It’s no surprise that Apple prides itself on its top-notch device security. iPhones are generally less vulnerable to viruses than Androids.
Unlike Android or desktop systems such as Windows, Apple iOS is a closed operating system. Apple offers consistent iOS updates to address security issues. While getting an iPhone virus may be rare, it’s not unheard of.
Discover some Apple virus tips if you suspect any malicious software on your device. Read on below to learn how to get rid of a virus on your iPhone.
Signs of an iPhone Virus or Malware
The chances of your iPhone getting a virus are low. But in some cases, like a jailbroken iPhone may suffer from malware. Here are some signs that your iPhone contains a virus or malware:
Unexpected App Crashing
Some apps may crash from time to time. Excessive malware on any computer or mobile phone can cause programs to crash. If your apps start crashing frequently, consider scanning your phone for malware.
You Find Unfamiliar Apps
Your iPhone should not download or install any apps without the user’s permission. You may find apps on your device that wasn’t pre-installed or downloaded by yourself. Your iPhone may have a virus if you start finding unfamiliar apps.
Safari Shows You Pop-Ups
If Safari starts giving you persistent pop-up ads, it may be a sign that your iPhone has a virus. Getting pop-ups while your browser isn’t running is also a big sign you might have a virus. Uninstall some of the recently added apps and consider scanning your phone if this persists.
Unexpected Charges in Your Apple Account
Some dangerous malware may access your account or financial information from your account. Always monitor your Apple account to ensure proper billing. If you start seeing unusual or unexpected charges in your Account, you may be dealing with malware.
Look out for these signs if you suspect your iPhone contains malware. Do you think your iPhone contains a virus or malware? Here’s how to get rid of a virus on your iPhone:
Restart Your iPhone
One of the first troubleshooting solutions you can try is restarting your phone. Any used RAM from apps will get cleared from the reset. This solution stops all processes and allows you to begin with a new slate.
Restart your iPhone by holding down your device’s power button. Wait for a few seconds until you see a Slide to Power Off knob appear on your screen. Turn your device on again by holding the power button until an Apple icon appears.
Clear Cache and Browsing Data
Consider clearing your browsing data and history if you continue facing problems. You can do this from your device’s Settings. Navigate and select Safari on your device’s apps list.
Select Clear History and Website Data and follow the needed prompts. This is a good solution if you suspect your virus came from clicking on a suspicious link. It may exist in your device’s old files stored under your device’s Safari app.
Clearing your cache may also be an essential part of the virus removal process. Click this link here now to clear cache from your iPhone or iPad.
Restore Your iPhone Using a Previous Backup
Backing up your iPhone is good practice for storing your data. Apple allows you to recover any lost information including documents, pictures, and contacts. If you think your iPhone has a virus, a previous backup may be a great solution.
You may restore your iPhone from a previous backup from your computer or iCloud. You can turn the iCloud automatic backup function on in your device’s settings. If this option is unclickable and grayed out, this solution may not work for you.
If you have already been using the iCloud backup function, keep reading! Go to your Settings menu and tap General. Find and select Reset at the bottom of the General menu.
Select Erase Now and follow the necessary prompts. When you find yourself on the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup. Sign in to your iCloud account and select which backup to use.
Reset iPhone Content and Settings
If none of the above tips worked, consider performing a factory reset on your iPhone. Be aware that this means clearing all your iPhone data. This includes your apps, settings, contacts, and other important data.
Confirm that your iPhone is incurable from malware. When you choose a factory reset, you choose to move on with a blank iPhone. Factory reset your iPhone by going to your Settings.
Select General and scroll down to the bottom of the menu. Select Reset, then select Erase All Content And Settings. Doing this will fully clear your iPhone’s content and settings.
Other Tips to Secure Your iOS Device
While the chances of an iOS device getting a virus are rare, there’s no harm in taking extra precautionary steps. Taking these steps allows you to prevent viruses from infecting your device. This allows you to save time and energy in case of a security breach.
Avoid trying to jailbreak your phone to download unauthorized apps. Jailbreaking allows malicious apps to bypass Apple’s security features. This gives viruses and malware direct access to your device.
Remember to download any iOS updates once released. Apple releases frequent updates to fix bugs and other issues. Update your iPhone from your Settings under the General menu.
Now You Know How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your iPhone
Apple is one of the best providers for security. But Apple is not invulnerable to viruses and malware. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you now know how to get rid of a virus on your iPhone.
Of course, eliminating viruses from your iPhone is only the beginning. To learn more tips and tricks you can do with your Apple device, why not go over more of our guides right here? We provide tons of content to help you get the most out of your gadget!