Can iPads get viruses?

Yes, iPads and other iOS devices can get viruses — in theory. But Apple has strict security policies on its App Store and builds strong defenses into its operating system designed to isolate and compartmentalize apps, which helps prevent infections from spreading to the rest of your device.

While this makes the risk of classic self-spreading viruses vanishingly rare, iPads are still vulnerable to other forms of malware, as well as phishing and hacking attacks. This article explores the real risks to watch out for and how to keep your iPad protected.

How to tell if your iPad might have malware

Most iPad threats don’t announce themselves with an obvious “you’re infected” warning. Instead, they reveal themselves through subtle changes in how your device behaves. If you notice unusual performance or strange activity, your iPad could be infected with malware or a malicious configuration.

Your iPad might have malware if you experience:

• Pop-ups or fake virus alerts: Strange pop-ups or warning notifications claiming your iPad is infected are often scams. Don’t click them — fake virus alerts are designed to steal personal information or push you toward fraudulent services.
• Unfamiliar apps appearing: Apps you don’t remember installing appearing on your home screen or in your App Library can signal a malicious download or a compromised profile.
• Constant browser redirects: If Safari sends you to random ads or unfamiliar search engines instead of the page you selected, something may be interfering with your browsing.
• Calendar spam: Tapping a suspicious link can silently add a malicious calendar subscription, flooding your calendar with fake alerts, events, and other calendar spam.
• Rapid battery drain: Malware or malicious background activity can consume extra processing power, causing your battery to drain faster than normal.
• Your iPad is running slower or freezing: Ongoing lag, crashes, or freezing — especially after installing a new app or visiting a questionable site — can indicate unsafe scripts or malware-like behavior.

A slow iPad or declining battery life doesn’t automatically mean it’s infected with malware. But when these issues appear alongside suspicious activity like persistent web redirects or aggressive pop-ups, it’s a stronger sign that something malicious may be affecting your device.

iPad security threats to watch out for

Viruses and malware aren’t the only risks for iPad users. In fact, you’re probably more likely to be impacted by other security and privacy threats on your iPad, like scams that try to trick you into giving away personal information, unsafe apps, or fake phishing websites.

Even though Apple builds strong protections into iPadOS, scammers are always finding new ways to target users. Here are some of the most dangerous security threats to watch out for when using an iPad:

iPad malware and malicious apps

Malware — short for malicious software — can be programmed to do different things when it gets access to your phone after you download an infected app, such as capturing your personal information, spying on your online activity, or recording your browsing behavior.

But because apps can only be downloaded from Apple’s App Store, which reviews each app before it’s accepted, it’s rare for iPad users to download an infected app. Furthermore, after downloading an app, iOS performs a code-signature check before it opens for the first time to ensure it hasn’t been modified since being released by the developer.

The main exception to this is if your iPad is jailbroken and you download apps from shady third-party sources. This could leave you vulnerable to malicious apps that may steal your data, or worse.

iPad adware and unwanted pop-ups

Adware bombards you with ads and other pop-ups, while also often tracking your online behavior and monitoring your activity. Some adware may try to entice you to visit an infected website where further infections await.

Thankfully, adware is often easy to get rid of. Because many types of adware settle into your web cache, clearing your cookies, web history, and browsing data can help.

Here’s how to clear your history and website data on iPad to help get rid of adware:

1. Go to Settings, tap Apps, and select Safari.
2. Choose Clear History and Website Data.
3. Confirm by tapping Clear History.

iPad spyware and data tracking

Spyware is a type of malware that monitors your activity without your knowledge. It can disguise itself as legitimate software and gather information about you without you knowing, like a Trojan horse.

Here’s what spyware can do:

• Gather your personal information and relay it to advertisers, data firms, or others. 
• Track your online activity, from your browsing history and downloads to your keystrokes and messages.
• Capture sensitive data such as login info, saved passwords, and two-factor authentication codes.
• Hijack your device and control it remotely.

If your device is unusually slow, unexpectedly crashes, runs out of hard drive space, or starts displaying lots of pop-ups, you might have a spyware infection. Use a spyware removal service to help you scan and remove any traces of spyware.

iPad phishing and scam websites

Phishing is a type of cyberattack in which a scammer attempts to trick you into giving up personal information that they can use to access your finances or online accounts. On an iPad, you might encounter phishing through emails or fake text messages.

These methods have given rise to a new kind of cybercrime called VibeScams. This is when something looks or feels right just long enough for scammers to trick you out of your money or personal information. This phenomenon is covered in detail in our Q3 Gen Threat Report.

Here are a few signs that indicate an iPad phishing scam:

• The message contains urgent language about a problem and rushes you to “act now.”
• The message contains spelling or grammar mistakes.
• The sender wants you to confirm personal details, download an attachment, click a link, or respond with personal info.

To help prevent phishing attacks, never engage with any suspicious emails or texts. To be extra safe, close the Safari browser, clear your cache, and restart your iPad.

iPad ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks users out of their device and demands payment to restore access. On iPads, ransomware attacks are less likely to succeed because Apple’s security design prevents apps from accessing or encrypting the entire system.

But jailbroken iPads are a different story. Jailbreaking removes Apple’s built-in protections, opening the door to malicious apps, scripts, or other types of ransomware that can lock your device and hold your data hostage. If you encounter ransomware on your iPad, don’t pay up. Instead, run a scan with reputable antivirus software to identify and remove the threat.

How to remove viruses and malware from your iPad

If your iPad is infected with a virus or other malware, it’s usually possible to fix the problem and re-secure your iPad quickly. Here’s how to remove viruses and malware from your iPad:

Restart your iPad

Your iPad may just have a glitch or a bug rather than malware, so first try restarting your device to see if that solves the problem. Here’s how to restart your iPad:

1. Press and hold the top button and either volume button on your iPad until you see the power off slider.
2. Drag the slider and wait for the device to power off. This will take about 30 seconds.
3. Press and hold the top button to turn your device back on again.

Delete suspicious apps

If you spot an app on your iPad that you don’t remember downloading, it could be spyware or another type of malware. Delete it just like you would any other app. Follow these steps to remove any apps that look suspicious, or that you installed shortly before problems started:

1. Press and hold the app icon until a pop-up menu appears.
2. Tap Remove App, and then Delete App to confirm.

Additionally, if you want to search your App Library, go to Settings > Apps, and you’ll see them displayed alphabetically.

Clear your Safari cache and history

Clearing your cache and history can help remove the source of unwanted pop-ups and redirects. Sometimes these issues arise from cached data stored by a sketchy site you visited. These files can nudge Safari to reopen these pages or ads. Here’s how to clear your Safari cache and history:

1. Go to Settings > Safari.
2. Tap Clear History and Website Data (you’ll be prompted to select how much history you’d like to clear).
3. Tap Clear History.

Run a security scan using a trusted iOS security app

Running a security scan can help you spot problems on your iPad that aren’t always obvious, such as malicious profiles, unsafe settings, or risky websites you interacted with.

Open the App Store on your iPad and search for a trusted security app. Norton Mobile Security for iOS, for example, offers real-time protection and ongoing monitoring to help detect and prevent threats.

Restore your iPad using a backup

If you back up your data to iCloud, restoring your iPad from a previous backup can remove malware that may be hiding in the system. To restore your iPad using an iCloud backup:

1. Turn on your iPad by pressing and holding the top button.
2. Follow the on-screen steps until you arrive at Transfer Your Apps & Data.
3. Select Restore from iCloud Backup.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to restore your data.

Factory reset your iPad

If you don’t have a backup — or if your device is already set up and still showing signs of trouble — you may need to factory reset your iPad.

This “nuclear option” will clear out any hidden malware, but will also erase all user data from your device, so it should only be a last resort. Think carefully about whether you need to make a copy of any important data before performing a factory reset to avoid losing it forever.

To perform a factory reset:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

How to keep your iPad safe (12 expert tips)

It may be rare for an iPad to become infected with malware, but that doesn’t mean your device is totally safe. Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to crack into devices. Here are a few initial security steps you can take to help keep your iPad safe.

1. Update your iPad software

Apple is quick to fix security flaws in its operating systems, so downloading the latest iPadOS updates as soon as they’re available is one of the best ways to protect your iPad. Here’s how to download and run the latest version of your iPad’s operating system.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Run the update and enable Automatic Updates for easy access to future updates.

Also, consider backing up your iPad regularly. If malware gets in, you may need to erase all of your data and restore it to its factory settings. By having a recent backup, you won’t lose all your files.

2. Do not jailbreak your iPad

Jailbreaking bypasses Apple’s security and opens the possibility for malware to enter the iPad through third-party apps. It’s best to leave Apple’s stock operating system in place if you want all the security measures that come with it.

If you’ve already jailbroken the device and you notice a problem with your iPad, think back to any recent downloads you’ve made. If you downloaded an app from a third-party app store, that may be the source of your problem. Uninstall the app and check whether the problem persists.

3. Turn on “Find My iPad”

Find My iPad is a built-in feature that uses GPS to find your device if it’s lost or stolen. It’s smart to enable this feature before you need to use it. The “Mark as Lost” feature allows you to remotely lock or erase the contents of your iPad. It can also display a custom message with your phone number so you can be contacted if someone finds your device and wants to return it to you.

Here’s how to turn on “Find My iPad”:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Tap Find My.
4. Toggle the Find My iPad switch to green.

If you ever need to find your iPad, open the Find My app on another iOS device and sign in with your Apple ID and password. The iPad’s location will appear as soon as you sign in.

Or you can use a non-iOS device or a desktop computer to visit www.icloud.com in a browser. Click Find iPhone, then choose All Devices. The name of your iPad should appear. Click it to show the location and a menu with options.

4. Lock your iPad with a passcode

Set up the passcode security feature on your iPad to make it harder for anyone to break in if the iPad is lost or stolen.

To flip on this feature for an iPad with Face ID: go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode On.

5. Secure your lock screen

Unless you’ve disabled Siri and notifications from your lock screen, anyone who picks up your iPad can use Siri to do things like check your calendar and set reminders. They can also read your notifications on the locked screen. Here’s how to disable those features:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
3. Under Allow Access When Locked, turn off any functions you don’t want people to access while the screen is locked, such as Siri or “Return Missed Calls.”

6. Limit app permissions

Take a look at the apps you’ve downloaded on your iPad and check the permissions to ensure your privacy. For example, some apps may have access to your microphone, camera, or location. 

If you don’t use the app regularly, consider removing it altogether. Otherwise, review app permissions and revoke any permissions that feel unnecessary or violate your privacy.

Remember to install apps only from the App Store to avoid downloading any suspicious apps that might invite malware onto your iPad.

7. Use strong passwords

Using strong passwords is one of the best ways to secure your online accounts, and it can help keep your account-specific data or personal information safe, even if your iPad is infected. Here’s how to create a strong password:

• Avoid dictionary words that are easy to guess.
• Use special characters, numbers, and upper- and lower-case letters.
• Create long, unique passwords for each separate account.

8. Regularly back up your device

Keep your important files protected by backing up your device on a regular basis. Regular data backups ensure you won’t lose your valuable files if your device is damaged or compromised.

Your iPad can back up your data automatically whenever it is locked, connected to power, and on a Wi-Fi network. Check that iCloud Backup is set up under Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

9. Avoid suspicious links and attachments

Protect against phishing when using your iPad by steering clear of suspicious links and attachments. Clicking on an unknown link or download could open your device to malware.

Phishing emails often contain suspicious links that can infect your device with malware or lead to a spoof website that will ask you for sensitive personal information. If you suspect an email is spam, delete it and don’t click any links or download any attachments.

10. Use two-factor authentication

Use 2FA to help secure your accounts and protect your iPad from hackers. With 2FA, even if a hacker discovers your password, they won’t be able to access your account without knowing the second form of verification, which is typically a short code sent to your email address or phone number.

Turn on 2FA for your Apple ID account by going to Settings > your name > Sign In & Security. Tap Two-Factor Authentication to turn it on and follow the instructions on the screen.

11. Use a VPN

Using a VPN helps protect your iPad on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi, where attackers often attempt network spoofing or man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks to inject malware. By encrypting your internet connection, a VPN also prevents hackers from intercepting your data or spying on sensitive activity such as logins, messages, and browsing.

Norton VPN offers a secure Wi-Fi connection and uses bank-grade encryption to help keep your data private. Download Norton VPN for peace of mind when surfing the web at home or on the go.

12. Use mobile antivirus software

Mobile antivirus software can help you stay ahead of evolving threats by adding an extra layer of protection to your iPad beyond Apple’s built-in security — helping block malware, detect risky activity, and protect against a wide range of mobile security threats.

Protect your iPad with a powerful security app

Strong security software like Norton Mobile Security for iOS is engineered to help protect iPads by detecting and blocking malware, viruses, scam links, and unsafe websites. Plus, it will notify you if you’re on an unsafe Wi-Fi network to help keep you safer from hackers, eavesdroppers, and other uninvited guests.

FAQs

Can iPads get viruses from Safari?

It’s rare for an iPad to get a virus through Safari. What’s far more common is encountering scam pop-ups, malicious redirects, or phishing pages designed to trick you into giving up personal information while browsing.

Do iPads need antivirus software?

Although iPads and other Apple devices have strong security measures, you should always be conscious of defending against phishing, malware, and hackers when you go online. Protecting your iPad with antivirus software like Norton Mobile Security for iOS can help keep you, and the sensitive data stored on your mobile devices, safer.

Can an iPad be hacked?

The iPad and iPhone iOS is highly secure, but it isn’t immune to hackers. And if someone gets hold of your Apple ID and password, they can access your account. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a critical layer of defense and helps prevent unauthorized access. Jailbreaking your iPad also weakens built-in protections and makes it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

How can you tell if your iPad has a virus?

If you see a page that says your iPad has a virus, are encountering numerous pop-up ads, or your device is glitching, crashing, or acting slow, it might be infected with malware. Clearing your cache and running a security scan can help resolve any issues and clear the malware from your iPad’s system.

How do iPads get malware?

Because Apple reviews every App Store release, iOS apps containing malicious code are rare — but they do occasionally slip through the screening process. A more common way for an iPad to become infected is through jailbreaking, which removes software restrictions and leaves devices vulnerable to malware and hackers.