Introduction
One of the most coveted mobile devices, the iPhone, is renowned for its robust security features. The popularity of iPhones can unequivocally be credited to its unmatched safety features. Nevertheless, the phone is not immune to malware and spyware attacks. If a virus enters your iPhone through dubious applications, pirated sites or any other source, it might steal sensitive information like bank account details, passwords, etc. and compromise your security.
Let’s take a closer look at how we can detect and remove spyware from iPhones to safeguard our personal information and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
What Is Spyware?
Spyware is software that essentially keeps track on everything you do on your phone, gathers data from it, and transmits it to the hackers or other malicious entities who installed it.
It gathers virtually everything you do on your iPhone, including your messages, passwords, credit card information, location, and browsing history. Some spyware, commonly referred to as adware, are designed to deliver targeted advertisements based on user activities and interests. spyware can negatively impact the performance and stability of your iPhone leading it to function sluggishly.
Also read: Record Calls On iPhone: 5 Methods You Need to Know
How To Detect Spyware On iPhone?
Identifying spyware is tough because it is often bundled with legitimate software or installed through deceptive tactics which are hard to detect. However, here are a few ways in which you can spot spyware and eventually remove it from your iPhone.
- Pop-up Ads: If you are getting bombarded with pop-up ads and messages on your iPhone, then it is a sign of malware.
- Unsually High Data Usage: There are instances when the spyware needs data to run. So, if your device is consuming an unusually high amount of data, then it might be likely infected with malware.
- Discretely Installed Apps: Look out for apps that might have been discretely installed on your iPhone. Those apps might be recording your personal information and passing it on to third-parties.
- Poor Phone Performance: If your iPhone battery is getting drained rapidly, then it might be a sign of spyware infection.
- Device Overheating: If your phone usage is not that much, yet it gets overheated frequently, it may be infected with spyware.
How To Remove Spyware From Your iPhone?
Mentioned below are some proven methods that help remove spyware and malware from your phone.
1. Clear Browsing Data and History
Hackers often resort to phishing or unauthorised websites to install spyware on iPhones. Thus, clearing your browsing data and history will prevent fraudsters from accessing your personal data and information.
To do this, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Head to the ‘Safari Browser’ and tap on the icon that resembles a book at the bottom of the screen.
- Click on the ‘clock’ icon and choose ‘clear’
- Set the time range to ‘All Time’
- This will delete the browser history, cookies and any other data that might make you vulnerable to cyberattacks.
2. Turn Off Location
Some apps require us to enable location services for installation. This allows spyware to track our location at any given point of time. To prevent spyware attacks, you need to check which apps are using your location and disable them.
To do so:
- Go to ‘Settings’ on your iPhone
- Click on ‘Privacy and Security’
- Click on ‘Location Services’ to check which apps are using your location information.
- Choose the apps which seem dubious and for which you do not wish to enable your location
- Click on the ‘Never’ or ‘While using app’ options for those apps
3. Delete Discrete Apps
Go to your app list and identify the apps that you have not installed or the ones that seem suspicious. Once you identify those apps, uninstall them.
To do so:
- Long press on the app and then click on Remove App
- This removes the discrete apps that might be infecting you iPhone with malware
4. Update iOS Software
Apple often comes up with new versions having fixes and patches that safeguard your device from external threats. Updating to latest iOS version will ensure that your iPhone is safe and immune to spyware attacks.
- So to ‘Settings’ on your iPhone and click on General
- Click on ‘Software Update’
- tap on the ‘Download and Install’ button, in case you notice any updated versions
5. Enable Lockdown Mode
If you think your iPhone has spyware on it and the other solutions don’t work, you can turn on Lockdown Mode, which is meant to shield your phone from online threats. Use the instructions below if your iOS version is 16 or higher:
- Go to ‘Settings’ and click on ‘Privacy and Security’
- Tap on ‘Lockdown Mode’ and click on ‘Turn on Lockdown Mode’
The most effective ways to locate and get rid of spyware on iPhones are these ones. Just follow the directions; the steps are 100% successful.
Also read: 5 Easy Ways To Hide Apps On Your iPhone
