How to scan my phone for malware?

Hey there!

Thanks for asking the community!

I understand that you're concerned about the possibility of your iPhone having malware.

I can say with all certainty that your iPhone is not infected with malware, and that's because of how Apple has built the framework behind iOS. If you've ever heard of and know about APFS, then you'll have an idea of what I mean, but just in case, here's this link to Apple's webpage about it: Role of Apple File System - Apple Support

Essentially, the only way you can get malware is by downloading executable files (things that open and do things) from the internet with the infected software. These files can be things like .pkg, .exe, .app files to name a few, but there's definitely more. Although you can download executable files on iOS, there's no way for iOS to run these items. It doesn't support it!

The only way iOS can run an executable is by a series of handshakes done with the App Store, so the average user can only get apps from the App Store. Apple has some pretty strict guidelines about what they allow on, so the chances of malware originating from the App Store is low (never zero though).

So what about that very small, minute chance that an App Store app does have malicious code? iOS has several incredible built in security features that will act on your behalf to prevent a breach of data. These features will do things such as preventing the code from running, locking it into its own isolated space in the storage, or even shutting down the system if a breach is detected. The best part is, every time iPhone restarts, a series of hardware and software resets are done, which should wipe out any potential threats.

If you're still concerned about the security of your iPhone, no worries! Apple also has some pretty useful information on how to improve the security of iPhone. See this link: Use the built-in privacy and security protections of iPhone - Apple Support

If you've got any additional questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to ask them here for someone in the community (like myself) to answer. Additionally, you can contact Apple Support for professional iOS help by calling 1(800)APL-CARE (800-275-2273), or visiting this page on Apple's site: https://getsupport.apple.com/

I hope this helped!

You saw a common scam message that is trying to trick you into buying useless software or worse....revealing your personal information.

Don't fall for this.

Ignore and delete the message.

popeyeandoliveoyle Said:

"How to scan my phone for malware?: Something popped up on my phone that said it had my passwords. Looked like baby Yoda"

-------

Troubleshooting a "Password Scam"

Report this to Apple: If you received a suspicious email, please forward it to reportphishing@apple.com.. So, report this message's info to Apple and to the FTC. Use my User: Using the Photos App to Report Scams - User Tip

I've Reported many myself (and some today).

Dis you interact with this, in any manor? If so,...

Secure your Info:

If concerned for device access, then (A)verify your devices, and (B)secure your account. Open a new eMail addressee d use that for your Apple ID.

1. Verify your Devices:

Verify that all devices are logged in to your account, by using this link: Check your Apple ID Device List to See where you're Signed in - Apple Support

then...

2. Modify your Credentials:

Having been stollen, someone lily has your credentials. So, by all means, modifying them.

• Modify: your login credentials (Using Both a New eMail and a New Password for each and all sites)
• Associate: a different method of payment to your account
• Enable: Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID and for all other accounts that have such an applicable option

Your phone does not have Malware and there is nothing that will be able to scan it. You most likely were visiting a website that had an ad pop up on the screen. They were just trying to scare you by claiming they had your passwords. Don't fall for it.

Ozzie1910 wrote:

None Apple devices get malware there isn’t tools to do a scan

That is not true. It is possible, though rare, for Apple devices to get malware. And Apple does offer a tool:

How Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe - Apple Support

None Apple devices get malware there isn’t tools to do a scan