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Knowing how to remove spyware from iPhone is extremely important if you suspect your device has been infected. If your iPhone has been overheating or requires frequent charging, or you’ve spotted unknown apps, then you may have spyware monitoring all your activity on your device.
Spy surveillance software is extremely dangerous as it can allow cybercriminals to access your personal information, logins, and banking details. The hackers may even be able to track your location and use your camera to watch you. If you believe your phone has spyware installed, you need to act immediately.
In this guide, I’ll discuss how to check whether your iOS device has been infected. I’ll also cover how to remove spyware from your iPhone based on my experience of testing the best security solutions on the market.
Best Antivirus Software for Removing Spyware From iPhone
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How to Spot Spyware Running on iPhones
Some iPhone spy apps require physical access to the device to be installed. However, others allow your iPhone to be hacked using your iCloud Apple ID password, so malware can be installed remotely.
Because of this, it’s important to keep your login details safe and only ever allow individuals you trust to access your device. Handing an unlocked phone to a stranger could allow them to infect your device in seconds. And if you suspect your iCloud has been hacked, you should change your Apple ID password immediately.
Since spyware is often disguised as a legitimate app, it can be difficult to tell if your device is infected, and more so than when dealing with other viruses, malware, and unauthorized software.
And anyone can be a target – Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man at the time, had his iPhone infected by a video file sent via WhatsApp in 2018. Once the downloader was in place, it started transmitting large amounts of data from his device to unknown third parties.
More recently, in July 2024, Apple warned iPhone users in 98 countries that they were the targets of “a mercenary spyware attack.” Given this, it’s essential to get protection in place.
In this guide, I’ll thoroughly cover how to get rid of spyware on iPhone – starting with how to detect spyware on iPhone.
Common Spyware Warning Signs on iPhone
iPhones do have some built-in security tools, but they’re not immune to malware by any stretch of the imagination. Users are vulnerable to ransomware, phishing attacks, and spyware, with infections stemming from email attachments, infected downloads, and malicious websites.
While malicious individuals certainly can spy on your iPhone without you knowing, some tell-tale signs may indicate the presence of spyware. The most common warning signs hinting that you might have spyware or malware installed include:
Look out for unusually high data usage. If you experience a sudden surge in data use, it may be because spyware is transmitting your data to a hacker’s device, whether via Wi-Fi or network data.
Spyware constantly works in the background, monitoring everything you do. This will cause your battery to drain much faster than normal. So take notice if your iPhone runs out of battery particularly quickly or without you using the phone much.
Your phone has limited resources when it comes to CPU and RAM. If spyware is hogging your device’s processing power, you’ll experience decreased performance.
Your phone may take longer to respond when opening apps and performing common tasks, for example. This could also be coupled with malware stealing your bandwidth for tasks like cryptomining.
Constant use of your phone’s resources may cause it to overheat. Suppose you’re not using multiple apps over extended periods, and your phone is getting hot. In that case, an unauthorized spyware program may be doing so without your knowledge and causing your device to heat up to a surprising degree.
Since spyware interferes with the normal functionality of your phone apps, you may notice unusual behavior. Examples include apps crashing, automatically launching without your input, or not responding correctly.
If you find apps or browser extensions on your device that you didn’t install, it’s worth being suspicious. They could be disguised malware programs monitoring your system.
Some simple research should confirm whether they’re part of your system or a potential threat that needs further investigation.
Some spyware can record your phone calls, in which case you may notice unusual background noises during conversations. If this happens, it’s best to avoid disclosing sensitive information during calls until you check your device.
There are several additional warning signs that may indicate the presence of malicious programs on your device and that someone is spying on your iPhone, such as:
- Scammy text messages automatically being sent to your contacts
- Unauthorized charges placed on your credit card
- Aggressive ads and pop-ups appearing in your browser or apps
- Automatic browser redirects
If you notice any of these red flags, it may indicate malware has hijacked your installed apps, and your activity may be being tracked and reported to a malicious third party. See our guide on how to stop Google redirects to Bing for more information on browser hijackers.
If you spot these signs, it may indicate an Apple iPhone security issue – which is the first step in how to find spyware on an iPhone.
The best way to check if you have an iPhone spyware problem is to install antivirus software on your iPhone. This will not only help you with detection and spyware removal but will also protect you from future cyber threats and online scams. For Android devices, see our guide to how to remove spyware from Android.
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6 Steps to Detect and Remove Spyware From iPhone Devices
If you have reason to believe your device is infected with spyware, don’t panic. Refrain from using apps, making calls, browsing the web, or making online purchases with the device.
If possible, place the device somewhere where it can’t get Wi-Fi or a cellular signal unless you’re carrying out a task like downloading an antivirus. In addition, assume that the device could be monitoring you, even if it appears to be off. Next, take the following steps to remove the malicious software from your iPhone:
How to Scan an iPhone for Spyware
If you want to ensure spyware removal for iPhone, I recommend installing antivirus software on your device immediately. An antivirus app can detect and remove existing spyware, malicious apps, ransomware, and viruses and is an important first step in how to check for spyware on iPhone.
Antivirus software can also offer real-time protection against security threats, online scams, and phishing attacks and safeguard your privacy on the internet. In short, getting an antivirus is essential for iPhone spyware detection.
I recommend TotalAV due to its superb malware detection rates and usability. Many rate it as being the best spyware remover on the market.
You could also opt for Bitdefender Antivirus, which offers a wide range of security tools. There are few good options if you want to scan an iPhone for spyware free of charge. Instead, I recommend looking for a paid provider that supports in-depth iPhone scans, and you can often test these with a trial. See our guide to the best antiviruses for iPhone for further recommendations.
Once you’ve signed up for a service, look for its app in the official App Store and download it to your device. Then, with the antivirus app installed, run a detailed System Scan.
The antivirus will check everything on your iPhone and flag any malicious software or potentially harmful apps. This is a crucial step in how to detect hidden spyware on iPhone devices.
If the antivirus detects any unknown or suspicious apps, it will suggest follow-up steps, which usually involve removing the problematic app. If you manage to manually remove any surveillance apps from your iPhone device, you should remain vigilant by periodically running quick scans and system scans.
You should also add the antivirus to your other Apple devices and desktop and mobile systems to ensure that they’re protected and to minimize the chances of reinfection. Both Norton and Bitdefender also offer webcam protection features, which are invaluable if you suspect your device is infected with spyware.
For advice on malware removal and assistance with how to remove malware from iPhone, see our guide on how to check a file for viruses.
Update Your Operating System
Spyware programs often exploit iOS vulnerabilities. Apple is aware of this, so it frequently releases software updates to address the security concerns that iOS and Mac users are exposed to.
That’s why you should always ensure your device has the latest operating system installed and that your apps are running the latest version available. To check this:
- Open the Settings app on your phone. Under General, tap on Software Update.
- Next, tap Install Now and accept the terms and conditions to continue. After the installation process has completed, your iPhone will restart.
Delete Unwanted Apps
Once you’ve updated your software, check for any unwanted, unusual, or suspicious apps. If you notice a new app on the phone that you don’t remember installing, it could be phone spyware that’s recording your device activity. To check for unwanted apps:
- Scroll through your home screen and identify any potentially suspicious apps. If you find any apps you don’t recognize, check if you need them, and if not, remove them.
- A new window will appear, asking you to confirm your choice. Tap on Delete App to permanently remove it from your phone.
Note that spyware is often hidden, meaning it won’t have an app icon on your home screen to alert you to its presence. That’s why it’s also advisable to check for unwanted apps in Settings:
- Under General settings, tap on Usage and scroll through the list of apps.
- If you find a suspicious app that you’re not using, tap on it and, after confirming it’s not needed with a Google search, select Delete App to remove it.
Check For and Remove Malicious Profiles
Sometimes, spyware apps can create new profiles to access your core system functionality and spy on your data. To find and remove these infections:
- Under General settings, tap on Profiles & Device Management. On newer versions of iOS, the settings are labeled VPN & Device Management.
- If you see a profile that you don’t recognize, tap on it and select Remove Profile. This will prevent spyware from tampering with your device.
Clear Your Browsing History
Clearing your browsing history and cache won’t remove malware or spyware. However, it will limit its ability to spy on what you do online. To clear browsing data:
- From Settings, tap on Safari and select Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm your choice by tapping Clear History and Data on the new pop-up screen.
Factory Reset
If the problem persists, you can perform a factory reset to remove all apps and data from your device.
This will get rid of the spyware, but you’ll lose any files, photos, videos, and documents stored on your iPhone – so it’s an extreme step. Nevertheless, it’s the most comprehensive approach to deleting spyware on an iPhone. To run a factory reset:
- From General settings, choose the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings, and then tap Erase iPhone to proceed.
- This will revert the iPhone to its factory state, so you should be able to use it safely and without fear of your privacy being compromised. If you back up files, make sure to carefully scan them to prevent the spyware from being preserved.
For more information, read our full guide to Will a Factory Reset Remove Viruses?
How to Remove Pegasus Spyware from iPhone
If you’re concerned that your device may have been infected with the Pegasus spyware product, you should thoroughly scan your device. You should also ensure your OS, apps, and security software are up to date and remove any anomalous apps and connections. Apple also recommends enabling Lockdown Mode.
It’s worth remembering that malicious actors may have access to the device, its camera, and its microphone, even if it appears to be inactive.
You may find you have to reset your device to factory settings, but even this may not fully remove the malware. If you believe this is the case, you should seek support from a security services provider to ensure your accounts and devices aren’t compromised.
Amnesty International has published an in-depth guide on how to detect Pegasus spyware on iPhone and other devices. It has also shared an open-source forensics tool that can assist you in establishing if you’ve been infected.
How Does Spyware Work on iPhones?
While spyware apps may use different methods to gain access to your personal information and the data stored on your iPhone, they function in a broadly similar fashion.
Instead, spyware’s main objective is to stay undetected and gain access to text messages, call logs, emails, accounts, credit card information, and other sensitive data. Both state actors and cybercriminals deploy spyware, taking advantage of software vulnerabilities and proven infiltration techniques.
If you’re worried that you have spyware on your iPhone or that someone has remote access to your device, you should immediately take the actions I’ve outlined above and install an antivirus and one of the best VPNs to prevent malicious individuals from tampering with your iPhone.
Looking into how to clean your iPhone from spyware for free can be a dead end as there just aren’t many good options for scanning iPhones for spyware for free. Even the best free antivirus solutions generally lack the multi-layered security tools and protection needed to tackle the most pernicious spyware.
How Does Spyware Get on iPhone?
There are several ways for your phone to become infected with spyware. For example, if you download an infected file or visit a site hosting malicious code, you could be infected with malware that can track your activity.
Traditionally, many spyware products required the user to have physical access to the device so they could download the software. However, if a malicious actor has your iCloud login details, they can upload spyware remotely. So, it’s extremely important to protect your credentials.
Some advanced spyware products, such as Pegasus, can infect your system with a call or text without you even clicking on a file. Because of this, it’s important to remain mindful of signs of spyware infection and to scan your device if you have any concerns.
See the section above for details on how to scan your iPhone for spyware. In addition, you can read our guide to how to prevent identity theft for further advice on protecting yourself.
How Dangerous is iPhone Spyware?
Having spyware running on your device is extremely dangerous. Here are some examples of what spyware can do on your iPhone:
- Log and steal your passwords and account details
- Track your physical location
- Hack your phone camera to spy on you at any time
- Control, block, and uninstall your apps
- Monitor your browsing history
- Mirror your iPhone display on another device
- Disable your device entirely
What Codes Can Find Spyware on iPhone?
There are several codes you can use to identify unusual activity taking place on your iPhone.
- To check if call forwarding has been implemented on your phone, dial this number: *#21#
- To activate or deactivate this function, dial: *21[enter phone number to forward to here]#
There are also several codes that forward calls in specific circumstances:
- *#61# – calls are forwarded if you don’t pick up
- *#62# – calls are forwarded if you’re unreachable
- *#67# – calls are forwarded if the line is busy
You can deactivate call forwarding for these functions with the following codes:
- #61#, #62#, and #67#
If call forwarding has been activated without your knowledge, then it’s a red flag that someone has been interfering with your device, and you should install an antivirus solution as soon as possible.
Top Antivirus Apps for Removing Spyware from iPhone
I’ve tested a wide range of security products on different devices and for different use cases. Here are my recommendations for the top security tools for removing iPhone spyware.
If you suspect your iPhone has a virus, it’s essential to invest in a security product, and TotalAV is my top pick. There’s not really a good answer if you’re wondering how to remove spyware from iPhone free of charge.
| Spyware iPhone Software | Starting Price | Key Features for iPhone | Max Devices | Free Version / Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV | $19/year | System Tune-Up Tools, Phishing Protection, VPN | 8 | Free Plan, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Bitdefender | $14.99/year | Web Protection, VPN, SMS Protection | 25 | 30-Day Trial, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Norton | $19.99/year | Virus Protection Promise, Malware Protection, Anti-Scam Tools | Unlimited | 30-Day Trial, 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
These providers can all assist with how to remove spyware from iPhone 14, 15, and 16. TotalAV supports iOS 9+, Bitdefender supports iOS 12+, and Norton supports iOS 16+.
Additional Steps to Take for Enhanced iOS Security After Removing Spyware From an iPhone
When it comes to enhancing the security of your iPhone, it all starts with your online habits. In addition to being careful about what websites you visit and what links you click, you should invest in security apps to compensate for the system’s vulnerabilities and protect your data and privacy.
I’ve covered how to check an iPhone for spyware, but here are steps you can take to make sure your iPhone stays protected against other cyber threats:
Install an Antivirus with a VPN
If you’re worried that your device is infected, you should install an antivirus and, ideally, one with Virtual Private Network (VPN) functionality.
This combined security strategy will detect and remove suspicious apps and malware, protect you from future threats, and safeguard your internet connection.
This makes it much harder for anyone to spy on your internet connection, which is particularly important if you’re using public Wi-Fi, where you’re open to Man-in-the-Middle attacks.
TotalAV, Bitdefender, Norton, and Surfshark all offer VPNs with their plans. Check out our complete guide for recommendations for the best antivirus with VPN functionality and our article on how to get rid of viruses on your phone.
Get a Password Manager
The additional layer of security provided by the best password managers makes it much more difficult for hackers to get your login details.
These services provide an encrypted password vault, so even if your device is infected, hackers won’t be able to access your accounts without additional details.
They also make it easy to create, store, and manage strong, unique passwords. This stops fraudsters from breaking into multiple accounts with a single set of stolen credentials.
Many antiviruses also offer password management features. For example, TotalAV includes its Total Password product with its Total Security plan, priced at $49/year for eight devices.
See our guide to the best password managers for iPhone for further exploration of how they can help you manage password security.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
To protect your accounts, you should turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. This means your account will be safe even if your login details are stolen.
If you have spyware on your device, this may not be 100% foolproof, as a hacker may be able to retrieve One-Time Passwords from your text messages.
However, it’s a sensible security precaution that will generally keep you safe and, at the very least, will slow down cybercriminals.
Ensure Your iCloud Details are Secure
In addition to using a password manager to protect your accounts, make sure to set up a strong password for your iCloud credentials and periodically change it to ensure it remains secure.
A recent attack saw hackers trying to steal Apple IDs via SMS phishing. You should be very wary of messages from unknown senders and requests to share your details.
I also recommend using services like TotalAV and Bitdefender that offer data breach monitoring. These tools will alert you if your details have been leaked online, meaning you can change them immediately if there’s an indication that they’ve been compromised.
For more tips on protecting your device, see our guides to the best malware removal services and the best antivirus software, according to Reddit.
Never Download Apps Outside the App Store
Every app on the Apple App Store passes rigorous checks before it’s published. This is how Apple protects its users from malicious applications. You should never download potentially suspicious apps from third-party sources as they won’t have gone through these checks.
Don’t Click on Buttons, Ads, or Links on Shady Sites
When browsing the web, avoid clicking on buttons, links, and ads on dubious sites. If an ad promises a great deal, you can always Google it and check it out from the advertiser’s official website to confirm that it’s a real offer.
Never Open Suspicious Emails or Click on Attachments
If you get an email from an unknown sender, it’s best not to open it. Many scammers impersonate institutions and attempt to trick people into sharing information, so always be wary of links and attachments in messages.
Check the sender’s address, and keep in mind that banks and online services will never ask you to share your username or password via email. See our guide to how to avoid phishing scams for more advice.
Lock Down Your Apps
Make sure to only give apps permissions that they really need, and be mindful of apps requesting deep device access.
In addition, keep in mind that jailbreaking your device can leave the door wide open for malicious apps and spyware, so it’s strongly discouraged. This is particularly important in business contexts. See our guide to the best business antivirus software for more advice.
Secure Your Other Devices
If your iPhone has been infected with spyware, there’s a good chance that hackers may have access to your other devices as well as your online accounts and login details. Given this, it’s worth installing antivirus software on your Mac or any other desktop or phone you’re using.
In addition, be on the lookout for any mysterious new programs or extensions that may appear, and make sure to occasionally change your login details.
Of course, if your desktop is compromised, then it could re-infect your iPhone in the future. So it’s crucial to ensure the issue is fully resolved across your whole digital ecosystem.
See our best antivirus for Mac and best Windows antivirus guides for recommendations, and see our guide on the Apple Security Alert scam for information on other Apple security issues.
Conclusion – How to Remove Spyware on iPhone
It can be tough to deal with spyware running on iPhone as it often hides on your device and operates without your knowledge. It’s also extremely dangerous because it gives cybercriminals complete access to your device. This includes your texts, emails, notes, files, folders, and chat logs on social apps.
It may even allow the hacker to use your camera and microphone, control your apps, and disable your device. Removing iOS spying software from your device should be your number one priority.
In this guide, I’ve explored how to find hidden spy apps on iPhone and several manual methods for detecting and removing spyware on iOS devices. Some malicious programs are more difficult to remove, however.
That’s why I recommend installing a reliable antivirus that includes a VPN as a first step for how to check your phone for spyware and address any major Apple spyware problem. This will help you detect and remove existing threats and protect you from spyware, malware, ransomware, keyloggers, and viruses in the future.
Of course, it’s always wise to follow good digital security practices, as well, and to be wary of emails and messages from unknown senders, suspicious or unfamiliar apps, and potentially dangerous websites.
FAQs
What is the best app to check for spyware on iPhone and remove it?
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Does resetting an iPhone remove spyware?
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References
- Information Technology Laboratory National Vulnerability Database (NIST)
- App security overview (Apple Platform Security)
- How To Avoid a Government Impersonator Scam (FTC Consumer Advice)
- Apple drops term ‘state-sponsored’ attacks from its threat notification policy (Reuters)
- Forensic Methodology Report: How to catch NSO Group’s Pegasus (Amnesty International)
- NSO Group spyware ‘dangerous’, say tech firms in legal filing (The Guardian)
- Here Is the Technical Report Suggesting Saudi Arabia’s Prince Hacked Jeff Bezos’ Phone (Vice)
- iPhone users in 98 countries warned about spyware by Apple (Malwarebytes Labs)
- About Lockdown Mode (Apple)
- Apple IDs Targeted in US Smishing Campaign (Broadcom)
- TotalAV Mac testing results (AV-Test)
- Norton Security Mac testing results (AV-Test)
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac testing results (AV-Test)
- Lock your phone before letting a stranger snap your photo (MSN)
