As an iPhone owner, I was recently frustrated when my device started lagging all of a sudden. After doing some research, testing, and digging around, I’m here to share my experience and the solutions I discovered. In this blog post, I’ll explain why iPhones can start lagging and what you can do to fix the issue.
Your iPhone might be lagging because it has aged, like many other phone brands. However, there are other reasons which can make relatively new iPhones go slower. Possibly, more apps are working in the background or your phone might need an update. There are also outside factors, such as the network connection.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common reasons why your iPhone might be lagging. We’ll also list some effective solutions to boost your phone’s performance.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Aging Phone | Hardware and software becoming outdated | Consider upgrading to a newer iPhone model |
| 2. Background Apps | Too many apps running in the background | Manage background use; disable unnecessary apps and notifications |
| 3. Outdated Software | Running an older version of iOS | Update your iPhone to the latest available version |
| 4. Full Storage | Limited storage space available on the device | Clear storage space by deleting or offloading unused apps |
| 5. Network Connection | Weak internet connection affecting app performance | Troubleshoot your network connection or switch to a stronger network |
| 6. Glitches | Minor software glitches causing lag | Restart your iPhone or use recovery mode to restore via iTunes |
| 7. Factory Reset | Last resort when all other solutions have been exhausted | Back up your data, then perform a factory reset to restore your iPhone’s speed |
How to Fix a Lagging iPhone?
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We need to be more understanding of lagging phones because all-time perfection doesn’t exist. Still, sometimes you need to put in some effort to get your phone good and going.
Here are some fixes to try for a lagging iPhone.
- Restart Your Phone
The easiest tip on the list; give your phone a quick restart. This will fix any minor glitches, especially if you haven’t turned the phone off for a while.
Simply press and hold the side button until the slider shows on the screen and drag it to power off. Then, leave the phone for about 30 seconds before you turn it on again.
- Update Your Phone
Regularly updating your iPhone should eliminate any recurring glitches. To find the latest updates, go to the General menu in your phone’s Settings.
Then, tap Software Update to check for the latest available version.
Take note though as some users are worried that updates might slow down their devices. However, if your iPhone isn’t that old, you’re likely on the safe side.
- Manage Background Use
Background apps drain your phone’s battery and speed undercover. For that reason, you need to be smart upfront.
When you first unbox your phone, take a tour through the Background Apps menu in the Settings. Then, remove permissions from the apps that you don’t need.
The more restrictions you put on background use, the better your phone will run. Similarly, turn off unneeded notifications from apps like email.
You can also turn off the WiFi and location services when not in need. Otherwise, these features keep synchronizing or searching for networks in the background, which possibly lags the phone.
- Use Recovery Mode
This method is slightly complicated, but it can significantly improve your phone’s speed. You’ll need a computer to restore your iPhone via iTunes.
First, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Next, connect your phone to the computer and press the side button till the screen shows the “Connect to iTunes” logo.
Additionally, iTunes should indicate that a device in recovery mode is connected. After that, choose the “Restore” option and give it a few moments to fix the phone.
- Clear Storage Space
An iPhone with near-full storage will definitely lag. To start with, go to the General menu in your phone’s Settings and tap iPhone Storage.
You should be able to view your phone’s app list and the amount of storage each app occupies. If your phone indicates that you haven’t used some apps for a long time, it might be time to get rid of them.
Another way to clear some space is by offloading some apps. This option allows you to retain an app’s data until you install it again in the future.
For instance, Google Maps takes a few megabytes of space, but offline data wastes your phone’s storage. So, you can offload similar apps to temporarily free up space.
- Troubleshoot Network Connection
The lag might not be from your iPhone altogether. Perhaps you’re using apps that heavily depend on the Internet, like music streaming apps.
In that case, a weak network connection can be behind your phone’s lag. So, try giving your router a quick restart or seek an alternative connection.
- Factory Reset
As a last resort, you can opt for a factory reset on your phone. Take note though, as this option will delete all your files and saved accounts.
Therefore, you’ll need to back up all your files before performing the reset. You can go for iCloud or a hard drive for alternative storage.
After that, you can safely perform the reset. All you need to do is to head over to the General menu in Settings and select Reset.
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Wrap Up
Finally, why is my iPhone lagging all of a sudden? All phones slow down with time,
Still, luckily, you can restore some speed with a few simple fixes. Initially, try to restart your phone or clear some storage space.
Even if you end up with a factory reset, you can rely on technology to safely back up your data. All in all, there’s hope to enjoy iPhone’s performance that we all admire.
