Check for unfamiliar apps
Unwanted applications can sometimes hide themselves, but you can usually spot them by carefully reviewing your app library.
- Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the App Library. Review all categories for any apps you don't recognise.
- Go to Settings →
General→iPad Storage. Look through the list for unknown apps. Pay attention to those with large storage usage. - Search for apps directly. Swipe down on the Home Screen to open Search, and type in generic terms like 'player', 'browser', or 'utility'. This might reveal hidden apps with unexpected names.
Tip
If you find an app you don't recognise, avoid opening it. Simply make a note of its name.
Look for unusual profiles
Configuration profiles can change how your iPad works and are often used in corporate or educational settings. Malicious profiles can also be installed.
- Go to Settings →
General→VPN & Device Management. Check for any profiles listed under 'CONFIGURATION PROFILE'. - If you see a profile, tap on it to view its details. Look for unfamiliar names, descriptions, or organisations.
- Be wary of profiles that appear to be from legitimate companies but have unusual or misspelled names.
Important
Do not remove any profiles at this stage, especially if your iPad is provided by your work or school, as this could disrupt essential services.
Review your privacy settings
Unexpected changes in your privacy settings can sometimes indicate that an unknown app or profile is at play, allowing it too much access.
- Navigate to Settings →
Privacy & Security. - Go through individual settings like
Location Services,Contacts,Calendars, andPhotos. Look for apps you don't recognise that have been granted access. - Check
Trackingto see if any unknown apps are requesting permission to track your activity across other apps and websites.
Good to know
Many apps require certain permissions to function correctly. The key is to identify permissions granted to apps you don't recognise or trust.
Check for suspicious browser extensions or homepage changes
Unwanted browser extensions or changes to your default search engine and homepage can sometimes be signs of broader issues on your iPad.
- For Safari, go to Settings →
Safari→Extensions. Look for any extensions you didn't knowingly install. - Still in Settings →
Safari, checkSearch Engine. Ensure it is set to your preferred search engine and not something unfamiliar. - Check your
Homepagesetting within your browser (if applicable) for any unexpected changes. For Safari, there isn't a direct homepage setting in the same way, but observe if your browser always defaults to an unusual page when opened.
Tip
Even if your browser settings seem normal, an unknown app could still be redirecting your traffic. This step focuses on identifying direct browser modifications.
Was this guide helpful?
Know someone who needs this? Send them the guide.
JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers