How to check your iPhone for viruses and malware

Apple devices are known for their built-in security — but they’re not immune to threats. If your iPhone is behaving strangely, lagging, or showing suspicious pop-ups, you might be dealing with more than just a glitch. In this guide, we’ll show you how to check your iPhone for viruses, identify warning signs, and protect your data — all without compromising your privacy.

About iPhone security

While iPhones are considered more secure than most smartphones, malware on iOS is still possible — especially through phishing links, malicious websites, and configuration profiles. Unlike traditional viruses, iOS threats often rely on tricking users into installing rogue apps or granting access to tracking profiles.

Apple’s walled-garden approach, app sandboxing, and curated App Store dramatically reduce the risk of infection compared to other operating systems. But if you browse unsafe websites, click unknown links, or install enterprise profiles from unverified sources, your iPhone can be exploited — often without you knowing.

If you’re wondering whether you need antivirus for iPhone: the short answer is not really. But viruses are only one risk for devices, so privacy-first protections are still essential. Learn how VPNs protect iPhones differently by defending against metadata leakage and third-party surveillance.

Signs your iPhone might have malware

What is malware?

Malware (or "malicious software") is any software designed to harm your computer, device, or network. These harmful actions range from stealing sensitive information, damaging files, surveillance, or causing system disruptions.

Malware and spyware often disguise themselves as legitimate apps or background processes, so it’s important to know what to look for.

Signs of malware

If you're asking, "How do I know if my iPhone has a virus?", look out for these symptoms, especially in combination:

• Rapid battery drain, even when idle
• Overheating during light use
• Pop-ups in Safari or other browsers
• New apps you don’t remember installing
• Laggy performance, especially while browsing
• Suspicious spikes in data usage

These signs don’t always mean you have malware. Bu if you’re seeing more than one — especially after installing something recently — it’s time to take action.

How to check for malware on iPhone (step-by-step)

There’s no single “virus scanner” for iPhone, but there are built-in steps you can take to detect and remove malware manually.

1. Restart your iPhone

A restart clears memory and shuts down rogue background processes. It’s the easiest way to resolve temporary bugs and malware that hasn’t embedded itself deeply.

2. Review your installed apps

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Look for apps you don’t recognize or haven’t used in a while.

Delete anything suspicious – especially if it doesn’t show a proper developer name or icon. Need a clean slate? Learn how to factory reset your iPhone securely without leaving personal data behind.

3. Check Safari for redirects and pop-ups

Pop-ups in Safari or strange redirects are common signs of browser-based adware or malicious cookies.

Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. Also disable JavaScript temporarily if issues persist.

4. Remove unfamiliar configuration profiles

Hidden malware sometimes installs via device management profiles.

Check under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

If you see unknown profiles — especially ones labeled as VPNs, productivity apps, or speed boosters — delete them.

5. Keep iOS updated

iOS updates frequently patch zero-day vulnerabilities and system-level exploits.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version to ensure you’re not exposed.

Can iPhones get viruses?

While iPhones don’t get “viruses” in the traditional sense, they are still vulnerable to various forms of malware including:

• Phishing attacks that steal login credentials
• Malicious configuration profiles that reroute your network traffic
• Spyware or stalkerware that monitors location and communications

Most iPhone malware isn’t about crashing your phone — it’s about watching you without your knowing. Protecting against this kind of threat goes beyond antivirus. Tools like NymVPN help prevent unwanted tracking by encrypting traffic and hiding metadata, even from your ISP.

How to Remove Malware from iPhone

If your checks confirm a deeper issue, here’s how to fully wipe the infection:

Erase all content and settings

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

This will restore your phone to factory settings and remove anything lurking beneath the surface.

Important note: Before resetting, make sure to back up only the data you trust. If your backup is compromised, restoring it may bring the malware right back. Read our privacy-focused factory reset guide for a safe, step-by-step process.

Restore from a clean iCloud or iTunes backup

If possible, choose a backup from before you noticed issues. Avoid restoring the most recent one if you suspect it's infected.

Alternatively, start fresh without restoring from backup and reinstall only trusted apps.

How to keep your iPhone safe from malware

The best protection is prevention. Here’s how to minimize your risk:

• Only download apps from the official App Store or from trusted developers
• Jailbreaking your iPhone, even if it gives you more control, can decrease your device’s protection from malware
• Avoid clicking unknown links in texts, emails, or social media
• Use a VPN to encrypt your traffic, and choose a decentralized VPN for best protections
• Block trackers and surveillance with NymVPN, which protects your metadata at the network layer — not just app level

If you’re serious about digital privacy, a layered approach matters. Combine secure system settings, smart browsing habits, and decentralized privacy tools.

Final thoughts

Checking your iPhone for malware or viruses doesn’t have to be complicated. Even without traditional antivirus apps, you can detect, remove, and prevent most threats using iOS’s built-in tools and smart security practices.

And remember — antivirus protections aren’t enough. True privacy protection requires more than blocking malicious apps. It means blocking surveillance itself. Stay private, stay protected, and if you're ready to level up your privacy game, NymVPN has your back.