iOS · Recovery Guide

How to Remove iPhone Spyware and Run Apple Safety Check

Safeguard your iPhone by learning how to detect and remove unwanted spyware, then enhance your privacy with Apple's built-in Safety Check.

Restart Your iPhone and Update iOS

A simple restart can often disrupt spyware activity, and updating your iOS ensures you have the latest security patches.

1. Restart: Press and hold either the volume button and the side button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
2. Update iOS: Go to Settings → General → Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
3. Check for Carrier Updates: Sometimes your mobile carrier provides updates that can improve security. Go to Settings → General → About. If there's a carrier settings update, you'll be prompted to install it.

Review and Revoke App Permissions, and Uninstall Suspicious Apps

Spyware often relies on extensive app permissions. Carefully review which apps have access to your data and remove any you don't recognise.

1. App Privacy Report: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → App Privacy Report. Review which apps have accessed your data and activity.
2. Location Services: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services. Review each app's access to your location and set to Never or While Using the App as appropriate.
3. Photos Access: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Photos. Review which apps have access to your photos and adjust as needed.
4. Microphone & Camera: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone or Camera. Disable access for any suspicious apps.
5. Uninstall Apps: On your Home Screen, touch and hold the app icon. Tap Remove App, then Delete App, and then Delete to confirm. Remove any apps you don't recognise.

Run Apple's Safety Check

Safety Check is a valuable feature for managing who has access to your information and devices, especially in situations where personal safety is a concern.

1. Access Safety Check: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Safety Check.
2. Emergency Reset: If you need to immediately revoke all sharing access, tap Emergency Reset. This will sign you out of all your Apple services on all your devices, reset your Apple ID password, and review your emergency contacts and medical ID details.
3. Manage Sharing & Access: For a more controlled review, tap Manage Sharing & Access. This allows you to review and stop sharing certain types of information with specific people and apps.

Change Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Even after removing suspicious apps, it's crucial to secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).

1. Change Apple ID Password: Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Change Password.
2. Enable 2FA for Apple ID: If not already enabled, go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security and ensure Two-Factor Authentication is turned on.
3. Change Other Passwords: Change passwords for important accounts like email, banking, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
4. Enable 2FA for Other Accounts: Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication on all your important online accounts.