virus in safari iphone

Answered: Can iPhones Get Viruses?

What to know.

• Can an iPhone get a virus? Not exactly, but you should still be careful about the websites you visit and apps you download.
• You cannot scan your iPhone for malware, but you can troubleshoot the issues you are experiencing.
• If all else fails, you can erase your device and restore it from a backup.

Can iPhones get viruses? Not in the traditional sense, but in rare cases, your iPad or iPhone can become infected with malware. Luckily, you don't need an antivirus app or a virus cleaner to get rid of it. We'll go over how to improve your iPhone security, from preventing viruses to how to get rid of a virus on iPhone. Below, we'll cover how to check for viruses on your iPhone and remove them.

• How to Keep Your Phone Secure
• How to Check iPhones for Virus or Malware
• How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your iPhone

Can iPhones Get Viruses? How to Keep Your Phone Secure

It's easy to revel in the promise of security and believe our iPhones are safe; after all, the Apple ecosystem has a great track record for security and defense against electronic invasion of all kinds. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated,  “iPhone, iPad, and Mac are the best tools for work, offering the world’s best user experience and the strongest security." But iPhone owners still need to do their part to keep their devices and their data secure, and not just rely on Apple to keep malware at bay.

Malware vs Viruses: What's the Difference?

Malware is short for malicious software and includes Trojan horses, spyware apps, and viruses. Viruses are programs that replicate themselves once they've invaded.

So can an iPhone get a virus? The iPhone is unique in that all apps must be downloaded through the App Store, which is heavily monitored by Apple to ensure all apps are safe and trustworthy. As a result, a program cannot download and install itself onto your iPhone and then begin running automatically without you knowing about it first.

However, other kinds of malware do exist, for example, spyware, which sends your activity to a third party, or adware, which shows you extra and unwanted advertisements. While viruses are rare on iPhones, fake virus warnings are fairly common (see Virus Warning Pop-ups, below). If you follow the tips below, it's very unlikely that your iPhone will be invaded by malware of any type.  

How to Tell If Your Phone Has a Virus: Virus Warning Pop-Ups

Sometimes you might see a pop-up that says something like, "Warning! Your iPhone has been compromised by a virus! Scan now!" This is a malicious advertisement—a popup ad—and clicking on it will redirect you either to a malicious website or to an App Store page. Thanks to the iPhone's security, these pop-ups cannot access any data on your device or install any programs. There isn't too much that these pop-ups can do except scare you and then trick you into volunteering sensitive information like credit cards. It's best to just close the browser tab or app, and follow the procedure for getting rid of virus warning pop-ups to keep your device safe.

Jailbreak? Don't Do It

Sometimes there's a temptation to jailbreak an iPhone so that you can use software and apps outside of the Apple ecosystem. While it's an understandable urge, jailbreaking is not for the faint of heart. If you are inexperienced or at all unfamiliar with how the process works, jailbreaking can end up doing more harm to your device than good. Not only does it void your warranty, it also removes certain security protections to allow the jailbreaking software to run. When this happens, your device becomes more susceptible to malware, so you have to take extra precautions to not install malicious or infected apps.

Not only that, but once you've jailbroken your phone, you won't be able to take it to the Apple Store for help without first wiping the device, which can be a tedious process. For most iPhone users, any convenience you may add by uploading unauthorized software and apps is likely far outweighed by the risks that come with it, like the possibility of identity theft, and all the countless hours it will take to change passwords, call banks and credit card companies, etc. In the end, it's probably better if you just don't jailbreak.

Install Apple’s Software Updates for the Latest Security

It can be tempting to wait on updating your operating system: it seems like you just got comfortable with the last version! There's a very good reason to make the switch as soon as possible, though. Operating system updates are more than just fancy new features; they're also a way for Apple to fix bugs and keep security at the highest possible level. When a security breach or even the possibility of one is detected, Apple programmers get to work tightening up the chinks in your iPhone's armor. Waiting to switch to the latest version of iOS leaves your iPhone vulnerable to malware, so do that software update as soon as you can, every time, especially when there's an iPhone security response update. These updates allow Apple to push the latest security fixes ASAP.

Avoid iPhone Malware & Viruses from Apps

One of the easiest ways to keep viruses and other malware off of your iPhone is to make sure you are only purchasing and downloading apps from reliable developers. Apps don't have to be terribly malicious to do things you might not want, like bombard you with notifications and ads, or track your device's location. Before purchasing or downloading any app:

• Make sure the app has a professional feel: The images should be smooth and unpixelated; spelling and grammar should be correct in the descriptions.
• Check for app reviews: Are they positive? Is there a large enough number of reviews to indicate that this is a legitimate app that customers are using successfully?
• Do you recognize the app developer? Do they have a link to a company website you can follow to see this app, as well as their other products?
• Trust your intuition—sometimes an app just feels off, or maybe it's a "too good to be true" situation, like a free app that would usually cost at least a few dollars.

If you're still unsure, contact Apple Support with your question, and wait to download the app until your concerns have been addressed. Apple's App Store has historically been a secure platform for purchasing approved apps from vetted developers, as they work quickly to remove apps after they are discovered to be counterfeits or to include compromised code .

Even if the app itself is made with the best intentions, hackers can take the alternate route of infiltrating an app developer's network to steal information gleaned from App Store customers. This is why, beyond making sure that you're only downloading from trusted app developers, you'll want to check your privacy settings for each app. Many apps have far more access to your iPhone than they really require to perform the function they're designed for. So turn off permissions for any unnecessary access to your device.

If you want to know how to get rid of a virus on your iPhone, your first step should be to review the apps that you have installed on your iPhone. Uninstall any suspicious apps, apps you don't use anymore, and apps that you don't remember installing.

iPhone Malware: Avoid Suspicious Links, Phishing & Robocalls

I think we've all had the experience by now: a questionable download in an email from a friend, a robocall that urges prompt action on a past-due account, an email from your insurance company requesting that you follow a link to update your account information.

If your friend sends you an email or message on social media with a link or download that seems unusual, text or call to make sure your friend is really the one who sent that message before downloading or opening anything. If your friend's email or social media account has been hacked, the hacker may be sending messages to their contacts without their knowledge in an attempt to spread the malware.

Similarly, don't call numbers left in your voicemail, or follow links emailed to you, even if they seem important or official. If your credit card company or bank is trying to contact you, call the number on the back of your card or visit the usual customer service website you've used in the past and report the call or email. If it's a genuine message, you'll be able to deal with the issue through customer service; if it's a fraudulent message, you've saved yourself a lot of trouble!   

Back Up Your iPhone for Data Security

Just as important as updating to new versions of iOS is getting into the habit of regularly backing up your iPhone. If you're wondering, " How do I back up my iPhone ," you can back up your device with iCloud , with your  Mac or Windows computer , or both. Backing up your iPhone preserves your photos, contacts, and other important data. An iCloud backup will be stored in the cloud, and a local computer backup will be saved on your computer; having both is a double assurance that if your iPhone picks up malware, or is lost or stolen, you'll still have access to all the information it contained. Also, you can use your backups to restore your phone if necessary; we'll get to that in a bit.

How to Tell If Your Phone Has a Virus

How to scan iphone for viruses.

So you suspect your iPhone has picked up some malware. If you're wondering how to scan your iPhone for malware, we're going to refer to Chris Hauk, a consumer privacy champion over at  Pixel Privacy : "As you'll see when searching for antivirus in the App Store, most of the results are for apps that offer Wi-Fi scanners, dangerous website alerts, and such. Actual virus-scanning apps simply don't exist in the App Store. This is because of the way iOS (and iPadOS) handle apps, forcing each one to run in its own sandbox. This prevents apps from being able to infect other apps or system files." This makes it very difficult for viruses to operate on your iPhone, but it also makes scanning for viruses on iPhone equally difficult, since third-party apps can't scan other apps on your device.

The good news is that if you've followed the steps for virus prevention outlined above (not jailbroken your iPhone, updated iOS as soon as possible, and avoided suspicious apps, links, and downloads), then it's unlikely that malware has infected your iPhone. Just in case, though, let's check your iPhone for viruses and go over your phone's symptoms to see if maybe malware is causing the problem. While you can't scan your iPhone for malware, here's how to know if your phone has a virus:

iPhone Malware: Pop-Ups

If you're experiencing lots of pop-ups when browsing Safari on your iPhone, that's not necessarily a symptom of malware. Make sure you've turned on  block pop-ups in your Settings, then see if the problem diminishes. If pop-ups keep, well, popping up with the same frequency, you may have an issue. You can also check out how to get rid of fake Apple Security alerts .

iPhone Malware: Apps Crashing

Sometimes apps crash, but that should be a rare occurrence. If one or more of your apps are repeatedly crashing, make sure to  update apps . If a particular app keeps crashing, try deleting and downloading it again. If one or more apps still keep crashing, maybe malware is at play, after all.

iPhone Malware: Data Usage Spikes

It's a good idea to   have at least a general idea of your typical data usage month over month, in the same way that it's best practice to keep track of your car's gas mileage. This is because an increase in your data usage can indicate a problem in the same way a dip in your gas mileage can. If your iPhone's data usage is suddenly spiking, it may be an indicator of malware burning through data in the background of your device.

iPhone Malware: Battery Drain

Another idea, this one suggested by Chris Hauk , is to keep an eye on your battery. If you find it suddenly failing much sooner than expected, that may be an indication of background activity from a new app or a recent website—activity that may be nefarious. Check out our article about saving battery on your iPhone for how to identify which app is the culprit, and how to limit background activity.

iPhone Malware: Microphone & Camera Use Indicators

If you see  orange and green dots at the top of your iPhone screen , they are there to show you when your microphone and camera, respectively, have been used recently. Apps that use your microphone or camera without your permission should have their permissions revoked or should be uninstalled.

How to Get Rid of Viruses on iPhone

How to reset your iphone.

If you're even marginally convinced that your iPhone has picked up malware, it's time to restore from an iCloud backup or a local backup. This will allow your iPhone to start over with factory settings and, hopefully, no malware, but it will preserve any apps, settings, and data that you have backed up.

Make sure to back up your iPhone regularly when it is working as expected. You can back up to iCloud or back up to your computer . Once your phone is backed up, you can restore it from iCloud , Finder , or, if you have an older macOS or PC, iTunes .

Warning: Do NOT back up your phone if you suspect it is infected with malware. You will need to restore from a previous backup, from before your phone started acting as though it might be infected. Keep in mind that anything you have added to your phone since your last backup will be lost in this process.

How to Clean Your Phone from Virus for Free

Before you can restore your app to an un-infected state, you'll need to reset your iPhone to clear any malware present on it. Here's how to clean a virus from iPhone by resetting it:

That's how to remove a virus from your iPhone be restoring it. Once your content and settings have been erased, your iPhone will automatically ask you if you'd like to  restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup  or restore your iPhone from a local backup. Make your selection based on which backup is most recent (but definitely from before the malware!), then follow the on-screen instructions. In a few short minutes, your iPhone should be back online and good to go.

Lockdown Mode: How to Check Your iPhone for a Virus in Settings

When it comes to iPhone security, Lockdown Mode is your last line of defense. It's a special, secure mode that was added in iOS 16. However, it is designed to help protect against sophisticated cyber attacks against high-profile individuals. Unless you are a politician, journalist, activist, or another high-profile individual, you will likely never need to use Lockdown Mode, as your iPhone is more than likely not going to be affected by these kinds of attacks. You can read more about what Lockdown Mode is meant to be used for on Apple's Support page for the feature. We can also show you  how to activate Lockdown Mode , though, as stated previously, you will likely never need to use this feature, even if you suspect your iPhone is infected with a virus.

Apple Support Can Help, Too 

If your iPhone is still showing malware symptoms after you've followed the steps above, it's time to contact Apple Support . If you've owned the device for less than a year and haven't done anything to void your warranty, like jailbreaking, the service may be free. If you're an Apple Care or Apple Care Plus customer, your iPhone warranty is extended, so it's always worth checking in at the Genius Bar. If you're interested, you can also learn how to check the service history on your iPhone  to view the repair history.

• Can iPhone be infected with malware?  While programs cannot install themselves on your iPhone and run malicious code, it is possible to install untrustworthy apps that might use any information you give it for malicious purposes. Avoid downloading suspicious apps and never enter personal information into these apps.
• How do I run a security check on my iPhone?  You can go into your iPhone Settings, and tap Privacy & Security. In this menu, tap Safety Check, and then tap Manage Sharing & Access. Here, you can check which people and apps have access to your iPhone data. This isn't necessarily a virus scan, but does allow you to see which apps you have installed and what kind of data they are accessing.
• How do I clear my iPhone of viruses?  If you know which app is causing problems on your iPhone, you can simply uninstall it. In the worst case scenario, you can erase all content and settings on your iPhone and restore an iCloud backup. This should help resolve any issues you are experiencing.

Top image credits: Suttipun / Shutterstock.com, nikiteev_konstantin / Shutterstock.com

Author Details

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues. In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.

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Can Your iPhone Get A Virus From Safari? Here's What We Know

You may have heard before that it's impossible to get a virus on an iPhone. However, this is false and the product of tricky marketing from Apple, which the company has rescinded. But the myth persists , leading users to browse the internet unprotected. It may seem like the iPhone's main browser, Safari, has no risk of giving your phone a virus. However, no matter the method of browsing the internet, there's always a chance it could happen. 

Although it's incorrect to say that the iPhone can't get a virus, it is true that iOS devices are generally more secure. The likelihood of getting viruses is rare, but it definitely is possible and depends greatly on how one is using the iPhone. Safe internet browsing practices still apply to Safari, as there can be malicious or unsecure websites that could lead to a virus on your phone. Suspicious websites may prompt downloads to your iPhone, or try and get you to click on fishy looking ads. Like anything else, if it seems too good to be true, don't trust it. This applies even to iPhones when using Safari. 

Viruses themselves don't come from using Safari , but instead the websites you visit on the browser or other iOS browsers like Chrome. As long as you are using the internet safely, you shouldn't come across any issues. 

How do you know if you got a virus?

If you're wondering how to tell if your iPhone has a virus, there are some signs to look out for, as mentioned on Cyber Talk . If you notice any of these issues , restoring your iPhone back to factory settings can remove the virus . If you're still noticing issues, your best bet is to contact Apple or bring your iPhone to an Apple store. 

A major sign that your iPhone has a virus is if excessive data is being used. If you're not streaming or doing anything else that heavily uses data, but much more than your normal average is being used, it's might be a sign that a virus is causing trouble behind the scenes.

Another signifier is finding apps on your iPhone you never downloaded. This can especially happen with suspicious websites on Safari, which may have downloaded the software to your iPhone under a guise. This is less likely to happen because of the safety nets employed on iOS, but if you have a jailbroken iPhone or accept downloads from unsecure websites, there's more risk. 

Furthermore, if you notice your iPhone is lagging, using more battery power than usual, or apps aren't working correctly, this could be another indicator that your iPhone has been compromised. Again, factory resetting your iPhone is best if you believe you do have a virus. Afterwards, you can then restore your iPhone from a back up. 

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How to remove a virus from an iPhone or iPad

iPhones have a long-held reputation for being safe and secure when it comes to viruses and malware. While this is well-earned, no electronic device is completely safe from hackers and other digital ne’er-do-wells. So here’s how to find out if your iPhone has a virus and what you can do about it.

Has your iPhone got a virus?

First things first: It’s very unlikely that your iPhone is infected with a virus. For a more detailed look at this fascinating topic, read do iPhones get viruses? but we can briefly sum up the reasons why you’re probably in the clear.

The App Store vets all submitted software for potential threats, and while mistakes are occasionally made (there are literally millions of apps to check), this mostly keeps iOS free from nasty agents. In fact, the majority of successful malware attacks on iPhones have been directed at models that have been jailbroken, which gives the owner access to software that hasn’t been checked by Apple employees. Such unofficial app stores are far more likely to suffer from viruses and malware-laden apps. The good news in either case is that iOS’s sandbox structure should prevent the malware attack from getting access to other applications (in order to spread itself) or to the underlying operating system.

If you’re experiencing issues with performance in general, or with particular apps, this is far more likely to be caused by a bug than by a malicious threat, and these may be rectified by something as simple as restarting your device, or running available software updates. Should you still have suspicions after that, you can follow some of the steps outlined below to check for something more sinister.

One quite common problem we’ve heard of is people being inundated with calendar appointments and assuming that this means they have an iPhone Calendar Virus . There is no iPhone Calendar Virus and your calendar has not been hacked. What has most likely happened is a spam text message has caused appointments to be added to the calendar. We have a separate article that discusses how to remove spam from your iPhone’s Calendar .

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Potential signs of malware on your iPhone

Malware and viruses don’t like to announce their presence, lest you become aware that they are on your system, but there are some quirks or abnormalities that can indicate they are at work. It’s worth remembering that some of the factors outlined below can usually be applicable to hardware problems or software glitches too, so if you see them it doesn’t automatically mean you have a virus.

Sudden drops in battery life

If your battery life takes a rapid decline, this could indicate that malware is using up system resources, which in turn is draining the power. Try checking your Battery Health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see if it’s a hardware problem or a potential infection.

iPhone is getting hot for no reason

If you’ve ever played a graphically demanding game on your iPhone, you’ll know that all the computation involved can cause the device to get pretty hot. Should you see this behavior when the iPhone isn’t doing anything particularly taxing, it may be that a virus is running processes in the background. Try turning the device off and on to rule out a runaway app that needs resetting. If the behavior persists you should take it to an Apple Genius bar.

New apps you don’t remember installing

One clear indication that malware is present on your system is when you notice apps appearing that you didn’t install. It’s a good idea to uninstall them immediately and see if this helps fix other problems.

Apps frequently crashing

Again, this can be a problem with the system or potentially the memory in your iPhone, but it’s also possible that malware is causing certain apps to crash all the time. Try updating the apps to see if this helps.

Random pop-up messages

Receiving pop-up boxes out of the blue can be a sign that things are not well with your iPhone. These can be a way to trick you into giving permission for things, as the text you’re reading isn’t necessarily what you’re agreeing to. If you’re worried that something may be amiss, turn your iPhone off and back on again to see if the pop-up disappears.

Sudden increases in data or call use

Malware will often try to hijack your iPhone and make calls to premium numbers, send data or even take part in cryptocurrency mining, all of which will drain your data or give a nasty surprise when the phone bill arrives. If you spot this, there’s a very good chance your device is infected.

Digging deeper to find what’s causing the problem

The main questions when trying to work out what has happened to your malfunctioning iPhone or iPad are these:

Have you jailbroken your device?

If so, have you installed an application from a non-official source whose authenticity is questionable? If the answer to both is yes, you may have a malicious piece of software on your device and should attempt to isolate and uninstall the culprit.

Does the unexpected behavior manifest itself when you use certain apps only?

If this is the case–and particularly if it’s only one app–then you’re probably looking at an app-specific issue, and we’ll deal with this in due course. As a rule of thumb, common behavior exhibited by apps that have been hijacked include redirecting you to an unfamiliar web page in Safari, and opening the App Store without permission.

Does the unexpected behavior manifest itself when you use any app?

If the problem continues to occur no matter which apps are open, the chances are that your device is misbehaving because of a hardware problem, an iOS change that you’re not used to yet, or because you or another user of the device has changed a setting, perhaps inadvertently. It’s extremely unlikely that malware has penetrated to the heart of the operating system; this would be essentially unprecedented. In any of these cases we would take the device to an Apple Genius Bar .

Is a compromised app causing the problem?

Rather than a virus affecting iOS itself, it’s possible that you’ve simply got a problem app.

This doesn’t necessarily mean the app is bad or that the developers are at fault; conversely, the fact that an app is legitimate or was made by a reputable company doesn’t mean it can’t be hijacked by malware or hackers. Because hackers cannot break into iOS itself, one of their most common strategies is to crack a developer kit, which may in turn be used by unwitting app developers. The crooks thus gain the ability to redirect you to a dodgy website when you use the app that was built using the compromised tool.

It’s usually obvious when one particular app is the culprit, because you only have problems when using it. The usual giveaway sign is that, when you’ve got that app open, you will periodically be redirected to a web page, or to the App Store, without your permission.

If you think one app is the problem, first of all have a look to see if an updated version of the app is available, since the problem may have been noticed and fixed. Also check the app’s website (if it has one) and/or the developers’ Twitter feed (if they have one) to see if the issue has been reported or discussed in those places. If the devs are contactable then you should report the issue to them. They may be able to offer a solution right away, but even if they can’t, they are more likely to find a fix if they know about it.

Assuming that updating the app doesn’t solve the problem, uninstall it and try to manage without for a while. If the problem disappears then you’ve found your culprit, and it’s time to decide if you can manage without the app in the long term. Even if you do decide to delete the app permanently, however, remember that you can check in with the developers from time to time and see if a satisfactory update has materialized.

Clear history and website data

Here’s a quick tip that may resolve web page redirect problems. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data , then tap Clear History and Data to confirm.

Power off and restart

Another simple method to clear out a software problem is to power down your device and then restart it. This won’t necessarily get rid of a virus, but it can help if an app is playing up.

To do this, hold down the side button and volume up button until the screen changes and the ‘slide to power off’ slider appears. On an iPhone with Touch ID, you just need to hold down the power button until you see the slider. In either case this should take about four to five seconds. Finally, use the slider to power down the device.

To restart the phone, hold down the power button or side button again. This time it should take about 10 seconds. The Apple logo will appear; at this point you can let go of the button. Wait until the passcode entry screen appears (you need to enter a passcode instead of using Touch ID/Face ID the first time you unlock a phone after powering up) and then unlock the device.

Has this fixed the problem? If not, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Restore your iPhone from backup

We trust that you back up your iPhone on a regular basis. If so, it’ll be easy to restore your iPhone from the most recent backup and see if the problem is removed.

If this doesn’t work, you may have included the malware or other problem when you backed up the contents of your iPhone, so try restoring from the second most recent backup, then the one before that, and so on. Hopefully you will find a backup that pre-dates the problem and you’ll be able to proceed from there.

For a more detailed look at how to do this, read how to restore an iPhone from backup .

Restore your iPhone as a new device

If none of your backups are malware-free, or the only backups that are malware-free are unusable for some other reason, you may be better off starting from scratch.

Wipe your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Contents and Settings , then enter your passcode and confirm the process. Wait for the erasure to complete, and then set up the iPhone as a new device.

We describe this process in more depth in separate articles: How to reset an iPhone and How to set up a new iPhone .

Once you’ve completed setup you’ll need to reinstall the apps you want to use (although remember that if an app seemed to be causing the problem you should try living without it for a while and see if things are better), reload songs, photos and videos and get the settings back to the way you like them. It’s a pain, but hopefully you’ll only need to do it this once.

How to protect your iPhone from malware

Update iOS or iPadOS regularly. We recommend not jailbreaking, and if you do, you need to be especially careful about the software you install and the sources you download it from. And be careful of ‘social engineering’ attacks: don’t open links if you’re unsure where they come from.

Should I use antivirus software on my iPhone or iPad?

The sandboxed nature of iOS means that third-party apps don’t have the kind of system-wide access that is required to fully secure a device. Apple would of course argue that this is the reason why iOS is so secure.

Due to this, there isn’t much in the way of dedicated antivirus software for iPhone and iPad. There are some packages available, though, with one of our favorites being Bitdefender , which covers privacy controls, data use monitoring, warnings about potentially dodgy websites and VPNs to protect you when using public Wi-Fi. (On the latter front, check our roundup of the best iPhone VPNs for dedicated advice.)

The weakest part of any system, however, is usually the person using the device. Hackers these days often try to trick people into giving away information or logging into fake sites so they can harvest your data. Always remain vigilant when using your iPhone if you want to keep it secure. For more general advice on protecting yourself from hackers, malware writers and other miscreants, read our iPhone security tips .

Author: David Price , Editor

David has loved the iPhone since covering the original 2007 launch; later his obsession expanded to include iPad and Apple Watch. He offers advice to owners (and prospective owners) of these devices.

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How to remove viruses and malware from your iPhone or iPad

While Apple’s highly contained ecosystem has a reputation for malware resistance, that doesn’t mean it’s completely immune. Devices like iPhones and iPads can still experience viruses or hacking attempts , especially if a user downloads a file with malware or selects a hostile link.

Download updates and restart

Clear your browsing history, remove unknown apps, restore to a previous version using an icloud backup, what you need.

iPhone or iPad

If you think that some kind of malware may have been downloaded to your iOS or iPadOS device, it’s a good idea to take immediate action. Follow our steps to clear your iPhone or iPad of troublesome viruses.

Updates can patch vulnerabilities and help deal with the latest malware attacking Apple platforms, so you should always start with this step. Even if you have automatic updates turned on, there’s still a chance they aren’t download because your Apple device may need a specific connection or timeframe to do it. Here’s how to make sure updates are applied.

Step 1: Head to the Settings app. Here, select the General section from the menu.

Step 2: Select Software Update.

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Step 3: Download and Install the latest update. This can take some time, but eventually your device will restart.

Step 4: If there are no updates, perform a manual reboot as an alternative.

Deleting your browser history can clear up performance issues and ensure that viruses don’t return. Here’s how to do it on Safari — it’s similar on other browsers as well.

Step 1: Open Settings once more and scroll down to your apps to select Safari .

Step 2: Scroll down in Safari to find the option to Clear History and Website Data . Select it and wait for Safari to complete the process.

Your next important step is to go through all the apps in your phone and remove those that you don’t need, or that you don’t recognize. Some malware will automatically upload unwanted apps, or new, untrustworthy apps could be the source of viruses and should be removed.

Removing apps is very easy on iPhones or iPads. Simply give the app in question a long press, and then select Remove and confirm. Do this with all suspicious apps and any recently downloaded apps you don’t need.

If you’ve tried everything and are still experiencing suspicious signs like unwanted downloads, unexplained account charges, lots of crashing, etc., then there’s another step you should take. You can restore your Apple device to a previous version by using your iCloud backup, which is typically enabled during setup. This is especially important if you’ve confirmed that there’s malware on your device, because it’s one of the only ways to really be sure you’ve removed it.

Step 1: Head back to Settings , and select General to proceed. Scroll down until you find Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad and select it.

Step 2: Choose Erase All Content and Settings . Follow the instructions, but try to avoid creating a brand new iCloud Backup. The goal is to go to a backup from before any malware was downloaded, so choose Erase Now at this screen.

Step 3: When your iPhone/iPad is finished erasing, it will prompt you to set up again and give you an option to Restore from iCloud Backup . Choose this, and your device will restore to an earlier version. It’s a good idea to plug it in and give it time for this process.

Step 4: If you don’t have an iCloud Backup, this process will restore your device to factory settings and delete all your data. Only do this if you’ve tried everything else, and it’s clear a virus is still crashing your system.

If you want to make it less likely that your Apple device faces trouble in the future, take a look at our guide on the best antivirus apps you can get for your iPhone .

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It’s no secret that I’ve been cheering on Apple’s gaming advances over the last year or so. Long-suffering Mac gamers have gone from being the forgotten also-rans of Apple’s ecosystem to feeling on top of the world, all in a very short period of time. But there’s one vital piece missing from the puzzle, and Apple’s new M4 iPad Pros have made it incredibly obvious.

I’ll admit, Mac gamers have been treated well in recent times. Not only have we had phenomenal hardware advancements in the form of the M3 Max chip -- which is a genuine gaming chip so cool and quiet that you’d be fooled into thinking it’s not -- but there’s also been a slate of top-tier games arriving on Apple’s platform, including my beloved Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s a good time to be a Mac gamer.

As the old saying goes, the best camera is the one you always have with you. If you're like most iPhone users, that means you've likely amassed a sizeable collection of photos on your device. However, while Apple's Photos app is a great way to manage and view your photo library, it's never a good idea to keep all your eggs in one basket. After all, suffering a lost or broken iPhone is painful enough without also losing all your precious digital memories in the process.

Even if you're backing up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer, it's a good idea to keep your photos backed up separately. After all, opening a folder or a photo management app is a much easier way to get at your photos than trying to extract them from an iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup, which requires either restoring them to another iPhone or relying on special software tools.

How to diagnose and remove any virus from your iPhone

• The risk of viruses and malware infecting your iPhone is extremely low , but if your iPhone behaves oddly, there are simple steps you can take to eliminate an existent virus.
• If you can narrow the problem down to a single app, uninstall it and see if the problem goes away.
• Restart the iPhone to see if a simple "reboot" eliminates the problem. Also clear Safari's cache .
• As a last resort, you can restore the phone to an older backup that predates the glitch, or reset the phone to its original factory settings .
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

It's always a good idea to be cautious about the risk of viruses and other malware, but when it comes to your iPhone, you don't have much to worry about . Dionisio Zumerle, senior director at research firm Gartner , sums it up this way: "The chances of catching malware on Android go from 0.05 to 0.71 percent. I would say that the percentage for iOS would be even lower than that, making the risk of iOS malware fairly low today."

Even so, it's possible to defy the odds — however slim — and end up with an infected iPhone. Or, at least, have a phone that behaves like it might be infected. Here's what you can do to troubleshoot the problem and remove malware from your misbehaving phone.

What problem are you having?

Thanks to the way Apple designed iOS, malware generally can't do a lot even if it finds its way onto your phone. Typically, look for behavior like Safari redirecting itself to web pages you did not request, email and text messages being sent automatically without your permission, or the App Store opening on its own.

Even so, these aren't guaranteed signs of a virus. Depending on what kind of apps you have installed — especially automation apps like IFTTT — some of these things can happen on purpose. Other potential symptoms, like frequent app crashes, settings changing, or buttons performing different actions than you expect, may actually be the result of a bug or an iOS update changing something without your knowledge.

Read more: Can iPhones get viruses? Here's what you need to know

Determine which app is to blame

No matter what symptoms you are experiencing, the first thing you should try to determine is if the problem you're experiencing happens all the time, or only when a specific app is running. Take note of the problem and see what app you are using when it happens.

If you can narrow the problem down to a single app, see if there's an update available for it in the App Store. That may solve the problem, but if it doesn't, uninstall that app . If the problem definitely goes away after uninstalling the app, you now know the root cause. You can try to reinstall the app again to see if the problem is eliminated, or contact the app maker's tech support.

Restart your phone

If you can't narrow the problem down to a single app, then your next step should be to restart your iPhone . Just like rebooting your computer, turning your phone off and turning it back on again can solve a lot of unexpected problems.

Clear Safari's cache

Certain problems, especially ones related to web browsing, can be solved by clearing your browser's cache . This is especially true if you find that Safari redirects to web sites you didn't request or links stop working the way they should.

Restore your phone to an earlier backup

If none of those things solve your problem, it might take more extreme measures to try to get your phone back in top shape. If you have a pretty good idea of when your phone started experiencing problems, you might be able to restore your phone to a backup that dates back before your infection. Remember, though: this will erase everything added to your phone since that backup, including apps, photos, and music, so only do this if you are sure you have a serious problem and nothing else has worked.

If you really want to try this, reset your iPhone to its factory settings , and then – after your phone is completely reset – sign in to your Apple ID from your fresh iPhone and then choose a recent pre-infection backup to restore the phone. Remember not to restore the most recent backup, or you'll be right back where you started.

If that doesn't solve your problem, you can repeat the process and try again with an older backup.

Start fresh with factory settings

If resetting your phone to an older backup didn't fix the problem – you're still affected by the malware or another glitch — you have one last gambit to try. Reset the iPhone to factory settings , and instead of restoring a backup, set up the phone as a new device. Do not restore any apps or data.

Instead, work with the phone in its new factory-fresh condition. If the problem is gone, start manually downloading the apps you lost.

If the problem remains even after resetting the phone, what you have is a hardware problem. No virus can survive on the iPhone through a factory reset, so you should take the phone to an Apple store for servicing.

Preventative maintenance

As indicated, the chances of your iPhone getting infected by malware are very small. And indeed, there are no true antivirus apps for the iPhone, which is itself a sign of how low the risk actually is. But to stay safe, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep your phone up to date. Be sure to install iOS updates whenever they're available, and install app updates regularly.
• Never jailbreak your phone.
• Don't install apps from any location outside the App Store. Generally, you can't do this without jailbreaking a phone, but developer tools let you circumvent this to install test versions of unreleased apps. Avoid this.

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Watch: Everything wrong with the iPhone

• Main content

How To Remove Virus From Safari On IPhone

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Safari, the default web browser for Apple devices, is known for its sleek interface and seamless user experience. However, like any other browser, it is not immune to the threat of viruses and malware. If you've noticed unusual pop-ups, redirects to suspicious websites, or a sudden slowdown in Safari's performance on your iPhone, it's possible that your device has been infected with a virus.

Dealing with a virus on your iPhone can be a frustrating experience, but the good news is that there are effective steps you can take to remove it and safeguard your device from future threats. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of removing a virus from Safari on your iPhone , ensuring that you can browse the web safely and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted user experience.

Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or someone who's new to handling iPhone security issues, this guide is designed to provide clear, actionable steps that anyone can follow. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have the knowledge and tools to rid your Safari browser of any unwanted viruses and protect your iPhone from potential security threats.

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of removing viruses from Safari on your iPhone, so you can regain control of your browsing experience and keep your device secure.

Step 1: Update Safari and iOS

Keeping your Safari browser and iOS up to date is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your iPhone. Apple regularly releases updates that include security patches and bug fixes, which can help protect your device from viruses and other online threats. Here's how you can ensure that Safari and iOS are updated to the latest versions:

Update Safari:

• Open the App Store on your iPhone.
• Tap on your profile picture at the top right corner.
• Scroll down to find the "Safari" app in the list of available updates.
• If an update is available, tap the "Update" button next to Safari to install the latest version.

Update iOS:

• Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap on "General" and then select "Software Update."
• If a new iOS version is available, tap "Download and Install" to update your device to the latest version.

By keeping Safari and iOS updated, you ensure that your browser and device are equipped with the latest security features and improvements. This reduces the risk of encountering viruses and malware while browsing the web, providing you with a safer and more secure online experience.

It's important to make a habit of regularly checking for updates for both Safari and iOS to stay protected against evolving security threats. Additionally, enabling automatic updates for apps and iOS can streamline the process, ensuring that your device is always equipped with the latest security enhancements without requiring manual intervention.

By following these simple steps to update Safari and iOS, you take a proactive approach to safeguarding your iPhone against potential security vulnerabilities, setting the stage for the subsequent measures to remove viruses from Safari and fortify your device's defenses.

Step 2: Clear Safari History and Website Data

Clearing Safari's history and website data is an essential step in removing viruses and improving the overall security of your browsing experience on iPhone. By doing so, you can eliminate potentially compromised data and reset Safari to a cleaner state, reducing the risk of encountering malicious scripts or unwanted redirects. Here's how you can clear Safari history and website data on your iPhone:

Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and scroll down to find "Safari" in the list of installed apps.

Tap on "Safari" to access its settings and scroll down to locate the "Clear History and Website Data" option.

Tap on "Clear History and Website Data" and confirm your decision when prompted. This action will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other site data stored on your device.

By clearing your browsing history and website data, you effectively erase any traces of potentially harmful websites or scripts that may have contributed to the presence of viruses on your Safari browser. This step serves as a reset for Safari, allowing you to start with a clean slate and minimize the chances of encountering security threats during your browsing sessions.

It's important to note that clearing your browsing history and website data may log you out of websites and remove saved preferences, so be prepared to re-enter login credentials and customize settings as needed. However, the trade-off is a more secure and optimized browsing environment, free from the remnants of potentially compromised data.

In addition to clearing history and website data manually, you can also consider enabling the "Private Browsing" mode in Safari, which prevents the browser from storing your browsing history and website data. This can be particularly useful when you want to browse the web without leaving a trail of data on your device, enhancing your privacy and security.

By taking the proactive step of clearing Safari history and website data, you contribute to a safer and more secure browsing experience on your iPhone, setting the stage for further measures to remove viruses and fortify your device against potential security threats.

Step 3: Disable JavaScript and Pop-ups

Disabling JavaScript and pop-ups in Safari on your iPhone can significantly enhance your browsing security and protect your device from potential virus infections. JavaScript is a programming language commonly used to add interactive features to websites, but it can also be exploited by malicious actors to execute harmful scripts. Pop-ups, on the other hand, can be used to deceive users into clicking on fraudulent content or downloading malicious software. By taking the following steps to disable JavaScript and pop-ups, you can reduce the risk of encountering security threats while browsing the web on your iPhone.

Disabling JavaScript:

• Tap on "Safari" to access its settings and locate the "Advanced" section.
• In the "Advanced" settings, toggle off the "JavaScript" option to disable it.

By disabling JavaScript, you prevent potentially harmful scripts from running in Safari, reducing the likelihood of encountering malicious code that could compromise your device's security. While this may impact the functionality of certain websites that rely heavily on JavaScript, it provides a proactive layer of protection against malicious activities that exploit this programming language.

Disabling Pop-ups:

• In the "Safari" settings, ensure that the "Block Pop-ups" option is enabled. This setting prevents intrusive pop-up windows from appearing while you browse the web.

By blocking pop-ups, you shield yourself from deceptive or malicious content that may attempt to trick you into engaging with harmful websites or downloading suspicious files. This proactive measure enhances your browsing safety and reduces the risk of inadvertently exposing your device to security threats.

It's important to note that while disabling JavaScript and blocking pop-ups can bolster your browsing security, it may impact the functionality and user experience of certain websites. However, the trade-off is a more secure and controlled browsing environment, where the risk of encountering harmful content is significantly reduced.

By taking the proactive step of disabling JavaScript and pop-ups in Safari on your iPhone, you contribute to a safer and more secure browsing experience, minimizing the potential for virus infections and enhancing your device's overall security posture.

Step 4: Reset Safari Settings

Resetting Safari settings on your iPhone can serve as a powerful tool in combating viruses and restoring the browser to a clean, default state. This process effectively eliminates any customizations, preferences, and potentially compromised configurations that may have contributed to the presence of viruses or malware. By initiating a reset of Safari settings, you can create a fresh starting point for your browsing experience, free from the remnants of security threats and unwanted modifications.

Here's how you can reset Safari settings on your iPhone:

Below the "Clear History and Website Data" option, you'll find the "Advanced" section. Tap on it to access advanced Safari settings.

In the "Advanced" settings, you'll find the "Website Data" option. Tap on it to view the stored website data on your device.

Scroll to the bottom of the "Website Data" screen and tap on "Remove All Website Data." Confirm your decision when prompted.

By following these steps, you initiate a comprehensive reset of Safari settings, clearing all stored website data and returning the browser to its default state. This action effectively removes any potentially compromised data, cookies, and website preferences, providing you with a clean slate for your browsing activities.

It's important to note that resetting Safari settings may log you out of websites, remove saved preferences, and impact certain customizations you've made to the browser. However, the trade-off is a more secure and optimized browsing environment, free from the remnants of potentially compromised data and configurations.

In addition to resetting Safari settings, you can also consider clearing website data and cookies regularly to maintain a clean and secure browsing environment. By incorporating these proactive measures into your browsing habits, you contribute to a safer and more secure experience on Safari, reducing the risk of encountering viruses and malware while protecting your iPhone from potential security threats.

By taking the proactive step of resetting Safari settings on your iPhone, you create a foundation for a more secure and optimized browsing experience, minimizing the potential for virus infections and enhancing your device's overall security posture.

Step 5: Install a Reliable Antivirus App

In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats continue to evolve and proliferate, installing a reliable antivirus app on your iPhone is a crucial step in fortifying your device against viruses and malware. While iOS is designed with robust security features, including sandboxing and app isolation, the proactive deployment of an antivirus app can provide an additional layer of defense, offering real-time protection and threat detection capabilities.

When selecting an antivirus app for your iPhone, it's essential to choose a reputable and trusted solution from a recognized developer. Look for antivirus apps that offer comprehensive features such as on-demand and real-time scanning, malicious website blocking, and regular updates to combat emerging threats effectively.

Once you've identified a reliable antivirus app, follow these steps to install and configure it on your iPhone:

App Store Search : Open the App Store on your iPhone and use the search function to find the antivirus app of your choice. Ensure that you select an app with positive reviews and a proven track record in mobile security.

Download and Installation : Tap on the antivirus app's listing and initiate the download and installation process. Once the app is installed, launch it to begin the setup and configuration.

Configuration and Scanning : Follow the app's on-screen instructions to configure its settings, including enabling real-time protection and scheduling regular scans. Take advantage of any additional security features offered by the app to enhance your device's protection.

Update Definitions : Ensure that the antivirus app's threat definitions are up to date by allowing it to download the latest updates. Regular updates are essential for staying ahead of new and emerging threats in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity .

Real-Time Protection : Keep the real-time protection feature of the antivirus app enabled at all times to detect and block potential threats as you browse the web and use various apps on your iPhone.

By installing a reliable antivirus app on your iPhone, you empower your device with proactive defense mechanisms that can identify and neutralize potential security risks, including viruses, trojans, and other forms of malware. This proactive approach to mobile security complements the built-in safeguards of iOS, creating a robust defense strategy that prioritizes the safety and integrity of your browsing and app usage experiences.

Incorporating a reliable antivirus app into your iPhone's security framework not only helps in removing existing viruses from Safari but also serves as a proactive measure to prevent future infections, ensuring that your device remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

In conclusion, safeguarding your iPhone from viruses and malware is essential for maintaining a secure and enjoyable browsing experience. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you've taken proactive measures to remove viruses from Safari on your iPhone and fortify your device against potential security threats. From updating Safari and iOS to installing a reliable antivirus app, each step contributes to a layered defense strategy that prioritizes the safety and integrity of your browsing activities.

By keeping Safari and iOS updated, you ensure that your device is equipped with the latest security enhancements, reducing the risk of encountering viruses and malware while browsing the web. Clearing Safari history and website data serves as a reset, eliminating potentially compromised data and minimizing the chances of encountering security threats. Disabling JavaScript and pop-ups provides a proactive layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of encountering harmful scripts and deceptive content. Resetting Safari settings creates a clean slate for your browsing experience, free from the remnants of potentially compromised data and configurations. Finally, installing a reliable antivirus app empowers your device with real-time protection and threat detection capabilities, ensuring that your iPhone remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

By incorporating these measures into your iPhone's security framework, you've not only addressed the immediate concern of virus removal from Safari but also established a proactive defense strategy to prevent future infections. This proactive approach to mobile security complements the built-in safeguards of iOS, creating a robust defense strategy that prioritizes the safety and integrity of your browsing and app usage experiences.

As you continue to explore the digital landscape and engage with online content, maintaining a proactive stance towards security and staying informed about emerging threats will be crucial. Regularly reviewing and updating your device's security settings, staying vigilant against suspicious activities, and being mindful of the websites and apps you interact with can further enhance your device's security posture.

By taking the initiative to remove viruses from Safari on your iPhone and fortify your device against potential security threats, you've demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding your digital experiences and ensuring a safer and more secure browsing environment for yourself and others. With these proactive measures in place, you can navigate the digital realm with confidence, knowing that your iPhone is equipped to handle the challenges of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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iPhone Virus Warning: How to Remove Fake Apple Security Alerts

How to Get Rid of Fake Apple Security Alerts on iPhone (2022)

Safely get rid of fake security alerts on ios and ipados, 1. close the malicious tabs right away.

• Bring up the control center (swipe down from the top corner of the screen or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen) and then tap the airplane mode icon to turn it on.

• Next, open Safari and then tap the Tabs icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. After that, tap on the “X” button at the upper right corner of the specific tab to close it.

2. Delete Shady Website Cookies

• Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Safari -> Advanced.

• Now, tap Website Data . Next, tap on Edit at the top right corner of the screen.

• Next up, select the specific cookie you want to get rid of and hit the Delete button. Do not forget to tap Done at the top right to confirm the action.

3. Block All Safari Popups

• Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Safari and then make sure that the toggle next to Block Pop-ups is turned on.

4. Block Fraudulent Website Warnings

Safari comes with a built-in feature that allows you to block fraudulent website warnings. Therefore, make sure to take advantage of this security feature to keep the fake website warnings at a fair distance.

• To get going, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Safari and then ensure that the toggle next to Fraudulent Website Warning is enabled.

5. Use Reader Mode to Keep Unwanted Ads and Popups Away

• Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad -> navigate to the webpage where you want to enable the Reader Mode.
• Next, tap on the aA button at the bottom of the screen and choose Show Reader.

• Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Safari . After that, scroll down to the Settings for Websites section and tap Reader .

• Next, turn on the toggle for All Websites .

6. Block Shady Websites

• Head into the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Screen Time -> Content & Privacy Restrictions.

• Now, ensure that the toggle for Content & Privacy Restrictions is turned on. Then, tap Content Restriction and select Web Content .

• Next, choose the Limit Adult Content option. Under the Never Allow section, tap Add Website and then paste the link of the site that you want to block.

Going forward, these websites will be blocked on your device. Later, if you ever want to make changes, return to this very Screen Time setting and then do the needful.

• With iOS 15 or later, you can install Safari extensions to further enhance the functionality of the stock web browser. Safari extensions like popup blockers can help you take on annoying popups with ease.

Report Fake Security Alerts to Apple

Keep fake apple security alerts away from your iphone or ipad.

Rajesh Mishra

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.

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Can iPhones get viruses?

Can iPhones get viruses and malware? While they're more secure than other smartphones, they are not immune to malware. Read more about how to know if your iPhone is infected with a virus with a step-by-step guide on how to remove it.

MALWAREBYTES FOR IOS

How to to remove a virus on iPhone

You might wonder how to check for viruses on iPhone if it is behaving abnormally. If so, you’ve come to the right place. But can iPhones get viruses? Although the incidence rate of viruses detected on iPhone and iPad systems is rare, it’s certainly a possibility.

Still, it’s more likely that your iPhone has a bad app, compatibility issue, spyware, adware, Trojan, or another kind of malware infection.

With this guide, we will help you clean common bugs, malware, and viruses on iPhone and iPad devices. Read on to learn in-depth details about the following:

• How to check iPhone for virus / Signs your iPhone has malware
• How to remove a viruse on iPhone

If your iPhone is acting up, you might have a virus. But it’s more likely that your software is buggy or that you have another type of malware. iPhone malware can range from mildly annoying to severe. Soft malware strains like adware may throw up pop-ups on your screen, slow down your device, or cause glitches. More serious iPhone malware, like the world’s most coveted spyware , Pegasus, can steal highly sensitive data.

Fortunately, Apple diligently patches iPhone devices to mitigate the risk of virus and malware breaches. But if you want to learn how to remove viruses on iPhone systems, you must be prepared to follow several important steps.

Can iPhones get viruses? 

The definition of a virus is malicious software that spreads by infecting other files, often corrupting data and crashing systems in the process. It’s highly unlikely, though not impossible, for an iPhone to get a virus because every iPhone app runs in its own virtual space. With iPhone apps running in virtual spaces, viruses can’t propagate.

Let’s look at some more realistic iPhone threats:

Malware 

Although viruses may find it hard to corrupt your iPhone, the following malware can infect your device:

• Adware : Generates marketing revenue by displaying pop-up ads.
• Malicious Toolbar : Hijacks browsers and may redirect you to attack websites.
• Spyware : Enables someone spying on your phone activity.
• Trojans : Steal passwords, PINs, credit card data, and other private information.

Phishing 

iPhone users should watch out for phishing attacks. These are fake emails that appear to be legitimate, and trick users into sharing confidential information or opening malicious links and websites.

Smishing 

Smishing is similar to phishing, but the attack vector is text messages instead of emails. iPhone users should be cautious when receiving unknown messages or offers that appear too good to be true on SMS.

Websites 

Don’t panic if you see a “viruses detected on iPhone” message while on a strange website. Malware or the website itself could be using scareware tactics to trick you into making a bad decision. Steer clear of unsafe websites that may try to breach iPhone security.

Jailbreaking 

Some Apple users jailbreak their phones to bypass restrictions and gain more control of the iPhone operating system. However, jailbroken iPhones without access to antivirus updates and security patches are significantly less secure.

iPhone virus signs

If you want to learn how to check iPhone for virus or malware infections, you need to watch out for the following signs:

Changes 

Unexplained changes to your iPhone can be a sign of malicious software:

• New apps that you don’t remember installing.
• Settings changes.
• A new screensaver.
• A different homepage on your browser.
• Different icons or wallpaper.

Crashing 

iPhones are generally quite stable. If they crash, it can be because of hardware failure. Don’t remember dropping your iPhone on the ground or in water? The performance issues could be due to unwanted software, like iPhone viruses and malware.

Battery 

Batteries in Apple products can naturally drain more quickly with each passing year. But a more sudden loss of battery life could be because of malware running operations quietly in the background without your knowledge or consent.

Insidious malware such as stalkerware or adware may consume your data while passing your information over the Internet. Check your data logs for signs of suspicious activity if you suspect there is a virus on your iPhone.

Pop-ups 

Different types of malware use pop-ups to trick users. An iPhone adware infection is the most common source of pop-ups. Scareware can also leverage pop-ups as a form of social engineering attack. Similarly, unsafe websites can blast alarming pop-ups to manipulate visitors.

Overheating 

Demanding software can force devices to work harder and hotter. Likewise, faulty hardware can also raise the temperature. If your iPhone runs hot for no apparent reason, you should look for malware or unfriendly apps on your system.

Step 1: Restart the phone 

Restarting your iPhone to get rid of viruses, malware, and other bugs can work, especially on some older models. Restarting an iPhone could trigger the installation of pending updates that neutralize glitches or clear errant processes. Here is how to restart an iPhone:

1.      Hold down the iPhone power button.

2.      Keep holding until you see slide to power off on your screen.

3.      Wait until your phone has powered down.

4.      Press the power button to restart your iPhone.

Step 2: Download the updates 

Ignoring iPhone updates is a critical cybersecurity mistake. Malware attacks against the iPhone can be quite sophisticated, especially if your device is vulnerable to a zero-day bug .

So, what is a zero-day attack against iPhones? In a nutshell, a zero-day attack exploits previously unknown software vulnerabilities to breach iPhone security.

The best way to counter iPhone zero-day virus and malware attacks is to download updates frequently. That’s why Apple releases emergency update patches — to protect users. Here is how to download updates and restart your iPhone:

1.      Open the  Settings  app.

2.      Look for  Software Update  in the  General  tab.

3.      Select  Software Update .

4.      Tap  Download and Install  to take advantage of the latest iPhone patch.

5.      Hold down the iPhone power button.

6.      Keep holding until you see  slide to power off  on your screen.

7.      Wait until your phone has powered down.

8.      Press the power button to restart your iPhone

Step 3: Clear iPhone cache and history 

Figuring out   how to clear your cache  and history on your iPhone or iPad may not delete viruses and malware, but it can optimize performance. Additionally, it may prevent you from downloading malware again if you use your history to access websites.

2.      Tap  Safari .

3.      Scroll down to  Clear History and Website Data .

4.      Tap  Clear History and Website Data .

5.      Tap  Clear History and Data  to clear your cache and browsing history.

Step 4: Delete suspicious apps 

iPhone   Trojan horse malware  can be apps that appear legitimate but are secretly malicious. They employ deception to enter your iPhone, much like the Trojan horse story from Greek mythology. Additionally, iPhone stalkerware may also hide in the same manner. Abusers usually pick stalkerware that looks innocuous.

iOS stalkerware, also called spouseware, can collect phone calls, location data, messages, and even pictures and videos. Follow these steps to remove suspicious apps from your device that may be iPhone viruses or malware:

1.      Press a suspicious app icon on your screen.

2.      Wait until  Remove App  appears

3.       Remove  and confirm.

4.      Repeat the process until all unfamiliar or suspicious apps are gone.

Step 5: Restore a backup

Restoring your device from a backup is a more drastic way to get rid of viruses on iPhone and iPad devices. Here are two ways to restore your iPhone to a backup:

• Computer : Open iTunes and restore your iPhone to a previous version.
• i Cloud : Go to Settings>General>Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.

Step 6: Factory Reset your iPhone 

Factory resetting is the most drastic way to clear viruses on iPhone or iPad devices. Not only will a factory reset clear malware from your iPhone, but it will clear everything else too. We recommend that you try all other steps before restoring your device to a like-new state.

2.      Tap  General

3.      Tap  Transfer or Reset iPhone .

4.      Tap  Erase All Content and Settings .

5.      Tap  Erase Now .

6.      Wait for your device to reboot.

iPhone Security Tips 

• Keep your iOS up-to-date.
• Download Malwarebytes  iOS  for unwanted spam and ad blocking in the US and Canada.
• Activate  two-factor authentication  for your Apple ID.
• Set a complex passcode (read more about  password tips ) and use a  password generator .
• Only download iPhone apps from the App Store.
• Only grant necessary permissions to app.
• Activate automatic updates to gain the latest security patches.
• Use Mail Privacy Protection to prevent email recipients from tracking you.
• Enable Find My iPhone to locate your device in case you misplace it.
• Avoid opening unknown messages such as emails, texts, or social media messages.
• Steer clear of suspicious websites, attachments, and links.

How to block spam calls on iPhone

How to block ads on iPhone

It is possible for iPhones to get viruses and malware. Although they are generally considered secure, more so than the Android devices, they are not completely immune to viruses and cyber threats. 

Does my iPhone have spyware?

It is very unlikely but not impossible to have spyware on your personal iPhone. If you have noticed any unusual or suspicious activity on your device, it is best to run a virus scan and install a malware protection software.

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Safari Virus

In this article you will find the following:

Is Safari secure? Most of the time, yes, but as with any web browser, viruses are a genuine threat you should be aware of. If you encounter an infection in Safari, it can greatly decrease browser performance, or, worse, lead to much more serious problems like data theft.

You can catch viruses in Safari on your iPhone and iPad, not just your Mac. As a result, you must regularly practice checking your computer for malware if you want to stay safe. If your device is already infected, however, don’t panic—we’ll show you how to remove a virus from Safari and protect your devices going forward.

Before we start:   Several types of malware can infect your Safari browser, and adware is a common method of attack for criminals. MacKeeper’s StopAd tool keeps Safari safe from viruses by stopping adware in its tracks and ensures that you don’t need to deal with annoying ads or website trackers.   Here’s how to use it: Download MacKeeper . Select StopAd in the sidebar. Click on Open , then select the Enable button next to Safari. Click Open Safari Preferences and ensure that all MacKeeper boxes are selected in the Extensions menu. Return to the StopAd section in MacKeeper. Select Turn on next to Safari.

• Does Safari protect against viruses?

Apple has built a number of security measures into Safari on Mac and iOS that are designed to protect you from trackers and malicious websites. You can also use Private Browsing Mode to hide your browsing activities from potentially dangerous extensions that are installed on your device.

However, there’s no Safari virus protection built into Apple devices, so if you’ve ever wondered, can MacBooks get viruses from websites , the answer is yes. So, as well as practicing safe browsing habits, it’s a good idea to use an antivirus scanner to ensure that any threats are dealt with as soon as they surface.

• What is a Safari virus?

A virus in Safari Mac is any malicious software (malware) that infects your Safari browser, including spyware, adware, Trojans, and ransomware. Cybercriminals use these attacks to spy on you, bombard you with ads, steal personal information, and to hold your data hostage until you pay for its release.

If you see Safari get a virus , it’s important to deal with it immediately. The longer you ignore it, the more time it has to collect information and cause harm.

How did the Safari virus get on Apple devices?

There are many sources of Safari viruses that can infect your Mac, such as:

• Unreputable third-party software: Downloading untrusted and unrecognized software can result in malware appearing within your browser and across macOS.
• Downloads from untrusted websites: Software downloads hosted on malicious sites can be infected with viruses, even if it seems like an innocent application. Only download software from the App Store, or from an official, trusted website.
• Suspicious email links: If you click on phishing links and potential spam, it’s possible that you may be downloading a malicious file that infects your browser.
• Spam links in comments: Comments on social media, blogs, and online forums can sometimes include suspicious links to dangerous downloads. You must be careful when using these platforms.

These are the most frequent ways to get Safari viruses on iPhone and iPad:

• Downloading apps away from the App Store: Unauthorized apps not found on the App Store can include malware or security flaws. Don’t “sideload” apps from third-party sources.
• Visiting insecure websites : Websites without an SSL certificate can often lack the desired levels of security to keep you safe. Try to avoid them as much as you can.
• Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad: This practice circumvents Apple’s security protections and allows unauthorized software to be installed. It also provides root access to third-party applications.

Potential dangers of Safari virus

You’ve likely heard about some of the many dangers that a computer virus can bring, and these are similar when it comes to infections in Safari. Here are some of the potential dangers you might experience:

• Financial loss: If criminals obtain your payment details, they may start spending money from your bank account. It can sometimes be hard to prove to your bank that someone else made purchases using your payment details.
• Infections spreading: When Safari becomes infected, you run the risk of viruses spreading to other parts of your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Moreover, you could put loved ones in danger if they later spread through instant messaging apps.
• Your details being exposed: Viruses can expose your accounts’ login information, which could result in others accessing your accounts without your permission. At worst, details like your home address could fall into the wrong hands and put you in possible physical danger.
• How to know if Safari has a virus

If you want to know if Safari has a virus, there are some common signs you can look out for, such as:

• Safari is always slow or stops responding.
• Your Mac feels slow or unstable when Safari is open.
• You see an abnormal number of ads when browsing the web.
• Safari consumes significantly more energy and system resources that you would normally expect.
• Web pages appear to be broken or don’t load properly.
• You keep being redirected to other sites that seem suspicious.

If you’ve got a virus in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you might similarly experience the difficulties listed above, as well as:

• Your device becomes slow or keeps freezing.
• You can’t use your device for anything else (e.g. switching between apps).
• Your battery drains quicker than usual when using Safari.
• Your iPhone or iPad overheats when browsing the web.
• How to remove Safari virus from Mac

If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms outlined above, and you think your Safari browser has a problem, there are a number of ways to get rid of a phishing virus and other threats:

• Remove malicious profiles
• Delete malicious apps from Mac manually
• Get rid of unrecognized extensions
• Check the homepage and search engine settings
• Remove every trace of malware
• Reset browsers back to default settings

1. Remove malicious profiles

Removing malicious profiles from your Mac will help get rid of Safari virus problems by blocking offending profiles from accessing your device. Here’s how to do it:

• Open System Settings .
• Click on Privacy & Security .
• Go to Profiles .
• Select the profiles you want to remove and click the – icon in the bottom-left corner.

2. Delete malicious apps from Mac manually

Deleting malicious apps from your Mac manually can remove the virus altogether, and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your computer. If you’re wondering how to delete malware from Mac , follow these steps:

• Open Finder and go to Applications .
• Right-click any malicious or unrecognized apps, then click Move to Trash .
• Open the Trash , then click Empty .

3. Get rid of unrecognized extensions

Getting rid of unrecognized extensions can stop viruses from continuously infecting Safari in the future. It also ensures that any malicious extensions installed on your system can no longer monitor your browsing habits and steal sensitive data. Try this:

• Open Safari .
• Go to Safari > Settings in the menu bar.
• Click on the Extensions tab.
• Select any unrecognized or unwanted extensions, then click Uninstall .

4. Check the homepage and search engine settings

Safari viruses will often change your homepage and search engine settings so that when you open the browser or perform a web search, you get taken to a malicious website. Here’s how to check and change those settings:

• Select the General tab.
• Next to Homepage , enter the address of the website you want to use.
• Click on the Search tab .
• Using the drop-down menu, select your preferred search engine.

5. Remove every trace of malware

Removing every trace of malware can stop any lingering dangers of your device. This will stop Safari, other applications, and macOS itself from being infected over and over again. MacKeeper’s Antivirus tool is the best way to find and remove potential threats:

• Open MacKeeper and select Antivirus in the sidebar.
• Click the Launch Antivirus button, then enter your Mac’s password when prompted.
• Select Next , then click Enable next to Real-time protection . This will allow MacKeeper to detect any new threats as soon as they appear.
• Click Open Preferences , then click Allow under Security to give Antivirus permission to run.
• Return to MacKeeper, then select Open Settings . Click the toggle next to MacKeeper Real-time Protection to enable it.
• Click Start Scan in MacKeeper to find any potentially dangerous software on your Mac.
• If any threats are discovered, select them, then click Move to Quarantine .
• Select Restart to restart your Mac.
• When your computer boots up, open MacKeeper again, then click Delete to remove the threats in quarantine.

6. Reset browsers back to default settings

Resetting your browser to default settings can help clear caches and other spaces where viruses might linger. Below are the steps to make it work for your Mac:

• Go to Safari > Settings .
• Select Privacy > Manage Website Data .
• Hit Remove All at the bottom of your page.
• Click Remove Now to confirm.

• How to protect Mac from Safari virus

While knowing how to remove viruses on your Mac is useful, prevention is always the best cure. Here are some of the most effective steps you can take to protect your Mac from a Safari virus in the future:

• Use a good antivirus and update it
• The latest software and macOS
• Be careful when installing programs and apps
• Install an ad blocker
• Backup data
• Choose strong passwords
• Don’t use pirated software

1. Use a good antivirus and update it

Antivirus software, such as MacKeeper’s Antivirus , helps keep your Mac free from infection by searching for malware in the background. It’ll then alert you as soon as a potential issue is discovered, quarantine it so that it can’t cause any harm, and help you remove it.

Important:    There’s no Mac Safari virus scan built-in, so investing in a reliable third-party solution that can check Mac for virus threats is the best way to protect your computer.

2. The latest software and macOS

Installing the latest software and macOS updates ensures that any security flaws in your applications are fixed as soon as a patch is available. This reduces the likelihood that a hijacker can exploit them. You can set your device to automatically install updates in System Settings > General > Software Update.

3. Be careful when installing programs and apps

Practicing due diligence can help you avoid hidden malware in tools you use. You should, as a rule of thumb, only download software from websites you trust.

4. Install an ad blocker

Ad-blocking tools like MacKeeper’s StopAd can help stop adware from infecting Safari. Another nice benefit is that you’ll remove annoying ads from your screen, including the fake virus alert popups that many less experienced users fall for.

5. Backup data

Viruses have the potential to corrupt your data or hold your files’ hostage until you pay a ransom. By ensuring you back up your data regularly, you can recover anything that may be lost to a scam.

6. Choose strong passwords

Weak passwords are one of the most common reasons that cyberattacks occur, and they make it much easier for attackers to gain access to your accounts. Take advantage of the password manager built into Safari to create strong passwords for all of your accounts.

7. Don’t use pirated software

Attackers regularly target Mac users who are willing to download software from untrusted sources so they don’t have to pay for it. By avoiding pirated software, you can easily avoid the many risks that come with it.

• How to get rid of Safari virus on iPhone or iPad

The security protections built into iPhone and iPad as standard make them great at fending off malware, but you may still find viruses in Safari if you aren’t careful. Here’s how you can get rid of them:

• Delete apps that look suspicious
• Clear history and website data
• Restart iPhone or iPad
• Factory reset
• Restore the device from a previous backup version

1. Delete apps that look suspicious

Deleting suspicious-looking apps will stop them from infecting Safari on your iPhone further. Here’s how to do it:

• Press and hold on the suspicious-looking app in your App Library.
• Select Delete App .
• Tap Delete when prompted by the pop-up window.

2. Clear history and website data

Removing history and website data can help remove remnants of malware inside Safari on your iPhone or iPad. Follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Safari .
• Select Clear History and Website Data .
• Choose All history , then tap Clear History and Data .

3. Restart iPhone or iPad

Restarting your iPhone or iPad can help remove potential glitches that viruses could have caused. How you restart your iPhone or iPad depends on the model you have.

For iPhones and iPads with a Home button:

• Hold the Home and power buttons until your device turns off.
• Then, release them.

If your device doesn’t have a Home button:

• Quickly tap the volume up and then the volume down buttons.
• Hold down the power button until your device restarts.

4. Factory reset

Factory resetting your iPhone or iPad returns everything to the default, thus removing viruses that were previously present. Simply follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > General .
• Select Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad .
• Click on Erase All Content and Settings , then follow the steps on the screen.

5. Restore the device from a previous backup version

After factory resetting your iPhone or iPad as outlined above, you can either set it up as a “new” device with a fresh copy of iOS, or restore your data from a previous backup so that you don’t lose anything. Here’s how:

• Factory reset your iPhone or iPad following the steps in the previous section.
• After your device restarts, follow the setup process on screen, being sure to sign in to the same iCloud account you used previously.
• When you get to the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, choose to restore your data From iCloud Backup , or From Mac or PC , then continue.
• Sign into your Apple account again when prompted.
• Wait for your data to be restored.

6. Update iOS

Updating iOS can fix any flaws that previously might have been exploited by cybercriminals. Try this:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update .
• If an update is available, tap Download and Install .
• Wait for the update to download and install. Your device will restart once it’s complete.

• How to secure an iPhone or iPad from Safari virus

Just like when dealing with malware and viruses on Mac, preventing threats from getting onto your iPhone or iPad in the first place is much safer than removing them once they’re already installed. Here are the steps you can take to secure an iPhone or iPad from a Safari virus:

• Only download apps from the App Store.
• Keep your apps and iOS up to date to fix security flaws.
• Avoid suspicious websites that could be dangerous.
• Don’t click random links in messages and emails.
• Don’t download potentially dangerous files from untrusted sources.
• Avoid sharing your passcode and account details.

While Safari is often a safe web browser that includes modern security protections, viruses can still infect your Apple devices if you aren’t careful. Malware and viruses can come from many sources, and it’s much easier to block them than to get rid of them once they’re already installed.

Check Safari for virus threats and harmful adware on a regular basis by using dedicated antivirus software and ad blocker— all in one within the MacKeeper app . You’ll also get a versatile cleaning suite for your iMac’s or MacBook Air's smooth performance.

1. Can an iPhone get a virus from Safari?

Yes, your iPhone can get a virus from Safari if it has been jailbroken, or if you “sideload” apps from third-party sources. It’s best only to download software from the App Store and to avoid suspicious websites.

2. Does Safari have virus protection?

Safari does have certain security protections built-in, but not an antivirus. If you want to block viruses and other threats, try using a dedicated antivirus tool, like MacKeeper’s Antivirus .

3. How to get rid of a redirect virus in Safari?

To remove a redirect virus in Safari, first use antivirus software to delete any infections from your device. Then follow the steps above to ensure that your Safari homepage and search engine are correct.

4. What are the main threats to Safari on Mac?

Viruses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malware are the main threats to Safari on Mac.

5. Why does Safari say I have a virus?

Safari won’t tell you that you have a virus because it doesn’t have antivirus protection built-in. If you see a notification like this, it’s likely being displayed by a dangerous website or an infection on your Mac.

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Can An Iphone Get a Virus From Safari? How to Get a Virus Off Your Iphone

Date Published: May 30, 2020 | By: Fifth Geek

Table of Contents

Introduction

Can an iphone get a virus from safari, adware pop-ups in safari, unannounced safari crashes, unfamiliar downloads, bookmarks in safari or installed apps, fast battery drain, overheating, warning virus detected iphone safari…oh no what to do now, restart your iphone, clear browser history and data, restore backup, visit an apple store, factory reset, safe browsing, modify safari settings, auto-update ios updates, use end-to-end encryption, keep your icloud and itunes accounts safe, final thoughts.

When talking about operating systems safety, you will most likely hear experts weighing towards Android than iOS. There are good reasons for it: iOS operates fewer handsets than Android ones combined, Apple does not share its source code to app developers, and Apple does not let its users edit and change the code of their iPhones, unlike Android. This, of course, shields iPhone users from potential malware and virus attacks through apps and browsers.

However, this is not the entire picture.

Many security agencies recently pointed out that the curve for iOS virus problem reports has increased over the period of 2011-2020. The rate almost tripled in the last quarter of 2016, leading up to the start of 2017. This information only fuels the fire Google’s Project Zero blog post started in late 2019. They claimed that there were several deep security flaws existing in Apple’s Safari mobile browser code that enabled hackers to hijack an iPhone if the user has visited the webpage.

This is a valid question that many iOS users are asking. Not only Safari browser code flaw affects users having iOS 10, but they can also affect iOS 12 and even iOS 13 users. The hackers targeted personal data, including photographs and live location of the users in real-time.

In addition to that, some other direct messaging apps were also made vulnerable from access by a third party. The hack was disguised as an ad pop-up from a genuine source with information on the user’s iOS version of the phone and location, making it seem legitimate. Those affected are ones who clicked on those ads, and the virus thus entered their system.

Data breaches like these cause online phishing, blackmail, and huge sales on the Dark Web for miscreants to buy. On top of all this, the hackers can make your handset useless once they scoop out all the data, leaving the device riddled with viruses and Trojans.

So, can your phone get bugged via your mobile browsing tool? The answer is: generally, no, but there is a small portion of iOS users who do get affected everywhere. For all those users, is there a glimmer of hope? Thankfully, yes. Your iPhone and iPads are mostly safe from this malicious data breach violations if your phone is not jailbroken, experts from Apple weigh in.

Or that you have encountered a suspicious pop-up in Safari, and avoided it altogether. In these cases, your phone is safe from viruses, adware, spyware, and malware. Period. You do not need to have other programs or apps installed on your iPhone for alleged “advance protection.” Apple’s excessive efforts to keep iOS safe should be protective enough.

Is My Iphone Infected With A Virus? Here are the 5 Signs:

Safari-based viruses are not as harmful as viruses installed from an unknown app store (i.e., jailbreaking). Following are five tell-tale signs of a virus-infected iPhone from Safari:

While maximum pop-ups are harmless and can easily be blocked by any common ad-blocker, malicious adware pop-ups act a little differently. If you are seeing random ads popping up even when the browser is closed, then there is a great chance your device is virus-infected. It can be malware trying to get your personal data off of your phone. Most adware is integrated on questionable websites and browser extensions and appears in camouflage to deflect the user’s attention.

If you have suddenly started experiencing Safari closures during internet browsing, you might be dealing with a virus. It is totally acceptable for apps and browsers to crash from time to time, but if you notice a sudden and unexplained increase in the frequency of app crashes, you might need to dig deeper to uncover the problem.

If your iPhone is getting random pop-ups, app crashes, and for some reason, you still do not believe your phone is infected, this sign should convince you. Although fake app malware is more often an Android domain problem, iOS is not totally immune to this pandemic.

Check your app drawers to see if there is a questionable app that you do not remember downloading. This is a greater likelihood if the source of installing is fishy, or you clicked on an ad that took you to the app. Also, look for unfamiliar bookmarks in Safari. Check the Downloads section to spot any unidentified downloaded program or file that cannot be opened. These are all signs that your iPhone is bugged.

Battery drains are very common, and generally do not stick as virus identifiers alone, you need to take this sign with a grain of salt. Malware and spyware have this tendency to run in the background processes. Your Battery section is your guide to uncovering the problem. Look for the unidentified program/app that is taking up a large chunk of battery juice without you using them. Sudden battery dips, even with minimum or no use, might mean a data breach effort.

With excessive battery drain, overheating is a directly proportional side-effect. If you start noticing overheating on its own, your phone might be having other issues. However, if you notice all these signs along with overheating, then it is definitely a virus or malware attack. In such an eventuality, there is no need to panic. There are many fixes for this issue.

Viruses that affect an iPhone from the Safari browser are generally categorized as browser redirect viruses or potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). These PUAs are most commonly hidden beneath ad pop-ups. Pop-up ads like “Virus detected in your iPhone’s Safari browser” commonly spring out of nowhere when you visit certain sites on your Safari browser. Then there are other ads that claim that your phone’s memory is clogged and needs immediate attention.

There is no truth to these gimmicks. Know for a fact that these ads are extremely likely to be nothing but malware spam. Your iPhone does not require a third-party app or program to function optimally. Apple strives for a better and secure iOS experience with each update. Try to keep your phone updated to newer versions at all times. Do not fall for fake ads and scams that are likely to cause damage to you and those around you.

So, by now, you have established that your iPhone is infected. Certain things that you need to be very aware of when such an eventuality occurs are to know where the hackers will target next. Malware has been known to:

• Snoop in and tape personal conversations via iPhone’s microphones
• Collect real-time location of the user
• Lock the user from accessing any files
• Completely overrun your control over the device, e.g., by rooting
• Demand ransom for data or blackmail the user to do the hackers’ bidding

Always remember that in situations like these, try to remain calm and focus on the solutions to the problem.

How To Get A Virus Off Your Iphone – 5 Steps to Follow:

These following steps serve as first-aid for your iPhone recovery. Some have lasting effects. Others might lead you to a better solution. They are:

As silly as it sounds, this one little trick can solve many malware related problems. If you feel like you accidentally clicked on an ad banner at the top of a site and the pop-ups have started to pour in, restart your iPhone. It works just as effectively as rebooting computers.

Now, this is the first damage-limitation move you can do. When you start to see numerous pop-ups, immediately go to Settings on your iPhone. Scroll down to Safari , then hit Clear History and Website Data .

It’s never a wrong deed to constantly and periodically backup your phone data over iCloud storage. Generally, the first remedy is enough to help you get out of malicious adware hack. In case it does not work, try this one provided your last data backup is malware-free. Try earlier dates to restore the phone in case of malware-infected backup data on a recent date. Remember that this step can erase all the data added after the backup date. This includes apps, photos, music, etc.

Try accessing Apple’s customer help website or try locating a nearby Apple Store. They can help you get rid of the virus.

If restoring to an earlier backup somehow fails to solve the problem, try factory resetting the iPhone. Be cautious with this step as it erases all the data on the phone from scratch. Go for Set up the phone as a new device next to the backup restore option. Do not automatically restore your apps. This step should be taken as a last resort when nothing else works.

Steps to Prevent from Happening Again

After you successfully get rid of the viruses and malware plaguing your iPhone, the logical next step is to prevent this from happening again.

While surfing the internet, try as much as possible to only open links from a trusted source. Try to gain as much information as possible before opening a new or unknown website. Do not try to open pop-up ads unless it’s from a trusted source or absolutely necessary. Most of them are false advertisements for shady ways to get a new model of iPhone. Do not trust these sources. Do not download off of shady websites.

If you go to Apple’s support website and search for ways to protect your iPhone from Safari viruses, you will see a post about how to block pop-ups. On your device, go to Settings , then Safari , and turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning .

Keep the option for auto-update on iOS updates on. Similarly, allow all the security patches as soon as they arrive. These updates carry code patches that strengthen your operating systems from unwarranted third-party influence. This protects your device software, and as a consequence, your data too.  

Some messaging apps have this feature built-in, but it is a comforting idea for using end-to-end encryption for all of your private conversations. There are many apps available, trusted by the Apple app store, that can ensure that. Try to use a secure Wi-Fi network for your calls and messages as well to decrease the chances of spyware.

It is always a good habit to keep updating and changing your account passwords from time to time. In case any malware or virus penetrates the protection around your Apple ID, your personal data is at serious risk of getting leaked and distributed in the black. Try to use complex passwords and passcodes for your device and accounts. Change them every six months or so. Enable two-factor authentication wherever available. This adds an additional protective layer.

With a sophisticated operating system such as iOS, the possibility of getting malware or viruses is very low. This does not mean that it is impossible. The best technique is to practice caution. There are easy steps that are required to eliminate the viruses that try to permeate through the Safari browser. Keep your phone updated to the latest iOS versions.

Check on Safari extensions from time to time to see if there is an unknown one. Notice your device if it starts acting weird all of a sudden. Force shut Safari if you accidentally hit a spam adware button. Do not click on the pop-ups even if they say they are from Apple. If your phone gets bugged, try all the remedial steps listed here as soon as possible. Always ask for help whenever needed.

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How-To Geek

Can my iphone or ipad get a virus.

Your iPhone or iPad isn't as vulnerable to viruses as a PC or Mac, but iOS malware does pop up occasionally. Here's what you need to know.

Quick Links

What protects iphones and ipads from viruses, what about malware on the app store, do you need an iphone antivirus, safari might be iphone's weakest point, beware of rogue configuration profiles, iphone malware exists, but you can avoid it, ios is still secure.

Your iPhone isn't as susceptible to viruses as a PC or Mac, but iOS malware does exist. Here's what protects your iPhone from viruses, and how you can avoid other types of malware and threats on your iPhone or iPad.

The iPhone and iPad are protected from viruses by design. This is because you simply cannot install software from just anywhere on your iPhone (unless you jailbreak it ). There are a few ways you can install software on your iPhone, but most people only ever encounter one of them: The App Store.

The App Store is Apple's curated storefront. Developers must submit their apps to be tested, checked for potential malware, and effectively given a clean bill of health from Apple before they're made available. Therefore, you should be able to trust any app that's available in the App Store on your device.

Developers and businesses have ways you can bypass the App Store and install their custom apps, but most people with iPhones and iPads get their software from the App Store.

On iOS, all apps are "sandboxed" by design. This term means the apps are only given access to the resources they require for normal operation. This prevents apps from changing settings, accessing parts of the file system that contain sensitive data, and other devious behavior.

A robust permissions system also provides granular control over exactly which services and information your apps can access. Apps have to ask before they can access your location, contacts, files, photos, camera, or other resources.

Restricted multitasking is another way iOS hinders potentially harmful applications from wreaking havoc. Most apps don't run in the background on iOS, but when one is, you see a bar (usually red or blue) at the top of the screen. This means any running apps can't fly under the radar on iOS. Unless they're the currently active app, they can do very little in the background.

Curious about the other ways you can install software on an iPhone? People who need custom apps (like the point-of-sale software used at every Apple Store) can install pre-signed versions. These require a valid developer license, provided the correct configuration profile is installed on your iPhone.

If you know how to do it, you can also compile your own apps and push them to your device with Xcode for testing. Apps you install this way expire because this feature is intended for developers who are testing apps.

In October 2019, Apple removed 18 apps from the App Store because they were driving up advertising revenue by clicking adverts in the background. This wasn't the first time apps were removed from the App Store due to malware.

While Trojans and worms relate to specific types of malware , the term "malware" is also a catch-all term for rogue apps. In the case of the rogue advertisement clicker, the app in question would have likely reduced your battery life and possibly consumed more mobile data than you would've liked.

Apart from that, the apps were fairly benign. This is a good example of why iOS is regarded as the most secure smartphone platform. Apple can also delete any apps from your device remotely that it detects as malware. This might seem overbearing, but the intention is good.

You don't need an antivirus app for your iPhone , iPad, or iPod Touch. Despite many attempts to market security suites for the iPhone, it would be largely pointless. This is because Apple simply doesn't allow Windows-like viruses to run rampant on its platform.

Antivirus software has to scan your device to function and app sandboxing prevents this. An antivirus app cannot check running processes, scan system files, or look at other app data. Apps are only given access to their own files and any services or data you have granted permission, like GPS data or camera access.

In short, the permissions necessary for an antivirus to function would render iOS more vulnerable to attack. Android phones and devices also use app sandboxing, but that platform gives apps much more freedom to interact with each other and different parts of the operating system.

If you own an Android phone, you should definitely consider  installing a good antivirus .

Related: What's the Best Antivirus for iPhone? None!

In August 2019, researchers from Google's Project Zero revealed  iPhone malware was spreading via a handful of compromised websites . In total, 14 vulnerabilities were discovered, with seven of them affecting Safari. Two of them allowed malware to escape the app sandbox and get unhindered access to iOS.

These websites were able to install spyware on affected devices  and look for passwords and authentication tokens stored in the iCloud Keychain. Messages from services like iMessage, Skype, and WhatsApp, as well as email in Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, were also targeted. Other user information like call history, current GPS location, photos, notes, and voice memos were also of interest to the malware.

This spyware reported information back to the server once per minute. The information was transmitted unencrypted, in plain text format. The exploit affected users from iOS 10 to 12. Apple resolved these exploits with the iOS 12.1.4 patch in early February 2018. It's unknown how many devices were affected.

This was a good old fashioned zero-day exploit . Cybercriminals relied on unchecked security vulnerabilities in iOS to prey on their victims. Apple issued a patch and the vulnerabilities have been closed, but not before potentially thousands of devices were affected. To remove the spyware, you just had to update your device.

Although this was the first exploit of its kind in the wild, this discovery changed what many thought they knew about iPhone security. It's further proof that no device is completely immune from potentially damaging zero-day exploits---even the iPhone.

Configuration profiles install a ".mobileconfig" file that allows you to configure a device quickly. Normally, these contain network settings, like wireless access point credentials, proxy settings, and email server login information. IT departments use them to rapidly deploy up-to-date settings to new employees or an entire staff.

These files can be distributed both via email and the web, which means they present a major opportunity for misuse . If you install a profile from someone you don't trust, an attacker could route your web traffic to a rogue VPN or proxy. He could then conduct a man-in-the-middle attack and attempt to snoop through your browsing data, including passwords and usernames.

Configuration profiles can also install certificates like those enterprise users need to enable bespoke app installs---for example, software that doesn't appear on the App Store. A more sinister use for a certificate might be to dupe a target into thinking he's using a trustworthy website (like a financial institution) when he's not.

If you're browsing the web or reading an email and a popup informs you a profile is being installed, reject it unless you specifically requested it.

To manage your installed profiles, head to Settings > General > Profile. If you don't see the "Profile" option, you don't have any installed.

There are a few things you can do to stay safe while you use your iPhone. The first is to always install updates as soon as they're available. The only exception here is for major iOS upgrades (for example, going from iOS 12 to iOS 13). Understandably, you might want to hold off for a week or so on those to see if any stability or performance issues are reported. You can also  turn on automatic updates .

The second thing you can do is avoid clicking links from strangers, particularly those on sketchy websites or hidden behind shortened URLs. In general, you shouldn't be afraid to open links on iOS, but rogue actors might target your device if an unpatched exploit appears. This is good advice regardless of the device you use.

"Jailbreaking" is the practice of removing protections on Apple devices, so you can install apps from anywhere. Root access allows you (or third-party software) to modify how the operating system works. You should avoid jailbreaking your device if you want to maintain a high level of security.

Common sense also keeps you safe. If an app doesn't look trustworthy, don't trust it. Many scam apps attempt to trick people into making in-app purchases . Others have been caught prompting people for their Apple ID and login credentials. Never authorize any purchases from sketchy apps and only type your login credentials in the Settings app.

Regardless the device you use, you should always be wary of phishing attacks on the web and in email . For these scams, actors pose as a legitimate service to steal your login info and other personal credentials.

Also, watch out for  social engineering techniques scammers use over the phone. It's unlikely your bank will ever call and ask you to confirm information like your date of birth or account number. If they do, ask them for a number you can use to call them back. You can then search that number and make sure it's legit.

Despite Safari's vulnerabilities, rogue advertisement clicker apps, and the lack of a functional antivirus for iOS, the platform is still well-regarded from a security standpoint. Apple baked security into iOS at its inception and has gradually improved its permissions system over the years, further demonstrating the company's mission to create a secure, private platform.

No platform is immune from vulnerabilities, but that doesn't mean you should avoid using that platform altogether. Windows and Android are the two most popular operating systems in the world, and, as a result, they experience more security issues than any other. We don't recommend you avoid those platforms; just exercise a sensible level of caution when appropriate.

In the meantime, save your money---you don't need to shell out for an iOS antivirus. You've already got everything you need to stay secure.

How to remove “Your Apple iPhone is infected” virus popups

‘Your Apple iPhone is infected’ popup ads are most likely part of a stratagem backed by adware and aimed at commission-based promotion of junk apps.

The rising trend in the modern cybercrime climate is to combine malware with social engineering. What makes this fusion so effective is that humans are often a weaker link than software and other elements of an IT system. Threat actors have recently come up with a tactic that adds yet another variable to the mix, namely affiliate marketing. The idea is to join a software promotion network, possibly a legit one, and then peddle certain utilities in a way that doesn’t align with a marketer’s code of conduct.

Let’s now zoom in a bit. A group of online scammers has orchestrated a campaign where iOS users are being bombarded by bogus popup alerts saying “Your Apple iPhone is infected”. Incidentally, the target audience is broader than iPhone and iPad fans, and the same popups are reportedly also appearing in desktop browsers on Macs, although this scenario doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The above-mentioned warning is followed by a specific number of malicious entities allegedly found on the device, so it will read “Your iPhone is infected by (6) viruses” or similar, with the quantity in parentheses varying – in many cases it’s going to be 17 or even more. This is a matter of the attackers’ whim, obviously.

These details about the framed-up malware infestation are, clearly, a rogue attempt to instill fear and impose some extra pressure upon the victim. The ne’er-do-wells don’t stop there, though. The scare component of the messages is deeper enhanced by a further lowdown on the purported issue. Here is the fishy follow-up on the original alert:

“If not resolved immediately, the virus will crash your cell phone, damage the SIM card and delete all your contacts. Follow the instructions below to remove the virus.”

There is an OK button on the popup ad, which some people first think they can ignore and exit the frightening web page by simply closing the obnoxious tab in Safari, Chrome, or another browser that happens to have been affected. However, this optimistic take on the issue turns out to be futile, and the target person is literally coerced into tapping OK in order to be able to keep surfing the web. This seemingly innocuous action, though, will cause the victim to take a deeper dive into the fraud. Another page will appear, stating that the problem is really critical and requires urgent troubleshooting. The wording in the message depends on the malware-tainted web browser. If it’s Safari, then it goes as follows:

“Your Apple iPhone is severely damaged by (6) viruses! We have detected that your Mobile Safari is (45.4%) DAMAGED by BROWSER TROJAN VIRUSES picked up while surfing recent corrupted sites. Immediate action is required to prevent it from spreading and infecting sensitive data like your Facebook account, WhatsApp messages, photos and private applications.”

This part of the brainwashing is followed by a walkthrough to remove the inexistent virus. The steps aren’t the same for every plagued user, but the common denominator is that the person is supposed to download and install a VPN tool. The specific linked-to app depends on the affiliate campaign that the crooks have joined, so they may be promoting different virtual private network clients. By the way, these can be legit solutions, but the problem is entirely about the sketchy method of the promotion.

But how do people end up on the pages that host these manipulative popups? There can be two channels. One of them involves questionably reputable ad networks – in this case, the users come across some enticing banners when browsing the Internet and tap or click them, only to be redirected to the malicious site. The alert script is already embedded in the landing page, so it will splash up automatically.

Special Offer “Your Apple iPhone is infected” popup scam may re-infect your Mac multiple times unless you delete all of its fragments, including hidden ones. Therefore, it is recommended to download Combo Cleaner and scan your system for these stubborn files. This way, you may reduce the cleanup time from hours to minutes. Download Now Learn how ComboCleaner works . If the utility spots malicious code, you will need to buy a license to get rid of it.

Another possible flow of the attack boils down to a piece of malware that poisons one’s device, then affects the mobile or desktop browser, and forces hits to the scam site. If so, the problem won’t vanish until the user rectifies the corrupted browser settings and gets rid of the underlying PUA (potentially unwanted application). The tips below should help in this context. Also, it’s important to refrain from downloading the software doing the rounds via “Your Apple iPhone is infected” popup hoax, because some of these apps can be disguised as regular ones but are actually harmful.

“Your Apple iPhone is infected” virus manual removal for iOS (iPhone, iPad)

As per the anatomy of this hijack, settings of the web browser that may have gotten hit by the virus should be restored to their default values. The steps for performing this procedure are as follows:

• Go to Settings and select Safari on the menu

• Confirm by tapping Clear History and Data . Check if the problem with Safari has been fixed. In the event the iPhone / iPad virus popups are still there, proceed to next step.

• As the menu expands, make sure the following options are checked: Browsing History ; Cookies, Site Data ; and Cached Images and Files . Now, tap Clear Browsing Data and confirm before exiting. The popup and redirect activity should now stop in Chrome.

“Your Apple iPhone is infected” popup virus manual removal for Mac

The steps listed below will walk you through the removal of this malicious application. Be sure to follow the instructions in the order specified.

• Under Activity Monitor , find an item that appears suspicious, select it and click Quit Process
• A dialog should pop up, asking if you are sure you would like to quit the troublemaking process. Select the Force Quit option

• Select Accounts and click the Login Items button. The system will come up with the list of the items that launch when the box is started up. Locate the potentially unwanted app there and click on the “ - “ button

Use automatic tool to uninstall “Your Apple iPhone is infected” virus from your Mac

The Mac maintenance and security app called Combo Cleaner is a one-stop tool to detect and remove “Your Apple iPhone is infected” popup scam virus. This technique has substantial benefits over manual cleanup, because the utility gets hourly virus definition updates and can accurately spot even the newest Mac infections.

Furthermore, the automatic solution will find the core files of the malware deep down the system structure, which might otherwise be a challenge to locate. Here’s a walkthrough to sort out the “Your Apple iPhone is infected” popup scam issue using Combo Cleaner:

Download Combo Cleaner

By downloading any applications recommended on this website you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy . The free scanner checks whether your Mac is infected. To get rid of malware, you need to purchase the Premium version of Combo Cleaner.

• Open the app from your Launchpad and let it run an update of the malware signature database to make sure it can identify the latest threats.

• Once you have made doubly sure that the malicious app is uninstalled, the browser-level troubleshooting might still be on your to-do list. If your preferred browser is affected, resort to the previous section of this tutorial to revert to hassle-free web surfing.

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Remove “Pornographic Virus Alert from Apple” warning popups

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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference to kick off June 10 at 10 a.m. PDT with Keynote address

The Keynote will be available to stream on  apple.com , the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and the Apple YouTube channel. On-demand playback will be available after the conclusion of the stream.

When browsing Safari, I got a trojan virus pop up, should I be concerned?

While on Safari, I got a trojan pop up virus. When I clicked on it, it sent me to a virus protection app, and I downloaded it and scanned my phone. Immediately after, I deleted it. Did this cause a virus on my phone or was the pop up there just to get me to download the app? What should my next steps be, if any? I’m scared that now my device is hacked.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 13, iOS 17

Posted on Jun 4, 2024 10:20 AM

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Jun 4, 2024 10:55 AM in response to alyssaaa3

Read Phony "tech support" / "ransomware" popups and web pages - Apple Community .

... it sent me to a virus protection app, and I downloaded it and scanned my phone.

Did you download it from the App Store, or...?

Jun 4, 2024 3:43 PM in response to alyssaaa3

Those things are just scams that seek to get you to buy something, one way or another — through in-app purchases, subscription fees, or the advertisements they deliver. Toward that end, they generally rely upon fear and deception for success. They can "scan" exactly nothing that lies beyond the space in which they are permitted to operate by the iPhone's operating system.

Just delete the app in the usual manner: Remove or delete apps from iPhone - Apple Support .

Jun 4, 2024 4:36 PM in response to alyssaaa3

• They cannot hack anything on your phone.
• The personal data they have depends on what you have allowed them to access. For example, when you ran the app, if it asked you to access your Contacts and you allowed it, then of course they could have your contact data. They do not have any information that will allow them to remote access your device to install any virus or be able to monitor you.

Typically these kind of apps are just looking for you to subscribe to their service by telling you there is a problem with your iPhone. There is no problem and there is nothing that they can fix. Since you have already deleted the app, there is nothing else you need to do and they are not able to install any virus on your phone because you ran it.

Jun 4, 2024 1:33 PM in response to John Galt

Yes, when I clicked on the pop up, it directed my to the app store, I downloaded the app, and let it scan my phone.

Jun 4, 2024 4:20 PM in response to John Galt

Okay, thank you so much.

Jun 4, 2024 4:21 PM in response to alyssaaa3

So, they have none of my personal data and cannot hack anything?

• Top Antivirus Apps iPhone

The top 5 Antivirus Apps for iPhone (in no particular order) – Are they worth it?

Writing about iPhone antivirus apps is a bit like writing about Santa Claus. Santa Claus doesn’t actually exist, but you can find folks dressed up as Santa Claus in shopping malls (during the holidays). By analogy, iOS antivirus apps don’t exist, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find many of them in Apple’s App Store.

Unlike desktop operating systems, iOS sandboxes the apps installed on the system. Sandboxing apps means that they have limited permissions and can only interact with device resources as allowed by the sandbox. Antivirus apps need extended permissions to scan your device for viruses and malware properly, which isn’t possible on a sandboxed platform like iOS.

Sandboxing prevents antivirus software from running effectively on the device, but it’s also a security feature. Because an installed app’s permissions are limited, so is the damage it can do if it’s buggy or malicious.

So if antivirus apps don’t exist for iPhones, how can you find so many in the App Store? It’s because antivirus vendors have released “mobile privacy and security” apps for iOS, and they’ve (understandably) used the brand power of their desktop products to bring attention to their mobile counterparts.

These apps typically include things like ads and malware blockers, password managers, parental controls, VPNs, WiFi scanners, and private browsers. These can all be useful, to be sure, but they’re not proper antivirus programs. Nonetheless, in this post, we’ll provide an overview of the top five iPhone “antivirus” apps available today.

TotalAV is one of the more complete “antivirus” iPhone apps. While it doesn’t include a proper virus scanner (for the reasons mentioned above), it provides a nice suite of useful features – some of which are more useful than others.

With TotalAV’s mobile app, you get:

• A device security scanner/optimizer (free)
• A VPN (paid)
• Data breach monitoring (free)
• A QR Code checker (free)
• A malicious sites/malware blocker (paid)
• A photos/videos/contacts duplicate remover (free)

Many of the features included here are going to be fluff. Things like the device security scanner/optimizer will simply check if you’re using a passcode and if your device is running the latest OS. These are things you can check yourself without needing an app to do it for you.

The QR code checker could be somewhat useful. Still, you can probably mitigate the risks malicious QR codes pose by using a little common sense (like searching for the website rather than scanning the code if you have any reason to be suspicious).

The data breach monitoring service will run a quick scan based on your email and alert you if your email appears in any identified breaches. It seems to work well, but if you’re serious about breach monitoring, you might benefit more from a comprehensive offering such as Incogni .

The malicious sites/malware blocker could prove pretty useful, but it’s a paid feature.

Then, we have the duplicate remover for photos, videos, and contacts, which works well. But if you’re looking for an antivirus app, you’re probably not thinking about a duplicates-finder. But hey, it’s there – and you can use it for free.

Norton 360 Antivirus & Security

Another player in the mobile “antivirus” space is Norton with its Norton 360 app. Again, there is no actual antivirus to be found here. Instead, we get:

• A WiFi security checker
• A device security scanner/optimizer
• A malicious site/malware blocker
• An SMS spam filter
• A suspicious calendar invite scanner

Again, labeling an app as an antivirus and not providing any virus-scanning functionality is a bit weird. Instead, we get “auxiliary” security features.

The WiFi security checker informs you whether the WiFi network you’re connecting to uses encryption or is an open network. You can already get that information through iOS’s WiFi settings.

The device security scanner will tell you whether or not your device has Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode set and whether or not your OS is up to date. That’s hardly ground-breaking.

The malicious site/malware blocker, called Internet Security, works by creating a dummy VPN. All filtering happens locally, and your data isn’t sent to a third-party server. Enabling a VPN is the only way to apply web filtering system-wide on an iOS device. This works very well. And, given that it’s free to use, we can’t really complain.

The SMS spam filter has already been built into iOS. Enabling Norton’s feature simply means that your device will use Norton’s filtering list to block unknown/unwanted SMS messages. This could be useful.

And finally, the suspicious calendar invite scanner is, in my view, of limited use. It’s one of those features that you really don’t need if you exercise a bit of common sense. You shouldn’t be adding unknown events to your calendar, right? Right.

McAfee Security: Privacy & VPN

First, let me just give a nod to McAfee for not including “antivirus” or “AV” in its app’s name. Again, this app won’t scan your iPhone for viruses (nor does it imply that it will).

What we get with McAfee’s mobile app is:

• A WiFi scanner
• A Social media privacy manager
• Data breach monitoring

Many of these “antivirus” apps’ features overlap with one another.

As above, the device security scanner/optimizer checks that you have a passcode or biometrics set up to unlock your device. It will also check if you’re on the latest OS version.

McAfee’s VPN can be pretty useful. However, if you need a VPN more than anything else, I would not recommend getting this one. While it is fast and isn’t subject to IP leaks, McAfee collects massive amounts of data on its VPN users, so it won’t be a privacy-enhancing tool.

The WiFi scanner will essentially check whether or not encryption is enabled on the WiFi networks to which you attempt to connect.

The social media privacy manager prompts you to log into your social media accounts and provides tips on privacy settings you should enable. It can be useful, but it isn’t anything to write home about.

Finally, its data breach monitoring service will alert you if your email address is found to have been breached. You can add more data types to the service after the initial setup. Again, this is something you can do for free on your own through a service like HaveIBeenPwned.

VPN & Antivirus by Kaspersky

The next “antivirus” mobile app on our roster is from Kaspersky. This one provides quite a few features. It includes:

• Anti-phishing protection
• An anti-banner Safari extension
• An ads and tracker blocker (Safari extension)
• A smart home monitor
• An automatic data leak checker
• Social privacy management
• A password manager (separate install)
• QR code checker

Kaspersky’s VPN works well but will have the same issues as the other “antivirus” apps’ VPNs. That is, it will be very basic, with few settings exposed to users. Also, there’s practically no information on the protocol and encryption algorithms used. Plus, if you’re looking for reliable and private VPN service, you’ll be much better served by pretty much any established and dedicated VPN provider out there. But Kaspersky’s VPN works well enough.

Anti-phishing protection is equivalent to what’s built into most browsers today by default, so I’m not sure how useful it will be.

Ads, malware, and banner blocking in Safari are great. The only thing is that you can find many other options that do the same thing for free.

Kaspersky’s smart home monitor is just a WiFi scanner with a fancy name. Its smart home monitor will scan your WiFi network and list all connected clients for you to review. If you see a device connected to your WiFi that isn’t yours, your WiFi network may have been breached. Calling this a “smart home monitor” is stretching things just a little bit…

The data leak checker runs automatically for the email you used to register with Kaspersky. It can only check email addresses. You cannot add other types of PII to the leak checker. Within the app’s data leak checker, you can manually enter any other email address to run a data leak check on it.

Social media privacy management is exactly as above: it will prompt you to log into your social media accounts and provide you with privacy tips and instructions.

Its WiFi scanner is likely to be the same thing as its smart home monitor, but it displays different information. Instead of listing the devices found on the WiFi network, it will tell you if it has encryption enabled or whether it’s an open network. You can set Kaspersky’s VPN to automatically connect when on open networks.

Kaspersky also kind of bundles a password manager with its mobile “antivirus.” It’s a separate app that you need to install. Clicking on the password manager tile within the app will simply take you to the app store to download the app. It’s also a paid app— the free version only allows you to store up to five passwords.

This is silly for a few reasons. First, Kaspersky could forgo its free tier; five passwords is a ridiculously tiny amount of passwords that won’t be useful to anyone. Second, when you purchase VPN & Antivirus by Kaspersky, it claims to include a password manager. It doesn’t. It’s a separate download that will cost you extra to get any usefulness out of it.

Finally, its QR code checker works exactly like TotalAV’s and will alert you if it links to anything malicious. It’s nice to have, but it isn’t critical.

Avira Security

• Web protection
• An iOS updater
• Contacts backup
• A call blocker
• Identity protection
• A privacy manager
• A password manager
• A photos cleaner
• A device analyzer

Let’s look at each one a bit closer.

Web protection is an ads and tracker blocker for Safari. To use it, you need to enable it in Safari’s settings under Extensions.

Avira’s iOS update simply checks whether your device is running the latest version of iOS and prompts you to update if it is not. It’s not exactly rocket science.

Contacts backup simply allows you to backup your contacts to your Dropbox. Accessing the contacts backup tile in the app redirects you to Dropbox to log in and set up the backup.

The call blocker might be one of the better features here. To use the feature, you need to enable it in the Phone app’s settings (in the iOS Settings app) under Call Blocking & Identification. From there, you can toggle Avira Security on, and Avira will identify and filter your calls.

Like most other apps in this category, Avira Security also has a VPN. And its VPN is like all the others in this post: it works well, but it’s not so private, and there’s little to no information about it (protocol, encryption, etc.). At the risk of repeating myself, if you’re looking for a VPN, purchase a subscription from a well-established and dedicated VPN provider.

Avira’s identity protection will check to see if your email address (and only your email address – no other PII can be added) has been breached.

The privacy manager is a bit of an odd one. It keeps your Siri searches private by installing a profile (.mobileconfig) on your phone. Apple Configurator (Apple’s native MDM app) allows you to create profiles that contain a host of device settings (some of which are only available via profiles) to install on iOS devices. This profile turns off server-side logging of Siri commands.

Avira’s photo cleaner is a duplicate finder, and its device analyzer will simply check to see if you have either a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID enabled and whether or not you’re on the latest OS.

Are mobile “antivirus” apps worth it?

It depends on how much use you feel you’d get out of the features they provide – none of which are virus scanning or removal.

Most of the time you’d be better off going with either a more reputable provider in the privacy and security space (i.e., an established and dedicated VPN provider example) or with a standalone application that does just that and does it well. In particular, the bundled VPN services in these apps tend to be extremely basic and stripped-down VPNs for which even elementary technical details, such as the VPN protocol and encryption algorithm, are scarce (and they collect a lot of user data).

Also, to access all of the listed features, you’ll have to pay anywhere from 10 to 30 dollars a month. And, you guessed it: the most valuable features tend to be paid. So no, they’re not worth it—especially if you’re actually looking for an antivirus.

You can do better than these “antivirus” bundles with a bit of common sense and software dedicated to what you’re looking for rather than a “jack-of-all-trades” app that throws features at you in the hopes that you’ll confuse quantity for quality.

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Fix: iPhone Lagging and Freezing iOS 17/17.5.1

iOS updates bring in new features, enhance the security of the iPhone, and also optimize it to perform better. Sadly, multiple users have reported that ever since they updated to iOS 17.5.1, their iPhones have been lagging. Moreover, there are constant frame drops while scrolling, keyboard freezing when typing and even the browsing experience on Safari has deteriorated. If you’re facing similar problems, here are ten fixes to try.

How To Fix iPhone Lagging and Freezing After iOS 17.5.1 Update

1. change keyboard settings.

With iOS 17, Apple updated the Auto-Correction feature with a transformer language model which also improves the Predictive Text feature. The keyboard has inline predictive text recommendations too. While this is a step in the right direction, it consumes a huge chunk of resources, especially if you have an older iPhone. 

Therefore, we suggest disabling the Auto-Correction and Predictive Text feature on your iPhone as it might help fix your iPhone lagging. Especially because other users have reported that doing so helps resolve the issue.

Time needed:  2 minutes

Steps to disable Auto-Correction and Predictive Text in Keyboard settings.

2. Remove Dictionary and Add It Back

The Dictionary feature helps you “Look Up” the meaning of words on your iPhone. You can add dictionaries of several different languages. But for some reason, these dictionaries might be the reason your iPhone is lagging. 

Yes, it does not make a lot of sense, but a user on the Apple Discussion Community has reported that removing all the dictionaries and then adding back only the ones you use helps fix iPhone lagging issues. Therefore, we suggest you do the same. 

• Open Settings on your iPhone and head to General . 
• Tap the Dictionary option. 

• Restart your iPhone. If you’re unaware of the steps to do so, ask Siri to restart your iPhone . 
• After your iPhone restarts, head back to Settings > General > Dictionary . 

3. Disable Siri Contact Suggestions

Since Siri won’t be actively analyzing your contacts for suggestions, you’ll free up some processing power.

• Open Settings on your iPhone and head to the Contacts option.
• Tap the Siri & Search option. 
• On the next screen, disable the Learn from this App toggle. 
• Disable the Show Contact Suggestions toggle too. 

4. Change Your Wallpaper

Although Apple removed Live Wallpapers on iOS 16, you can still set various still images as your background. Unfortunately, those with too many elements (e.g., Weather & Astronomy, Live Photos, and Kaleidoscope) can cause some lagging. It’s best to opt for simpler options.

• Go to Settings > Wallpaper .

5. Clear Safari History and Data

If Safari is lagging, freezing, or crashing on your iPhone running on iOS 17.5.1, the first thing you must do is to clear Safari’s History and Website Data.

• Open Settings on your iPhone and navigate to Safari .
• Scroll down and tap the Clear History and Website Data button. 
• Select the All History option from the Clear Timeframe menu. 
• You can also enable the Close All Tabs toggle. It won’t delete any tabs that are in a Tab Group. 
• Finally, tap the Clear History button. 
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap the Advanced button. 
• Tap the Website Data button. 
• On the Website Data page, tap the Remove All Website Data button. 
• Tap the Remove Now button to confirm your selection. 

If the aforementioned steps don’t fix the freezing issues on your iPhone, please refer to our detailed guide on how to fix Safari Freezing on your iPhone . 

6. Clear Background Apps

Apps running in the background can also be the reason why your iPhone is lagging. Please clear all the background apps and it might free up the RAM and fix lagging issues. 

• For iPhone with Face ID: Swipe up and hold on to the Home Screen .  For iPhone with Touch ID: Double tap the Home Button .
• Swipe up on all the app s in the Recent Apps tray. 

7. Force Restart iPhone

Temporary bugs and glitches in the software, apps, or services can also cause the iPhone to lag. Force restarting your iPhone can help get rid of these bugs and fix the lagging issues. 

Steps to Force Restart iPhone (iPhone 8, iPhone SE 2nd Gen and above) 

• Press and release the volume up button .
• Press and release the volume down button .
• Next, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. 
• As soon as you see the Apple logo, release the Side button . Please do not release the Side button before the Apple logo appears on the screen. 

Steps to Force Restart iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

Press and hold the Volume down and Side buttons simultaneously. Release the buttons once the Apple logo appears. 

Steps to Force Restart iPhone 6s or below 

Press and hold the Side and Home buttons simultaneously. Release the buttons once the Apple logo appears. 

8. Update All Apps

Outdated apps on your iPhone might be causing some lagging.

• Open the App Store on your iPhone.
• Tap on your Profile at the top right corner. 
• Scroll down to the Available Updates section and tap the Update All button. 

9. Check Storage Space

Most of us are aware that iPhones tend to lag when running extremely low on storage space. If you haven’t already, please check the free storage space on your iPhone. If it is low, we suggest uninstalling apps or unused media files to free up storage space as it might help fix the lag or stutters on your iPhone. 

• Open Settings on your iPhone and head to the General option.

• The next screen will display the amount of occupied and total storage space on your iPhone. You can delete apps that you don’t use often to free up storage space on your iPhone. 
• Tap on any app you want to delete.

Also, in case your iPhone displays a “Recommendations” option, tap on it and follow the recommended actions to free up storage space. The quickest way to empty storage space is to use a maintenance tool. One of the most popular apps is the Intego Washing Machine because it fully declutters your iPhone and increases its health significantly.

10. Factory Reset iPhone

If none of the aforementioned methods help resolve the issue, the last option you’re left with is to factory reset your iPhone. Please refer to our guide on How to Factory Reset Your iPhone for detailed instructions. 

We hope this guide helps fix your iPhone lagging after the iOS 17.5.1 update. If you have any doubts, please let us know in the comments below. 

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• Darryl Dsouza

iPhone User Guide

Iphone models compatible with ios 17.

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• S Max' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' id='toc-item-IPHCD2066870' data-tocid='IPHCD2066870' > iPhone X S Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Setup basics
• Make your iPhone your own
• Take great photos and videos
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Share features with your family
• Use iPhone for your daily routines
• Expert advice from Apple Support
• What’s new in iOS 17
• Turn on and set up iPhone
• Wake, unlock, and lock
• Set up cellular service
• Use Dual SIM
• Connect to the internet
• Sign in with Apple ID
• Subscribe to iCloud+
• Find settings
• Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts
• Learn the meaning of the status icons
• Charge the battery
• Charge with cleaner energy sources
• Show the battery percentage
• Check battery health and usage
• Use Low Power Mode
• Read and bookmark the user guide
• Learn basic gestures
• Learn gestures for iPhone models with Face ID
• Adjust the volume
• Silence iPhone
• Find your apps in App Library
• Switch between open apps
• Quit and reopen an app
• Multitask with Picture in Picture
• Access features from the Lock Screen
• Use the Dynamic Island
• Perform quick actions
• Search on iPhone
• Get information about your iPhone
• View or change cellular data settings
• Travel with iPhone
• Change sounds and vibrations
• Use the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Create a custom Lock Screen
• Change the wallpaper
• Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
• Keep the iPhone display on longer
• Use StandBy
• Customize the text size and zoom setting
• Change the name of your iPhone
• Change the date and time
• Change the language and region
• Organize your apps in folders
• Add, edit, and remove widgets
• Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen
• Remove or delete apps
• Use and customize Control Center
• Change or lock the screen orientation
• View and respond to notifications
• Change notification settings
• Set up a Focus
• Allow or silence notifications for a Focus
• Turn a Focus on or off
• Stay focused while driving
• Customize sharing options
• Type with the onscreen keyboard
• Dictate text
• Select and edit text
• Use predictive text
• Use text replacements
• Add or change keyboards
• Add emoji and stickers
• Take a screenshot
• Take a screen recording
• Draw in documents
• Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
• Fill out forms and sign documents
• Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
• Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
• Lift a subject from the photo background
• Subscribe to Apple Arcade
• Play with friends in Game Center
• Connect a game controller
• Use App Clips
• Update apps
• View or cancel subscriptions
• Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
• Install and manage fonts
• Buy books and audiobooks
• Annotate books
• Access books on other Apple devices
• Listen to audiobooks
• Set reading goals
• Organize books
• Create and edit events in Calendar
• Send invitations
• Reply to invitations
• Change how you view events
• Search for events
• Change calendar and event settings
• Schedule or display events in a different time zone
• Keep track of events
• Use multiple calendars
• Use the Holidays calendar
• Share iCloud calendars
• Camera basics
• Set up your shot
• Apply Photographic Styles
• Take Live Photos
• Take Burst mode shots
• Take a selfie
• Take panoramic photos
• Take macro photos and videos
• Take portraits
• Take Night mode photos
• Take Apple ProRAW photos
• Adjust the shutter volume
• Adjust HDR camera settings
• Record videos
• Record spatial videos for Apple Vision Pro
• Record ProRes videos
• Record videos in Cinematic mode
• Change video recording settings
• Save camera settings
• Customize the Main camera lens
• Change advanced camera settings
• View, share, and print photos
• Use Live Text
• Scan a QR code
• See the world clock
• Set an alarm
• Change the next wake up alarm
• Use the stopwatch
• Use multiple timers
• Add and use contact information
• Edit contacts
• Add your contact info
• Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact info
• Use other contact accounts
• Use Contacts from the Phone app
• Merge or hide duplicate contacts
• Export contacts
• Get started with FaceTime
• Make FaceTime calls
• Receive FaceTime calls
• Create a FaceTime link
• Take a Live Photo
• Turn on Live Captions in a FaceTime call
• Use other apps during a call
• Make a Group FaceTime call
• View participants in a grid
• Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
• Share your screen in a FaceTime call
• Collaborate on a document in FaceTime
• Use video conferencing features
• Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
• Change the FaceTime video settings
• Change the FaceTime audio settings
• Change your appearance
• Leave a call or switch to Messages
• Block unwanted callers
• Report a call as spam
• Connect external devices or servers
• Modify files, folders, and downloads
• Search for files and folders
• Organize files and folders
• Set up iCloud Drive
• Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
• Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
• Share your location
• Meet up with a friend
• Send your location via satellite
• Add or remove a friend
• Locate a friend
• Get notified when friends change their location
• Notify a friend when your location changes
• Turn off Find My
• Add your iPhone
• Add your iPhone Wallet with MagSafe
• Get notified if you leave a device behind
• Locate a device
• Mark a device as lost
• Erase a device
• Remove a device
• Add an AirTag
• Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone
• Add a third-party item
• Get notified if you leave an item behind
• Locate an item
• Mark an item as lost
• Remove an item
• Adjust map settings
• Get started with Fitness
• Track daily activity and change your move goal
• See your activity summary
• Sync a third-party workout app
• Change fitness notifications
• Share your activity
• Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
• Find Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations
• Start an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Create a Custom Plan in Apple Fitness+
• Work out together using SharePlay
• Change what’s on the screen during an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Download an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Get started with Freeform
• Create a Freeform board
• Draw or handwrite
• Apply consistent styles
• Position items on a board
• Search Freeform boards
• Share and collaborate
• Delete and recover boards
• Get started with Health
• Fill out your Health Details
• Intro to Health data
• View your health data
• Share your health data
• View health data shared by others
• Download health records
• View health records
• Monitor your walking steadiness
• Log menstrual cycle information
• View menstrual cycle predictions and history
• Track your medications
• Learn more about your medications
• Log your state of mind
• Take a mental health assessment
• Set up a schedule for a Sleep Focus
• Turn off alarms and delete sleep schedules
• Add or change sleep schedules
• Turn Sleep Focus on or off
• Change your wind down period, sleep goal, and more
• View your sleep history
• Check your headphone levels
• Use audiogram data
• Register as an organ donor
• Back up your Health data
• Intro to Home
• Upgrade to the new Home architecture
• Set up accessories
• Control accessories
• Control your home using Siri
• Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
• Set up HomePod
• Control your home remotely
• Create and use scenes
• Use automations
• Set up security cameras
• Use Face Recognition
• Unlock your door with a home key
• Configure a router
• Invite others to control accessories
• Add more homes
• Get music, movies, and TV shows
• Get ringtones
• Manage purchases and settings
• Get started with Journal
• Write in your journal
• Review your past journal entries
• Change Journal settings
• Magnify nearby objects
• Change settings
• Detect people around you
• Detect doors around you
• Receive image descriptions of your surroundings
• Read aloud text and labels around you
• Set up shortcuts for Detection Mode
• Add and remove email accounts
• Set up a custom email domain
• Check your email
• Unsend email with Undo Send
• Reply to and forward emails
• Save an email draft
• Add email attachments
• Download email attachments
• Annotate email attachments
• Set email notifications
• Search for email
• Organize email in mailboxes
• Flag or block emails
• Filter emails
• Use Hide My Email
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Change email settings
• Delete and recover emails
• Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
• Print emails
• Get travel directions
• Select other route options
• Find stops along your route
• View a route overview or a list of turns
• Change settings for spoken directions
• Get driving directions
• Get directions to your parked car
• Set up electric vehicle routing
• Report traffic incidents
• Get cycling directions
• Get walking directions
• Get transit directions
• Delete recent directions
• Get traffic and weather info
• Estimate travel time and ETA
• Download offline maps
• Search for places
• Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services
• Get information about places
• Mark places
• Share places
• Rate places
• Save favorite places
• Explore new places with Guides
• Organize places in My Guides
• Clear location history
• Look around places
• Take Flyover tours
• Find your Maps settings
• Measure dimensions
• View and save measurements
• Measure a person’s height
• Use the level
• Set up Messages
• About iMessage
• Send and reply to messages
• Unsend and edit messages
• Keep track of messages
• Forward and share messages
• Group conversations
• Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
• Collaborate on projects
• Use iMessage apps
• Take and edit photos or videos
• Share photos, links, and more
• Send stickers
• Request, send, and receive payments
• Send and receive audio messages
• Animate messages
• Send and save GIFs
• Turn read receipts on or off
• Change notifications
• Block, filter, and report messages
• Delete messages and attachments
• Recover deleted messages
• View albums, playlists, and more
• Show song credits and lyrics
• Queue up your music
• Listen to broadcast radio
• Subscribe to Apple Music
• Play music together in the car with iPhone
• Listen to lossless music
• Listen to Dolby Atmos music
• Apple Music Sing
• Find new music
• Add music and listen offline
• Get personalized recommendations
• Listen to radio
• Search for music
• Create playlists
• See what your friends are listening to
• Use Siri to play music
• Change the way music sounds
• Get started with News
• Use News widgets
• See news stories chosen just for you
• Read stories
• Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
• Listen to Apple News Today
• Subscribe to Apple News+
• Browse and read Apple News+ stories and issues
• Use Offline Mode to read downloaded News content
• Manually download Apple News+ issues
• Listen to audio stories
• Solve puzzles in Apple News
• Solve crossword and crossword mini puzzles
• Solve Quartiles puzzles
• Search for news stories
• Save stories in News for later
• Subscribe to individual news channels
• Get started with Notes
• Add or remove accounts
• Create and format notes
• Draw or write
• Add photos, videos, and more
• Scan text and documents
• Work with PDFs
• Create Quick Notes
• Search notes
• Organize in folders
• Organize with tags
• Use Smart Folders
• Export or print notes
• Change Notes settings
• Make a call
• View and delete the call history
• Answer or decline incoming calls
• While on a call
• Have a conference or three-way call on iPhone
• Set up voicemail
• Check voicemail
• Change voicemail greeting and settings
• Select ringtones and vibrations
• Make calls using Wi-Fi
• Set up call forwarding
• Set up call waiting
• Block or avoid unwanted calls
• View photos and videos
• Play videos and slideshows
• Delete or hide photos and videos
• Edit photos and videos
• Trim video length and adjust slow motion
• Edit Cinematic mode videos
• Edit Live Photos
• Edit portraits
• Use photo albums
• Edit, share, and organize albums
• Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
• Make stickers from your photos
• Duplicate and copy photos and videos
• Merge duplicate photos and videos
• Search for photos
• Identify people and pets
• Browse photos by location
• Share photos and videos
• Share long videos
• View photos and videos shared with you
• Watch memories
• Personalize your memories
• Manage memories and featured photos
• Use iCloud Photos
• Create shared albums
• Add and remove people in a shared album
• Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
• Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Import and export photos and videos
• Print photos
• Find podcasts
• Listen to podcasts
• Follow your favorite podcasts
• Use the Podcasts widget
• Organize your podcast library
• Download, save, or share podcasts
• Subscribe to podcasts
• Listen to subscriber-only content
• Change download settings
• Make a grocery list
• Add items to a list
• Edit and manage a list
• Search and organize lists
• Work with templates
• Use Smart Lists
• Print reminders
• Use the Reminders widget
• Change Reminders settings
• Browse the web
• Search for websites
• Customize your Safari settings
• Change the layout
• Use Safari profiles
• Open and close tabs
• Organize your tabs
• View your Safari tabs from another Apple device
• Share Tab Groups
• Use Siri to listen to a webpage
• Bookmark favorite webpages
• Save pages to a Reading List
• Find links shared with you
• Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
• Automatically fill in forms
• Get extensions
• Hide ads and distractions
• Clear your cache and cookies
• Browse the web privately
• Use passkeys in Safari
• Check stocks
• Manage multiple watchlists
• Read business news
• Add earnings reports to your calendar
• Use a Stocks widget
• Translate text, voice, and conversations
• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Keep cards and passes in Wallet
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Pay for transit
• Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
• Add identity cards
• Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Check your Apple Account balance
• Use Express Mode
• Organize your Wallet
• Remove cards or passes
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Use Siri in your car
• Change Siri settings
• Contact emergency services
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite
• Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Set up and view your Medical ID
• Use Check In
• Manage Crash Detection
• Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Set up Screen Time for a family member
• Charging cable
• Power adapters
• MagSafe chargers and battery packs
• MagSafe cases and sleeves
• Qi-certified wireless chargers
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Apple Watch
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• Pair Magic Keyboard
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Switch between keyboards
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Share your internet connection
• Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
• Start SharePlay instantly
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Intro to CarPlay
• Connect to CarPlay
• Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
• Get turn-by-turn directions
• Change the map view
• Make phone calls
• View your calendar
• Send and receive text messages
• Announce incoming text messages
• Play podcasts
• Play audiobooks
• Listen to news stories
• Control your home
• Use other apps with CarPlay
• Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
• Change settings in CarPlay
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPhone when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Keep the screen off
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch
• Use Reachability
• Auto-answer calls
• Turn off vibration
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the side or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Control iPhone with an external keyboard
• Adjust AirPods settings
• Turn on Apple Watch Mirroring
• Control a nearby Apple device
• Intro to Switch Control
• Set up and turn on Switch Control
• Select items, perform actions, and more
• Control several devices with one switch
• Use hearing devices
• Use Live Listen
• Use sound recognition
• Set up and use RTT and TTY
• Flash the indicator light for notifications
• Adjust audio settings
• Play background sounds
• Display subtitles and captions
• Show transcriptions for Intercom messages
• Get live captions of spoken audio
• Type to speak
• Record a Personal Voice
• Lock iPhone to one app with Guided Access
• Use built-in privacy and security protections
• Set a passcode
• Set up Face ID
• Set up Touch ID
• Control access to information on the Lock Screen
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites
• Sign in with Apple
• Share passwords
• Automatically fill in strong passwords
• Change weak or compromised passwords
• View your passwords and related information
• Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop
• Make your passkeys and passwords available on all your devices
• Automatically fill in verification codes
• Automatically fill in SMS passcodes
• Sign in with fewer CAPTCHA challenges
• Use two-factor authentication
• Use security keys
• Manage information sharing with Safety Check
• Control app tracking permissions
• Control the location information you share
• Control access to information in apps
• Control how Apple delivers advertising to you
• Control access to hardware features
• Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
• Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
• Use a private network address
• Use Advanced Data Protection
• Use Lockdown Mode
• Use Stolen Device Protection
• Receive warnings about sensitive content
• Use Contact Key Verification
• Turn iPhone on or off
• Force restart iPhone
• Back up iPhone
• Reset iPhone settings
• Restore all content from a backup
• Restore purchased and deleted items
• Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
• Erase iPhone
• Install or remove configuration profiles
• Important safety information
• Important handling information
• Find more resources for software and service
• FCC compliance statement
• ISED Canada compliance statement
• Ultra Wideband information
• Class 1 Laser information
• Apple and the environment
• Disposal and recycling information
• Unauthorized modification of iOS

This guide helps you get started using iPhone and discover all the amazing things it can do with iOS 17.5, which is compatible with the following models:

Your features and apps may vary depending on your iPhone model, region, language, and carrier. To find out which features are supported in your region, see the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website .

Note: Apps and services that send or receive data over a cellular network, or that answer incoming calls, may incur additional fees. Contact your carrier for information about your service plan and fees.

Identify your iPhone model and iOS version

To determine your iPhone model from the physical details, see the Apple Support article Identify your iPhone model .

Get iOS updates

Six Ways to Speed Up Your iPhone

I t’s hard to be patient with a slow iPhone , especially when using it for everything, from the calculator to getting directions on Maps. No one likes dealing with lag, buffering, or app freezing. Fortunately, there are a few ways you could speed up your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone

Let’s start with the classic “Did you try turning it off and on again?” It’s a classic for a reason, not just another tech myth. On a technical level, it helps refresh your iPhone’s RAM or working memory, which optimizes its overall performance. Since it’s probably the most straightforward hack, I’d recommend starting with this one.

There are slightly different ways to restart an iPhone based on its model. If you can’t get yours to restart, you might want to do a quick “how to restart [your iPhone model]” search. In case you’re unsure about your iPhone’s model, we have a guide for that , too.

Clear Safari Data

I’m sure we have encountered an ‘Accept Cookies’ popup. Even if you have no idea what that does, you’ve probably accepted tons of cookies by now. Refer to this helpful guide for a detailed and easy lesson on internet cookies. For the scope of this piece, all you need to know is that every time you click on ‘Accept Cookies’ on your browser, you’re putting a bunch of files on your device. These files pile up over time and end up slowing your phone.

If you frequently use Safari on your iPhone, you probably have a lot of passwords, cookies, tabs, and other login info in your Safari cache. It’s a good habit to clear that from time to time. Note that this will require re-entering login credentials or other personal info on some sites since clearing your cache will make your Safari brand new again.

To clear all Safari data, go to Settings on your iPhone and look up ‘Safari.’ Once in the Safari menu, scroll down until you see ‘Clear History and Website Data.’ It will ask you to pick a timeframe. Select ‘All history’ and then hit the red button at the bottom that says ‘Clear History.’

Free Up Space

Full storage is one of the leading causes of a sluggish iPhone. Go to Settings , scroll to General , and click on iPhone Storage from the menu. Doing so will present you with a stacked bar chart and an ordered list of your iPhone’s storage situation, clearly labeling how much space is occupied by which app.

It will also provide you with recommendations on how to free up space. Under Recommendations , click on Review Large Attachments to see the photos, videos, and attachments that are taking up the most space. When you see something you want to delete, swipe left and hit Delete .

There are other ways to free up space on your iPhone, but it ultimately depends on your priorities and your phone use. If you don’t always need all your photos and videos on your phone, you can back them up on iCloud and delete them from your iPhone. However, this would mean you would no longer be able to access them without the internet.

Similarly, if you don’t need all your iMessages, you can mass-delete them. I’ll review all the ways to clear storage on your iPhone in a separate, dedicated guide.

iOS updates often bring bug fixes that help improve your iPhone’s efficiency, so it’s a good idea to always be on the latest software update. You can do that by turning automatic updates on. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on the toggle switch for all three options on the page. This will automatically download and install iOS software updates when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

You can also manually update your iOS. A ‘Software Update Available’ notice on your Settings app under your Apple ID will tell you there’s a newer version you haven’t yet updated to. If you see that, scroll down to General > Software Update and click Download and Install to begin the update. If you don’t see that notice, you’re on the latest version.

Replace Battery

Another possible reason for a slow phone is a battery overused to the point of dysfunction. If your iPhone is old, its battery’s health may not be ideal. To see if that’s the case, go to Settings, look up Battery Health, and click on Battery Health & Charging from the open menu. Anything 80% and above is good, but Apple recommends replacing your battery when its health falls below that mark.

Turn Off Automatic Downloads and Background App Refresh

Apps on your iPhone tend to auto-update. While this is helpful, it could become overwhelming for your phone, especially if you have many apps on it. Multiple background app refreshes also take place without you knowing. Again, this is a helpful feature, but it could lead to a considerable drop in your phone’s efficiency if you have many apps that constantly refresh and update.

Go to Settings > App Store and turn off all three toggle switches under ‘Automatic Downloads.’ These are App Downloads, App Updates, and In-App Content. Then, go to General > Background App Refresh > Background App Refresh (again) and choose Off . Doing both will ensure no power-hungry apps are running in the background. If you’d like an app updated, you can constantly manually update it in the App Store.

No, closing your background apps won’t help.

I know; I felt as deceived as you did when Gizmodo Maxwell Zeff told us that closing background apps doesn’t do anything and that I have been making my poor little thumb do all that labor for years for nothing. It’s just a tech myth that originated years ago on Apple’s community forum and Stack Overflow and has been perpetuated ever since (because it sounds like it should work!). But yeah, doing that won’t affect either performance or battery.

Are some of your apps still running slow?

Are you sure it’s your phone and not your network? People often mistake a slow connection for a slow phone. Especially if you’re experiencing lag on apps that require an internet connection, it might just be your internet that needs fixing.

To quickly check this, look up ‘speed test’ on your browser. You’ll see an ‘Internet speed test’ pop-up. Hit the blue button that says ‘run speed test.’ In around 30 seconds, you’ll get precise stats on your download and upload speeds and a comment on your internet performance.

I just ran mine, and it said, “Your Internet connection is very fast. It should be able to handle multiple devices streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and gaming at the same time.” So, if my iPhone starts acting up, I’d know it’s not my internet.

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