With the increasing reliance on smartphones, the need for security and safety is becoming more critical. Although viruses on iPhone are significantly less common than on traditional computers, they’re not immune to malware infections. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with several ways to check if your iPhone has any viruses and how to prevent them from infecting your phone in the future.
If you’ve noticed that your iPhone is running poorly, sent messages on its own, or randomly shuts down, there is a possibility that your phone has a virus. Before we dive into how to check if there is a virus on your iPhone, let’s explore why you might want to take these extra security steps.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Firstly, you don’t need to install any software to check if there’s a virus on your iPhone. All you need is your iPhone and a working internet connection.
- iPhone
- A reliable internet connection
What Requires Your Focus?
Keeping an eye on the following can help maintain a healthy iPhone able to fend off virus infections.
- Downloading & Updating Software Regularly: Just like your computer, iPhones require regular updating to fend off viruses and cyber attacks. If you’re not sure your iPhone is up to date, start by checking for updates on the settings>general>software update and install any available updates.
- Using Official Apps Store: Avoid installing apps outside the official App Store. Most of the apps available on the App Store have undergone security checks to ensure they’re safe for users.
- Avoid Clicking on Banners from Websites: If you come across a banner or notification while browsing that directs you to download an app, avoid it. If you’re not sure, research the app and see if it’s reputable before clicking the download link.
- Avoid Jailbreaking Your Device: Jailbreaking your iPhone may give you additional customization options, but it comes with added security risks. If you’ve already jailbroken your device, it’s recommended to revert to its stock settings.
Different Methods to Check If You Have Any Viruses on iPhone
Method 1: Check iPhone with Third-Party Antivirus Software
One way to detect if there’s a virus on your iPhone is by using third-party antivirus software. These types of apps are designed to scan and keep your iPhone safe from web threats and viruses. Here’s how to use them:
- Download the trusted antivirus app of your choice from the App Store and install it.
- Open the app, and it will automatically start scanning your iPhone.
- If the software detects any viruses, it will give you an alert and provide instructions on what steps you should take to remove them.
Pros:
- Third-party antivirus software provides an added layer of security to your iPhone.
- It’s effortless to use; Install the software, click the scan button, and you’re done.
- The software often notifies you of any potential threats and offers additional suggestions to avoid them.
Cons:
- Downloading and installing third-party apps can fill your iPhone with clutter, take up storage space, and slow down your device.
- Not all third-party antivirus software is reliable, and even the best may detect a false positive virus.
Method 2: Check Safari Browser History
Safari is the default web browser for iPhone and can also be an easy way to detect if there’s a virus on your iPhone. By checking your Safari history, you can see if there was any unusual website visits or a redirection to a strange site. Here’s how to do it:
- Open "Settings" on your iPhone, scroll down, and click on the "Safari" icon.
- Scroll down until you find "Clear History and Website Data," then click on it.
- Your iPhone will ask if you want to clear your history and website data. If you click "Clear History and Data," it will delete your browsing history and website data.
Pros:
- It’s an easy method to check for signs of viruses on your iPhone.
- Clearing history and website data can improve the performance of your iPhone, even if there are no viruses present.
Cons:
- Clearing your browsing history and website data will delete all passwords saved on Safari.
- It’s not a foolproof way to detect viruses on your iPhone, and some viruses might not affect your browsing history.
Method 3: Use Apple’s XProtect Tool
Apple offers XProtect as a free security feature to detect and warn iPhone owners of viruses on their devices. XProtect is a built-in macOS program that scans downloads for content matching a known list of malicious software. Here’s how to use it:
- Open "Finder" on your iPhone and click "Go" on the menu bar, then select "Go to Folder."
- Type in "/System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle/Contents/Resources/" and press "Enter."
- Find "Xprotect.plist" in the list of files and double-click on it.
- Select "All" from "Available." You should see a list of malware or viruses XProtect wishes to block.
Pros:
- XProtect is free to use and built directly into your iPhone.
- Xprotect is frequently updated to ensure protection against the latest known viruses and malware.
Cons:
- XProtect only checks for information downloaded from the internet and will not pick up viruses present on your iPhone already.
- You will not know what the XProtect tool did to the identified viruses or malware.
Why Can’t I Check My iPhone Manually?
Checking your iPhone manually for viruses may seem like a convenient and easy way, but it’s not possible. Without specialized security technologies and software, it’s impossible to check your iPhone for viruses manually. With that said, you can check your iPhone using the methods suggested in this blog post.
Implications and Recommendations
It’s essential to take the necessary security steps to keep your iPhone safe and prevent any viruses from infecting it. Here are some recommendations to protect your iPhone:
- Regularly update your iPhone.
- Avoid downloading apps from outside the official Apple store.
- Check your Web browsing history regularly for suspicious activities and clear them.
- Undertake a regular scan using a reliable antivirus app.
5 FAQs About Checking for Viruses on Your iPhone
Q1: Can Apple notify me if there’s a virus on my iPhone?
A: Apple doesn’t provide virus notifications or alerts for iPhone’s built-in firmware. If you’re using a third-party antivirus app, they may warn you of any potential viruses or spyware on your device.
Q2: Can I undo clearing my browsing history and website data?
A: Unfortunately, no. When you clear your browsing history and website data, it permanently deletes the data. Make sure to backup all necessary passwords before doing so.
Q3: Are all third-party antivirus apps safe for my iPhone?
A: Not all third-party antivirus software is safe or effective. Some may contain malware themselves and, if installed, may compromise your iPhone. Before downloading an antivirus app, research its reliability and reputation carefully.
Q4: Can Jailbreaking my iPhone help detect viruses?
A: Jailbreaking your iPhone will not help detect viruses or malware on your device. Instead, it might increase the risk of infecting your phone with spyware or malware.
Q5: Can a virus on my iPhone affect my PC?
A: Typically, viruses on iPhones don’t transfer to other devices. However, if your iPhone syncs or backs up with your PC, there’s a possibility that the virus might transfer to your PC through the backup. Always keep your anti-virus software up to date on every device to minimize the risk.
Final Words
Viruses on iPhones are becoming increasingly common, and it’s essential to take security measures to keep your device and personal data safe. Whether you use a third-party antivirus app or check Safari browser history, all the methods outlined in this blog post will help detect any viruses present on your iPhone. To minimize the risk of viruses in the future, take the necessary precautions, including regularly updating your phone, using the official App Store, and avoiding suspicious sites.