When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
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 more frequent charging, or you’ve spotted unknown apps appearing, 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 and will cover how to remove spyware from your iPhone.
Best Antivirus Software for Removing Spyware From iPhone
TotalAV – Superb antivirus software for complete, real-time protection
- Show Full Guide
How to Spot Spyware Running on iPhones
Some iPhone spy apps require physical access to the device to be installed, but 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 allow individuals you trust to access the device.
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 targeted – 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.”
In this guide, I’ll thoroughly cover how to get rid of spyware on iPhone, starting with how to detect spyware on your iOS.
Common Spyware Warning Signs on iPhone
While iPhones do have built-in security tools, they’re certainly not immune to malware. Users can be exposed to ransomware, phishing attacks, and spyware, with infections stemming from email attachments, infected downloads, and malicious websites.
There are some tell-tale signs that your device may be infected with spyware, though. The most common warning signs that hint you might have spyware or malware installed include:
High data usage
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.
Poor battery life
Spyware constantly works in the background, monitoring everything you do. This will cause your battery to drain much faster than normal. So take notice whether your iPhone runs out of battery quickly, without you using the phone much.
Decreased performance
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 device performance. Your phone may take longer to respond when opening apps and performing common tasks, for example.
Overheating
Constant use of your phone’s resources may also cause it to overheat. If you’re not using multiple apps all day long, then an unauthorized spyware program may be doing so without your knowledge and causing your device to heat up to a surprising degree.
Strange app activity
Since spyware interferes with phone apps’ normal functionality, you may notice unusual behavior, like apps automatically launching without your input, crashing, or not responding correctly.
Mysterious apps
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.
Background noise during calls
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.
Other unusual behavior and signs of suspicious apps
There are several additional warning signs that may indicate the presence of unwanted, malicious programs on your device, such as:
- Scammy text messages automatically being sent to your contacts
- Unauthorized charges put to your credit card
- Aggressive ads and pop-ups appearing in your browser or apps
- Automatic browser redirects
If you notice anything like that, it may indicate malware has hijacked your installed apps, and your activity may be tracked and reported to a malicious third party.
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.
TotalAV – Outstanding Antivirus Software for Complete Protection, Including Password Manager and VPN
- Minimal system impact
- Unlimited VPN bandwidth
- Excellent phishing protection
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, and take the following steps to remove the malicious software from your iPhone:
Install an Antivirus
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 offers an important first step to how to check for spyware on iPhone.
It can also offer real-time protection against security threats, online scams, and phishing attacks and safeguard your privacy on the internet. 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.
Alternatively, you could opt for Norton Antivirus, which offers a wide range of excellent 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. 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 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 and potentially harmful apps. This is a key 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 as well and to minimize the chances of reinfection.
Update Your Operating System
Spyware programs often exploit iOS vulnerabilities. Apple is aware of this, so the company frequently releases software updates to address security concerns.
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, identify any potentially suspicious apps, and 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 the core functions of your system and spy on your data. To find and remove these:
- 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
While clearing your browsing history and cache won’t remove malware or spyware, it will limit its ability to spy on what you do online. To do this:
- 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 it will also mean 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 the 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.
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, 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 methodology for detecting Pegasus and has 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 all function in a 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.
If you’re worried that you have spyware on your phone 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, though, as there 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. Because of this, 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.
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 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.
TotalAV, Norton, and NordVPN Threat Protection all offer VPNs with their plans. Check out our complete guide for recommendations for the best antivirus with a VPN and our article on how to get rid of viruses on your phone.
Get a Password Manager
The additional security layer provided by the best password managers makes it much more difficult for hackers to get your login details.
Everything in the password vault is encrypted, so even if your device is infected, hackers won’t be able to access your accounts without additional details.
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 explanation 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 foolproof, though, as a hacker may be able to retrieve One-Time Passwords from your text messages, but it’s a sensible security precaution that will slow down cybercriminals, at the very least.
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 update it.
A recent attack saw hackers trying to steal Apple IDs via SMS phishing – so be very wary of messages from unknown senders and requests to share your details.
You might also want to look for a service with data breach monitoring tools, which will alert you if your details have been leaked online so you can change them if they are compromised.
For more tips on protecting your device, see our guides to the best malware removal and the best antivirus software, according to Reddit.
Never Download Apps Outside the App Store
Every app on the App Store passes rigorous checks before it’s published. This is how Apple protects its users from malicious applications. You should never download 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.
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. This is particularly important in business contexts. See our guide to the best business antivirus software for more advice.
Summary – How to Remove Spyware on iPhone
Spyware running on iPhone can be tough to deal with 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 – including 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.
In this guide, I’ve explored several manual methods for detecting and removing spyware on iOS devices, but some malicious programs are more difficult to remove.
That’s why I recommend installing a reliable antivirus that includes a VPN as a first step to addressing 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.
FAQs
What is the best app to check for spyware on iPhone and remove it?
How do I completely remove spyware on an Apple phone?
How do I find and remove hidden spyware from an iPhone?
Does resetting an iPhone remove spyware?
Can spyware be installed on an iPhone remotely?
How do you remove Pegasus spyware from an iPhone?
Can you scan an iPhone for spyware free of charge?
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)
