How to Get Rid of Keylogger on iPhone

How do keyloggers affect iPhones

Keyloggers mostly affect iPhones running jailbroken or outdated versions of iOS. For instance, if your device is running a jailbreak, privacy-invasive apps can see pretty much everything you do, including what you type. On older iOS versions, fake third-party keyboards designed to mimic legitimate keyboards can also capture your keystrokes.

How to detect keylogger on iPhone

Keyloggers run stealthily in the background, making them difficult to detect. In some cases, they may even operate in plain sight by posing as keyboards. Fortunately, there are certain telltale signs you can watch for to detect them.

Here's how to detect a keylogger on your iPhone:

• Unusual battery drain: Most keyloggers run continuously in the background, and that requires a lot of power. If your battery life suddenly drops, a hidden app could be logging your keystrokes. Check Settings > Battery to identify apps using the most power.
• Increased data usage: Keyloggers transmit recorded keystrokes to remote servers alongside other data like screenshots. Go to Settings > Cellular and check for unfamiliar apps consuming excessive amounts of data.
• Performance slowdowns: If you experience lag while typing, sluggish system performance, or overheating, a background process—possibly a keylogger, another spy tool, or a virus (learn how to tell if your iPhone has a virus)—could be running without your knowledge.
• Suspicious configuration profiles: Some keyloggers install themselves via sketchy configuration profiles. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and look for any suspicious configurations. If you find one, remove it immediately.
• Review permissions: Other forms of spyware, like location trackers, can also compromise your privacy. Check your iPhone's permission settings (Settings > Privacy & Security) to identify apps with access to areas they shouldn't.

How to remove keylogger from your iPhone

You can remove keyloggers from your iOS device by updating iOS to its latest version, checking for and deleting suspicious apps or keyboards, and performing a factory reset if necessary. Security software can also help you figure out if the system software is susceptible to spyware.

1. Update iOS to latest version

Keyloggers—such as third-party keyboards—exploit vulnerabilities in iOS to infiltrate devices. Apple regularly releases security patches to fix these vulnerabilities, which is why you should install them as soon as they become available.

Here's how to update iOS:

1. Open the Settings app and go to General.
2. Tap Software Update.
3. If there's a pending update, tap Update Now.

2. Check and delete suspicious programs

Some keyloggers disguise themselves as legitimate apps. Manually review all installed apps while referring to our list of apps that spy on your iPhone and remove anything suspicious.

Here's how to check and uninstall keyloggers on iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Review the list of installed apps for anything unfamiliar.
3. If an app looks suspicious, tap it and select Delete App.

Malicious keyboards that resemble the default Apple keyboard or popular third-party options like Gboard or SwiftKey can also capture everything you type. So, it's also a good idea to make sure that's not the case.

Here's how to check and delete suspicious keyboards:

1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
2. If you see a keyboard you don't recognize, swipe it to the left.
3. Tap Delete to remove it.

3. Factory reset your iPhone

If you can't find any keyloggers manually or suspect your device was jailbroken (apps like Cydia can be a giveaway), the best bet is a factory reset. This wipes everything, including hidden keyloggers. Just make sure to back up your important files to iCloud or a computer so that you can get your data back.

Here's how to get rid of keyloggers on iPhone with a factory reset:

1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset Settings > Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Tap Continue and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your device. You'll get one last chance to back up your data—make sure to do so if you haven't already.
4. Once the reset is complete, go through the Setup Assistant and restore your data.

4. Scan your iPhone with security software

While iPhones don't support traditional antivirus software, anti-spyware tools like Clario Anti Spy can help detect hidden jailbreaks and other system vulnerabilities that could leave your device exposed to malicious keyloggers.

Here's how to scan your iPhone with Clario Anti Spy:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and subscribe to create an account.
2. Tap Scan under Device system check.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to resolve any security issues.
4. If you need help, tap the Messages icon to connect to a security expert 24/7.

Clario Anti Spy also includes an Anti-spy setup to enhance your privacy, a Data breach monitor to check for email and password breaches, and an Unlock catcher to record anyone unlocking your phone without permission.

How to protect your iPhone from keyloggers in future

The best way to keep your iPhone safe from keyloggers is to stick to apps from trusted developers and the App Store and regularly install the latest iOS updates. But that's not all—you can take a few extra steps to level up your security.

1. Install trusted security software

Using an anti-spyware solution like Clario Anti Spy can help detect hidden jailbreaks and system vulnerabilities. Run regular scans and take advantage of other features these apps offer to stay ahead of potential threats.

2. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi and untrusted sources

Public Wi-Fi networks can be a hacker's playground, making it easier for them to install keyloggers remotely. Avoid unsecured networks, use cellular data whenever possible, or always connect via a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your data.

3. Enable two-factor authentication and strong passwords

Keyloggers steal login credentials, but 2FA (two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker gets your password, they won't be able to log in without the second verification step. The best place to start is with your Apple ID.

Here's how to enable 2FA for your Apple ID:

1. Open the Settings app and tap your name.
2. Tap Sign-In & Security.
3. Tap Two-Factor Authentication and follow the setup instructions to add a trusted phone number or a security key.

You should also use strong passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols to make them hard to guess. Avoid reusing the same one across multiple accounts—if keeping track of them gets tricky, consider investing in a password manager.

4. Regularly monitor your device’s security

Make it a habit to monitor your iPhone's performance, installed apps, and battery usage. If you notice anything unusual, such as excessive data usage or unexpected settings changes, investigate it right away.

Also, don't forget to check your VPN & Device Management settings (Settings > General) for any suspicious profiles that could be linked to spyware. If something looks off, delete it immediately.

Conclusion

Keyloggers can be a serious privacy risk, recording everything you type and stealing sensitive info. To delete a keylogger from your iPhone, update your iOS, check for and remove suspicious apps, do perform a factory reset if needed, and use Clario Anti Spy for extra protection. To stay safe, be mindful of what you download, avoid sketchy Wi-Fi networks, enable two-factor authentication, and stay alert for anything unusual.