Why is my iPhone Slow and how do I fix it?

To some extent, it is true that the iPhone gets slower with age however, there are other factors that could be slowing down your iPhone. The big question that is perplexing your mind is “Why is my iPhone slow and how do I fix it?” Well in this guide we illustrate for you the issues that make your iPhone slow and how you can fix the problem.

Check for IOS Update

The iPhone will definitely slow down if it’s running on outdated software. Apple will regularly unveil new IOS updates. Each software can prevent security issues and improve compatibility and program features which in return boost the functionality of your iPhone. Before you blame the IOS for the iPhone slow down, you need to check if you have any available updates, here is how;

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. On the General tab, tap on Software Updates.

If your iPhone software is up to date, the message on your screen will reflect this. But if it isn’t, you’ll need to tap on the button allowing you to download the latest iOS version. 

Background App Refresh

Background app refresh allows certain apps to download new content in the background of your iPhone when you are not using your iPhone. This can present cellular data issues and also slow down your iPhone especially if one of the apps that you have is using this feature or misusing this feature. To disable the Background App Refresh feature;

• Go to iPhone’s setting app.
• Tap General.
• Tap on Background App Refresh.
• A list of the apps that can download new content in the background will be displayed. Toggle off the feature for some apps.
• Also, turn Background App Refresh to Wifi instead of turning it off completely.

Read Also: Why is my iPhone using a lot of data all of a sudden

Check for App Updates

If a particular app is slow and keeps crashing, check if there are any available updates for it. App updates will fix bugs and any issues that are affecting the app. To check for available App updates;

• Go to App Store.
• Tap on the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
• Scroll to Upcoming Automatic Updates.
• The list of apps that need an update will be displayed.
• Tap to update all or you can also update individual apps.

If you experience no difference even after you have updated the app, uninstall and reinstall the app again.

Low Storage

If the storage space on your iPhone is filled up, your phone is bound to slow down because the operating system will have not room on the hard drive to function properly. To fix your storage issue, you will need to clear out dormant apps, large documents, videos, and pictures. To see which apps are taking up the most space, you’ll need to reopen the Settings app. Once you’re there, go to General > iPhone Storage.

Remove Unnecessary Widgets

Widgets are mini apps that run your iPhone on IOS 14. In iPhone Operating system 14 and later, users can set up interactive widgets on their iPhones like the battery percentage widget, weather forecast, calendar and so much more. However, if you have a whole bunch of widgets on your iPhone home screen, your iPhone will slow down. To remove widgets;

• Go to your home screen.
• Swipe left to view the widgets that you enabled on your phone.
• Next press and hold on to the widget that you want to remove.
• Tap Remove Widget.

Read Also: How to Add Widgets to Your iPhone Home Screen

Close up your Apps

From time to time, you will have to close up all apps that you are not using. At a certain point, you will realize that over 15 apps are open on your iPhone. Certain apps will rev the CPU to 100%, get stuck, and crush. To close apps on your iPhone;

• Double press the home button to open the app switcher then swipe up on the app that you want to close.
• If you have an iPhone 10 or newer iPhone (one with a Face ID), swipe from the bottom to the center of the screen t launch the app switcher then swipe up to close the app.

Cold Weather

Cold weather will deteriorate your iPhone’s functionality. According to Apple, iPhones can function well between 32°F and 95°F (which is roughly 0°C and 35°C). When the temperature drops below freezing, the weather may begin to slow down your phone. If you live in cold areas, buy a phone cover that supports extreme weather conditions or switch off your iPhone and switch it on when you need to use it.

Reboot your iPhone

Just like the human brain needs sleep to reset, a mobile phone needs regular rebooting as well. When you use a device for hours each day and put it straight on charge at night, your iPhone works around the clock. Over time, this usage may impact your phone’s performance. To restart/reboot your iPhone; read this guide.