Does My Phone Have a Virus? Check and Clean It (iPhone and Android)

Real phone malware is rare but adware and scam profiles are common. Here's how to check and clean both platforms.

Warning signs

Pop-ups outside apps, unknown apps, battery or data use you can't explain, or settings that change by themselves.

iPhone

Update iOS, then check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for profiles you don't recognize and delete them. Clear Safari history and website data.

Settings > General > VPN & Device Management

Android

Run Play Protect: Play Store > your profile > Play Protect > Scan. Remove apps you don't recognize.

Play Store > profile > Play Protect > Scan

App won't uninstall (Android)

Search Settings for 'device admin apps' and turn it off, or restart in Safe Mode (hold Power Off) and uninstall.

Settings > search: device admin apps

FAQ

Do I need an antivirus app on iPhone?

No. Keep iOS updated and only install from the App Store.

My calendar is full of spam events!

iPhone: Settings > Calendar > Accounts, delete the subscribed calendar you don't recognize.