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.
- 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.
- Update iOS: Go to
Settings→General→Software Update. If an update is available, tapDownload and Install. - 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.
Tip
Always keep your iOS updated to benefit from the latest security improvements and bug fixes.
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.
- App Privacy Report: Go to
Settings→Privacy & Security→App Privacy Report. Review which apps have accessed your data and activity. - Location Services: Go to
Settings→Privacy & Security→Location Services. Review each app's access to your location and set toNeverorWhile Using the Appas appropriate. - Photos Access: Go to
Settings→Privacy & Security→Photos. Review which apps have access to your photos and adjust as needed. - Microphone & Camera: Go to
Settings→Privacy & Security→MicrophoneorCamera. Disable access for any suspicious apps. - Uninstall Apps: On your Home Screen, touch and hold the app icon. Tap
Remove App, thenDelete App, and thenDeleteto confirm. Remove any apps you don't recognise.
Important
Be cautious when granting permissions to apps, especially those requesting access to your microphone, camera, or location.
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.
- Access Safety Check: Go to
Settings→Privacy & Security→Safety Check. - 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. - 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.
Good to know
Safety Check is particularly useful for those experiencing domestic abuse, but it's a good tool for anyone to review their sharing settings.
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).
- Change Apple ID Password: Go to
Settings→ [Your Name] →Sign-In & Security→Change Password. - Enable 2FA for Apple ID: If not already enabled, go to
Settings→ [Your Name] →Sign-In & Securityand ensureTwo-Factor Authenticationis turned on. - Change Other Passwords: Change passwords for important accounts like email, banking, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable 2FA for Other Accounts: Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication on all your important online accounts.
Tip
Consider using a reputable password manager to help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
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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