Can Someone Hack Your iPhone? Here’s How to Know
By Tibor Moes / Updated: June 2023
Can someone hack your iPhone?
Have you ever wondered, “Can someone hack my iPhone?” While iPhones are known for their security, they’re not invincible. Knowing the signs of a hacked iPhone and learning how to protect your device can help you stay one step ahead of hackers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore common hacking methods, signs your iPhone might be compromised, and steps to take if you think your iPhone has been hacked.
Summary
- Yes, someone can hack your iPhone and see everything you do. To protect yourself, install trusted antivirus software, like Norton.
- Check for unexpected battery drain, unusual data usage, suspicious apps or activity if you think your device is hacked.
- Protect against hackers by downloading apps from the App Store only, using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and Wi-Fi.
Don’t become a victim of cybercrime. Protect your devices with the best antivirus software and your privacy with the best VPN service.
Can Someone Hack Your iPhone?
Beliefs that iPhones are immune to hacking are a misconception. In reality, mobile devices, such as iPhones and android phones, can also be vulnerable to hackers. Despite the robust security features of apple devices, hackers can still gain access to your device by exploiting vulnerabilities in apps, the operating system, or by tricking you into downloading malicious software.
The risks of having your iPhone hacked are not to be taken lightly. Hackers can access your personal information, social media accounts, and even bank accounts.
iOS Security Features
Apple’s iOS is designed with security in mind. One such feature is sandboxing, which prevents apps from accessing other apps or making changes to your iPhone without your explicit approval. To enhance this security, your Apple ID plays a crucial role in managing app permissions and ensuring your data remains protected.
However, some users opt to jailbreak their iPhones, removing Apple’s security measures and increasing their risk of getting hacked. It’s essential to keep your iPhone and its apps up to date with the latest security patches to reduce the risk of malware attacks.
Common iPhone Hacking Methods
Hackers employ various methods to compromise iPhones. These include malicious links, downloading third-party apps, connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi, and hiding malware and spyware in seemingly legitimate apps.
Jailbreaking an iPhone can make it even more vulnerable to hacking, as it removes Apple’s security measures and allows hackers to access your data and monitor your device from a distance.
How to Know if Your iPhone is Hacked? The signs
If you suspect that your iPhone might be hacked, there are several signs to watch for, such as unexpected battery drain, unusual data usage, suspicious apps, and other unusual activity.
Before jumping to conclusions, make sure to do some research and rule out other possible causes, such as the need for a new iOS update or an aging battery.
Unexpected Battery Drain
A quickly draining battery can be a red flag that your iPhone has been hacked. While there are various reasons for unexpected battery drain, such as outdated apps, heat exposure, or poor cellular service, it’s important to consider the possibility of a hacked iPhone and take appropriate action.
If you suspect that your iPhone has been hacked, there are a few steps you can take to protect your data and secure your device. First, update your iPhone’s firmware.
Unusual Data Usage
Another sign of a hacked iPhone is high data usage, which could be higher than usual. This could be caused by certain apps running in the background, automatic updates, and even some software bugs.
If you notice an uptick in data usage without a clear reason, it could indicate that your iPhone has been compromised and requires immediate attention.
Suspicious Apps and Activity
Finding suspicious apps on your iPhone, such as the Cydia app or an unexpected enterprise or developer app, could be a sign that your device has been jailbroken and is more vulnerable to hacking and malicious apps.
If you discover any unfamiliar apps that you don’t remember installing, it’s crucial to delete them immediately to protect your device from potential threats.
What to do if Your iPhone is Hacked?
If you suspect that your iPhone is hacked, it’s essential to take action to secure your device. Start by scanning for malware, removing suspicious apps, and restoring your iPhone to its factory settings.
Additionally, notify your contacts about any suspicious messages, report the hack to Apple, and inform your bank to prevent unauthorized purchases.
Scanning for Vulnerabilities
One of the first steps in securing a hacked iPhone is scanning for vulnerabilities. A reliable security software like Norton 360 can help detect vulnerabilities, like outdated operating software, on your device.
Running a scan with Norton 360 will provide a detailed report on your iPhone’s security status and guide you on the necessary steps to protect your device fully.
Removing Suspicious Apps
Deleting suspicious apps is a crucial step in securing a hacked iPhone. If you find any apps that you don’t recognize or make you question their trustworthiness, remove them immediately.
Stay vigilant and always read reviews before downloading apps from the App Store to avoid installing potentially harmful software.
Restoring Your iPhone
Before resetting your iPhone to remove malicious software, ensure you have backed up your personal items, such as photos, contacts, and files. After resetting your iPhone, use iCloud or a service like Norton 360’s cloud storage to restore your personal items.
By restoring your device, you can eliminate any lingering threats and regain control of your iPhone’s security.
How to Protect Your iPhone from Hackers?
Maintaining online security and a secure iPhone requires consistent effort and vigilance. To protect your device from hackers, download apps safely from the official App Store, strengthen your passwords, and avoid suspicious links and public Wi-Fi networks.
By following these best practices, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to hackers and safeguard your iPhone from future threats.
Downloading Apps Safely
To download apps safely, always use the official Apple App Store. Read reviews and check the app’s permissions before installing to ensure the app is trustworthy.
By downloading apps only from the App Store and staying cautious about the apps you install, you can significantly reduce the risk of malicious software infiltrating your iPhone.
Strengthening Passwords
Creating strong, unique passwords for your online accounts is essential for protecting your iPhone from hackers. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager like LastPass to generate and store different passwords for you, requiring only one’master password’ to access them.
Two-factor authentication is another layer of security that requires you to provide two pieces of evidence to verify your identity, such as a password and a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan like a fingerprint.
Avoiding Suspicious Links and Public Wi-Fi Networks
Protecting your iPhone also involves being cautious about the links you click and the networks you connect to. Avoid clicking on suspicious links from unknown sources and refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
If you need to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your online privacy.
Best Mobile Security Apps for iPhone
In addition to following best practices for iPhone security, using a dedicated mobile security app can provide an extra layer of protection. The top 3 mobile security apps for iPhone in 2023 are Norton, Kaspersky, and TotalAV. These apps offer features such as malware scanning, dark web monitoring, and device optimization to help keep your iPhone secure and running smoothly.
Another noteworthy app is Certo AntiSpy, which can detect and remove malicious software from iPhones.
Summary
In conclusion, iPhones are not immune to hacking, but by staying vigilant and adopting best practices for device security, you can significantly reduce the risk. Be aware of common hacking methods, recognize the signs of a hacked iPhone, and take action to secure your device if needed. By downloading apps safely, strengthening passwords, and avoiding suspicious links and public Wi-Fi networks, you can protect your iPhone and maintain your online privacy.
How to stay safe online:
- Practice Strong Password Hygiene: Use a unique and complex password for each account. A password manager can help generate and store them. In addition, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available.
- Invest in Your Safety: Buying the best antivirus for Windows 11 is key for your online security. A high-quality antivirus like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender will safeguard your PC from various online threats, including malware, ransomware, and spyware.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious when receiving suspicious communications that ask for personal information. Legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive details via email or text. Before clicking on any links, ensure the sender's authenticity.
- Stay Informed. We cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics on our blog. And there are several credible sources offering threat reports and recommendations, such as NIST, CISA, FBI, ENISA, Symantec, Verizon, Cisco, Crowdstrike, and many more.
Happy surfing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions.
Can someone hack your iPhone?
Yes, someone can hack your iPhone and see everything you do. To protect yourself from potential security risks, you should take the necessary precautions and install trusted antivirus software on your device. This will help keep your information safe and secure.
Can someone access my iPhone from another device?
Yes, someone can access your iPhone from another device using remote control software. This software enables users to access the phone remotely, control it, and even gain access to its files.
However, you must exercise caution when granting such permission since this can be a major security risk.
Can you check to see if your phone is hacked?
You can check to see if your phone is hacked by looking out for suspicious behavior such as slower than usual performance, unrecognised apps, reduced screenshot quality, and unusually high data usage.
Additionally, you can scan your device with a security tool to detect any threats and remediate them accordingly.
What are the signs of your iPhone being hacked?
Signs that your iPhone has been hacked may include unusual or inappropriate pop-ups, text messages or calls not made by you, higher than normal data usage, unfamiliar apps on your phone, quick battery drain, and suspicious passwords or accounts.
If you notice any of these signs, take action to protect your device and data.
Can iPhones be hacked?
It’s possible for iPhones to be hacked, especially if users are not careful about what they download. Cybercriminals can use vulnerabilities in apps and the iOS system to access devices. So, it’s important to take precautions when using an iPhone. This includes only downloading apps from trusted sources, avoiding suspicious links, and keeping the device’s software up to date.

Author: Tibor Moes
Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab
Tibor has tested 28 antivirus programs and 25 VPN services, and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.
He uses Norton to protect his devices, NordVPN for his privacy, and Proton for his passwords and email.