"Your iPhone Has Been Infected" Or "Virus Detected"? How To Close The Fake Pop-Up

Guide 11d · Security & Find My

A pop-up says your iPhone is infected? Take a breath. It's almost always a fake web page, not a real virus. Here's how to close it safely.

Does This Look Familiar?

• A page says "Your iPhone has been infected" or "Virus detected". (This is a scam message, not a real scan.)
• It shows a countdown, a siren or a phone number to call.
• It looks like it's from Apple.
• Constant pop-ups that won't go away, or pages that keep reopening.

Why This Happens

A website, often through an ad, put up a fake warning. Your iPhone can't scan itself for viruses with a pop-up like this. Apple says pop-ups that warn about viruses are usually fake ads, made to scare you into calling or tapping.

Step 1: Don't Tap The Pop-Up

Don't tap OK, Close, Scan or Call. Apple warns that some pop-ups have fake close buttons. Leave the pop-up alone.

Step 2: Go To A Safe Page

1. Tap the search field in Safari. If you don't see it, tap the top of the screen.
2. Type apple.com and tap Go.

The pop-up won't let you? Swipe up from the bottom (or press the Home button) to leave Safari. Then go to Step 3.

Step 3: Close The Scam Tab

1. Open Safari and tap the Tabs button. It looks like two squares. On some versions, you tap All Tabs next.
2. Find the scam page and tap the X in its upper-right corner.

Tip from Apple: to close every tab at once, touch and hold the Tabs button, then tap Close All Tabs. (It shows how many tabs are open.)

Step 4: Turn On Block Pop-ups

Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps, then tap Safari.
3. Turn on Block Pop-ups. The switch turns green.

Don't see Apps? On older iOS, Safari is in the main Settings list. Scroll down to find it.

Step 5: Turn On Fraudulent Website Warning

On the same screen (Settings > Apps > Safari), turn on Fraudulent Website Warning. Safari will then warn you about pages it thinks are scams.

Step 6: Clear Safari History

Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.

1. Open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Safari.
2. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
3. Choose a timeframe, then tap Clear History.

Step 7: Update Your iPhone

Apple says updates include security fixes that can help with pop-ups.

1. Plug your phone into power and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings and tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. If you see an update, tap Download and Install. Follow the steps on screen.

Pop-Ups Even When Safari Is Closed?

If alerts appear when you aren't using Safari, they're likely calendar spam. See how to remove weird calendar alerts.

Already Tapped Or Called?

If you typed a password, gave card details or let someone "fix" your phone, see what to do if you tapped. Then lock things down.

Quick Answers

Is the "virus detected" message real?
Almost never. Apple says pop-ups that warn about viruses are usually fake ads made to trick you. Close the tab and don't call the number.

Do I need an antivirus app on my iPhone?
No. Close the page, turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning, and keep iOS updated.

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.