How to Check for Viruses on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Check for Viruses on Your iPhone

Thinking your iPhone might have a virus? Don’t stress — it’s usually simpler than you think. Thanks to Apple’s closed ecosystem, iPhones tend to stay clear of most nasty malware compared to traditional computers. That said, if your device starts acting odd — like lagging, popping up strange messages, or showing apps you didn’t install — it might be time for a quick health check. The good news? A few straightforward steps can often sort out any issues lurking beneath the surface. Keeping your software updated, managing apps carefully, and being cautious online makes a big difference. If nothing seems to work, a factory reset can do the trick, but that’s better reserved as a last resort — kind of like using a sledgehammer when a gentle tap would suffice.

Detecting and Removing Malware

Regularly spotting unusual behaviour on your iPhone can help catch any unwanted software before it causes more trouble. Here’s a quick rundown of simple things to try:

Keep an Eye Out for Suspicious Apps

The first step: look through your apps for anything that seems out of place. Sometimes, malware hides in plain sight, masquerading as a harmless app. Take a moment to scroll through your home screen and app list. To remove anything dodgy:

Press and hold the app icon until it jiggles — a bit silly, but effective.
Tap the Remove App (the little “X” icon).
Confirm you want to delete it.

Also, head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a full list of your apps. If something looks suspicious, it’s safer to delete it now rather than wait for problems later.

Check Which Apps Are Using Your Battery

If your battery seems to be running down faster than usual, that’s another clue something’s up. Certain apps might be running in the background, causing mischief. To investigate:

Open Settings > Battery.
Scroll down to view Battery Usage by App.

If you spot an app hogging your battery and you don’t recognise it, consider deleting or disabling it. It’s surprising how easily a sneaky app can drain your power.

Keep iOS Up to Date

Keeping your iPhone’s software current is one of the best ways to stay secure. Apple regularly releases updates with security patches to block the latest threats. To check for updates:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

If you’re having trouble updating directly, you can connect your iPhone to a computer and update via iTunes or Finder. Sometimes, it feels like Apple makes updating a bit of a production — but it’s well worth it for the security benefits.

Clear Your Browsing Data

Your web browser can be a gateway for some nasty stuff. Clearing your browsing history and cookies can help keep your device safe, especially if you’ve been clicking on dodgy links. In Safari, do this:

Open Safari and tap the Bookmarks icon (the open book).
Select History > Clear.
Choose a time range, like All Time, then tap Clear History.

This clears out cookies and scripts that might have slipped in. Also, turn on the Fraudulent Website Warning in Settings > Safari for a bit of extra protection — unless you find it annoying with false alarms.

Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If your iPhone’s still acting up after all this, a full reset might be your best bet — but make sure you back up everything first. To do a reset:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode or Apple ID password when prompted.
Confirm you want to wipe the device.

Once reset, you can restore from an iCloud backup or connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes or Finder to back it up before restoring.

Extra Tips for iPhone Security

Being vigilant is the best way to avoid trouble. Always download apps from the Apple App Store, as they’re vetted for safety. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and make sure 2FA is switched on.

Regular backups are vital — you never know when things might go sideways. Be cautious with links and messages from unknown sources to avoid malware. For extra peace of mind, security apps like Lookout or Avast Security can add another layer of protection.

Common Questions About iPhone Security

Can iPhones get viruses?

Not often — thanks to Apple’s security measures, they’re pretty resistant. But it’s still possible if you click on dodgy links or install risky apps. Keeping your iPhone updated is the best way to stay protected.

What if my iPhone’s acting weird?

If apps keep crashing or strange messages pop up, run through these checks to see if malware is at play. Sometimes, a factory reset or restoring from a previous backup can fix the problem.

How often should I update my iPhone?

As soon as there’s an update available, get it. Updates often include vital security fixes. To make it easier, turn on Automatic Updates in Settings > General > Software Update.

Is public Wi-Fi safe?

Public Wi-Fi carries risks. Use a reputable VPN service like NordVPN when connecting to open networks, and avoid logging into sensitive accounts while on public Wi-Fi.

Can dodgy websites cause issues?

Definitely. Visiting shady sites or clicking on suspicious links can infect your device with malware. Stick to trusted sites and keep your browser software up to date to help stay safe.

Essential Steps Checklist

Review your apps for anything unfamiliar or suspicious.
Check which apps are draining your battery excessively.
Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version.
Regularly clear your Safari history and cookies.
If issues persist, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data.

Performing regular security checks on your iPhone is like giving it a quick health check-up. While Apple’s built-in protections are solid, staying cautious and proactive — updating iOS, managing app sources carefully, and addressing minor issues early — keeps your device running smoothly. Staying vigilant lets your iPhone continue to be the reliable device you want it to be.