If your iPad has been feeling slow lately, don’t worry—there are several easy steps you can take to speed it up. By clearing out unnecessary files, updating your software, and adjusting settings, you can get your iPad running smoothly again. Here’s how to do it.
How to Speed Up an iPad
In this guide, you’ll learn how to boost your iPad’s performance. These steps will help you free up memory, remove clutter, and optimize your device’s settings. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Update the Software
Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iOS.
Updating the software ensures that your iPad has the latest performance improvements and security patches. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Step 2: Clear Out Unnecessary Apps
Delete apps you don’t use.
Unused apps take up space and can slow down your iPad. Press and hold any app icon until they all start to wiggle, then tap the ‘X’ on the apps you want to delete. Confirm your decision if prompted.
Step 3: Free Up Storage
Remove old files, photos, and videos.
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. Here, you’ll see a breakdown of what’s taking up space. Delete old files, photos, and videos you no longer need. You can also offload unused apps without deleting their data.
Step 4: Clear Safari Cache
Clear your browsing data.
Open Settings and scroll down to Safari. Tap on it, then scroll down to “Clear History and Website Data.” Confirm your choice. This will remove temporary files and free up storage.
Step 5: Disable Background App Refresh
Turn off apps updating in the background.
Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Toggle it off for apps that don’t need to update in the background. This will save battery life and resources.
Step 6: Restart Your iPad
Give your iPad a fresh start.
Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears. Slide it, wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn your iPad back on. This can help clear temporary issues.
After completing these steps, your iPad should run more smoothly. You’ll notice faster load times and better overall performance.
Tips for How to Speed Up an iPad
- Keep Software Updated: Always install the latest iOS updates to ensure optimal performance.
- Limit Widgets: Remove unnecessary widgets from your Home screen to reduce resource usage.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off notifications for apps that don’t need them to save processing power.
- Monitor Battery Health: Check battery health under Settings > Battery to see if it might be affecting performance.
- Reset Settings: If all else fails, you can reset all settings without deleting your data: go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my iPad?
You should update your iPad whenever a new iOS update is available to ensure you have the latest features and performance improvements.
Can too many apps slow down my iPad?
Yes, having too many apps can use up storage and run background processes that slow down your iPad.
What is Background App Refresh?
Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background. Disabling it for apps you don’t use often can improve performance.
How do I check my iPad’s storage?
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. You’ll see a breakdown of how your storage is being used and suggestions for freeing up space.
Will restarting my iPad help?
Restarting your iPad can clear temporary system issues and improve performance.
Summary
- Update the software.
- Clear out unnecessary apps.
- Free up storage.
- Clear Safari cache.
- Disable Background App Refresh.
- Restart your iPad.
Conclusion
Boosting your iPad’s speed doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple steps, you can breathe new life into your device and enjoy a smoother, faster experience. Regular maintenance, such as updating your software and clearing out clutter, can make a big difference in performance. If your iPad continues to lag, it might be time to consider a factory reset or even an upgrade. However, most users find that these straightforward tips are enough to get their device running like new. So go ahead, give your iPad a little TLC and see the difference for yourself!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.