iPhone running slow? Simple steps for a quick performance boost

Is your iPhone running slow? A sluggish iPhone® is more than a minor annoyance—it's a major roadblock. Especially if your device is taking its time to do, well, anything. 

At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, our experts know how to help with all of your tech care needs. From fast phone repair to what to look for when buying a new phone—we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can speed up your slow iPhone. 

Why is my iPhone running so slow?

Ever wonder why your iPhone isn't running as fast as it used to? Here are a few speed bumps that might be slowing you down.

Storage is full

Photos, apps, downloads—all of these files take up space. When your storage is at max capacity, your phone can start running slowly.  Need help freeing up your slow phone's storage? Check out our guide.

Poor battery health

Your iPhone's battery can start to wear out. A tired battery might not just mean more frequent charging; it can also lead to sluggishness, overheating, and crashes. 

Want to learn more? Read our guide to learn how to check your iPhone’s battery health.

Frozen applications

Apps are great—until they're not. They can freeze, move between pages slowly, and everything in between. 

Poor network conditions

Poor network connections can make even simple tasks like browsing or sending messages feel like a marathon. 

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How to speed up an iPhone that’s running slowly

It’s common for devices to slow down over time. However, there are a few ways you speed yours back up.

Increase storage

It might be time for a digital declutter. Offload unused apps and give your photos a new home in the cloud or on a computer. You’ll notice a little breathing room can go a long way.

Close frozen applications

When an app freezes, double-tap your home button or swipe up from the bottom. Swipe the apps away then try opening them again to see if your iPhone continues moving slowly. 

Improve network signal

Sometimes your phone’s network signal—or lack of one—can be the problem. If that’s the case, sometimes a simple reset can help. 

1. Open Settings. 
2. Turn Airplane Mode on and off or disconnect the Wi-Fi. 
3. Make sure Airplane Mode is off and test your phone speed. If you have internet access, try reconnecting again.   

Still stuck? You might just be in a low-coverage zone.

Replace the battery

The battery inside your iPhone could be to blame—or at least putting a strain on your phone. When your battery starts to fail, your phone starts to feel it in other places, like processing speed. Check your battery health and determine if a battery replacement is just the thing your iPhone needs. 

FAQ

Got more questions? We've got answers.

Why is my iPhone 11/12/13 so slow?

Newer iPhones aren't immune to slowdowns. Check your storage and battery health first—if those aren't the culprits, it might be time for a deeper dive into your settings or your software. 

Why is 5G so slow on my iPhone?

If you’re expecting lightning-fast 5G speeds but aren’t getting any, it could be a few things holding you back. Network congestion, a weak signal, or your current location can impact your phone’s 5G speeds. Make sure your network settings are up to date and that you’re in a 5G-supported area.

Why is the internet on my iPhone so slow?

A slow internet connection on your iPhone could be due to several factors—poor Wi-Fi signal, too many devices on the network, or even the speed of the service you're using. Need help troubleshooting your internet connection? Check out our guide.