How to speed up a slow iPhone: 10 fixes that make a difference
A slow iPhone usually has a clear cause: a fresh update, full storage, a worn battery or too much running in the background.
Why is my iPhone so slow?
- You just updated iOS and it is still indexing in the background.
- Storage is almost full, so iOS has no room for temporary files.
- The battery is worn and iOS is limiting performance.
- Low Power Mode is on, which slows the processor on purpose.
- The phone is hot, and iOS slows down to cool it.
How to speed up your iPhone
The fix
10 fixes, easiest first
- 1
Restart the iPhone.
A restart clears temporary files and stuck processes.
- 2
Give it a day after an update.
Leave it charging overnight on Wi-Fi so background indexing can finish.
- 3
Free up storage.
Check Settings › General › iPhone Storage. Our guide to clearing iPhone storage shows the quickest wins.
- 4
Update iOS and your apps.
Install updates in Settings › General › Software Update, then tap Update All in the App Store.
- 5
Turn off Low Power Mode.
If the battery icon is yellow, go to Settings › Battery and switch it off.
- 6
Check battery health.
In Settings › Battery › Battery Health & Charging, look at Peak Performance Capability. If it mentions performance management, a new battery will restore full speed.
- 7
Remove widgets you do not need.
Live widgets refresh constantly. Press and hold a widget and tap Remove Widget.
- 8
Limit Background App Refresh.
Go to Settings › General › Background App Refresh and turn it off for apps that do not need it.
- 9
Turn on Reduce Motion.
Go to Settings › Accessibility › Motion and turn on Reduce Motion. Animations become simpler, which makes the phone feel faster.
- 10
Clear Safari data.
Go to Settings › Apps › Safari › Clear History and Website Data if browsing feels slow.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone slow after an update?
After a major update, iOS re-indexes photos, messages and files in the background for a day or two. The phone can feel slow and warm during that time. Keep it charging overnight on Wi-Fi and it usually settles down.
Does closing apps speed up an iPhone?
Not usually. iOS pauses apps in the background on its own. Only close an app if it has frozen or is misbehaving.
Can an old battery slow down my iPhone?
Yes. When a battery is worn, iOS may limit peak performance to prevent sudden shutdowns. Check Peak Performance Capability in Settings › Battery › Battery Health & Charging.
What to try next
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