Can malware infect iPhones from websites?

Yes, it can. Downloading infected apps or files is not the only security threat you will face online. Websites can be dangerous, too. That's why real-time protection on your iPhone or iPad is a good idea.

How can I detect a virus in my iPhone?

If there's an infection on your iPhone or iPad, you'll notice it in several ways. Unusual battery drainage would be a warning sign. Also, you need to know if your device is jailbroken (more importantly, if you bought a used device). And if you notice an app that's there, that you don't remember installing yourself and that wasn't there from the beginning, your phone could be infected.

Is there a built-in antivirus in iOS?

Yes. Your iOS includes several excellent security measures, but you can't configure or deal with them independently as if they were a separate app.

Will an iPhone antivirus work on my iPad as well?

It depends. The answer is affirmative in most scenarios, but you shouldn't just assume that it will. Check the product's specifications to know if it will give you the expected features. Remember that some key features could work exclusively on iPhones even if the app works on the iPad.

What antivirus features do I need to be protected?

As explained initially, viruses are not the worst threat that should worry you. Many other online threats can harm you, and you should consider them seriously. An essential feature is real-time protection. It has the disadvantage that you need to pay for it, but it's critical for your security. Other than that, each security suite offers you a set of similar features. At this point, once you have secured real-time scans, the rest is all about your personal preference. Choose the option that fits better with your digital lifestyle.

Is the antivirus app going to drain my iPhone's battery?

No, a good one shouldn't affect your battery's charge very much. A virus or a piece of malware, on the other hand, will drain your battery life very quickly indeed.

Does Apple recommend antivirus for iOS?

Not really. But it doesn't bar you from using an iPhone antivirus, either. Apple boasts top-notch security and privacy on iOS devices, so it doesn't need to recommend using an antimalware or antivirus app on your iPhone. But you never know how malware may infect your iPhone too. Numerous reports have surfaced online regarding hacking and spying on iPhones. Therefore, keeping your iPhone secured with an antivirus is better, regardless of whether Apple recommends using one.

Is a free antivirus safe to use on iPhone or iPad?

Yes, free antiviruses from trusted brands are safe to use. However, most free antiviruses have limited features, and you have to upgrade to the paid version to unlock the advanced protection features.

Will iPhone antivirus apps work on my iPad?

Yes, most iPhone antivirus applications like Avira and McAfee work with all other iOS devices, including iPads. However, you should check the features to determine whether the antivirus offers the intended protection.

The 5 Best Antivirus Apps for iPhone and iPad in 2023

Ali Qamar - Cybersecurity Analyst

Last updated: October 15, 2023

Read time: 20 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Apple has got the iOS system security basics covered. But you still need to protect your iPhone and iPad with the best antivirus solutions. Check our list and pick the right antivirus app for you.

Sneak peek at using an antivirus on iPhone

While antivirus solutions are a must-have for every device, having one on an iPhone or iPad is difficult because of iOS’s app sandboxing. Yet, you cannot ignore the antivirus because an iPhone is as vulnerable to malware infections as an Android or any other device. Thankfully, some antivirus solutions are still available that support iOS protection, like Norton 360 and Bitdefender. This article lists five different choices to protect your iPhones and iPads.

Let us tell you something the antivirus software industry doesn’t want you to know: you can’t scan an iOS device for viruses. No, you can’t, honestly. You see, iPads and iPhones have a security feature known as “sandboxing.” It’s called that because it allows every app to play only within its “sandbox.”

Everything is categorized that way, so no app on your device can change any other app, file, or process. And that’s why viruses can’t infect an iOS system. Even if they get inside, they can do nothing once they’re there.

So what is the authentic meaning of a phrase like “iOS antivirus”? What it means is “internet security for iOS.” This notion refers to various features that keep iOS devices safe. That is necessary because, out of the box, this hardware is not protected against many online security threats. Those include:

Device theft
Browser trackers
Data-stealing apps
Unsafe public WiFi hotspots
Phishing links

We swept the so-called “security” iOS universe. It took us dozens of hours to go through scam apps, useless apps (free and otherwise), and security apps in the App Store that won’t do the job. We sought software to deliver protection without hidden fees or fishy trial periods. Thankfully, we found five such apps – that’s the good news.