malicious code or malware onto the device.

Although there is much less chance of hackers getting access to your iPhone from secured websites, to minimize the risk of hacking, it is important to keep your iPhone’s software up to date and be cautious when browsing unfamiliar websites.

Keep your software updated

Regularly installing software updates is one of the most effective ways to protect your iPhone from threats. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities that hackers and malicious software rely on to gain access to your device. Sometimes, simply updating your iPhone can remove malware by closing the loophole it was using.

To check for an iOS update:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, tap Update Now to install it right away.

While updating your software usually helps, keep in mind that if the malware isn’t exploiting a system vulnerability, or if the update itself is faulty, you may need to take additional steps. If you’re still experiencing issues after updating, review your installed apps for anything suspicious or unexpected.

Staying proactive with updates and safe browsing habits is your best defense against iPhone hacking attempts.

How to know if my iPhone is hacked?

Here are some of the indicative signs that your iPhone is hacked:

> Your phone’s temperature may rise without any visible cause;

> The phone battery tends to drain off too quickly;

> Your phone takes a long to charge;

> The apps that were working alright before may stop working abruptly;

> You may often find your phone echoing amidst voice calls that never happened before;

> Your iPhone may take a very long time or even may refuse to shut down;

How to remove Malware from iPhone?

Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Safari. Tap the Clear History and Website Data option and confirm by tapping Clear History and Data. This should remove any malware that might have entered the device through a malicious link.

Can iPads get viruses?

There is virtually no chance of your iPad getting a virus. Its operating system (iOS) is designed to keep the applications separate from each other and restricted in how they interact with the operating system. Moreover, Apple’s strong security checks any apps before they are made available in the App Store. Even though the chances of getting a virus are extremely low it is important to take precautions when using your iPad, which include turning on automatic updates of your device and using strong passwords.

What is the Safety Check Feature on iPhones?

Another common question is about the Safety Check feature—what exactly does it do and how can it help keep your iPhone secure?

Safety Check is a privacy tool built into recent versions of iOS, primarily designed to help users quickly review and manage which apps and people have access to your personal data, location, and other sensitive information. It’s especially helpful if you’re concerned about privacy or if you suspect that someone may have unauthorized access to your device or accounts.

While Safety Check doesn’t scan for viruses like traditional antivirus apps, it offers peace of mind by allowing you to:

• Instantly disable sharing with certain people or apps
• Review and revoke permissions for apps accessing your location, contacts, calendar, and more
• Reset privacy and security settings in situations like lost devices, compromised data, or personal safety concerns

To use the Safety Check feature:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
2. Choose between a quick “Emergency Reset” or a more detailed “Manage Sharing & Access.”
3. Follow the prompts to review and update your sharing and access settings accordingly.

Using Safety Check ensures that only the trusted apps and contacts can see your data, limiting the chances of exploitation from malicious apps or unwanted access—even if it isn’t a direct virus scanning tool like Avast or others mentioned earlier.

You may also like to read this post: How to fix a hacked Android phone – proven solutions

Conclusion

You may find many iOS users often asking – Can iPhones get viruses from websites or outside sources or can iPhones get malware despite Apple’s strong security? It is hoped that after going through the post it should not be difficult for you to answer these queries.

Now that you know how can you get viruses on your iPhone, to make sure if your device is infected or not you should check for viruses on an iPhone from the common symptoms as explained under ‘how to check for viruses on iPhone’. In case you guess that your iPhone is infected, remove the virus or malware from your device by following the steps shown under – how to remove virus from iPhone.

IOS users should take as many precautionary measures as possible to avoid such virus infections. No matter how robust a platform may be, there are still some weaknesses that can be exploited and you need to plug those holes to keep your device secured and free from viruses. Here are some of the precautionary measures all iPhone users need to take to avoid viruses on iPhones:

1. Keep apps updated regularly and remove apps that you do not use;

2. Only download apps from the official App Store;

3. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, especially if they come through text messages or emails.

4. Prevent cookies from being accepted in Safari. Clear old cookies;

5. If you are not using any Bluetooth devices, disable Bluetooth to increase battery life and prevent security risks;

6. Never Jailbreak or Root your phone which will bypass most of Apple’s built-in security measures;

7. Any attempt to access the internet through a suspicious hotspot can result in compromised passwords and loss of personal data. Therefore, to use a public WiFi hotspot avoid unprotected hotspots, use a secure channel (HTTPS), and disable automatic connection to WiFi in your iPhone settings;

8. Use a public wireless network by employing a VPN (a virtual private network); Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi makes it significantly harder for hackers to redirect you to malicious websites or intercept your sensitive information. This extra layer of encryption keeps your data safe, even on networks you don’t fully trust.

9. Disable WiFi when you are not accessing wireless networks;

10. Remove all payment options after having created your iTunes account;

If any of you have ever experienced viruses on your iPhone, I would be glad if you please share your experience in the comments section below.