Why Is My iPhone Lagging? 13 Tips to Fix Slow iPhone

Many iPhone users encounter performance issues where their devices seem to slow down, applications take longer to open, or screen transitions become choppy. This article explores the reasons behind iPhone performance degradation and offers practical solutions to fix iPhone lagging.

Why Your iPhone is Lagging

The iPhone, lauded for its sleek design and advanced features, generally offers a seamless user experience thanks to its highly optimized iOS. However, no device is perfect, and even iPhones can suffer from occasional performance lags. These disruptions can also diminish the overall functionality and enjoyment of the device. When you know the various causes of iPhone lag issues, you can more effectively diagnose and address the root of the problem, restoring the device’s optimal functionality.

• ⚙️ Outdated software: Older versions of iOS can lead to compatibility issues and decreased performance as applications are often optimized for the latest system updates.
• 🗜️ Full storage: iPhones with nearly full storage capacities have less room to allocate temporary files and data, which are important for smooth operation.
• 👾 Background processes: Apps running in the background consume system resources, making iPhones laggy.
• 📱 Outdated iPhone: Apple occasionally slows down older iPhones through software updates to extend battery life as the device ages.
• 📶 Unstable Internet connection: Certain apps, especially online games, require a stable connection to function smoothly. An inconsistent connection can cause these applications to lag.
• 🪫 Power saving mode: This mode conserves the battery by reducing the iPhone’s performance.
• 🔥 Overheating: High resource demand from certain apps can cause the iPhone to overheat. The device may throttle performance to protect its components, resulting in a laggy iPhone.
• 🔋 Low battery capacity: As the iPhone’s battery ages and diminishes in capacity, performance can degrade when its life falls below 80% of its original capacity.

Knowledge about all these diverse factors—outdated software, insufficient storage, overheating, and battery wear—helps you understand what may slow down your iPhone. Addressing these issues often requires more than quick fixes; it needs a systematic approach to managing and optimizing your device settings. The next section presents practical tips to make the iPhone less laggy.

13 Tips to Fix iPhone Lag

If you find your iPhone lagging, there are several steps you can take to alleviate these issues and restore your device’s performance. This section will guide you through actionable tips to optimize your iPhone’s settings and operations. From managing storage to updating your iOS, each method enhances your iPhone’s responsiveness. Follow these methods to fix your laggy iPhone effectively.

1. Close Active Apps

One of the simplest ways to reduce iPhone lag is by closing active apps running in the background. These apps can consume system resources and slow down your device. By regularly closing apps, you can free up RAM and improve performance.

1. Unlock your iPhone and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the App Switcher. If your iPhone has a Home button, double-click it instead.
2. In the App Switcher, you’ll see a carousel of open apps. Swipe left or right to browse through them.
3. To close an app, swipe it up and off the screen. This action will terminate the app’s activity.
4. Repeat this process for each app you want to close. Focus on apps that you are not actively using.

Although Apple claims that closing open applications does not impact iPhone performance, it actually helps make an iPhone less laggy.

2. Restart iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can help resolve temporary glitches and refresh system processes. It’s a simple yet effective way to improve performance and fix laggy iPhone issues. A restart clears the memory and stops all ongoing tasks, providing a fresh start for your device.

• iPhone X and Later: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the phone. Wait for about 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
• iPhone 8 and Earlier: Press and hold the top (or side) button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the phone. After about 30 seconds, press and hold the top (or side) button until the Apple logo appears.

A restart can be particularly helpful if your iPhone is lagging after running resource-intensive apps or processes. By periodically restarting your device, you can maintain smoother performance.

3. Check iOS Update

Keep your iPhone’s operating system updated for optimal performance. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements that can help fix a laggy iPhone. Regularly check for iOS updates to make sure that your device benefits from the latest improvements.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Select Software Update. Your device will check for available updates.
4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Check that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is connected to a power source.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Your device may restart during the process.

Regular updates can address issues that cause an iPhone to be laggy, providing a smoother user experience. If your device’s performance issues persist, updating the iOS may be a key step in resolving them.

4. Disable Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content while not actively in use. This feature can consume resources, causing your iPhone to become laggy. Disabling Background App Refresh for apps that do not need it can help improve your phone’s performance and battery life.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Select Background App Refresh.
4. Tap Background App Refresh again and choose Off to disable it entirely or disable it for individual apps.

Disabling this feature for apps that don’t need to update in the background constantly can make your iPhone less laggy and conserve battery power. This simple adjustment can lead to noticeable improvements in speed and responsiveness.

5. Update Apps in the App Store

Keep your apps up to date to provide compatibility with the latest iOS features and to maintain optimal performance. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve the user experience. Updating apps can help fix a laggy iPhone by addressing issues that cause slowdowns.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Scroll down to see a list of available updates. You can update apps individually by tapping Update next to each app or selecting Update All to update all apps at once.
4. Wait for the updates to download and install.

6. Disable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode conserves battery life by reducing performance and limiting background activities. While this feature helps extend battery life, it can make your iPhone feel slow. Disabling Low Power Mode can enhance your iPhone’s performance when you need speed over battery savings.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Battery.
3. Toggle off the Low Power Mode switch. The battery icon in the status bar will change from yellow to white, indicating that the Low Power Mode is off.

If you disable Low Power Mode, your iPhone can operate at full performance capacity, which can help reduce lag and improve responsiveness. Consider disabling this feature when using resource-intensive apps or when you don’t need to conserve battery life. Keep in mind that Low Power Mode automatically turns off when your iPhone charges to 80% or more, restoring full performance.

7. Reduce Motion

The iPhone’s motion effects, such as parallax and animations, can strain system resources and contribute to a laggy experience. Reducing these effects can enhance performance and make your device feel more responsive. This is especially useful for older iPhone models that might struggle with these visual effects.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Select Motion from the list of options.
4. Toggle on the Reduce Motion switch. This action will minimize the animations and visual effects.
5. Optionally, toggle on Prefer Cross-Fade Transitions to further simplify the visual effects.

Reducing motion can make your iPhone less laggy by minimizing the processing power needed for animations. This can lead to a smoother user experience, especially if you prefer a simpler interface without the extra visual flair.

8. Check Internet Connection

A poor or unstable internet connection can make your iPhone appear laggy, especially when using apps that require internet access. Slow loading times and interrupted services often stem from connectivity issues rather than the device itself. Checking and improving your internet connection can help make your iPhone less laggy.

1. Check Wi-Fi signal: Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network with a strong signal. If necessary, move closer to the router or remove any obstacles that may weaken the signal.
2. Test connection speed: Use an app or website like Speedtest by Ookla to check your internet speed. Compare the results with your expected speeds from your internet service provider.
3. Restart router: If the connection is slow or unstable, try restarting your Wi-Fi router. Unplug it from the power source, wait about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
4. Switch to cellular data: If Wi-Fi issues persist, consider using cellular data for a faster connection. Go to Settings > Cellular and toggle on Cellular Data.
5. Update network settings: Resetting network settings can resolve persistent connection problems. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and select Reset Network Settings. This action will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so reconnect afterward.

If you resolve internet connectivity issues, you can reduce the perceived lag and improve your iPhone’s performance in online apps. A stable connection allows apps and services to function smoothly without unnecessary delays.

9. Turn Off Location Services

Location Services provides apps with your location data, which can be useful for navigation and other location-based functions. However, continuously using Location Services can consume significant system resources, leading to a laggy iPhone. Turning off Location Services for apps that do not require it can improve performance and battery life.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security.
3. Select Location Services.
4. Toggle the switch next to Location Services to disable it entirely. Alternatively, scroll through the list of apps and toggle off location access for specific apps that do not need it.
5. For apps that require location data only when actively in use, choose While Using the App to limit their access.

10. Prevent Overheating

Overheating can significantly affect your iPhone’s performance, causing it to slow down as the device automatically reduces performance to cool down. Keeping your iPhone at a safe temperature not only prevents lagging but also prolongs its lifespan. Here are some tips to prevent overheating:

1. Keep your iPhone out of direct sunlight, especially during hot weather, as prolonged exposure can raise its temperature quickly.
2. Charging can generate heat. Removing the case while charging allows heat to dissipate more effectively.
3. Running too many apps simultaneously can increase the processor’s workload, generating heat. Regularly close apps not in use.
4. Tasks like gaming or video streaming can heat your device. Limit these activities if you notice your iPhone getting warm.
5. When not needing connectivity, turn on Airplane Mode to reduce heat from cellular and Wi-Fi activities.

11. Manage iPhone Storage

Optimizing storage is important for maintaining your iPhone’s performance. Apple recommends keeping the total occupied memory of the device at no more than 80% capacity. Beyond this threshold, you may encounter issues such as insufficient memory to install updates containing fixes for laggy iPhones. Applications and multimedia files typically consume the most storage space. Here’s how you can manage these effectively:

Uninstall unnecessary apps

1. Tap and hold the app icon on your Home screen until the icons start shaking.
2. Click the ‘X’ that appears on the top left of the icon.
3. Confirm by tapping ‘Delete’ to remove the app and free up space.

Delete photos and videos

1. Open the Photos app and go to the ‘Albums’ tab.
2. Tap on ‘Recents,’ then tap ‘Select’ in the top right corner.
3. Choose the photos and videos you want to delete, then tap the trash can icon.
4. Go to ‘Recently Deleted’ under ‘Albums,’ select the items again, and confirm deletion to permanently remove them and free up space.

12. Reset All iPhone Settings

When you reset all settings on your iPhone, this process restores system settings to their default values without erasing your data, making it safe to troubleshoot without losing important information.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset and choose Reset All Settings.
5. If prompted, enter your passcode and confirm the action. Your iPhone will restart, and all system settings will revert to default.

This reset will not delete your apps, photos, or other personal data, but it will reset settings like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and privacy settings. It can help resolve issues with your iPhone being laggy by clearing up any conflicting settings or misconfigurations.

13. Replace the Battery with a New One

If you’re wondering, “why is my iPhone lagging so much?” an aging or degraded battery might be the cause. Apple considers a battery normal if its condition is at 80% or more of its original capacity. If your battery health is below this threshold and other troubleshooting steps do not resolve the lag, consider replacing the battery to restore optimal performance. Apple offers battery replacement services, ensuring your device receives a genuine battery.

To check your battery health, open the Settings app, tap Battery, and select Battery Health & Charging. If the maximum capacity is significantly lower than 100% or if you see a message about service, it may be time to replace the battery. Visit the Apple Support page to explore battery replacement options. You can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider.

Replacing the battery can significantly improve performance and resolve lag issues, making your iPhone feel like new. Regular battery health checks can help you anticipate when a replacement might be necessary.

Why Can Your iPhone Lag in Specific Applications?

Lag in specific apps on your iPhone can often be traced back to the app’s requirements or settings. Two common reasons are high resource demands or settings optimized for newer models that older iPhones can’t handle efficiently.

Many applications, especially games, allow users to adjust graphics settings. High-quality settings can lead to significant lag, as they demand more processing power and memory. Lowering these settings can improve performance and reduce lag. Another factor is that some apps are designed with the latest hardware in mind. Developers might optimize their applications for the newest iPhone models, which can unintentionally degrade performance on older versions. This disparity can result in lag when your device does not meet the app’s optimal hardware requirements.

If an app consistently lags, check for any available updates. Developers often release patches that improve compatibility with a wider range of models or optimize performance. If the issue persists, consider contacting the app developer for more specific advice or to report the problem, as they may not be aware of issues on older models.

Conclusion

iPhones can become laggy due to various factors, including software updates, background processes, storage issues, and battery health. When you know the cause of these problems, you can apply the appropriate fixes that can help improve your device’s performance. From closing active apps and reducing motion effects to replacing the battery, each step targets specific issues that may be affecting your iPhone. Regular maintenance and attention to system settings can keep your iPhone running smoothly and efficiently.