Have you ever been browsing the internet on your iPhone and suddenly received a pop-up message saying something like ‘iPhone virus warning’? Such messages are usually put out by malicious actors and hackers. These messages might lead to an unwitting victim sharing their personal information with the hackers, or even installing certificates on their iPhone. While these messages used to be few and far in between, these days they have started spreading like wildfire. However, there’s an easy fix. So, here’s how to remove fake Apple security alerts on iPhone.

Safely Get Rid of Fake Security Alerts on iOS and iPadOS

1. Close the Malicious Tabs Right Away

When you get a security warning, make sure to not tap on the alert, not even try to tap the close button in the popup. The safer way to take on such malicious popups is to immediately close the browser tab.  

  • Safely Get Rid of Fake Security Alerts on iOS and iPadOS

  • Close the Malicious Tabs Right AwayDelete Shady Website CookiesBlock All Safari PopupsBlock Fraudulent Website WarningsUse Reader Mode to Keep Unwanted Ads and Popups AwayBlock Shady WebsitesReport Fake Security Alerts to Apple

  • Close the Malicious Tabs Right AwayDelete Shady Website CookiesBlock All Safari PopupsBlock Fraudulent Website WarningsUse Reader Mode to Keep Unwanted Ads and Popups AwayBlock Shady Websites

  • Next, open Safari and then tap the Tabs icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. After that, tap on the “X” button at the upper right corner of the specific tab to close it.

2. Delete Shady Website Cookies

Apart from letting you clean up the entire history, Safari also allows you to remove specific website cookies. Thus, you can get rid of particular cookies without having to wipe out the entire browsing history.

  • Now, tap Website Data. Next, tap on Edit at the top right corner of the screen.

  • Next up, select the specific cookie you want to get rid of and hit the Delete button. Do not forget to tap Done at the top right to confirm the action.

3. Block All Safari Popups

To prevent shady popups from showing up again, make sure to enable the native popup blocker.

4. Block Fraudulent Website Warnings

Safari comes with a built-in feature that allows you to block fraudulent website warnings. Therefore, make sure to take advantage of this security feature to keep the fake website warnings at a fair distance.

  • To get going, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Safari and then ensure that the toggle next to Fraudulent Website Warning is enabled.

5. Use Reader Mode to Keep Unwanted Ads and Popups Away

One of my favorite features in the stock web browser is the “Reader Mode” which enhances the reading experience by restricting all the unnecessary popups and ads. Notably, you can enable the reader mode automatically for all websites or choose to activate it only on specific web pages depending on your needs.

Automatically Enable Safari Reader Mode for All Websites

  • Next, turn on the toggle for All Websites.

6. Block Shady Websites

Thanks to Screen Time, you can easily block shady websites on your iPhone. Whether you wish to shield your kid against offensive content found on specific websites or want to keep nefarious sites at bay, the native website blocker can come in handy.

  • Now, ensure that the toggle for Content & Privacy Restrictions is turned on. Then, tap Content Restriction and select Web Content.

  • Next, choose the Limit Adult Content option. Under the Never Allow section, tap Add Website and then paste the link of the site that you want to block.

Going forward, these websites will be blocked on your device. Later, if you ever want to make changes, return to this very Screen Time setting and then do the needful.

Note:

Report Fake Security Alerts to Apple

You can report suspicious messages, and emails to reportphishing@apple.com and abuse@icloud.com. Further, you can also report spam phone calls to the FTC as well as the local police/law enforcement agency.