X142
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Need help with hacked iPad Air?

Recently, I've come to the conclusion that my iPad has been hacked. Weird things have been happening such as randomly playing music or shutting down on its own. I've heard to solve this problem, you must plug it into a computer, launch iTunes, and completely wipe out the device. But after I do this, will my entire data (toolbars, apps, emails, music, notes, contacts) be erased?? So, my questions are:

 

  • Is my iPad hacked?
  • What can I do?
  • Will wiping out the iPad erase all my data?

 

If you have any suggestions or advice, I'd really appreciate it.

 

-X142

 

(Sorry if the category is off. I couldnt find a better one!)

iPad Air

Posted on Feb 15, 2016 8:43 AM

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X142

Q: Need help with hacked iPad Air?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Feb 15, 2016 8:56 AM in response to X142
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 15, 2016 8:56 AM in response to X142

    Sorry, but we cannot help you with any hacked Apple product. You can take it to your local Apple shop to see if they will help you out.

  • by gail from maine,Helpful

    gail from maine gail from maine Feb 15, 2016 10:27 AM in response to X142
    Level 7 (26,971 points)
    iCloud
    Feb 15, 2016 10:27 AM in response to X142

    You can try resetting your device: Hold down the Home and Power buttons at the same time and continue to hold them down until the Apple appears (up to 30 seconds - seriously). Once the Slide to Unlock screen displays, see if the issues are resolved (nothing will be lost with this method).

     

    If that does not resolve the issue, then you need to back up your device to iTunes or to iCloud, then go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content and Settings. Once the device is erased, follow the set up prompts. When it asks if you want to set it up as new or from a backup, select the backup you want to restore it from. It will take some time to restore the apps (and if you back up from iTunes, you will have to re-sync them from iTunes):

     

    How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups - Apple Support

     

    If the problems come back after the restore, then you probably have corrupt data on your device and you should erase it again, set it up as new, and re-download your purchases.

     

    Download past purchases

     

    Best of luck,

     

    GB

  • by Drew Reece,Helpful

    Drew Reece Drew Reece Feb 15, 2016 10:28 AM in response to X142
    Level 5 (7,793 points)
    Notebooks
    Feb 15, 2016 10:28 AM in response to X142
    1. Your iPad is probably not 'hacked'. iOS is pretty secure - think about it. The iPad is a 'touch screen' device. If the touch screen is damaged it can send false input to the OS. The OS thinks someone is touching it. If it was a hacker they would be using it like a normal person - you would see them moving around to gather your data.
    2. You can follow the advice you already found.
    3. Yes wiping a device will remove all data.

     

    It would be a good idea to backup the device in iTunes or in iCloud, then you can erase the device.

    How to back up your devices using iCloud or iTunes - Apple Support

     

    Retest to see if the screen is still misbehaving.

    If it is OK restore your backup & retest again.

     

    If it never changes go & see Apple at a store to enquire about a repair etc. It is possible the hardware is failing.


    If you are sure it is a hack go & see Apple first but these issues can often be explained by faulty hardware and software.