If your iPhone acts strangely—like draining battery too fast, getting hot, showing weird dots at the top, or running slowly—it might be hacked. You can check if your iPhone is hacked by looking for unknown apps, suspicious device connections, or apps secretly using your camera/microphone. Here’s exactly how to check if your iphone is hacked in settings:
Signs Your iPhone Might Be Hacked
Watch for these red flags:
- Green or Orange dots at the top of your screen when you’re not using your camera or microphone.
- Battery draining fast even when you’re not using your phone.
- Overheating when idle.
- Slow performance or crashes.
- Messages or calls sent from your phone that you didn’t make.
- Unknown apps in your storage or battery usage reports.
How to Check If Your iPhone Is Hacked in Settings
Follow these steps to find and stop hackers:
1. Check for Hidden Apps
Hackers often hide spyware in apps you don’t use. Here’s how to find them:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll through the list—delete any app you don’t recognize.
2. Review Camera & Microphone Access
If a hacker is spying, they might turn on your camera or mic:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera (or Microphone).
- Turn off access for apps that shouldn’t need it (e.g., a calculator app doesn’t need your camera).
App | Should Have Access? |
---|---|
Banking App | Never |
Social Media | While Using |
Weather | Never |
3. Look for Unknown Devices
Hackers link their devices to your Apple ID to steal data:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name].
- Scroll down to see all devices linked to your account.
- Tap any device you don’t own → Remove from Account.
4. Stop Call or Text Forwarding
Hackers forward your calls/texts to their devices:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices → Turn off for unknown devices.
- Go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding → Disable suspicious devices.
5. Scan Battery Usage for Spyware
Spyware apps drain your battery in the background:
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Check Last 5 Days → Look for apps using high battery that you rarely use. Delete them immediately.
6. Turn On Stolen Device Protection
Prevents hackers from changing your Apple ID password if they steal your phone:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Turn on Stolen Device Protection.
7. Use Safety Check
Apple’s tool cuts off hacker access fast:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check > Manage Sharing and Access.
- Follow prompts to stop sharing location, data, or app access with unknown people/devices.
8. Check for Suspicious Activity
- Dial
*#21#
→ If "Call Forwarding" is enabled (and you didn’t turn it on), your calls are being spied on. - Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services → Disable location for apps that shouldn’t track you.
How to Remove Hackers from Your iPhone
If you find evidence of hacking:
- Delete suspicious apps (press and hold the app icon → Remove App).
-
Change your Apple ID password:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.
-
Enable Lockdown Mode (for extreme cases):
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode → Turn On.
- Note: This disables non-essential features (e.g., FaceTime from unknown numbers).
-
Force restart your iPhone to stop background malware:
- Press/release Volume Up → Press/release Volume Down → Hold Side button until the screen goes black.
Protect Your iPhone from Future Hacks
-
Update iOS regularly:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Updates patch security holes hackers exploit.
-
Use a VPN:
- Masks your online activity. Learn how to set one up in our guide How to Use a VPN on iPhone.
-
Turn off Enhanced Visual Search:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Photos → Disable Enhanced Visual Search.
-
Block spam calls:
- Prevent phishing scams using How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone.
- Never install unverified apps or click suspicious links in texts/emails.
What If Your iPhone Is Still Acting Strange?
If problems continue after these steps:
-
Factory reset your iPhone:
- Back up data first (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup).
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Contact Apple Support for professional help.
FAQ: iPhone Hacking Concerns
Q1: Why is my iPhone battery draining so fast? Could it be hacked?
A: Yes, sudden battery drain can signal malware running in the background. Go to Settings > Battery > Last 5 Days to check for suspicious apps using high power. Delete any unknown apps immediately. For long-term fixes, see how to extend iPhone battery life.
Q2: What does the green or orange dot mean at the top of my screen?
A:
- Green dot: An app is using your camera.
- Orange dot: An app is using your microphone.
If these appear when you’re not using any apps, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera/Microphone and disable access for suspicious apps.
Q3: How do I know if an app is spying on me?
A:
- Check app permissions: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera/Microphone/Location.
- Review battery usage: High background activity = red flag.
- Delete apps you don’t remember downloading (Settings > General > iPhone Storage).
Q4: Should I factory reset my iPhone if I think it’s hacked?
A: Only as a last resort. First:
- Delete suspicious apps.
- Remove unknown devices (Settings > [Your Name]).
- Run Safety Check (Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check).
If problems persist, back up your iPhone and reset.
Q5: Does my iPhone need antivirus software?
A: No. iPhones have built-in protections. Instead:
- Update iOS monthly (Settings > General > Software Update).
- Turn on Stolen Device Protection (Settings > Face ID & Passcode).
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi (guide here).
Conclusion:
Your iPhone’s settings are the strongest shield against hackers. Monthly checks take less than a minute:
- Review Settings > [Your Name] for unknown devices.
- Scan Settings > Battery for abnormal app usage.
- Run Safety Check (Privacy & Security) to lock down access.
Remember: Hackers target convenience (weak passwords, outdated software). Update iOS, use strong passwords + 2FA, and never ignore unusual behavior. For more tips, explore our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.