Although Apple’s iOS system is built for privacy and security, any device, system, and network can be hacked — even an iPhone. As alarming as that sounds, don’t worry. There are ways to tell if your phone is hacked. And even if it is, it’s not the end of the world. In this guide, we’ll outline the signs of a hacked iPhone, how to check if your phone is hacked, and what to do about it.
Can an iPhone be hacked?
While iPhones are known for their robust security, it’s important to remember that no system is foolproof. An iPhone can be hacked, or what some users refer to as “compromised,” if a scammer or hacker finds a way to exploit a vulnerability. This doesn’t happen every day, but it’s good to be aware of the signs.
How can someone hack my iPhone?
While iPhones are secure, cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to your device. This can result in a hacked iPhone or, as some users describe it, a “tapped iPhone” where your data or communications are intercepted. Here are some common methods used by iPhone hackers.
Method 1: Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks are deceptive tactics where hackers try to trick you into clicking on malicious links or opening attachments that contain malware. These links or attachments might be disguised as emails or messages from legitimate sources like banks, social media platforms, or even friends. Once you click on the link, they can install malware on your iPhone or steal your login credentials.
Method 2: Stealers
Another way iPhone hackers can compromise your device is by installing stealer malware. These apps can disguise themselves as legitimate ones on the App Store, but once downloaded, they operate in the background to steal your data.
Method 2: Spyware
While less common, a more sophisticated method employed by iPhone hackers involves spyware. This type of malicious software infects your device and runs undetected, often without any visible signs. Both stealers and spyware targeting iPhone users are becoming more common every year.
Like stealer malware, spyware can access and exfiltrate a wide range of data, including:
- contacts
- messages (including SMS, iMessages, and even content from messaging apps)
- call history
- browsing data and history
- photos and videos
- keystrokes.
In some extreme cases, spyware can even activate your iPhone’s microphone or camera, allowing hackers to eavesdrop on conversations or capture your surroundings.
What can happen if my iPhone gets hacked?
Unfortunately, the consequences of an iPhone hack can range from inconvenient to downright dangerous. Let’s explore some of the potential problems that can arise if your iPhone is compromised:
- Data theft: Hackers can steal a wide range of personal information from your phone, including your contacts, messages, photos, videos, browsing history, and even financial data if it’s stored on your device. This information can be used for identity theft, fraud, or even blackmail.
- Financial loss: If hackers gain access to your financial accounts or credit card information, they can steal your money or make unauthorized purchases.
- Loss of privacy: A hacked iPhone can compromise your privacy in a big way. Hackers can steal your messages and photos, and even listen to your conversations through a compromised microphone. This can be a major invasion of privacy.
- Device damage: In some cases, malware can damage your iPhone’s software or even render it unusable.
- Spam and phishing attacks: Hackers can use your compromised device to send spam or phishing attacks to your contacts. This can damage your reputation and put your friends and family at risk.
How to tell if your iPhone is hacked: 5 common signs
The last thing you want to believe is that some stranger has hacked your iPhone and is spying on your texts, emails, and phone calls. An even worse thought is that they are using a key logger to steal your passwords and access your private accounts.
Unfortunately, an iPhone can be hacked when it is used on insecure Wi-Fi networks or through man-in-the-middle attacks. Other ways hackers can get inside your iPhone are through social engineering or if you make a mistake as simple as downloading and installing an unsafe app.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my iPhone compromised?” use the signs below to check.
1. Battery life and performance drop
Is your iPhone not running well? If your phone is taking longer than usual for an app to open or close, or your battery is draining fast, it could indicate that your iPhone has been hacked. If the iPhone starts overheating, it could be a sign that a nefarious program is running in the background.
2. Contacts say you are spamming them
If your friends and colleagues complain that you are sending them messages or spam you know nothing about, your iPhone might be hacked. Check your record of sent messages.
3. Messages sent
If, upon checking your record of sent messages on your iPhone, you discover messages that you did not send, it may indicate that someone else has control over your device. The same may be true of outgoing calls.
4. Higher-than-normal device usage
If your data plan shows higher-than-normal usage and you haven’t been using your iPhone any more than usual, it’s possible that your phone has been hacked and is being used by an intruder.
5. Unrecognized apps and pop-ups
Are you finding apps on your phone that you didn’t install? Are you seeing pop-ups when you use the browser? Either of these scenarios could indicate that someone else has been playing around with your device.
How to know if your phone is hacked: Check these codes
Using the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) system, you can use special codes and receive information from the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). These codes can help you determine if your iPhone has been compromised.
1. Redirection code
If you aren’t getting calls and texts from your contacts, they could be getting redirected to another location. You can check this by typing in: *#062# on your phone’s keypad and tapping the Send button. The resulting phone number is where all your calls and texts are being directed — or redirected.
2. Redirected missed calls code
If someone has hacked your iPhone, they could be forwarding your missed or busy calls to another number. To check on this, dial *#61#. If this leads you to discover that your calls are being forwarded without your permission, you can turn that feature off by dialing ##61#.
3. Calls being tracked code
If you fear that someone may be tracking your iPhone, you can quickly check by dialing *#21#. If you see a number you don’t recognize, change it by dialing *#21#.
4. Reset forwarding settings code
The code ##002# is a universal reset for turning off forwarding and erasing any forwarded messages, calls, and data. It also resets all the forwarding settings on your iPhone.
5. Complete reset code
If you suspect that your iPhone is hacked, you can perform a factory reset by using code *2767*3855#. This will restore all original settings and wipe out all the data and apps on your phone. Just be sure to back up your data first.
My iPhone is hacked: What do I do?
Although it’s not a great feeling to discover that your iPhone is hacked, don’t fret. Follow the tips below to fix the problem and move on.
1. Install and run antimalware
Install and run a trusted antivirus/antimalware software to scan your phone for issues. If it finds any, you can automatically clean it up. You may have to factory reset your phone to undo all the damage.
2. Change all your passwords
If a hacker has gained access to your phone, you should immediately change all your passwords (from a computer, not from the infected device).
3. Delete suspicious apps
It may help to delete any unwanted/suspicious apps you find on your phone, especially if you did not install them. That said, skilled cybercriminals can hide malicious software where you won’t find it.
4. Factory reset your iPhone
To clean up everything at once, you can perform a full factory reset of your iPhone. To do this, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Then tap Continue to factory reset your phone. You can restore your iPhone from a recent backup to avoid losing any of your data.
5. Change your cybersecurity habits
Moving forward, you should bolster your cybersecurity habits to avoid any further intrusions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Never click links in suspicious emails.
- Do not install anything on your iPhone except verified apps through the App Store.
- Keep a close eye on all your passwords.
- Use long, strong passwords, and do not share them with others.
- Never use the same password on multiple websites.
- Never connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network (like a coffee shop or hotel) without a VPN to keep intruders out.
iPhone users must be diligent when it comes to keeping their devices safe. Monitor your phone for any strange activity or performance issues. Overall, if you notice anything odd, it’s best to immediately perform a factory reset on your phone, change your passwords, and turn on encryption for an added layer of security.
This is an independent publication, and it has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. iPhone and iOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.
