How To Tell If Your iPhone Is Hacked

Is your iPhone acting weird? You might first think it’s broken, but there’s another, more concerning issue to consider: it could be hacked.

Despite iPhones and iPads being some of the safest gadgets in 2023, with secure app downloads and built-in safety features, risks still exist.

Yet, even with all these safety measures, using an iPhone isn’t risk-free.

Imagine a stranger not just looking at your photos and messages but potentially gaining access to your loved ones’ information as well.

It’s unsettling, like having an intruder go through your personal belongings.

This article will show you how to check if your iPhone is hacked and how to keep both you and your loved ones safe.

Here are some signs that your iPhone is hacked.

Signs That Your iPhone Is Hacked

Unusual Battery Drain & Phone Overheating

A sudden drop in battery life or an unusually hot phone could be red flags. These symptoms may indicate unauthorized background processes, draining your battery and causing your phone to overheat.

Increased Data Usage or High Cellular Data Usage

Keep an eye on your data consumption. A sudden spike in data usage could signify that malware or a hacker is transmitting data from your device.

Sluggish Performance

If your iPhone starts to lag or becomes sluggish, it may be burdened by unauthorized processes running in the background, affecting its performance.

Unexpected Reboots

Random reboots can be a sign of a compromised system. If your iPhone restarts without your initiation, it’s worth investigating further.

Unfamiliar Apps

Finding apps you didn’t download is a glaring sign of a breach. These rogue apps could be siphoning off your data or monitoring your activity.

Unauthorized Purchases

Check your Apple ID and bank statements regularly. Unauthorized purchases could be a hacker testing the waters before making larger withdrawals.

Strange Text Messages or Calls in Log

Receiving texts with gibberish or finding unfamiliar numbers in your call log could be signs of a ‘smishing’ or phishing attack via SMS.

Unusual Account Activity or Being Locked Out of Apple ID

If you’re locked out of your Apple ID or notice unfamiliar activity, someone else has likely gained access to your account.

Pop-Up Ads

Excessive pop-up ads could be a sign of adware installed on your device. This is annoying and could be a gateway for other malicious software.

Weird Browser History

Unfamiliar sites in your browser history may indicate that your phone is being remotely controlled to click on specific links, often for revenue generation.

Unauthorized Purchases Made on Your Apple ID

Similar to unauthorized purchases but specific to your Apple ID. This could include app downloads or in-app purchases that you did not authorize.

Unusual Charges on Your Bill

Always scrutinize your monthly bill. Charges you can’t account for could be premium-rate SMS messages or services activated by hackers.

What To Do If Your iPhone Is Hacked

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you suspect your iPhone has been hacked:

1. Identify Suspicious Apps: Check for any unfamiliar or suspicious apps on your iPhone. Go through your installed apps and look for any that you don’t remember downloading or seem suspicious. If you find any, uninstall them immediately.
2. Use Official Sources for App Downloads: Stick to downloading apps from the Apple App Store. This ensures that the apps have undergone scrutiny and are less likely to contain malware or malicious code. Avoid downloading apps from third-party sources, as they may pose security risks.
3. Perform a Factory Reset: If you believe your iPhone has been compromised, performing a factory reset can remove any hidden software or malicious files. Before doing so, make sure to back up your important data. You can reset your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Change Your Apple ID Password: If you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, change your Apple ID password immediately. This prevents unauthorized access to your account and ensures the security of your personal information.
5. Check for Physical Access: Consider whether someone with physical access to your iPhone may have tampered with it. If you suspect this to be the case, keep your device in a safe place and take additional precautions to secure it.
6. Monitor iPhone Performance: Pay attention to any unusual behavior or changes in your iPhone’s performance. Sluggishness, excessive battery drain, or unusual pop-ups could indicate a hacked device. If you notice any such signs, investigate further and take appropriate action.
7. Install Antivirus Software: Consider installing reputable antivirus software to protect your iPhone from future security threats. When you download apps like these, you can scan for malware, detect suspicious activities, and get an extra layer of protection for your device.
8. Enhance iPhone Security Settings: Review and update your iPhone’s security settings to ensure maximum protection. Enable features such as Face ID or Touch ID for device unlocking, set a strong passcode, and enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
9. Stay Informed about iPhone Security: Keep yourself updated on the latest security risks for Apple devices and iPhone hacks. Stay informed about new vulnerabilities and security patches released by Apple. Regularly check for iOS updates and install them promptly to keep your device secure.
10. Be Mindful of App Permissions: Be cautious of the permissions they request when downloading apps. Only grant necessary permissions to apps, such as access to your location, contacts, or photos. Be wary of apps that request excessive or suspicious permissions from unfamiliar apps.
11. Use a Strong Password: Protect your iPhone using a unique password or passcode. Avoid common passwords or easy-to-guess combinations. A strong password adds extra security to your device and helps prevent unauthorized access.
12. Use a Password Manager: You can find several options to improve your iPhone’s security that can be found on Apple’s official store. They allow you to use extra passwords for your iCloud account, among other apps.

Remember, prevention is key to maintaining iPhone security. Stay vigilant, exercise caution when downloading apps, and regularly review your device for any signs of compromise.