How to detect and remove spyware from iPhone

Apple devices are well-known for built-in security measures but are not foolproof in the face of iPhone spyware. It’s a cyber threat growing more dangerous by the day as hackers earn good cash from stealing user data. Luckily, you can close the prying eyes and prevent spyware software from infiltrating your device. And you don’t need an IT course or expensive tools to achieve it.

In this article, we will provide simple instructions on how to detect and remove spyware from your iPhone for good. They range from helpful tips to relying on well-rounded tools like antivirus.

Our experts tested several dozen methods to deliver you the best weapons against spyware attacks. Stick with us to leave with a solution in your hands.

What is spyware on iPhone?

Spyware is a kind of software that sneakily tracks user behavior and harvests sensitive information. The scary part is that it captures each behind-the-scenes search, online visit, GPS, and more once inside. Advanced spyware can even covertly log every tap and swipe you make on the iPhone screen using key-logging techniques.

Worst of all is that you can catch iPhone spyware exceptionally easily. All it takes is tapping on an infected link, even on a decent website. Though they look safe and legit, you may also download a malicious extension or app. And, unfortunately, Apple’s installed protective measures aren’t always enough to spot neatly concealed spyware.

How to find spyware on iPhone?

Nowadays, cybercrooks ensure their spyware software lies as dormant as possible to avoid detection. But some symptoms appear regardless since it’s a foreign body in your iOS system.

The most common ones are:

• Battery constantly dying. Spyware constantly runs in the background to monitor you, rapidly draining your iPhone’s battery. While some drainage is normal during streaming or gaming, a batter that dies before your lunch warms up in a microwave is a grave sign.
• Overuse of data. iPhone spyware doesn’t just drain your battery – it also uses up your mobile data allowance to send your private information to unwanted parties. Due to this excessive strain, your iPhone can start overheating and developing performance issues.
• You receive odd messages or notifications. Unsolicited messages or ads could signal that spyware has infected your iPhone. These notifications may come as texts, app alerts, or other messages, especially if you’ve jailbroken your phone and downloaded unapproved apps.
• Pop-up ads and browser redirects. This malicious software shows relentless ads on your screen to cover up its behind-the-scenes theft of your private information. Also, browser hijackers can force redirects to undesirable websites, which may download spyware onto your device.
• Unfamiliar apps. iOS spyware can also sneak onto your iPhone through people close to you, like your partner, who can secretly install monitoring apps. Finding unfamiliar apps you didn’t download yourself may reveal someone else has access to your phone, as spyware often disguises itself as legitimate software.
• Unusual background noise. If you regularly hear static or echoing during phone calls, it’s typically from a poor connection. However, constant background noise might indicate someone is secretly recording your conversations.
• Strange app activity. Spyware can disrupt proper app functionality, causing unusual behaviors like random launching, crashing, or glitching.

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How to remove spyware from your iPhone

If any of the symptoms above have plagued your iPhone for a while now, it's time to do some medical spring cleaning. The iPhone spyware removal boils down to a few methods that our experts found noteworthy. While some help partially, others—like leaving the dirty work to a good antivirus—eliminate any traces of spyware.

1. Use an antivirus

While there are several ways to remove spyware from your iPhone, getting a solid antivirus designed for iOS is your smoothest route to a spyware-free iPhone. TotalAV offers swift spyware removal and device optimization features, all bundled in a user-friendly app. It passed all our tests with flying colors, removing more than just spyware on the iPhone.

1. Find TotalAV on the Apple App Store and press Get
   
2. Launch the antivirus app and hit Get Started to proceed
3. Complete registration if you don’t have an account. You’ll be redirected to their website for creating an account
4. Give in-app permissions to TotalAV in the iPhone settings
5. Launch a malware scan within the app
6. Exterminate any found malware and enable features to protect your iOS
7. Now you can browse the web without any worries!

Get the best iOS antivirus against spyware

2. Update your iPhone software to the latest version

Software updates don't only defend against spying – they also fortify iOS against emerging viruses and ransomware. While far rarer on iPhones than on computers, malicious software is an ever-evolving danger. Remaining vigilant about iOS versions allows you to remove malware if it manages to sneak through.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
2. Then tap General
3. Then press on the Software Update option. Your phone will check for pending updates
4. Then hit Download and Install
5. Enter your password when prompted to confirm it’s you
6. Now just wait for your iPhone to update and restart

3. Check and delete questionable apps

After updating your iPhone software, scrutinize your apps for anything suspicious. If you find an unusual app you don't remember downloading, just remove it. Spyware often hides without a Home screen icon, so also check Settings > General > Usage for unwanted apps.

Manage apps with the best antivirus

4. Clean up your browsing history

Browsing data is one of the primary targets of cybercriminals once the spyware nests in your device. Keep in mind, though, that it doesn’t guarantee spyware removal. But you can curb the pervasive monitoring by clearing your browsing history:

1. Tap on the Safari app (or another browser you’re using)
2. Press the open book icon at the bottom of your screen
3. Select Clear to wipe out all the previous browsing data, choose time and date
4. Now you should find zero logs when you reopen browsing history

5. Perform a factory reset in your iPhone

Resetting your device to factory default is a fine medicine against numerous malicious vectors. Though not entirely foolproof, it’s worth a shot against spyware making home of your iPhone.

1. Go to Settings on your phone
2. Tap on General
3. Hit the Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings
4. Enter your passcode or Apple ID password to confirm you’re the one initiating it
5. Wait out for the iPhone system to be wiped out and reset

Can someone spy on my iPhone?

Yes, it’s always possible that someone may use your iPhone as a spyglass. This could happen through a malicious app, a breach of your iCloud account, or other methods. After all, mobile devices like iPhones hold a wealth of personal information. While extremely useful, this also makes them potentially vulnerable to monitoring by outside parties.

However, in some rare cases, someone from your environment could put spyware software into your iOS gadget. One can never be too sure, sadly. But once inside, the malicious code spreads the web across your device for full-on monitoring. Hence, the one behind the software can see what you’re up to. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to identity theft.

How can I prevent my iPhone from spyware?

Figuring out how to remove spyware from iPhone will help you once, but nothing beats prevention. You can claim agency and exert digital hygiene to reduce the chances of catching malware. After all, spyware is not the worst nor the only cyber threat out there.

Here’s what you can do:

• Enable secure access. Use strong passwords, Touch/Face ID, and two-factor authentication to prevent physical or remote access to your device. Also, don’t forget to change passwords regularly.
• Download security apps. Install trusted apps that halt suspicious content, encrypt sensitive data, and block adware and malware. You can round up any existing or entering malware with a solid iPhone antivirus.
• Use strong passwords. Long, unique passcodes sure rub hackers the wrong way as they reduce their chances of breaking in. Update credentials regularly, too.
• Turn on 2FA. Two-factor authentication adds an extra credential check when logging in to accounts. Another step for a cybercrook to deal with and beat their resolve.
• Avoid jailbreaking. Jailbreaking forfeits built-in iOS security features and opens devices to more risks. It’s appealing for different reasons, but the absence of security often ends in worse cases than iPhone spyware.
• Backup regularly. Frequent backups to a protected external source preserve data integrity if issues emerge. Also, remember to only restore from backups known to pre-date infections.
• Use a good VPN. It encrypts internet activity to obscure online behaviors, locations, and data from prying eyes. Reputable providers even offer ad blockers or malware protection as part of the VPN suite. It’s worth considering as the extra muscle for your digital hygiene.

Prevent iOS spyware with TotalAV

Conclusion

Like any device, iPhones are vulnerable to spyware, and you can catch it even if you don’t traverse the web's darker corners. Fortunately, there are reliable ways how to remove spyware from iPhone and build a preventative safety net.

TotalAV is the best defense against iPhone spyware attacks due to its multifaceted software and advanced features. This antivirus requires little interaction from you while delivering maximum protection. But there are other precautions to take, like keeping your device up to date. Download only authorized apps and extensions, and look out for battery and data drainage, among other things.

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FAQ

What is the best spyware removal for iPhone?

The best way to remove spyware from the iPhone is with a reliable antivirus. Our experts recommend providers like TotalAV that deal swiftly with any malware on iOS devices. It serves both as an iPhone spyware detection and removal system due to real-time vigilance and full-system scans.

How do I get spyware off my phone?

The best way to remove spyware from your phone is with an antivirus. They're designed to deal with sneaky malware like spyware that otherwise are hard to find and exterminate. With services like TotalAV you just launch a full-system scan and allow the app to remove spyware instantly.

How can I tell if my phone has a spy app on it?

Spyware typically causes your phone to overheat, displays unusual ads and pop-ups, drains battery, consumes more data. New apps you don't recall downloading or a weird background noise during calls is another symptom of spyware on your mobile.

How do I check my iPhone for malware?

Finding malware on an iPhone on your own can be tricky. You can track for apps or extensions you never installed but appear on your device. However, the most reliable and quick way is an antivirus. Launch a system-wide scan with a service like TotalAV to detect iPhone malware and delete it.