You've probably felt that sudden jolt of anxiety. Maybe your iPhone is getting weirdly hot in your pocket while you aren't even using it. Or perhaps your battery, which used to last all day, is suddenly hitting 10% by lunchtime. It’s natural to wonder if someone is watching. Honestly, the idea of a stranger peaking through your camera or reading your texts is terrifying.
But here is the thing: the "hacker" industry thrives on that fear.
Most people rush to the App Store and type in "antivirus." They expect a big "Scan" button that will find a hooded figure hiding in their code. iPhones don't really work like that. Apple's "sandboxing" makes it almost impossible for one app to scan another app for viruses. So, if an app claims it can "clean" your iPhone of malware with one click, it's probably lying to you.
Does that mean you're helpless? Not at all. There are legitimate apps to check if iPhone is hacked, but they aren't the ones you think.
The spyware reality check
Let’s be real for a second. If you aren't a high-profile journalist, a politician, or a billionaire, you probably aren't being targeted by Pegasus or some nation-state malware. That stuff costs millions.
For the rest of us, "hacking" usually looks like two things:
- Stalking software (mSpy, FlexiSpy) installed by someone who had physical access to your phone.
- Account takeovers where someone isn't in your phone, but they're in your iCloud.
If your phone is acting buggy, it’s often just a bad iOS update or a dying battery. But "often" isn't "always." You need proof.
iMazing: The gold standard for deep dives
If you are genuinely suspicious, the App Store is the wrong place to look. You need a computer. iMazing is widely considered the most reliable tool for this in 2026.
It isn't an app you install on your iPhone; it's software for your Mac or PC. Basically, it uses the "Spyware Analyzer" tool which was built based on the Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT) developed by Amnesty International.
It works by taking a full backup of your phone and then scouring that backup for "indicators of compromise." It looks for file names and folder structures known to be used by Pegasus, Predator, and other nasty spyware. It’s technical. It’s thorough. And it's way more effective than any mobile app.
Certo: The "human-friendly" middle ground
If iMazing feels too "tech-heavy" for you, Certo AntiSpy is the runner-up. Like iMazing, the real heavy lifting happens on your computer. You plug your iPhone in via USB, and it scans for things the App Store apps can't see.
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Certo is particularly good at finding "hidden" tracking apps. These are apps that don't show up on your home screen but are quietly recording your GPS or messages. It also checks for "Jailbreak" status. If your phone is jailbroken and you didn't do it, that's a massive red flag. It means the security gates have been kicked open.
Mobile apps that actually do something
Okay, so what about apps you can actually download on your phone? Most "antivirus" apps on the App Store are basically just glorified VPNs and photo cleaners. However, a few provide actual utility:
- Log Dog: This one doesn't scan your phone files. Instead, it monitors your accounts. It alerts you if someone logs into your Gmail, Facebook, or iCloud from a weird location. Usually, the "hack" is just someone guessing your password, not a virus.
- iVerify: This is a favorite among security pros. It doesn't "scan for viruses" per se. Instead, it checks your system settings. It'll tell you if your software is out of date, if you have a suspicious configuration profile installed, or if your "Find My" is turned off. It's like a health checkup for your privacy.
- Norton 360 / McAfee: While they can't scan your files, they are great for "Web Protection." They'll block you from clicking a phishing link in a text message that would have stolen your Apple ID.
Signs your iPhone is compromised
Before you spend money on software, do a quick "manual" audit. You'd be surprised how much you can find just by looking.
Check your "Safety Check." Apple added this in iOS 16, and it’s a lifesaver. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. This shows you exactly who has access to your location and which apps can see your data. If you see an ex-boyfriend or a random app from three years ago still tracking your GPS, kill it.
Look at the "Green and Orange Dots." Look at the top right of your screen. If you see a green dot, your camera is on. Orange means your mic is on. If those dots appear when you aren't using an app, someone is listening.
Check for Configuration Profiles. This is a big one. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Unless you have a work phone or a school-managed device, this area should be empty. If there’s a profile there you don't recognize, delete it immediately. That profile is basically a "remote control" for your phone.
What to do if you find something
If an app confirms you've been breached, don't panic. But don't wait.
First, change your Apple ID password from a different device. If your phone is bugged, it might have a keylogger. Use a laptop or a friend's iPad.
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Second, update your software. Most hacks rely on "Zero-Day" vulnerabilities that Apple patches in the next update. Updating to the latest version of iOS is often the simplest way to "kill" a hack.
If things are really bad—like your bank accounts are being drained—the only real fix is a factory reset. Wipe the phone completely. Do not restore from a backup, because you might just be re-installing the malware. Start fresh. It’s a pain, but it’s the only way to be 100% sure.
Actionable steps for right now
- Run an iMazing scan if you can access a computer; it's the only way to find high-level spyware.
- Open Safety Check in your settings to see who is currently sharing your location.
- Check your battery usage in Settings to see if any unknown apps are running in the background for hours.
- Turn on Lockdown Mode if you believe you are under active attack; it’s under Privacy & Security settings and basically turns your phone into a digital fortress by disabling most attachments and web features.
Ultimately, your iPhone is incredibly secure out of the box. Most "hacks" are just people being tricked into giving away their passwords. Stay skeptical of weird texts, keep your software updated, and you'll likely never need these apps in the first place.