How to run a MS Defender scan on iOS that’s not an IMac or MacBook.

Casiandra 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T11:57:25.1533333+00:00

I have MS Defender on all my iOS devices and I know how to run a scan on the MacBook and the iMac but not on the iPhone and iPad. What am I missing? Thanks!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | iOS
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  1. Thomas4-N 22,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-17T09:44:11.03+00:00

    Hello Casiandra,

    You’re not missing anything. Microsoft Defender on iPhone and iPad does not currently provide the same anti-malware scanning feature available on Windows, Mac, and Android.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/how-to-start-a-scan-for-viruses-or-malware-in-microsoft-defender

    User's image

    That’s why you won’t find the Device details > Malware protection > Scan option on your iPhone or iPad. On iOS, Microsoft Defender instead focuses mainly on web protection, such as helping block malicious websites and phishing links.

    So there isn’t a manual Defender malware scan you need to enable on the iPhone or iPad.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-16T11:57:36.22+00:00

    On iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Defender does support malware scans.

    To run a scan on iOS:

    1. Open Microsoft Defender.
    2. Tap Device details to go to the Device protection screen.
    3. Tap Malware protection.
    4. Tap Scan.

    If a threat is found, Defender notifies and helps with removal.

    If the app was just installed, Defender also runs an initial scan automatically.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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