How to Check if Your iPhone is Hacked | 7 Signs & What to Do

Unfamiliar apps, strange messages or a battery that suddenly runs flat can make you wonder: Is my iPhone hacked? This guide explains how to check if your phone has been hacked, how to remove any malware or keyloggers and what you can do to prevent anybody from hacking your phone again in the future.

If you suspect that your iPhone has been hacked, reach through each of these steps carefully. If you follow the guidance below, you should be able to regain control over your mobile device. If you prefer, you can use the table of content links to jump to a specific section of the article:

• Can an iPhone be Hacked?
• 7 Signs an iPhone is Hacked
• 5 Steps to Address a Hack
• How to Prevent Future Hacks
• Frequently Asked Questions

To start, let’s squash the most basic myth about iPhones that has circulated for years: “iPhones can’t be hacked.” Right?

Can an iPhone Be Hacked?

Believe it or not, iPhones aren’t invincible to hacks. Apple has put up a good fight with solid security measures and they do a great job with their marketing, but no system is 100% foolproof.

No system or platform is 100% secure!

Attackers can exploit software flaws, but stolen passwords and social engineering are usually the bigger risk. Someone who can access your Apple Account or shared location may not need to install malware on your phone.

Remember that news about Jeff Bezos’ iPhone X getting hacked in 2020? You might not run a mega-corporation, but your iPhone still holds personal information that could mess with your identity and finances.

Importance of Detecting iPhone Hacks Early 

Yes, your iPhone can be hacked, and if/when that happens, the most important thing you can do is to act quickly.

If you just landed here suspecting an iPhone hack, you’re on the right track. Spotting it early is like putting out a fire before it burns down the entire place. Imagine if your iPhone has a keylogger–a real stalker hiding in your device, sending everything type to unknown third parties, potentially revealing your passwords, texts, and browser searches.

Super scary, right? But don’t sweat it. You do not need to diagnose everything at once. The checks below will help you choose a proportionate next step.

7 Signs Your iPhone Might Be Hacked

Given our constant attachment to our phones, spotting unusual behavior isn’t too tricky. There are seven signs that your iPhone might be hacked:

• Battery Drainage or Abnormal Heat
• Persistent Pop-ups or Ads
• Unusually high data usage
• Suspicious Apps you Didn’t Install
• Camera or Mic Indicator Light On
• Contacts Receiving “Strange Messages”
• Unauthorized purchases

Several symptoms together still do not prove surveillance. Look for concrete evidence, such as an unknown signed-in device, an unwanted management profile or activity you did not authorize.

Let’s take a look at each of these individually.

Battery Drainage, Abnormal Heat & Performance Hiccups

Does your iPhone battery seem to drain at an alarmingly fast rate? It could be that your phone is just getting old, but it could also be a sign that background processes are consuming resources, like location tracking, recording, or mining apps.

Battery age, updates, poor cellular reception and demanding apps can all increase battery use. Check Settings → Battery to see which apps and activities account for the drain before assuming a hidden process is responsible. 

Persistent problems after updating and restarting are a reason to investigate further or ask Apple for help.

Persistent Pop-ups or Ads

Another major indicator of a compromised iPhone is spammy pop-ups or ads.

Aggressive website ads and pop-ups are often a problem with the page you visited. A browser message claiming that your iPhone is infected is not a trustworthy security scan.

If your iPhone opens these ad tabs or bombards you with frequent pop-ups across many apps, it could indicate the presence of some adware that pushes you to visit sites that drive revenue through forced clicks. Close the suspicious page without installing its recommended app or calling a number in the warning. Check for unwanted browser notifications or calendar subscriptions if the alerts keep returning.

High Data Usage

Most mobile plans either cap your data or throttle your speed after a certain usage. If you find that you’re hitting that cap faster than normal, it’s worth taking a closer look at which apps are eating up all the data.

To check, go to Settings → Cellular or Mobile Service → Usage.

If you notice any sudden spikes in data usage or an app you never open that is using up tons of data, there’s a possibility that you’re under surveillance.  

Suspicious Apps You Didn’t Install

Speaking of apps you never open, have you come across a sketchy app you don’t remember installing?

It could be that you’re just forgetful (that happens!) but it also might have been planted by a hacker or somebody who wants to track you.

These malicious apps could be hidden from your home screen, so ensure to review all the installed apps in your app library. Take a closer look and delete anything that seems suspicious. Review the App Library at Settings → General → iPhone Storage. Identify an app before removing it, especially on a managed work or school phone.

Camera or Mic Indicator Light Turns On

The scariest part of getting your iPhone hacked is the potential for remote access to your camera or microphone for spying.

In recent operating system updates, Apple started to provide a visual cue to indicate their use: a colored dot either to the right of the notch (older phones) or within the dynamic island.

An orange indicator means microphone use; green means camera use or camera and microphone together.

Your Contacts Report Receiving “Strange Messages” From You

Some malware operates by sending suspicious links to your phone contacts. Sometimes this is done through the messages app and other times it isn’t.

If your friends mention receiving spammy links from your number, ask your contact which account or number sent the message. Review your own conversation history and signed-in sessions. Secure the affected account if you find activity you did not authorize.

Unauthorized Purchases With Your Apple ID or Linked Credit Card

Never overlook unusual charges on your credit card statements or notifications from Apple Pay.

Check unfamiliar charges with the merchant and card issuer. They may involve a stolen card or account credentials rather than a device infection; report actual unauthorized transactions promptly.

Suspect Your iPhone’s Been Hacked? Do This NOW

If you suspect a problem, these five checks are a practical starting point. There are five quick steps you can take:

• Change your password(s)
• Remove linked credit cards
• Run anti-malware software
• Remove suspicious configuration profiles
• Report the hack to Apple

If unwanted sharing is the concern, use Settings → Privacy & Security → Safety Check on a supported iPhone. Apple’s Safety Check guide explains the options for reviewing people, apps and account access.

Change Your Passwords

If there’s a security breach, prioritize changing your passwords immediately, as your current ones may be compromised. This is also a good time to start using a password manager and even add two-factor authentication to your accounts.

Begin by updating your Apple ID password, and then proceed to change all your passwords across different accounts for added security.

For the iPhone, it’s recommended that you also take advantage of their new security key feature that you can see explained in the video below:

Remove Any Linked Credit Cards

If you’re convinced that your device has been compromised and you’ve linked any debit or credit cards to your Apple Wallet, go ahead and remove them to prevent malicious actors from making unauthorized purchases.

I’d suggest considering the cancellation and re-issuance of these cards as a safety measure in extreme cases. Contact your bank or credit provider and inquire about getting the cards reissued with new numbers.

Run Anti-Malware Software

There are reliable ways to scan your iPhone and detect any malware or keyloggers that have been downloaded. The way that iPhones are designed, however, this cannot be done by an app from the App store.

The best anti-malware programs for iPhone require you to connect your phone to a laptop or computer to run a scan on the phone’s backup. There are plenty of sketchy programs that claim to be able to do this, but don’t just download anything from the internet (especially if it’s free!)

I recommend using Certo AntiSpy to detect and remove any spyware from your phone. It’s simple to use and doesn’t break the bank. Here’s how it works (starting at the 2:40 mark):

As you can see, it’s a quick iPhone spyware detection tool for everyone, from geeks to not-so-tech-savvy grandpas. It sniffs out tracking apps, keyloggers, and provides you with clear instructions for threat removal.

Remove Suspicious Configuration Profiles

Configuration profiles can manage settings, accounts and device behavior. Many are legitimate, especially on work or school devices, but an unexpected profile deserves attention.

To review and remove any configuration profiles from your iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. 

Identify the profile before removing it. On a work or school device, contact the administrator first; removal can delete associated settings and data. If you find any unknown configuration profile, tap on it, select Delete Profile, and follow the onscreen instructions. Afterward, restart your device for good measure.

Report the Hack to Apple

If you suspect someone unauthorized might have access to your Apple ID or iCloud, it’s also advised to reach out to Apple Support to report any suspicious activity. They can also give you guidance on securing your device.

Here are the ways to contact Apple:

• Apple-related phishing: forward suspicious emails, or screenshots of suspicious texts, to [email protected].
• Account or device help: use Apple’s official support contact options for your country.

How to Prevent Future iPhone Hacks?

You’ve locked the door on those data-thieving hackers, great job! You’re one step closer to peace of mind. The first step you want to take is to add 2FA key protection to your iCloud account.

Now let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again. It’s time for some preventive measures to keep your iPhone hack-proof.

Keep Your iPhone OS Up-to-date

Apple frequently releases new iOS updates to patch security vulnerabilities. This is also true of many apps on your device.

Running outdated software can create security gaps for hackers to exploit. Ensure you’ve got Automatic Updates enabled in the Settings app’s Software Update section to keep your iPhone equipped with the latest iOS version.

Enable Two-factor Authentication On Your Apple ID

As mentioned earlier, adding two-factor authentication (aka “2FA”) to your Apple ID beefs up your online security. It demands both your password and another piece of information, such as a verification code, biometric verification or a security key.

To activate 2FA, head to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.

Avoid Being Lazy With Passwords

I can’t emphasize this point enough! You won’t believe it, but a recent survey revealed that the most common passwords are as easy as “123456” or even “admin.” And get this: tons of folks use the same passwords for every account.

Hackers practically throw a party because cracking one code can open multiple doors.

That’s why it’s vital to have unique and strong passwords, especially for your social accounts. I recommend the 1Password password manager app on your iPhone. It cooks up tough passwords, so you can kiss the “forgot password” hassle goodbye!

Don’t Jailbreak Your iPhone

You should think twice before jailbreaking your iPhone.

It’s like cracking open your iPhone to ditch Apple’s rules in order to add unauthorized (and free!) software. Sounds tempting for the rebels, right?

But here’s the catch: it’s a major security gamble. You’re tossing out on Apple devices crucial security features! 

Additionally, jailbroken iPhones don’t get regular iOS updates. That means missing out on the vital security fixes they bring. Trust me, it’s a risk not worth taking.

Disable Wi-Fi & Bluetooth When Not in Use

Out in public, when your phone actively hunts for Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks, hackers see an open door. They can especially take advantage when your phone is set to automatically connect to certain networks.

Shutting off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth closes these doors, increasing your mobile security. It’s not always convenient, but it works!

Bonus: It saves battery too.

Stay Informed on Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a sneaky scam where users get tricked into spilling their confidential information. Imagine a text from “your friend” asking you to open a random file. Click it, and boom! It’s like inviting a Trojan horse to snatch your passwords or sneak in malware.

For iPhone users, watch out for those odd appointments popping up in your Calendar app. Click ‘em, and you’re off to a website with a captcha code. Don’t fall for it. Once you do, get ready for a flood of spam emails, texts, phone calls, and unwanted malware.

Bottom line? Never click on suspicious links or attachments unless you’re sure they’re from a trusted source. Now is a good time to brush up on the S.T.O.P. method to reduce the risk of phishing.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi Network & Public Charging Stations

HTTPS already protects the contents of most modern web connections. A VPN such as NordVPN can add privacy from the local network, but it does not make a malicious website safe or remove spyware.

A virtual private network secures your internet browsing on the iPhone by encrypting your network. However, a VPN can’t shield you from juice jacking, a cyberattack that manipulates a public USB charging port. Hackers use hardware and malicious software to swipe data or plant malware on connected devices.

For charging, your own wall adapter or power bank avoids an unnecessary USB data connection. Do not approve an unexpected “Trust This Computer” prompt on a public charging connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alright, buckle up! We’re diving into the most frequently asked questions about iPhone hacks.

The Last Resort

Even with all the signs we went through, it can still feel like playing detective to figure out if your iPhone’s been hacked. I’ve received plenty of emails from people who are convinced that somebody is still spying on them despite taking all of these steps and precautions.

A factory reset may be appropriate after account security checks and support advice, but buying a new phone is not the automatic next step. Back up important personal data and preserve relevant evidence first. A reset alone does not fix a compromised account or unsafe sharing settings; decide what to restore based on the problem you actually found.

If you receive a genuine Apple threat notification, treat it as a different situation from ordinary battery or browser problems. Verify it by signing in directly to your Apple Account, and follow Apple’s targeted spyware threat notification guidance, including expert help and Lockdown Mode where appropriate.