How to tell if your iPhone has spyware
Spyware on an iPhone usually shows itself through battery drain, unexpected data use, or apps you don't recognize. Open Settings, tap Battery, and look at Battery Usage — if an app you rarely use is consuming 20% or more of your battery, that's a warning sign. Check your cellular data the same way: go to Settings, tap Cellular, and scroll down to see which apps are using the most data. Spyware often runs in the background and burns through both.
Other signs include your phone getting hot during normal use, the screen flickering or acting sluggish, or hearing strange sounds during calls. If you notice your storage is nearly full but you haven't downloaded much, spyware may be hiding files. You can also check what apps have permission to access your location, camera, or microphone — go to Settings, tap Privacy, and review each category. Legitimate apps ask for these permissions, but if you see something unfamiliar, that's worth investigating.
One more check: restart your phone in Safe Mode by holding the power button and volume down together until the power-off slider appears, then release and hold the power button again until you see "iPhone" on screen. In Safe Mode, third-party apps don't run. If your phone suddenly works normally, an app you installed is likely the culprit.
Key Takeaways
- Battery drain, unexpected data use, and unfamiliar apps are the most common signs of spyware on an iPhone.
- Check Settings > Battery and Settings > Cellular to see which apps are consuming the most resources.
- Review location, camera, and microphone permissions in Settings > Privacy to spot apps you don't recognize.
- Restarting in Safe Mode shows whether a third-party app is causing the problem, since third-party apps don't run in Safe Mode.
- Deleting suspicious apps, updating iOS, and restoring from a backup are the main ways to remove spyware.
How to remove spyware from your iPhone
Start by deleting any app you don't recognize or don't remember installing. Press and hold the app icon, tap Remove App, then tap Delete App. If you're not sure whether an app is legitimate, search its name online — spyware often uses names that sound like real apps or system tools. After you delete it, restart your phone.
Next, update your iOS to the latest version. Go to Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. Apple releases updates that patch security holes spyware exploits. If an update is available, install it and restart. This alone stops many types of spyware from running.
If you still see signs of spyware after deleting apps and updating, restore your iPhone from a backup made before you think the spyware arrived. Go to Settings, tap General, tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. When your phone restarts, choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC, and pick a backup from before the problem started. This removes anything hidden that you can't see or delete manually.
Why iPhones are harder to infect than Android phones
iPhones are more resistant to spyware than Android phones because Apple controls both the hardware and the operating system. Every app in the App Store is reviewed by Apple before it's published, and apps run in a sandbox — a locked container that prevents them from accessing other apps' data or system files. An Android phone lets you install apps from anywhere, and Android's sandbox is more permeable, so spyware spreads more easily.
That said, iPhones are not immune. Spyware can still arrive through phishing links in emails or texts, malicious websites, or apps that slip past Apple's review. If you jailbreak your iPhone — removing Apple's restrictions to install apps outside the App Store — you lose the sandbox protection entirely and become much more vulnerable.
What to do if you think someone is monitoring your iPhone
If you suspect someone is using spyware to track your location or read your messages, change your Apple ID password when ready. Go to Settings, tap [Your Name], tap Password & Security, then tap Change Password. Use a strong password you've never used before — at least 16 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
Turn on two-factor authentication if you haven't already. In the same Password & Security menu, make sure Two-Factor Authentication is on. This means anyone trying to access your account from a new device will need a code sent to your phone, even if they have your password.
Check which devices are signed into your Apple ID. In Settings > [Your Name], tap Devices, and look for anything unfamiliar. If you see a device you don't recognize, tap it and select Remove. Review your iCloud activity for suspicious sign-ins: go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Security Recommendations, and look for alerts about unusual activity.
When to consider a factory reset
A factory reset is the most thorough way to remove spyware, but it erases everything on your phone. Only do this if you've tried deleting apps and updating iOS and the problem persists. Before you reset, back up any photos, contacts, or documents you want to keep — use iCloud or your computer.
To factory reset, go to Settings, tap General, tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. Your phone will restart and ask you to set it up as new or restore from a backup. If you restore from a backup made after the spyware arrived, you risk putting it back on your phone. Instead, set up as new, then manually restore your photos and contacts from iCloud or your computer.
How to prevent spyware in the future
Don't click links in unexpected text messages or emails, especially ones asking you to verify your Apple ID or update your payment method. Apple never asks for this information by text or email. If you get a suspicious message, delete it.
Only read apps from the App Store, not from websites or links in emails. Even though the App Store isn't perfect, it's far safer than installing apps from unknown sources. Check app permissions before installing — if a flashlight app asks for access to your location or contacts, don't install it.
Keep your iOS updated. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install updates as soon as they're available. Turn on automatic updates if you prefer: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, then toggle on read iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can spyware hide from me even after I check Battery and Cellular?
Yes. Sophisticated spyware can disguise itself as a system process or hide in the background without using much battery. If you suspect spyware but can't find it, a factory reset is the most reliable solution. Restoring from a backup made before the problem started is faster and usually works.
Is it safe to restore from an iCloud backup if I had spyware?
It depends on when the spyware arrived. If you restore from a backup made before the spyware was installed, you're safe. If you restore from a backup made after, you risk putting the spyware back. When in doubt, set up your phone as new and manually restore only your photos and contacts.
Do I need antivirus software on my iPhone?
No. Apple's built-in security is strong enough for most people. Antivirus apps on the App Store can't scan your entire phone the way they do on a computer — iOS won't let them. If you're concerned about spyware, focus on not clicking suspicious links and keeping iOS updated instead.
What if I think my iPhone was hacked by someone I know?
Change your Apple ID password, turn on two-factor authentication, and review which devices are signed into your account. If you believe someone has physical access to your phone, consider a factory reset. If you feel unsafe, contact local law enforcement — they can advise you on next steps.
Can spyware survive an iOS update?
Most spyware cannot. iOS updates patch the security holes spyware uses to run. However, some spyware is designed to survive updates by hiding in system files. If updating doesn't solve the problem, a factory reset will.