While many people believe iPhones are immune to viruses, any device connected to the internet can be compromised. If you suspect your phone is no longer secure, this guide will teach you how to identify the signs of a hack and the steps to regain control of your device. Following these instructions can help you secure your personal data and restore your iPhone’s integrity.
A guide to recovering your iPhone after a hack
This guide will walk you through the signs of a compromised iPhone and the immediate steps you should take to secure your device and data from intruders.
Method 1: How to tell if your iPhone is hacked
- Your phone feels hotter than normal. Unauthorized processes running in the background can cause your device to overheat even when you are not using it heavily.
- Your phone’s battery drains much quicker than usual. Malicious software running secretly can consume significant power, leading to a noticeable drop in battery life.
- Your phone’s performance has gotten noticeably worse. A sudden slowdown in performance can be a sign that a hacker is using your phone’s resources for their own activities.
- Your phone is using more cellular data than it usually does. In your iPhone settings, navigate to Cellular and check your data usage. A sudden spike could indicate that a hacker is transferring data from your device.
- There are apps on your phone that you did not install. Check your App Library for any suspicious apps you don’t recognize, as they may not appear on your home screen.
- You see unauthorized purchases on your Apple ID. If you notice strange charges on your credit card or notifications from Apple Pay, investigate them immediately.
- You are locked out of your Apple ID or receive unexpected security alerts. Emails about password changes or sign-ins from unrecognized locations are a clear sign of a compromise.
- The camera or microphone turns on by themselves. A green dot on your screen indicates the camera is in use, while an orange dot means the microphone is active. If you see these without opening an app, a hacker may have remote access.
- Messages are being sent from your phone that you did not write. If friends or family report receiving strange messages from you, check your messaging apps for any activity you don’t recognize.
Method 2: What to do if your iPhone has been hacked
- First, remain calm. While being hacked is a stressful experience, there are clear steps you can take to remove the intruder and secure your device.
- Change your passwords immediately. Start with your Apple ID password, but it is safest to change the passwords for all of your important accounts, such as email and banking.
- Delete any unrecognized or suspicious apps. If you find an app you don’t remember installing, remove it completely.
- When you try to delete an app from the home screen, your phone will ask if you want to remove it from the home screen or fully delete it. Be sure to select Delete App to remove it from your device entirely.
- Remove unrecognized devices from your Apple ID. Sign in at appleid.apple.com and select Devices from the menu. Select any device you don’t recognize and click Remove from account.
- Run an antivirus scan. An antivirus app can help identify and remove malicious software that may be hidden on your phone. Many computer antivirus providers also offer mobile apps.
- Update your phone and all installed apps. Software updates often contain critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers use to gain access to devices.
- Report the fraud to Apple. If your Apple ID was compromised, contact Apple Support. You can email them at reportphishing@apple.com, call them at 800-275-2273, or visit an Apple Store in person.
- Cancel any credit or debit cards linked to your device. If you use Apple Pay, contact your bank to cancel your cards and have new ones issued to prevent fraudulent charges.
- Freeze your credit to prevent identity theft. This stops hackers from opening new accounts in your name. You must contact each bureau individually:
- If all else fails, perform a factory reset on your iPhone. Warning: This is a last resort, as it will completely erase all data on your phone, but it is a surefire way to remove a hacker.
Method 3: How to avoid getting hacked in the future
- Keep your phone’s operating system up-to-date. Regular iOS updates patch security holes that hackers can otherwise exploit.
- Use complex, unique passwords and a strong passcode for your device. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Apple ID. To do this, go to Settings, tap your name, select Password & Security, and turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
- Learn to identify phishing scams. Be wary of suspicious links in emails, text messages, and calendar invites that ask for your personal information.
- Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it, especially in public places, to prevent hackers from using it as an entry point.
- Do not jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking removes Apple’s built-in security measures, leaving your device extremely vulnerable to attacks.
- Use a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Securing your iPhone is about more than just protecting a piece of hardware; it’s about safeguarding your digital life. Your phone contains a wealth of personal information, including private messages, photos, financial details, and location history. A compromised device can give a hacker a direct window into your most sensitive data, leading to privacy invasion and emotional distress.
Beyond privacy concerns, a hacked iPhone poses a significant risk of financial loss and identity theft. Hackers can access your banking apps, use your stored credit cards, or steal your identity to open new accounts or take out loans in your name. By taking proactive steps to secure your device, you are building a critical defense against these threats and maintaining control over your personal and financial well-being.
