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Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >
Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >
This happened a few days ago so I erased my iPad and reinstalled just the apps I needed. Now, it's happening again. All of a sudden the search screen comes up. If I step away and come back the App Store is open and free apps are either downloading or an App has been searched for.
Can iPads be hacked?
iPad Pro, iPadOS 13
As a diagnostic tool, have you attempted a Factory Reset (using the full linked procedure) but without restoring your data?
If you have, and have seen no improvement, you may have a hardware fault requiring assistance directly from Apple Support. You will find the Contact Support link at top-right of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate a support case using the Apple Support App:
As a diagnostic tool, have you attempted a Factory Reset (using the full linked procedure) but without restoring your data?
If you have, and have seen no improvement, you may have a hardware fault requiring assistance directly from Apple Support. You will find the Contact Support link at top-right of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate a support case using the Apple Support App:
Have you jailbroken your iPad? If not, then it is very unlikely that you iPad has been “hacked”. If you have, well, that’s not a good thing to do!
Likewise, have you installed a Beta version of iPadOS? Beta versions of the OS can introduce all kinds of issues.
If you are concerned, create either a iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad, the restore the iPad to Factory Settings:
Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support
The factory reset will install a fresh copy of the most recent version of iPadOS that you iPad can support - and then optionally restore your data from your backup.
Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, unless jailbroken, your iPad is not susceptible to traditional malware infection per-se. However, as with all computer systems, there are still vulnerabilities and exploits to which you remain vulnerable.
Browser-based attacks can largely be mitigated by installing a good, trusted, Content and Ad-blocking product. One of the very best and most respected within the Apple App Store - designed for iPad, iPhone and Mac - is 1Blocker for Safari.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/1blocker-for-safari/id1365531024
Thanks a lot for your quick response. No, I have not jailbroken my iPad and I had just completed a complete factory reset last night. The iPadOS is the latest from Apple and not a beta version. Have not opened Safari yet. Have not connected any Bluetooth devices.
Any other ideas as to why this is happening? It's just happened again as I'm typing.
It looks like my iPad has been hacked. Am seeing changes occur to it while I'm not touching it
