Your iPhone is acting strange? Keep seeing apps that you didn’t install, weird pop-ups? Be alert! Your iPhone might get hacked.
Let’s be real—our iPhones are practically extensions of ourselves. They hold our personal photos, banking apps, private messages, and so much more. So, the thought of a hacker gaining access to all that? Terrifying! If you’re worried your iPhone might have been compromised, don’t panic. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to get rid of hackers on iPhone, how to recognize the warning signs, and how to protect your phone from future attacks. Let’s dive in.
How To Tell If Your iPhone Was Hacked?
Before we talk about how to remove hackers from your iPhone, let’s first figure out if your device is actually compromised.
Here are some common signs of being hacked:
1. Battery Draining Faster Than Usual
If your iPhone’s battery is suddenly dying way faster than normal, it could be because malicious software is running in the background. I had a friend who thought her phone’s battery was just “getting old,” but it turned out to be spyware eating away at her device’s resources.
2. Unusual Data Usage
Keep an eye on your data usage. If there’s a spike you can’t explain (like when you haven’t been streaming Netflix or downloading big files), it might mean hackers are siphoning off your data or using your phone to send information.
3. Weird Pop-Ups or Apps You Didn’t Install
If you’re seeing random pop-ups or apps you don’t remember downloading, that’s a huge red flag. Hackers often install malicious apps to gain access to your data.
4. Your Phone is Sluggish or Overheating
A hacked iPhone might feel slower than usual or get hot even when you’re not doing much on it. This can happen when malware is running in the background.
5. Strange Messages or Calls
Had Never sent a message to your friends but they ask you “what was that weird link you sent”? That could be a hacker using your phone to spread malware.
Besides, you should watch out if you are experiencing one of these:
- Locked out of Apple ID
- Unrecognized texts or calls
- Unauthorized purchases
- Camera or microphone activation
- Unknown location sharing
- Unaware app deletion
- Passwords keep being changed
- Frequent iPhone crash
If any of these sound familiar, your iPhone might have been compromised. But don’t worry—there are ways to fix it.
How to Get Rid of Hackers on iPhone?
Okay, so you’ve spotted the signs and I am really sorry to hear that. Let’s see what you can do so that you can regain control of your iPhone.
1. Change All Your Passwords Immediately
This is your first line of defense. Start with your Apple ID, then move on to other accounts like email, banking, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. I recommend using a password manager like LastPass or 1Password—it’s a lifesaver.
How to change your Apple ID password:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top, then select Password & Security.
- Tap Change Password and follow the prompts.
2. Update Your iPhone’s Software
Apple frequently releases updates to fix security vulnerabilities. If you’re not running the latest version of iOS, you’re leaving the door wide open for hackers.
How to update your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
3. Delete Suspicious Apps
If you see any apps you don’t remember downloading, get rid of them. Sometimes hackers install malicious apps to spy on you or steal your data.
How to delete an app:
- Press and hold the app icon on your home screen.
- Tap Remove App, then select Delete App.
4. Run a Malware Scan
While iPhones are generally secure, it’s still a good idea to use a trusted antivirus app to scan for malware. Apps like Norton Mobile Security or Avast can help detect and remove threats.
5. Reset Your iPhone to Get Rid of Hackers on iPhone
If all else fails, a factory reset can wipe out any malicious software. But be warned—this will erase everything on your phone, so make sure to back up your data first.
How to reset your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset.
6. Check Your Apple ID for Unauthorized Devices
Hackers might log into your Apple ID from another device. You can check and remove any devices you don’t recognize.
How to check your Apple ID devices:
- Go to Settings and tap your name.
- Scroll down to see a list of devices signed into your Apple ID.
- If you see something unfamiliar, tap it and select Remove from Account.
How to Remove Hackers If Apple ID is Compromised?
Unfortunately, this is way more serious than problems described above. The worst case is that you cannot either log in to your Apple ID or iCloud nor change password to regain control of your iPhone.
But before the Apple support team get back to you, you can try to follow these steps:
- Change your Apple Account password. Make sure that you use a strong and unique password.
- If you can’t change your Apple Account password because it’s already been changed by someone else, reset your password.
- Go to account.apple.com to update any personal or security information that isn’t correct or that you don’t recognize.
- On account.apple.com, select Devices and remove any devices associated with your Apple Account that you don’t recognize.
- Check with your email provider and cellular carrier to make sure that you control every email address and phone number associated with your Apple Account. For example, check with your cellular carrier that SMS forwarding hasn’t been set up for a phone number associated with your Apple Account.
If you can’t reset your Apple Account password or sign in to account.apple.com, you can go to iforgot.apple.com to start account recovery and regain access after an account recovery waiting period.
Tips to Prevent Your iPhone From Being Hacked
Now that we’ve covered how to get rid of hackers on iPhone, let’s talk about how to stop them from getting in again. Prevention is always better than cure, right?
1. Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) like BearVPN encrypts your internet connection and change your iPhone’s actual location, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data especially when you are under public Wi-Fi.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can make a huge difference. With 2FA, even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second verification step.
How to enable 2FA for your Apple ID:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.
- Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication and follow the instructions.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without Protection
Public Wi-Fi networks are a hacker’s playground. If you must use one, make sure you’re connected to a VPN.
4. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Hackers often trick people into giving up their information through fake emails or texts. Always double-check links, be aware of common scams on Telegram and WhatsApp, and never share sensitive information unless you’re 100% sure it’s legitimate.
5. Keep Your Apps Updated
Just like iOS updates, app updates often include security fixes. Make it a habit to update your apps regularly.
6. Don’t Jailbreak Your iPhone
Jailbreaking might give you more customization options, but it also makes your iPhone much more vulnerable to hackers. It’s not worth the risk unless you are a tech giant and you are fine with the worst result.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with hackers is scary, but knowing how to get rid of hackers on iPhone—and how to prevent them from getting in—is empowering. Your iPhone holds so much of your life, and it deserves the best protection you can give it.
If you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, don’t hesitate to take action. Change your passwords, update your software, and follow the steps outlined above. And remember, staying vigilant and practicing good digital habits can go a long way in keeping hackers out for good.
Have you ever dealt with a hacked iPhone? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you handled it!
