Few things make us happier than an expensive tech investment that does what it’s supposed to WHEN it’s supposed to do it. In other words: an iPhone that operates fast, calls up websites in a flash, uploads files, and downloads apps without making us wait a day and an age. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon to find yourself with a slow-moving iPhone after you’ve owned the same device for a few months or years. A whole slew of culprits could be behind your slower phone, but a few key setting can also help solve this problem by getting your phone up to speed.
Sarah Shelton, a tech expert and content manager from the Infinite Digital Group, says Reduce Motion is the iPhone setting that will make your device run so much faster — here’s why and how to make it work for you.
Enable Reduce Motion
One iPhone setting that Shelton says tech experts highly recommend to make their phones run faster is Reduce Motion. “This setting can significantly improve your iPhone's performance by reducing the graphical animations and visual effects throughout the operating system,” Shelton says. “When enabled, the "Reduce Motion" setting minimizes the parallax effect on the home screen, app switcher, and other system elements. By reducing unnecessary animations, your iPhone's processor and graphics rendering capabilities are optimized, resulting in a smoother and faster user experience.”
How to Enable "Reduce Motion" Setting on iPhone
To enable the "Reduce Motion" setting on your iPhone, Shelton suggests following these steps:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
Tap on Motion.
Toggle the switch next to Reduce Motion to turn it on.
“Once enabled, you'll notice a reduction in the motion effects on your iPhone,” Shelton says. “This setting is particularly helpful for older iPhone models or devices with limited processing power, as it reduces the strain on the hardware and enhances overall performance.”
Other Reasons Why Your Phone May Be Running Slowly
Keep in mind that there can be several reasons why your iPhone may be running slowly, Shelton stresses. Some of the reasons that Shelton points out include:
Insufficient Storage: When your iPhone's storage is almost full, it can significantly affect its speed and responsiveness. It's important to regularly declutter your device by removing unnecessary apps, photos, and files to free up space.
Outdated Operating System: Running an outdated version of iOS can lead to performance issues. Apple regularly releases software updates that include bug fixes, optimizations, and new features. Keeping your iPhone's operating system up to date ensures you have the latest performance enhancements.
Background App Refresh: Some apps run in the background and refresh their content regularly, which can consume system resources and slow down your iPhone. You can manage this by disabling the Background App Refresh feature for specific apps or altogether in the Settings app.
Too Many Widgets: Widgets provide quick access to app information, but having too many active widgets can impact your iPhone's performance. Consider reviewing and removing unnecessary widgets from the Today View to improve overall speed.
App Cache: Over time, apps accumulate cache files that can take up valuable space and impact performance. Clearing the cache for individual apps or using third-party apps designed to clean up cache files can help speed up your iPhone.
Battery Health: An aging battery can affect your iPhone's performance, as the device may throttle its performance to preserve battery life. Checking your battery health in the Battery section of the Settings app and replacing it if necessary can improve overall performance.
“Remember, these are just a few potential reasons why your iPhone may be running slowly,” Shelton says. “It's essential to troubleshoot and identify the specific cause for your device's performance issues.”
