What Is Spyware—and How It Targets iPhones

It’s easy to assume that an iPhone is impervious to threats like spyware. After all, Apple’s ecosystem appears tightly controlled, and the iOS system is well-known for its security. But the reality is that spyware can and does target iPhones, compromising your privacy and security, even without physical access to the device. The good news is that there are effective ways to identify, remove, and protect your iPhone against spyware.

 

 

What is spyware, and how does it target iPhones

Spyware is malicious software designed to gain stealth access to your device, monitor your activities, collect your data, and transmit it to a third party, often without your knowledge or consent. While many associate spyware with desktop computers and Android devices, iPhones are vulnerable too. Specialized spyware can exploit vulnerabilities in iOS, deploy remote surveillance tools, or abuse cloud services such as iCloud. In some cases, even “zero-click” attacks are possible.

A notorious example is a surveillance tool that can access call logs, read messages, monitor GPS location, capture keystrokes, activate cameras/microphones, and extract credentials. Though such advanced tools are typically used in high-stakes situations to target specific people (journalists, political figures, etc.), they illustrate the potential danger. For regular users, less sophisticated spyware may still track device usage, access contacts, log browsing habits, and drain mobile data.

Signs that your iPhone has spyware

Because spyware is built to stay hidden, spotting it can be difficult. Still, certain warning signs often appear when your iPhone has been compromised, and recognizing these clues can help you act before the situation worsens.

One of the first things you might notice is that your battery drains much faster than usual. Spyware operates quietly in the background, consuming power continuously as it collects and transmits information. Along with this, you may see a sudden increase in data usage, as the malicious software sends your personal data to remote servers without your knowledge.

Performance issues are another red flag. If your iPhone starts to feel sluggish, frequently freezes, or becomes unusually hot even when you’re not using demanding apps, hidden processes could be running behind the scenes. Similarly, any unusual behavior, such as random reboots, strange notifications, app crashes, or the sudden appearance of unfamiliar apps, can indicate that something is tampering with your system.

You should also pay attention to your account activity. Unexpected password resets, login attempts from locations you don’t recognize, or alerts about new device connections might suggest someone else has gained access to your information. Finally, take a close look at your apps and configuration profiles. If you find an app you don’t remember installing or notice a profile you didn’t authorize, it’s a strong indication that a hidden infection may have infiltrated your phone.

How spyware can get on an iPhone

When an iPhone becomes compromised, the immediate question is how it happened. Spyware can infiltrate a device in several ways, often exploiting small lapses in security or user awareness.

One of the most common methods is through malicious links or phishing attempts. A single text message, email, or instant message containing a dangerous link can deliver spyware directly to your phone. In the most advanced cases, known as “zero-click” attacks, you don’t even have to click anything, as simply receiving or viewing the message can be enough to trigger an infection.

Another frequent cause is weak or stolen iCloud credentials. If someone gains access to your Apple ID and password, they can remotely access your backups, monitor synced data, or even install malicious profiles without ever touching your phone. This is why using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication is crucial.

Devices that have been jailbroken are also at high risk. Jailbreaking removes Apple’s built-in restrictions, giving users more control but simultaneously stripping away vital layers of security. Once these protections are gone, the device becomes far more vulnerable to arbitrary installations, including spyware.

Even connecting to public Wi-Fi networks can open the door to infection. Unsecured or rogue Wi-Fi hotspots may exploit network vulnerabilities or trick users into downloading a malicious configuration profile. Similarly, installing applications from outside the official App Store can unknowingly introduce hidden components that behave like spyware.

While Apple’s ecosystem offers stronger protection than most, it isn’t invincible. A single mistake like clicking the wrong link, using a weak password, or trusting an unfamiliar connection can compromise your privacy. Staying vigilant and practicing smart security habits remains the most effective defense.

How to remove spyware from your iPhone

If you suspect your iPhone is compromised, you need to act immediately.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before making any drastic changes, back up your important data, but only back up clean data. If your device is infected, backing up may carry the spyware into your restore point. Use a local backup or iCloud, but be careful with what you restore.

Step 2: Update iOS

Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest version of iOS. Apple regularly issues patches that close security vulnerabilities. Running outdated software leaves you exposed to known exploits that spyware can exploit.

Step 3: Remove Suspicious Apps and Profiles

Open Settings → General → VPN & Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management) and check for unknown configuration profiles. Remove anything you don’t recognise.

Review your installed apps on the home screen and in Settings → General → iPhone Storage. Delete any apps you don’t remember installing.

If your device is jailbroken (and you didn’t intentionally jailbreak it), restoring is strongly advised.

Step 4: Reset All Settings or Factory Reset

If you still believe spyware is present, you may need a full wipe:

Reset All Settings: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings. This restores settings without deleting personal data.

Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset): Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. This wipes everything and restores your device to the factory state. After resetting, set up your iPhone as new (not from a backup) so you don’t re-introduce spyware.

Once your iPhone is clean, consider the following:

• Change your Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Review all account logins, financial activity, etc.
• Check your iCloud device list: Settings → [your name] → Devices. Remove any unfamiliar device.
• Consider installing a reputable mobile security app.

How to protect your iPhone from spyware in the future

Preventing spyware is always easier than trying to remove it after an infection. Protecting your iPhone starts with developing good digital habits and maintaining awareness of potential threats.

First, make sure your credentials are strong. Your lock screen passcode should be at least six digits, though an alphanumeric code provides even better security. Enabling Face ID or Touch ID adds another layer of protection, making it harder for anyone else to access your device.

It’s equally important to turn on two-factor authentication for all critical accounts, including your Apple ID, email, banking, and social media. This extra step ensures that even if someone manages to steal your password, they can’t easily log in without the verification code sent to your trusted device.

You also need to be very cautious with links and attachments. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and don’t open attachments from unknown senders. Many spyware infections begin with a single careless click. Likewise, only download apps from the official App Store. If something prompts you to install software from an unfamiliar website, it’s safest to decline.

Be wary when connecting to public Wi-Fi. These networks can be exploited by attackers to intercept data or push malicious profiles onto your phone. If you must use public Wi-Fi, rely on a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection, or use your mobile data instead.

Keeping your device up to date is another simple precaution. Apple frequently releases iOS updates to patch newly discovered vulnerabilities. The same principle applies to apps—outdated versions often contain flaws that spyware can exploit.

Regular backups are equally essential. Use encrypted backups and store them securely, whether in iCloud or on a computer. This ensures that if you ever need to restore your iPhone to factory settings, your personal information remains safe.

Finally, take a few minutes each month to review your installed apps and device profiles. Ask yourself whether each app is still necessary. Removing unnecessary or suspicious items reduces the risk of hidden surveillance software taking root.

By combining these habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of spyware compromising your iPhone and your privacy.

While iPhones are built on a secure platform, they are not invulnerable to spyware and surveillance tools.

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