Guide 11g · Security & Find My
Scam Safety • Apps & SubscriptionsNew icons you don't remember, or a charge you don't recognize? Let's find the apps and check your subscriptions, one step at a time.
Does This Look Familiar?
- "Apps I didn't install" are on your phone.
- "My Home Screen looks different."
- A "cleaner", "antivirus" or "VPN" app you got after a pop-up said "virus detected". (That warning was fake.)
- A charge from Apple you don't recognize.
Stop: Don't Sign In To Anything Yet
While your phone is doing this, don't sign in to anything. No banking, email or Apple Account logins. Don't type passwords, codes or card details.
Never type anything into a pop-up. Never call a number it shows. Apple won't call you to ask for your password or codes.
Sign in and change passwords only after the cleanup is done, or from a different device you trust.
Typed a password into a scam page? Change it right away from a different device you trust. Only have this phone? Do the cleanup first, then change it right after.
Not sure? Call or text (720) 413-8150.
Step 1: Look Through Your Apps
Swipe left past your last Home Screen page to reach the App Library. Look for apps you don't know.
Not sure what an app is? Search its name in the App Store and read what it does. Some built-in Apple apps may look new after an update.
Step 2: Cancel Its Subscription First
Apple notes that deleting an app doesn't cancel its subscription. So check this first.
- Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription you don't want.
- Tap Cancel Subscription. You may need to scroll down.
No Cancel button, or red text with an end date? It's already canceled. Don't see the charge here? It may be billed by another company. Check your bank statement.
Step 3: Delete The App
- Touch and hold the app icon.
- Tap Remove App.
- Tap Delete App, then tap Delete.
Icons start to jiggle instead? Tap the Remove icon (a minus sign) in the upper-left corner of the app. Then tap Delete App, then Delete. Tap Done when finished.
Can't delete it? Your phone may have a profile controlling it. See removing unknown profiles.
Step 4: Restart Your Phone
Turn your phone off, then back on.
Quick Answers
Does deleting an app cancel its subscription?
No. Apple says to cancel subscriptions you don't need before you delete the app. Go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions.
Do I need a "cleaner" or "antivirus" app?
No. If you installed one after a scary pop-up, cancel any subscription and delete it.
Next step: 11h Lock Down Your iPhone After A Scam
If this didn't fix it: Book an appointment
Related: 11f Remove Calendar Spam · 11e Tapped A Scam Link?
Still stuck? Call or text (720) 413-8150 or book an appointment. It's a home-based shop, so please call or text before you head over.
Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.