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Is Your iPhone Being Watched? Here’s How to Remove Spyware in 2025 (Step-by-Step)

How to Detect and Remove Spyware From an iPhone

By AvastPublished 6 months ago 3 min read

Ever had that weird gut feeling that your phone might be compromised — like someone could be tracking your every move, reading your messages, or even listening to your calls?

For a long time, iPhone users thought they were immune to spyware and digital threats — and to be fair, Apple’s ecosystem is relatively secure.

But here’s the truth that many people don’t realize: Spyware can still infect your iPhone, and when it does, it often hides in plain sight.

What Is Spyware, and How Does It Work?

Spyware is a type of software that secretly monitors your phone’s activity — from logging your keystrokes and reading your texts, to tracking your GPS location and eavesdropping on calls.

It can be installed in different ways:

• Through malicious links

• Using enterprise certificates

• Via jailbreaking

• Or even by someone physically accessing your device

And once it’s in, it’s incredibly hard to detect — which makes it all the more dangerous.

Signs Your iPhone Might Have Spyware

If your iPhone has been acting strange lately, pay close attention.

Here are some red flags that may indicate a spyware infection:

• Battery drains quickly, even when you’re not using the phone

• The phone feels warm to the touch, especially when idle

• Unusual data usage spikes for no reason

• You notice apps you didn’t install or profiles you didn’t approve

• There are clicking or static sounds during phone calls

• Settings have changed without your permission

Even if just two or three of these symptoms are present, it’s worth checking things out.

Why Spyware on iPhone Is a Serious Threat

Most people assume their iPhone is private and secure — and in most cases, that’s true.

But spyware changes that.

It can:

• Read your WhatsApp and I Message chats

• Access your camera and microphone

• Log into your banking apps

• View your photos and videos

• Track your real-time location

And all this can happen without any visible app icon or alert. You won’t know it’s there until the damage is done.

How to Remove Spyware from Your iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a practical and safe guide you can follow right now.

tep 1: Delete Suspicious Apps

• Go to: Settings > General > iPhone Storage

• Look for any apps that you don’t recognize

• If anything seems suspicious or unfamiliar, delete it immediately

tep 2: Remove Unknown Device Management Profiles

• Go to: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management

• If you see a profile you didn’t install, tap it and choose Remove Management

tep 3: Update Your iOS

• Go to: Settings > General > Software Update

• If there’s an available update, install it — it may fix known vulnerabilities that spyware exploits

tep 4: Reset Your iPhone

Warning: This will erase all your data. Make sure to backup your phone first via iCloud or iTunes.

• Go to: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings

• This restores your iPhone to its original factory settings

This step is especially useful if the spyware has root access or is deeply embedded.

tep 5: Use a Trusted Spyware Removal Tool

For a faster and more user-friendly approach, you can use a professional security tool designed specifically to:

• Detect hidden spyware

• Monitor unauthorized access

• Offer real-time alerts

• And restore your iPhone’s privacy

Here’s a trusted guide that explains it all in detail:

How to remove spyware from iPhone

Pro Tip: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Once you remove the spyware, take steps to avoid it in the future:

• Never jailbreak your iPhone

• Avoid installing apps from unknown sources

• Don’t click on links from strangers

• Enable two-factor authentication

• Regularly check your settings and profiles

Real-World Scenario

Sarah, a freelance designer from Austin, noticed her phone battery dying faster than usual. She also kept seeing ads related to private conversations she only had on iMessage.

It turned out her ex had installed spyware using a configuration profile. She followed the exact steps in this guide — especially removing unknown device management profiles — and the problem was solved.

Now, she uses a mobile security app and checks her phone’s activity weekly.

Final Thoughts

No one likes to think they’re being watched — especially not through their phone.

But if you take your privacy seriously, it’s critical to act fast and follow the right steps.

Spyware isn’t just about data. It’s about control, invasion, and manipulation.

And whether it came from a shady app or a jealous partner, you have the right to protect yourself.

So take a breath, follow the steps, and reclaim your digital space.

cybersecurity

About the Creator

Avast

Top-rated free antivirus now with online scam and malware protection

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