You can infect your iPhone with a virus by downloading a corrupted app. Links to malicious apps remain the popular virus delivery system for hackers. Those links could show up in your instant messages as a text to “act right away.” It only takes one click to become infected with iPhone viruses. When that happens, the goal is to eliminate those viruses from your iPhones. Here are some options you should try to get rid of a virus on your iPhone:
Method 1: Restart Your iPhone to clean from the virus
An iPhone restart might be one of the easiest and most effective ways to clear a virus from the device. Here, are steps to do this: Step 1) Hold the power button until a message to turn off the device appears. Step 2) Tap the white button and move it right. That will turn off the device. Step 3) Hold the power button until the Apple logo appears to power up your device.
Method 2: Update the iOS to get rid of a virus
New versions of the iPhone iOS correct bugs that appear in the phone’s features. An iOS update also provides program patches to fortify your phone’s security. It also includes updates to thwart newly released viruses. Here are steps to update your iOS version: Step 1) Activate the Settings (the grey cog). Step 2) Tap General. Step 3) Select the option to update your software.
Step 4) Select the option to download and install the update.
Note: There will be instructions to guide you to finish the update download. You can use the same method for your iPad. Newer iPhones and iPads will ask for a PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID before updates begin. However, before doing this, you must also plug your device into a power source or fully charge the phone.
Method 3: Clear Your iPhone’s Browsing History
Your iPhone’s browsing history keeps track of all your search and download history. It also keeps track of any potential viruses in your system. So, clearing your history and data can knock out that virus and prevent it from causing further harm. Following is the procedure to follow to clear your browsing history and data: Step 1) Activate the Settings on your device and tap on Safari.
Step 2) Go to the “Clear History and Website Data” option.
Step 3) Select “Clear History and Data.” It will take a few moments for this procedure to complete.
Method 4: Remove All the Suspicious Apps from your iPhone or iPad
You decide what apps to download on your phone, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep every app. For example, some apps that promise a helpful function or offer a fun game can sometimes have a virus. However, you should remove those suspicious apps if they aren’t needed. They could contain harmful iPhone malware. Remove the unfamiliar apps, and the virus will go, too. Here are steps to delete these apps: Step 1) Press and hold down the symbol for the app. A prompt will appear with three choices:
Edit Home Screen Share App Remove App
Step 2) Select the Remove option for the app. A second prompt will ask:
Delete App Remove From Home Screen Cancel
Step 3) Tap “Delete App” After you delete apps, you can restart your iPhone.
Method 5: Restore a Previous Backup Version
There was a time when your iPhone was virus free. You can return to that version with the “previous backup version” option. That is another practical approach to clearing out iPhone malware.
You have two choices for an iPhone restoration. You can get the backup stored on your computer or the version on iCloud.
The iCloud Option: Start by going to Settings and tapping iCloud. The iCloud backup should be on. If not, you need to go to the second option. Here are steps to restore your iPhone from the iCloud: Step 1) Go to the Settings menu and tap General. Step 2) Next, Select Transfer or Reset iPhone. Step 3) Tap Erase All Content and Settings Step 4) To back up to the iCloud before the reset, tap Select Then Erase. If not, select Erase Now.
Step 5) Follow the on-screen prompts to utilize a password. Step 6) An Apps and Data screen will appear. Tap Restore from iCloud backup. Follow the suggestion to go into iCloud and pick the specific backup date you want to download.
Method 6: Factory Reset Your iPhone to Remove Virus & Malware
When the previous methods fail, you can go back to the literal beginning of your iPhone with a factory reset. The procedure helps remove iPhone viruses, but there is a significant consideration. When you reset your phone to the original factory version, you will remove all your current content, apps, settings, and configurations. In addition, the reset will install the newest iOS device version. Here are the steps to follow for a total factory reset: Step 1) Open the device settings. Step 2) Tap General. Step 3) Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone. Step 4) Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 5) Tap Erase Now.
Method 7: Reset All Content and Settings
The Reset All Content and Settings option is another approach to return your iPhone to the same status as when you bought it new. It is a viable fix for recurring system problems like the inability to connect to the Internet for an iOS security app update. Note: This reset method will remove any of your previously downloaded apps. It will also remove all stored passwords and any other website data. Here are steps to reset all content and settings: Step 1) Tap on Settings Step 2) Tap on General Step 3) Scroll to and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 4) Tap Reset. Follow the prompts.
Method 8: Install iOS Security Software of Anti-malware Software
Once you remove your iPhone’s virus, you can add anti-malware software that will protect you from a future virus attack. You can download each of these iOS security app options as an app from the Apple app store.
1) TotalAV
TotalAV is a popular security software app for the iPhone that offers a wide range of features beyond protection. For example, it provides features like Data Breach Check that monitors your email address for any compromised data. TotalAV provides real-time protection that checks downloads for any potential virus threat. It also removes web tracking cookies to keep your browsing history clear. Visit TotalAV »
2) Avast
The Avast security app runs smart scans on software, files, and apps for potential security breaches. Those scans extend to Wi-Fi networks you might activate. If the app detects a risk, it will send you a warning to avoid that network. The Avast app can also set up a quarantine to isolate harmful files from your iOS. It also provides additional protection for your passwords at the premium level that can prevent them from being stolen. Visit Avast »
3) Norton 360
Norton security software is a brand trusted by computer users. Their security software now extends to iPhones. In addition, the Norton Secure VPN Plan blocks hackers from your browser history. That includes home and public Wi-Fi use. The Norton app automatically secures your connection to any potentially harmful Wi-Fi network. You can also customize which traffic you want to encrypt, such as online banking. The app also filters out suspicious spam text messages. Visit Norton 360 »
Tips To Protect Your iPhone or iPad From Malware
Here are tips to protect iPhone or iPad From Malware:
Turn on Automatic iOS Updates on your iPhone: Every iOS update involves security updates and improvements. Apple rarely discusses specific security issues. However, the latest updates offer the most security. When you turn on the Automatic iOS Updates, your device will always become current. Use Trusted VPN: A Virtual Private Network or VPN helps keep your online interactions private. A VPN sets up a secure connection between your device and the Internet. You can add a free VPN app to your iPhone, but it needs to come from a trusted source to protect your privacy and access to website data. Turn on Automatic App Updates: It is not just your iOS that should have automatic updates, but also every app on your device. Reputable apps regularly update their programs to provide enhanced security for their users. Download Apps Only from the App Store: Apps can also be downloaded from outside the Apple App Store. However, it is a risk to download those apps. Apple has a vigorous vetting process for each app they offer on their store. It will add a layer of protection for your device. Don’t Jailbreak Your iPhone: Jailbreaking refers to bypassing Apple’s pre-existing security features. That could allow you to download apps from websites not directly affiliated with Apple. Unfortunately, jailbreaking comes with a considerable risk of virus infection. It also compromises your phone data. Don’t Open Strange Attachments: Most viruses that can land on your iPhone come through attachments. These attachments can be a link from a text or website you visit. They can also appear to be from reputable companies with whom you do business. It is best to go to the company’s trusted website to confirm any special offer before you click the link in a text.
Can an iPhone Get a Virus from Safari?
It is rare. You can get a virus from Safari but not from the browser. Safari is the leading internet browser for most iPhone users. This browser cannot transmit a virus to your iPhone. However, you could visit malicious websites through Safari that can transmit a harmful virus. That’s why you must practice the same discretion when using Safari as you would with your computer’s Internet browser.
Summary
Despite Apple’s efforts, iPhones can be infected with viruses. Spam texts with links or app purchases outside the Apple App store can contain iPhone viruses. There are many methods to help remove those harmful viruses from your iPhone, including restarting the device or restoring it to a previous version. You must be proactive in protecting your iPhone by adding additional security features such as Avast, Norton, or TotalAV.
