How to Detect Ransomware on an iPhone or iPad: 13 Steps

This wikiHow teaches you how to find clues that an iPhone or iPad has been infected with ransomware. There is only one thing to keep in mind: a demand for payment in exchange for your data or security.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Handle your messages

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 1

Step 1. Stay tuned for pop-ups

If your phone or tablet is infected, you will see a pop-up message demanding payment to return your data or security. These pop-ups can appear out of nowhere, or they can come out when you perform a specific action (such as pressing the home button).

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 2

Step 2. Search the message online

The ransomware holds your data for ransom until you pay. If you don't pay, the data on the phone or tablet will be encrypted, making it inaccessible. Try searching a search engine like Google for the message you see on the screen to find out if other people have been successful in releasing their data.

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 3

Step 3. Don't pay to get your data back

Even if you pay, there is no guarantee that the ransomware will be removed. In fact, it could simply be reactivated. Instead, find a way to remove the ransomware from your iPhone or iPad, and be wise in trying to avoid it in the future.

Part 2 of 3: Avoid Ransomware

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 4

Step 1. Only install apps from the App Store

This is especially important if you have jailbroken your iPhone or iPad. Apps on the App Store are reviewed and vetted, so they should be safe for most.

Occasionally some fake apps may appear in the App Store. Apple usually catches them quickly. Just make sure to read the app reviews and stick to the apps you've heard of

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 5

Step 2. Back up the iPhone or iPad often

This way, if your phone or tablet becomes infected, you can immediately restore your data. Read the article "How to backup your iPhone" to get started.

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 6

Step 3. Always use the latest version of iOS

Apple updates typically fix bugs in security issues that can make iPhone or iPad vulnerable to malware (including ransomware). See the article "How to update iOS" to learn how to get the latest version of the system.

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 7

Step 4. Never share personal information via email or text messages

If you receive a request for this type of information, delete it immediately. Responding with information could make you vulnerable to attack.

Detect Ransomware on iPhone or iPad Step 8

Step 5. Avoid saving passwords

If you save your login information in Safari so you don't have to type passwords all the time, you are leaving your data open to unauthorized software. Ransomware on your phone or tablet could potentially access these passwords. Check the article "How to delete your saved Safari passwords on an iPhone" to strengthen the security of your passwords.

Part 3 of 3: Remove the ransomware

Step 1. Turn off the device

You may have to restore it.

Step 2. Connect the iPhone to a computer

Make sure it is off.

Step 3. Enter DFU mode

To do so, follow these instructions:

iPhone 6 and earlier and iPad prior to 2018: Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Hold the start button and the power button for 10 seconds. Release the power button, continue to hold the home button until the device is recognized by iTunes.
iPhone 7: Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Press and hold the power and volume down buttons for 10 seconds. Release the power button and continue holding the volume down button until iTunes recognizes the device.
iPhone 8 and iPad 2018 and later: press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally the power button. Keep pressing the power button until iTunes recognizes the device.