iOS · Recovery Guide

How to Speed Up an iPhone After a Suspected Compromise

If your iPhone is performing slowly after a suspected security incident, follow these steps to restore its speed and security.

Phase 1: Check for Unfamiliar Apps

Malicious applications can often be the cause of a slow iPhone. Review your installed apps and remove any that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.

1. Go to your Home Screen and swipe left through all pages to see all installed apps.
2. Alternatively, use the App Library by swiping all the way to the right on your Home Screen.
3. Look for any apps you don't recognise, or apps that have unusual names or icons.
4. To uninstall an app, press and hold its icon until a menu appears. Tap Remove App, then Delete App, and finally Delete to confirm.

Phase 2: Review Privacy Settings and Permissions

Compromised apps or rogue processes might be overusing your iPhone's resources by accessing sensitive data or running in the background. Adjusting privacy settings can help limit this.

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security.
2. Review Location Services and disable for any apps that don't genuinely need your location.
3. Check Camera and Microphone access and revoke permissions for any apps that shouldn't be using them.
4. Under Tracking, ensure Allow Apps to Request to Track is enabled, and review which apps have tracking permission. Disable tracking for any suspicious apps.
5. Go to Background App Refresh (located under Settings → General) and turn off for apps you don't need constantly updating.

Phase 3: Clear Website Data and Browser History

Sometimes, malicious websites or browser extensions can cause performance issues. Clearing your browsing data can help resolve these.

1. Open Settings → Safari.
2. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data, then confirm by tapping Clear History and Data.
3. If you use other browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox), open each app and look for its settings to clear browsing data, cache, and cookies.
4. Consider reviewing your Safari extensions (Settings → Safari → Extensions) and disable any you don't recognise or use.

Phase 4: Reset All Settings or Erase All Content and Settings

If the above steps haven't resolved the issue, more drastic measures may be necessary. These options either reset system settings without deleting data or completely wipe your device.

1. First, ensure you have a recent backup of your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. Go to Settings → Your Name → iCloud → iCloud Backup and check the 'Last successful backup' date.
2. To reset all settings without erasing your data: Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings. This will reset all your settings but keep your data, apps, and media.
3. To completely wipe your iPhone (only as a last resort): Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. You will need to enter your passcode and Apple ID password. This will return your iPhone to factory settings, deleting all data.
4. After performing a full erase, set up your iPhone as new rather than restoring from a backup, just in case the backup contains the issue. You can manually reinstall apps and transfer important data back later.