Yes, an iPhone can get malware from visiting a malicious website, though it's rare for un-jailbroken devices due to Apple's strong security, often requiring users to click links or exploit vulnerabilities for "drive-by" infections, phishing, or installing malicious apps. While less common than on Android, exploits can happen through zero-day vulnerabilities or tricking users into installing fake apps, so vigilance against phishing and sketchy links is crucial.
Yes, iPhones can be hacked if you visit a malicious website.
To detect viruses or other malware on your iPhone, keep an eye out for warning signs such as unfamiliar apps, unexpected spikes in data usage, rapid battery drain, or sluggish performance.
Anytime you visit a website with a "Not Secure" warning, all the data and sensitive information sent to that site can be stolen or modified. Be caitious before entering your personal details on an unsecured websites.
12 signs that your phone is hacked
Three-finger gestures on iPhone primarily activate accessibility features like VoiceOver (for screen reading and navigation) and Zoom (magnification), allowing scrolling, zooming, and text manipulation (copy/paste/undo) with specific taps and drags, though some text actions work without VoiceOver enabled for quick editing. Common gestures include three-finger double-tap to toggle VoiceOver speech, triple-tap for the screen curtain, and pinching/spreading with three fingers for copy/paste actions, notes this YouTube video.
iPhones can get viruses through third-party apps that bypass the App Store, malicious websites that exploit system vulnerabilities, and iMessage scams with harmful links or attachments. Phishing attacks and compromised Wi-Fi networks also pose risks, especially if you're using a jailbroken device.
7 signs your iPhone has been hacked & how to verify it
How to to remove a virus on iPhone
You must also be signed in to Settings > [your name] on your iPhone. (To find the software version installed on your device, go to Settings > General, then tap About.) To access Safety Check, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
Slow performance: Spyware clogs up your system resources, slowing down your iPhone or causing it to crash. Random pop-ups: Unexpected ads or prompts can signal adware or spyware. Unfamiliar apps: Some spyware hides inside fake, duplicate, or unfamiliar apps that pose as legitimate tools.
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
More than 800 million people use Safari on their iPhones to browse the web—but is this app safe to use? While Safari includes various security features to protect your phone from hacking, it's still possible for hackers to gain access to your device through this app. In fact, it has happened many times before.
A hacked iPhone or Android phone infected with malware can redirect you to dangerous websites, and your phone can be hacked by visiting an unsafe website. It can be hard to tell if a website is malicious, and fake sites can imitate those of legitimate brands like Samsung or Apple.
How do I run a security scan on my iPhone?
On an iPhone, dialing *#21# is a USSD code used to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, SMS, or data are being redirected and to which number, without actually changing settings; it's a simple privacy check to see if someone has secretly set your phone to forward everything, though it doesn't detect advanced spyware. Dialing this code brings up a message from your carrier about your call forwarding status, often showing "Disabled" or a specific number if it's active.
Signs your phone has been hacked
Unknown apps: If you see any unfamiliar apps on your phone that you don't remember installing, this could mean a possible compromise. However, don't confuse these apps with bloatware, which are the unnecessary pre-installed apps that come with your phone.
Fortunately for Apple fans, iPhone viruses are extremely rare, but not unheard of; over the past few years, some iPhone users have been able to recall the effects of Pegasus (a form of spyware spread through text messages) or AdThief (a form of adware that served unwanted advertisements from a pirate network).
You know your iPhone might have a virus or malware if you see unfamiliar apps, frequent crashes, rapid battery drain, overheating, excessive data usage, or persistent pop-up ads, especially if these symptoms appear together and your phone feels sluggish or acts unusually. While true viruses are rare on un-jailbroken iPhones, these signs point to malicious software, often from suspicious downloads, that can be detected by checking app behavior, data usage in Settings, and looking for unusual device management profiles.
*3001#12345#* on an iPhone activates the hidden Field Test Mode, a diagnostic tool for network engineers and power users to see detailed cellular data like signal strength (dBm), cell tower info, and network quality, accessible by dialing the code in the Phone app and pressing call, often after turning off Wi-Fi for accurate cellular readings.
You can double-tap or triple-tap the back of iPhone to perform actions such as taking a screenshot, turning on an accessibility feature, running a shortcut, and more. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then choose an action.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings: