How to speed up your iPhone or iPad for better performance

As iPhones and iPads age, their performance tends to slow down due to multiple factors. Background processes, outdated software, and limited storage can all contribute to sluggishness. When too many applications and services run simultaneously, the device's CPU and memory resources are strained, resulting in a noticeable lag. For devices with older hardware, this can be even more pronounced as newer system updates demand more processing power.

Storage management plays a critical role in maintaining performance. When an iPhone or iPad reaches near capacity, system operations slow down due to limited memory allocation. Cached data, large apps, and accumulated media files can reduce available space, which in turn hinders the device’s ability to run efficiently. Clearing storage and limiting unnecessary processes help restore speed.

Additionally, frequent software updates can lead to increased resource consumption. While updates often improve functionality, they also raise system requirements. This is especially relevant for older devices, which struggle to handle the demands of newer versions. Tuning performance settings and disabling resource-heavy features can help maintain optimal speed even with updated software.

1. Close unused apps.

   Close apps running in the background that are no longer needed. Too many open apps drain the CPU and RAM, slowing down performance.

   To close apps, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or double-tap the home button to access the app switcher. Swipe up on apps to close them.

2. Restart your device.

   Restarting your iPhone or iPad clears system memory, resets processes, and can speed up performance.

   Hold the power button and a volume button until the power off slider appears. Slide to power off, then hold the power button to restart.

3. Free up storage.

   Storage impacts device performance when it nears full capacity. Deleting unused apps, offloading media, or using iCloud can help.

   Check storage usage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage. Offload apps or media that are no longer needed.

4. Update iOS or iPadOS.

   Installing the latest software updates ensures your device runs with the most optimized version of the operating system.

   Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check and install the latest iOS or iPadOS updates.

5. Disable background app refresh.

   Disabling background activity for apps reduces unnecessary system load, which can free up resources and improve speed.

   Navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle it off or limit it to necessary apps.

6. Manage location services.

   Limiting location services for apps reduces battery and system resource usage.

   Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and disable location for apps that don’t need it constantly.

7. Clear browser cache.

   Clearing the cache removes unnecessary data and can speed up browser performance.

   In Settings > Safari, select Clear History and Website Data to clear browser cache.

8. Turn off motion effects.

   Disabling motion effects reduces the graphical load on the system and improves response time, especially on older devices.

   Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and enable Reduce Motion.

9. Disable automatic downloads.

   Prevent automatic app downloads and updates to reduce background activity.

   Disable App Updates and Automatic Downloads in Settings > App Store.

10. Reset all settings.

    Reset system settings without affecting personal data to resolve performance issues caused by misconfigured settings.

    Go to Settings > General > Reset and select Reset All Settings.

11. Restore factory settings.

    If performance issues persist, erase all content and settings to restore the device to factory condition.

    Go to Settings > General > Reset and select Erase All Content and Settings. Ensure you back up your data before doing this.

12. Check battery health.

    Degraded battery health can reduce performance as the device throttles performance to save power.

    Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check your battery’s maximum capacity and consider replacing it if degraded.