Can iPads get viruses? An iPad security guide

If your iPad’s been acting up for no clear reason, you might be asking yourself: Can iPads get viruses? Well, not in the usual sense. Viruses don’t affect iPads like they do Windows PCs, but spyware (or other malware) and phishing scams can still cause serious damage.

Below, we’ll go over why iPads can’t get viruses, what threats could actually affect your device, and how to spot signs of infection or a scam. We’ll also walk you through the steps to remove viruses and malware and offer simple tips to keep your iPad safe going forward.

Can iPads get viruses?

iPads can’t get traditional viruses because of how iPadOS is built. Apple uses a locked-down system (the so-called “walled garden”) with several layers of security:

• App sandboxing: Each app runs in its own space and can’t access other apps or files. So even if one app is shady, it can’t infect the whole system.
• Limited sideloading (by default): Apps have to come through the App Store, where they’re reviewed and signed by Apple. You usually can’t install random files from a browser or email like on Windows, unless you’re in the EU (where sideloading is now allowed) or you’ve jailbroken your iPad.
• Read-only system partition: iPadOS doesn’t let apps change system files, so nothing can embed itself as a classic virus would.

Despite all these protections, the idea that Apple devices are immune to malware is just a myth. It’s also important to understand the difference between malware vs virus. A virus spreads on its own by infecting files, which iPads block by design. Meanwhile, malware is a broader term for any harmful app or code, and the iPad has its fair share of those.

What are the most common iPad threats?

Here are some of the most common iPad threats you might run into. As mentioned, they don’t act like viruses, but they can still mess with your device and data.

iPad malware

iPad malware refers to malicious software that can steal data, hijack your browser, or modify app and system behavior. It usually gets in through shady links or downloads, or fake apps. While iOS/iPadOS blocks deep system access, malware can still target individual apps.

The most common iPad malware attacks rely on tricking users. Some imitate real apps or trick people into granting more permissions than they need. Others exploit known vulnerabilities before Apple patches them, which is why regular updates are important.

iPad adware

Adware floods your iPad with pop-ups, fake alerts, or forced redirects, usually after visiting an unsafe website or installing a bad app. It doesn’t infect iPadOS itself, but it can interrupt everyday use, track your activity, or lead you to other harmful websites.

Most adware is tied to Safari data or comes from apps that abuse their ad permissions. Luckily, you can usually fix the issue by clearing your cookies and other website data or deleting the malicious app.

Phishing

Phishing scams rely on tricking people into handing over sensitive data to attackers, whether it’s payment details, account logins, or other information.

They usually start with a text, email, or pop-up that seems to come from a trusted source, like Apple or your bank. However, these messages usually include sketchy links to copycat websites that steal your data, or ones that get you to download malware for the same effect.

Most phishing scams follow a similar formula:

• Starting with a vague greeting: Whether it’s “Dear Apple User” or “Dear Sir/Madam”, scammers never use your real name as you’d expect. Some try to use your email address (e.g., Dear johndoe@gmail.com) to appear more legit.
• Creating a sense of urgency: For example, saying your bank account was hacked, or showing a virus scan progress bar and a fake alert saying your iPad has a virus.
• Pushing for a response: This might mean asking you to click a link, open an attachment, confirm account details, or reply with personal info.

They might also contain grammar and spelling errors, though fraudsters may use ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI models to create or proofread their scams.

iPad spyware

Spyware is built to collect data without your permission. It can track your location, read your messages, monitor browsing activity, or even log your keystrokes. Some forms target specific people, while others are part of mass data harvesting campaigns.

iPad spyware usually requires the user to install something that looks harmless, like a fake app or configuration file. A Trojan horse, basically. In rare cases, it can get in through unpatched iPadOS security flaws. Either way, these tools are hard to spot once installed, which is why prevention matters more than removal.

iPad ransomware

Ransomware is rare on iPads because the iPad’s OS prevents apps from accessing system files. Without that access, attackers can’t encrypt your data or lock the device to demand a ransom, since apps are limited to their own space.

Still, jailbreaking removes these limits and can expose the system to real ransomware. Attackers can also exploit serious security holes to bypass restrictions. Meanwhile, some scam pages try to imitate ransomware by freezing Safari or showing fake messages that pressure you to pay up, even though no files are actually locked.

How do I tell if my iPad has a virus or malware?

Here are some telltale signs that your iPad might be infected:

• Higher data usage than normal: Some hidden apps or background processes can use mobile data without showing obvious signs. As a result, you might notice your data running out faster than it should.
• Frequent app crashes: If your apps keep closing or freezing, something might be interfering with how they run. This can point to a system issue or a bad app running behind the scenes.
• Annoying pop-up ads: Random pop-ups showing up while you’re not even browsing could mean adware is involved. Malicious ads try to get you to tap shady links or install junk apps. They tend to come back unless you remove the source.
• Extra fees you don’t recognize: Unexpected charges on your bill can show up when a site tricks you into a subscription or when an app sends premium texts or connects to a malicious server in the background.
• Apps you don’t remember installing: You may have tapped a misleading prompt or given an app permission to install extras. These apps blend in with legitimate software, but might show ads or collect data without you knowing.
• Battery life is suddenly worse: This is usually caused by an app running nonstop or a hidden task that keeps requesting data. The system works harder to support the activity, and the constant load drains power even when you’re not using the iPad.
• iPad running hotter than expected: Same idea here. Background apps may hog system resources and cause your iPad to overheat, especially if they keep trying to connect to the internet or stay active when the screen is off.

How do I run a virus scan on an iPad?

There’s no way to run a virus scan on an iPad because Apple doesn’t allow system-level access. Most iPad antivirus apps on the App Store just offer extra tools like data breach alerts or safe browsing features.

For example, they can prevent opening malicious links, downloading sketchy apps by mistake, or connecting to unsafe Wi-Fi networks. All in all, they’re decent if you’re mainly after peace of mind, even if they don’t offer actual scanning or malware removal.

How to get rid of a virus and malware on an iPad

Since there’s no way to run a virus scan on an iPad, you’ll have to do things the old-fashioned way. Here’s what to do.

Restart the system to clear temporary issues

Before anything else, reboot your iPad to clear temporary glitches, free up memory, and shut down any stuck processes that might make the device act strangely. A quick restart fixes a lot of minor issues, so it’s worth trying before you assume anything serious is going on.

Follow these steps to restart your iPad:

1. Hold the top button until the power slider shows up.
2. Slide it to turn off the device.
3. Wait about 30 seconds, then hold the top button again to turn it back on.

Uninstall any apps you don’t recognize

A weird or unfamiliar app might be the source of trouble on your iPad. It could be spyware, or it might just be unwanted junk. Either way, use the steps below to delete anything that stands out:

1. Press and hold the app icon on your Home Screen.
2. Tap Remove App when the menu appears.
3. Choose Delete App to uninstall it from your iPad.

Erase your iPad data and restore an earlier backup

If you think your iPad has been compromised, try restoring a backup from before the problem started. This can keep your data while removing anything suspicious. Otherwise, factory reset your iPad to start fresh without carrying over potential issues. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Follow the prompts to erase your device.
4. If available, choose Restore from iCloud Backup or another method after your iPad restarts.
5. Sign in and select a backup made before you began experiencing issues.

Tips to protect your iPad against malware and other threats

Security-wise, iPads do a pretty good job on their own. However, getting careless is what hackers are counting on to break into your device or cause other damage. Take a few minutes to cover all your bases and keep your iPad safe.

Avoid jailbreaking your iPad

Jailbreaking removes built-in restrictions and gives apps access to system-level functions. That might sound useful, but it also breaks the protections that keep malware out, leaving your iPad far more vulnerable to attacks.

You also lose access to security updates and may run into compatibility issues with apps or services. If your iPad is already jailbroken and you’re running into issues, remove any third-party apps you’ve recently installed.

Stick to verified app stores

Only install apps from the App Store or other trustworthy sources. Apple reviews every app it allows in, which reduces the chance of malware slipping through. Naturally, their system isn’t perfect, but it’s far safer than installing apps from third-party stores.

This is especially important in the EU, where the Digital Markets Act allows sideloading without jailbreaking, making it easier to install unsafe apps by accident.

Enable automatic updates

The best way to stay ahead of known threats is to keep iPadOS up to date. Apple releases security updates regularly, and installing them takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to get the latest fixes automatically:

1. Head to Settings > General.
2. Choose Software Update.
3. Enable Automatic Updates and install any pending ones.

Set up a passcode

A passcode makes it much harder for anyone to access your iPad if it’s stolen or goes missing. You can set it up on any model with these steps:

1. Open your iPad Settings.
2. Choose Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode (depending on your model).
3. Press Turn Passcode On or Change Passcode.
4. Follow the prompts to create a six-digit code (you can change the format under Passcode Options).

Disable intrusive lock screen features

Your iPad can reveal more than you expect if Siri and lock-screen notifications are on. Someone could ask Siri for basic info or read your alerts without unlocking anything. Here’s how to switch those features off:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode.
3. Disable Siri, Notification Center, and Return Missed Calls if you leave your iPad in shared or public spaces.

Review your app permissions

Some apps request more access than necessary. Check your settings regularly to see which apps can use the camera, microphone, location, or contacts. Disable permissions that don’t make sense for how the app works.

Even legit apps sometimes overreach, so it’s smart to keep your permissions list clean. Better yet, delete any apps you haven’t used in a while. It frees up space and lowers the risk of someone taking advantage of unpatched security flaws in old apps.

Create and store unique passwords

The Apple Password app or any other secure password manager should be able to generate a unique password with special characters, uppercase letters, and all the other requirements websites love to pile on.

They’re also a great measure against phishing, since password managers only work on the right page. Cyber criminals may trick people with near-identical scam sites, but they won’t fool the autofill system.

Never open sketchy URLs or attachments

Even with the iPad’s sandboxed architecture, you never know what new exploits attackers may have discovered. Always verify the sender, trust your gut if a message feels suspicious, and never give out sensitive information over the internet.

If you really need to “update your banking information” or whatever else the message claims, go directly to the official website and check for any alerts in your account. Alternatively, you can call your bank or payment service to double-check and report the phishing attempt if needed.

Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra verification step when you log in, which makes it much harder for someone to break into your accounts. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your data without the verification code or prompt.

You can turn it on for your Apple ID and most online services you use. It might feel like a small hassle, but it’s one of the most effective ways to stop account takeovers. Use authenticator apps instead of text messages to protect against SIM swapping and similar threats.

Use a VPN on unknown networks

Public Wi-Fi, like that at hotels, your local cafe, or airports, is a hotbed for hacking activity. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which means no one else on the same network can snoop on what you’re sending or where you’re logging in, even if the connection isn’t secure.

Check out the best VPNs for iPad if you want one that doesn’t slow things down while you browse or stream.

Activate “Find My iPad”

If your iPad ever goes missing, Find My iPad can help you track it down, lock it, or wipe your data from afar. The feature also lets you show a custom message on the screen so someone can contact you if they find it. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go to Settings and tap on your name.
2. Select Find My and turn on Find My iPad.
3. Optional: Turn on Send Last Location so Apple gets the iPad’s location when the battery is low.

You can locate your iPad from a different Apple device by signing into the Find My app with your Apple ID. Alternatively, you can use Find Devices by logging into www.icloud.com/find in most browsers, on any device.

Remember to turn off the feature if you sell off your iPad, so the new owner doesn’t run into Activation Lock issues. If you’ve already reset the iPad to factory settings, you can always remove it through iCloud.

Back up your iPad often

Regular backups keep your data safe in case something goes wrong. Whether your iPad gets lost, breaks, or starts acting up, you’ll be able to restore your photos, settings, and apps without starting from scratch or losing important files.

You can back up to iCloud by going to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. You can also back up using Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a PC. Automatic backups are easiest, but it’s smart to double-check now and then to make sure they’re working.

Related: iCloud vs Google Drive: Which is best and most secure?

Can iPads get viruses? FAQs

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