Why is my iPad running slow ?
updated 7/6/2024
Why Older iPads Slow Down and How to Improve Their Performance
As technology advances, it’s not uncommon for older devices to feel slower compared to their newer counterparts. If you own an older iPad, you might have noticed it doesn’t run as smoothly as it used to. Understanding why this happens and what can be done to improve the performance of your older iPad can help you get the most out of your device.
Why Do Older iPads Slow Down?
1. Software Updates
- Performance Demands: As Apple releases new versions of iOS, these updates often come with features and optimizations designed for the latest hardware. Older iPads may struggle to keep up with the increased performance demands.
- Compatibility Issues: Newer software versions might not be fully optimized for older hardware, leading to slowdowns and reduced performance.
2. Aging Hardware
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the hardware components of your iPad, such as the battery and processor, can wear out, leading to slower performance.
- Outdated Technology: Older iPads use older technology, which might not handle modern apps and games as efficiently as newer models.
3. Storage Limitations
- Full Storage: When your iPad’s storage is nearly full, it can affect the device’s performance. Operating systems and apps need some free space to function optimally.
- Slower Storage Speeds: Older iPads might have slower storage technologies, which can affect the speed at which apps load and data is processed.
4. Background Processes
- App Accumulation: Over the years, you might have accumulated numerous apps, many of which may run background processes that consume resources.
- Background Updates: Apps often update in the background, which can slow down your device if too many are running simultaneously.
5. Battery Degradation
- Reduced Capacity: Batteries degrade over time, holding less charge and affecting the overall performance of your iPad.
- Performance Throttling: To conserve battery life, the operating system might throttle performance, making your iPad feel slower.
How to Improve the Performance of Your Older iPad
1. Check Your Network Conditions:
One of the common culprits behind slow performance is a congested network. Even with a strong signal, your device might struggle if the network is overloaded. If you’re at a crowded event or experiencing issues with cellular data, consider switching to Wi-Fi or trying a different location. If problems persist, it’s worth reaching out to your carrier to address any issues with data speed or availability.
By this we mean most households or workspaces have more than one WiFi being broadcast and it’s common in house holds that everyone logs onto the same one and this causes all data to be transmitted on one. So if you have a home wifi system that broadcasts 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ decide who is using which ones. But for now just try any other one. 5GHZ typically being faster anyway. It maybe the simplest of solutions. Another problem is if you live in a built u area and lots of people have their home wifi broad casting on the same channel – the same congestion can occur. Read more here about how to change your routers band
Use 5 GHz for a device closer to the router
If you can operate most of your devices in proximity to your router, opting for the 5 GHz frequency is the optimal choice, allowing you to harness higher speeds. Similarly, if you engage in data-intensive activities online, such as gaming or videoconferencing, utilizing this frequency and positioning yourself as close to the router as feasible is advisable. For even greater stability and speed, consider connecting directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable, as wired connections consistently outperform wireless ones. Additionally, in scenarios where you find yourself in an apartment or condominium with numerous surrounding units, employing the 5 GHz frequency helps circumvent wireless congestion.
Use 2.4 GHz for a device farther from the router
Conversely, for devices that frequently change locations during the day, such as your smartphone, particularly in a spacious residence, opting for the 2.4 GHz frequency is the preferable choice. This wavelength boasts an extended range and a greater ability to penetrate solid objects compared to the 5 GHz band, making it well-suited for devices that traverse different rooms or are situated farther from the router. It’s worth noting that the exception to this is found in more recent routers utilizing 5 GHz 802.11ac WiFi, which, under favorable conditions, can achieve range coverage comparable to that of the 2.4 GHz frequency.
2. Close Unresponsive Apps as these can make your iPad slow:
While force-closing apps is generally unnecessary under normal conditions, there are instances where it can be beneficial, especially if your iPad is slow as it maybe you have too many memory hungry apps using all the memory. If an app freezes or becomes unresponsive, force close it by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (for iPhone X or later) or double-clicking the Home button (for iPhone 8 or earlier). It’s essential to note that, contrary to common belief, force-closing an app might actually slow down its reopening process, as it has to reload all of its data. If it’s completely frozen and this is a trick to sort most Apple iPhone and iPad issues out do a force restart which you can see how to do here
3. Manage Storage Space:
Running low on storage can significantly impact your device’s performance. iOS and iPadOS automatically free up space when installing apps, updating the system, or performing various tasks. However, maintaining at least 1GB of free space is crucial for optimal performance. To manage your storage effectively, go to Settings > General > [Device] Storage. iOS provides recommendations to optimize storage, allowing you to review and delete unnecessary items.
Additional Detail: Storage Recommendations
If you find your device consistently low on storage, consider enabling iOS or iPadOS storage-saving recommendations. Navigate to Settings > General > [Device] Storage and review the suggestions provided by the system. You can then enable these recommendations or manually review and delete specific content. Additionally, the screen displays a list of apps and the space they occupy, giving you the option to offload or delete apps as needed. You can also reduce the size of photos stored on your device and even only store low-res images on your device that will save space. The high resolution one being stored in iCloud for safe keeps.
4. Disable Low Power Mode:
Low Power Mode is a useful feature to extend battery life, but it comes with performance trade-offs. Some features are disabled, and tasks may take longer to complete. If your device’s battery icon is yellow, indicating Low Power Mode is active, consider turning it off in Settings > Battery, especially if you need your iPhone or iPad to function without power-saving restrictions.
Additional Detail: Low Power Mode Impact
Low Power Mode reduces system performance to conserve battery life. Background app refresh, mail fetch, visual effects, and automatic downloads are among the features affected. While disabling Low Power Mode can restore full functionality, it’s advisable to use it judiciously when battery preservation is a priority.
5. Temperature Control:
Extreme temperatures can impact your device’s performance. If it becomes too warm due to external conditions or prolonged use in direct sunlight, iOS or iPadOS adjusts performance accordingly. Move your device to a cooler location and allow it to adjust to the temperature. Similarly, very cold temperatures can also slow down your device. If performance issues arise after exposure to cold, moving it to a warmer location can help.
Additional Detail: Operating Temperatures
iOS devices have specific temperature ranges for optimal performance. Operating outside these ranges can lead to temporary adjustments in performance. It’s crucial to be mindful of environmental conditions to ensure your device operates within acceptable temperature limits.
6. Monitor Battery Health:
All rechargeable batteries age over time, affecting their capacity and peak performance. iOS provides insights into battery health, offering recommendations if a replacement is necessary. To check your iPhone battery health, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This feature is available only on iPhones. A failing battery doesn’t have the capacity to give the device enough power, especially if it is below around 30% and may commonly shit the device off at this point because it can’t cope with the power consumption. You can read here about iPhone and iPhone battery replacement and why it can extend the life of a worn out device
Additional Detail: Maximizing Battery Lifespan
To prolong battery lifespan, it’s advisable to avoid extreme temperatures, particularly high heat. Additionally, consider using optimized battery charging, a feature introduced in iOS 13, which helps slow down battery aging by reducing the time your iPhone spends fully charged.
7. Solutions for Slow iPad Performance:
If your iPad is experiencing slowdowns, explore these in-depth fixes tailored to enhance performance.
a. Restart Your iPad:
A simple restart can have a profound impact on your iPad’s performance. This action clears temporary files, closes background apps, and provides a fresh start to the operating system.
b. Manage Apps in the App Switcher:
The App Switcher, a task manager on the iPad, accumulates opened apps over time. Removing apps from the App Switcher frees up memory, improving overall performance. Be mindful of apps running in the background and close those you’re not actively using.
c. Check Wi-Fi Connection:
Slow internet on your iPad could be attributed to Wi-Fi issues. Confirm a strong network signal and run an internet speed test. If the signal is weak, consider moving closer to the router or hotspot for improved connectivity.
d. Update iPadOS:
Keeping your operating system up-to-date is crucial for performance enhancements and security fixes. Regularly check for iPadOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
e. Install an Ad Blocker:
For users experiencing slowdowns primarily during web browsing, consider installing an ad blocker. Ads can significantly impact page load times, and blocking them can lead to a smoother browsing experience.
f. Turn Off Background App Refresh:
Background App Refresh allows apps to update content even when not in use, consuming processing time and bandwidth. Disabling this feature in Settings can contribute to a snappier performance.
g. Manage Storage:
Review the apps on your iPad and their storage usage in Settings > General > [Device] Storage. Offloading unused apps or deleting those you no longer need can free up space and improve overall performance.
Additional Detail: Background App Refresh and Data Usage
While Background App Refresh can impact performance, it’s also essential to consider its implications for data usage, especially for users with limited data plans. Disabling it or customizing its settings for specific apps can strike a balance between performance and data conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
a. Why is my iPad charging so slowly?
Several factors can contribute to slow charging. Using the original iPad charger is recommended for optimal charging speed. Charging from a computer may not provide sufficient power for efficient charging.
b. How can I fix an iPad app that won’t update?
If an app, including the operating system, won’t update, try rebooting your iPad. Additionally, consider removing and reinstalling the app. Ensure a stable network connection to prevent interruptions during the download. It’s also worth checking to see if your iPad will update at all. It could be slow because it’s reached the end of it’s software life and just won’t update. Check below here. However if your iPad can update but won’t via wifi you can use iTunes (download iTunes here)
Current Model support status (as of 09/12/2023)
| Model | Announced | Released with | Release date | Discontinued | Final supported OS | Support status | Support lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (1st generation) | January 27, 2010 | iPhone OS 3.2 | April 3, 2010 | March 2, 2011 | iOS 5.1.1 | September 19, 2012 | 2 years, 5 months |
| iPad 2 | March 2, 2011 | iOS 4.3 | March 11, 2011 | March 18, 2014 | iOS 9.3.6 | September 12, 2016 (GPS Update: July 22, 2019) |
5 years, 6 months (Wi-Fi) 8 years, 4 months (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| iPad (3rd generation) | March 7, 2012 | iOS 5.1 | March 16, 2012 | October 23, 2012 | iOS 9.3.6 | September 12, 2016 (GPS Update: July 22, 2019) |
4 years, 6 months (Wi-Fi) 7 years, 4 months (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| iPad Mini (1st generation) | October 23, 2012 | iOS 6.0 | November 2, 2012 | June 19, 2015 | iOS 9.3.6 | September 12, 2016 (GPS Update: July 22, 2019) |
4 years, 6 months (Wi-Fi) 7 years, 4 months (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| iPad (4th generation) | October 23, 2012 | iOS 6.0 | November 2, 2012 | October 16, 2014 | iOS 10.3.4 | September 19, 2017 (GPS Update: July 22, 2019) |
4 years, 10 months (Wi-Fi) 6 years, 8 months (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| iPad Air (1st generation) | October 22, 2013 | iOS 7.0.3 | November 1, 2013 | March 21, 2016 | iOS 12.5.7 | January 23, 2023 | 9 years, 2 months |
| iPad Mini 2 | October 22, 2013 | iOS 7.0.3 | November 12, 2013 | March 21, 2017 | iOS 12.5.7 | January 23, 2023 | 9 years, 2 months |
| iPad Mini 3 | October 16, 2014 | iOS 8.1 | October 22, 2014 | September 9, 2015 | iOS 12.5.7 | January 23, 2023 | 8 years, 10 months |
| iPad Air 2 | October 16, 2014 | iOS 8.1 | October 22, 2014 | March 21, 2017 | iPadOS 15.8.0 | October 25, 2023 (occasional security fixes) | 9 years, 1 month |
| iPad Mini 4 | September 9, 2015 | iOS 9.0 | September 9, 2015 | March 18, 2019 | iPadOS 15.8.0 | October 25, 2023 (occasional security fixes) | 8 years, 2 months |
| iPad Pro (1st generation) 12.9-inch | September 9, 2015 | iOS 9.1 | November 11, 2015 | June 5, 2017 | iPadOS 16.7.2 | October 25, 2023 (occasional security fixes) | 8 years, 2 months |
| iPad Pro (1st generation) 9.7-inch | September 9, 2015 | iOS 9.1 | March 31, 2016 | June 5, 2017 | iPadOS 16.7.2 | October 25, 2023 (occasional security fixes) | 8 years, 2 months |
| iPad (5th generation) | March 21, 2017 | iOS 10.3 | March 24, 2017 | March 27, 2018 | iPadOS 16.7.2 | October 25, 2023 (occasional security fixes) | 6 years, 8 months |
| iPad Pro (2nd generation) 12.9-inch | June 5, 2017 | iOS 10.3.2 | June 13, 2017 | October 30, 2018 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 6 years, 6 months |
| iPad Pro (2nd gen) 10.5-inch | June 5, 2017 | iOS 10.3.2 | June 13, 2017 | March 18, 2019 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 6 years, 6 months |
| iPad (6th generation) | March 27, 2018 | iOS 11.3 | March 27, 2018 | September 10, 2019 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 5 years, 8 months |
| iPad Pro (3rd generation) | October 30, 2018 | iOS 12.1 | November 7, 2018 | March 18, 2020 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 5 years, 1 month |
| iPad Mini (5th generation) | March 18, 2019 | iOS 12.2 | March 18, 2019 | September 14, 2021 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 4 years, 8 months |
| iPad Air (3rd generation) | March 18, 2019 | iOS 12.2 | March 18, 2019 | September 15, 2020 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 4 years, 8 months |
| iPad (7th generation) | September 10, 2019 | iPadOS 13.1 | September 25, 2019 | September 15, 2020 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 4 years, 2 months |
| iPad Pro (4th generation) | March 18, 2020 | iPadOS 13.4 | March 25, 2020 | April 20, 2021 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 3 years, 8 months |
| iPad (8th generation) | September 15, 2020 | iPadOS 14.0 | September 18, 2020 | September 14, 2021 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 3 years, 2 months |
| iPad Air (4th generation) | September 15, 2020 | iPadOS 14.1 | October 23, 2020 | March 8, 2022 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 3 years, 2 months |
| iPad Pro (5th generation) | April 20, 2021 | iPadOS 14.5 | May 21, 2021 | October 18, 2022 | Latest iPadOS | Active | 2 years, 7 months |
| iPad (9th generation) | September 14, 2021 | iPadOS 15.0 | September 24, 2021 | Current | Latest iPadOS | Active | 2 years, 2 months |
| iPad Mini (6th generation) | September 14, 2021 | iPadOS 15.0 | September 24, 2021 | Current | Latest iPadOS | Active | 2 years, 2 months |
| iPad Air (5th generation) | March 8, 2022 | iPadOS 15.4 | March 18, 2022 | Current | Latest iPadOS | Active | 1 year, 8 months |
| iPad Pro (6th generation) | October 18, 2022 | iPadOS 16.1 | October 26, 2022 | Current | Latest iPadOS | Active | 1 year, 1 month |
| iPad (10th generation) | October 18, 2022 | iPadOS 16.1 | October 26, 2022 | Current | Latest iPadOS | Active | 1 year, 1 month |
Conclusion:
Hopefully one of the suggested ideas have worked to help you get your slow iPad back to being fast again. But more than likely you’ll have found your iPad is one of the older less supported ones and this means unless you want to just use it for email, browsing the internet slowly or face-timing friends it is past it’s useful life and will need to be traded in for a newer secondhand model or indeed a new one if you are feeling flush or see a good deal.
