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How to Remove Malware From iPhone and iPad? 6 Easy Solutions

A virus in an iPhone or iPad sounds almost silly, impossible. The entire point of paying for high-end devices is security. Apple has made itself a niche in providing the best protection. But, their devices are not invincible. The operating system can still run into some problems. Some even get virus warnings on their mobile phones. Should you use a malware removal tool for these malware threats? No, you shouldn’t!

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

iPhones and iPads are pretty robust, and it is rare to find a virus, but there’s still a possibility. There are many different ways for viruses to enter the iPhone, especially if you’re careless. But, it is not your fault. An iPhone or iPad is still a device. Thus, prone to viruses, malware, and other problems.

There’s no need to alarm yourself! You’ve come to the right spot for a complete guide. You will find several valuable solutions for finding, removing, and preventing viruses. So, if you suspect that your iPhone or iPad has the virus, read ahead:

A Checklist Before You Lean How To Remove Malware From iPhone

The leading ‘tell’ on any device is the decline in performance. Any device, iPhone or iPad that starts to slow down might have some form of virus affecting it. Apart from slower performance, here is the list of other symptoms:

  • Your device has started to lag or not respond. Apps are taking longer to load, and any function feels slow.
  • Your apps or tools have changes in permissions. The phone is acting up by itself and launching apps or providing permissions.
  • Your iPhone or iPad is restarting quite a bit. It might even get stuck, and you have to take drastic measures.
  • It is failing to update or install an app or iOS.
  • A significant reduction in battery life and performance is also a clue. If your device is depleting or the battery dies faster, it could be a virus issue. You can go to Settings and Battery to check the Battery Health.
  • iPhones are not easy to get hot unless you’re playing games. Even then, it applies to resource-extensive games. But, if your device is getting hot for no reason, check for viruses. You likely have a virus problem if even the simplest apps heat the device.
  • If there is any new app you don’t remember installing, there is a good chance of a virus.
  • In some cases, the iOS or the Apps you use start crashing. The crashing is too frequent. If that’s the case, there can be a massive virus problem for that app.
  • Do you receive pop-ups for no reason? If they start appearing on the browser, it can be fixed. But, if it starts appearing on the phone’s screen, that’s a dangerous thing.
  • Is there any increase in data consumption? Perhaps there are too many new packages or add-ons activated on your phone. If this is the case, it can be a ransomware or malware problem.

There’s a popular term known as ‘jailbreak’ for Apple devices. It is when users hack the OS and break through the security. As a result, you also take down the protective layer provided by the Apple company. You will expose yourself to dangers. Devices like these are more prone to virus infiltration.

How To Remove Malware From iPhone Free (Not For Android)

  1. Remove The Suspicious Apps
  2. Clear The Data and History 
  3. Restart Your Device
  4. Disconnect Your Device From Network
  5. Reset Factory Settings
  6. Restore From Backup 

How To Remove Malware From iPhone For Free?

1. Remove The Suspicious Apps

Deleting an app in an iOS

One of the best habits that you can form is checking the apps on your phone. It might sound redundant, but it is quite a useful thing to practice. Always check all the apps your iPhone or iPad has. Next, follow these tips:

  • Check for unused or inactive apps. If even a single app you don’t use,  you should uninstall it. This will free up space, enhance performance, and prevent virus exposure.
  • Check for any app that you don’t recognize. If there is an app, you don’t remember installing or don’t use, uninstall it. This is one of the best things that you can do. Often, a person visits an unknown link that downloads something on their phone.
  • Is there any specific app that you use that causes problems? If you notice the issues only while using a specific app, that app might be a problem. 
  • Is there any specific app that you use that causes problems? If you notice the issues only while using a certain app, that app might be a problem. It also means that the virus or malware is still limited. You can stop it by uninstalling the app.
  • You can also check each app and check for their settings. See if using any specific app causes problems with your device. If that’s the case, you should undoubtedly uninstall that specific app.
  • There’s a possibility that even the most secure or reputable apps are compromised. It isn’t your fault or the developers. Some hackers target a specific app. It is more accessible to break through your device’s security. So, it could be an app causing a problem. In this case, you can ask for the app developer’s support.
  • Always check for app updates and see if updating them solves the issue.

To uninstall an app on iPhone, you need to find the app. Then tap on it and keep the tap-hold. You will get an option to remove the app. Click on it and follow through with the process.

2. Clear The Data And History

steps to clear data history of safari on an iPhone

A good tip for you would be never to visit suspicious websites. What are these suspicious websites?

  • Any website that isn’t trusted or lacks a security certificate.
  • Any pirated website or third-party website without authentication.
  • Unknown websites lure you due to information, offers, and other similar content.

Apart from this, it is a good idea to clear your website data and history. Practicing it from time to time can save you a lot of effort:

  • Go to the Settings App of your iPhone or iPad
  • Find the Safari option from the list. Yes, it is related to the Safari Web Browser.
  • You will find plenty of options. Select the ‘Clear history And Website Data’ option.
  • Once you do that, follow through with the prompt.

It is a good idea to restart your iPhone after that.

3. Restart Your Device

An image showing sync or restarting the phone

After uninstalling the app or clearing the data, it is a good idea to restart the phone. In some cases, malware or virus becomes ineffective when the device restarts. So, whether you solve the problem or not, it is worth trying. You can restart your device by:

  • Press and hold the power button of your Apple device. It should show you the option to restart the system.
  • If it doesn’t, you might have to press the volume up button with it. This will show the slider, select to turn off the power.

Remember that using airplane mode won’t be enough. Restarting an iPhone or iPad is much different. It often clears temporary files and cache, as well.

4. Disconnect Your Device From Network

WiFi settings in an iOS

Another reason for malware or virus growth on a device in the network. As internet connectivity has become necessary, most viruses work alongside it. Thus, you can take care of the virus if you disconnect your Apple Device. All you have to do is:

  • Turn off the Wi-Fi for your device. If you use the hotspot option, turn it off, as well.
  • Disable Bluetooth and any other wireless connectivity.
  • Disable the network connection, as well. You can even use an airplane more.
  • Wait for a couple of minutes or a day. Then restart the device.

See if this solves the issue.

5. Reset Factory Settings

Option to erase all data and reset the device in General Settings of iOS

This is the last resort for you to try. If every other solution has failed, this will always work. Factory resetting your Apple device will reset everything. It will delete all the saved files, data, user information, and much more.

In short, it will be like a brand new device that you will have to configure. It will take care of any virus or harmful content, so it is worth giving it a try to:

  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Select your username. It will be visible. Click on the Find My option to select ‘Find My iPhone.’  You will have to turn everything off in the option. The device might ask for a password when you do that.

This is an important part of resetting your device. After that, move with:

  • In the settings, select the General option. You will find the ‘Reset’ option there.
  • When you click on it, make sure to also select ‘Erase All Content and Settings.’ It will ask for the password.
  • Next, click on the ‘Erase’ button.

The entire setup and reset will take some time. So, you have to be patient.

6. Restore From Backup

icloud backup toggle in an iPhone device

If you frequently back up your integral iPhone, there’s good news for you. It means that there’s a chance you can salvage your phone. If not, then you might have to factory reset your phone. But, before we get to that, let’s try this step:

  • First, you will have to factory reset your phone by following the above-given steps. After that, you will restart your phone.
  • When you restart the phone and start setting up, you will get a couple of options. One of these is to select Backup from iCloud and another from iTunes.
  • If you make a backup in any of these, you can select that option. You will have to provide the login information for iCloud or iTunes to restore.

The only problem with this step is if you have backed up an infected version by mistake. If that’s the case, the backup won’t help you much. But, that’s rarely the case.

If you still find that the backup isn’t working as well as you thought, factory reset your phone. That’s the final option.

Tips To Keep Your iOS Device Safe From Virus – How To Remove Malware From iPhone Calendar

You might have heard the saying that preventing something is better than curing it. It is always better to avoid viruses and malware altogether. These tips can help you out, and you can even save yourself from ransomware, among other things:

  • Use only the most trusted and authentic platforms to download apps. Use Apple App Store, Google App Store, and other similar platforms. Don’t use untrusted and third-party websites without any security.
  • Reading the reviews is an excellent way to download credible or trusted apps. You can also check if the app was evaluated and certified by Google, Apple, etc.
  • Constantly update your iOS and keep it up to date. It is one of the best ways to enhance your security. Apple always releases instant security patches if it runs into any potential danger. That’s why you could find consistent updates.
  • Do the same for any app. Make sure that your device updates the apps and devices, both.
  • Don’t ever opt for Jailbreak. You will lose complete ‘coverage’ from Apple. This includes updates, security, and much more. 

Using Antivirus And VPNs In An iPad Or iPhone For Phone Viruses

personal VPN settings in an iPhone

It is tempting to try and use antivirus for an iPhone or iPad. The truth is, you don’t need it. You might need them on a Windows device. Even Androids can use a robust antivirus. Mainly because there are too many developers for those. Apple doesn’t mind using antivirus for macOS (MacBook and such), but iOS is a big no.

That’s because Apple already covers almost every kind of security you can get for iOS. You can try the Apple App Store if you want to buy some, but it isn’t necessary. The same applies to any maintenance or calibration tool. Apple strongly recommends against them.

As for a VPN, you can use premium VPN services. But, it is not necessary to safeguard your connection. If you want them for other reasons, that’s understandable.

Conclusion – How To Remove Malware From iPhone X Series

This wraps the complete guide to keep your iPhone and iPad safe from viruses. You have learned the ways to purge these viruses. If needed, you now also know how to reset the phone.

In the end, the security of your iOS comes down to you. A user is entirely responsible for what happens to their iPhone or iPad. So, if you want to keep them safe, you have to keep the tips in mind.

We hope that you found what you were looking for. Stay safe and spread awareness.

FAQs

Can iPhones Get Phone Viruses?

Yes, there’s a possibility. The most common method is the iMessage or email method. In these, a hacker will send you a message or mail with a link. If you click these links, you might end up installing viruses. As a result, you won’t be aware of the threat you received.

How Are IPhone And IPad Viruses Rare?

Apple does a commendable job at keeping its security up to date. They have dedicated teams that study any threat to their device. There have been challenges and incentives from Apple to hack or transfer viruses. Many people have opted for these and failed. They provide quick security patches for any leak in the security. Almost any threat is kept at bay. That’s why iPhone or iPad viruses are rare. But there is still a possibility.

How To Remove Botnet Malware From IPhone?

The botnet malware is browser-oriented malware. Your Safari or Google Chrome browser can be the cause of the problem. You can go ahead and clear the browsing data, cache and permissions. It should save your device from most problems. 

Why Are Websites On My IPhone Showing Virus Warning?

An Apple device doesn’t show any virus warning. It won’t even show you a popup. If you’re getting the popup on a website, that’s just a trick. It is bait to get you to install a tool. Don’t do it. The same applies if you’re getting a popup on an iPhone. Take your phone to customer care.