Review and Remove Suspicious Profiles
Malware can sometimes install configuration profiles that grant it unwanted control over your device. Checking for and removing these is a crucial first step.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management.
- If you see any profiles that you didn't intentionally install or don't recognise, tap on them.
- Tap Remove Profile and enter your passcode if prompted.
Important
Only remove profiles you are certain are malicious or unknown. Removing legitimate profiles (e.g., from your workplace or school) could disrupt their associated services.
Uninstall Suspicious Apps
Many forms of malware are disguised as legitimate applications. You should carefully review your installed apps and remove anything that seems out of place or was not intentionally downloaded.
- Look for any apps you don't recognise or remember installing.
- Press and hold on the app icon on your Home Screen.
- Tap Remove App.
- Confirm by tapping Delete App, then Delete.
Tip
If an app won't delete, it might be restricted. Check Settings -> Screen Time -> Content & Privacy Restrictions -> iTunes & App Store Purchases -> Deleting Apps to ensure it's allowed.
Clear Website Data and History
Malicious websites can leave tracking cookies or cached data on your device, which, while not malware itself, can sometimes contribute to privacy issues or lead you back to harmful content. Clearing this data can help.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm by tapping Clear History and Data.
Good to know
This action will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other website data. You will be signed out of websites you are currently logged into.
Restore from a Recent Backup (If Necessary)
If the problem persists and you suspect deep-seated malware, restoring your iPad from a backup taken before you experienced any issues can be an effective last resort. You will need a computer (Mac or PC) to do this.
- Connect your iPad to a computer with a reliable Wi-Fi network or using a USB cable.
- On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows PC, open iTunes.
- Select your iPad when it appears in Finder/iTunes.
- Choose Restore Backup.
- Select the most relevant backup from the list (ideally one dated before the issue started).
- Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.
Important
Restoring from a backup will replace all current data on your iPad with the data from the chosen backup. Any data created since that backup will be lost. Consider backing up important files separately first.
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