Want a faster, more efficient iPhone? The change may have to start with you first.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but some of your tech habits could be contributing to a slower device. Not to worry, though: you can also easily make a few changes that can make a world of difference in how your phone operates. If a sluggish iPhone is seriously getting in the way of a good experience for you, take some tips from pros. Apple experts swear by these life-changing hacks for a faster iPhone.
Quit unused apps
One of the biggest drains on your iPhone’s resources is having a bunch of apps running in the background that you’re not actually using, says James Calderon, Editor In Chief at Alrigh.com. “If you’re not actively using an app, make sure to close it out completely,” Calderon says. “You can do this by double-clicking the home button and then swiping up on the app preview.”
Turn off background app refresh
“Background app refresh is a great feature that allows apps to update their content in the background,” Calderon says. “However, if you have a lot of apps that are set to refresh, it can put a strain on your iPhone’s resources. To turn it off, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle the switch to the off position.”
Use low power mode
“Low power mode is a fantastic way to conserve battery life, but it can also help your iPhone run a little faster,” Calderon says. “When low power mode is enabled, your iPhone will disable some of its features and processes that aren’t essential. To turn it on, go to Settings > Battery and toggle the switch to the on position.”
Reduce animated backgrounds and effects
Animated backgrounds and effects can be fun, but they can also tax your iPhone’s resources, Calderon notes. Simply reducing the number of animations and effects that you have going on at any one time can speed up your device.
Do this by going to Settings > Wallpaper and choose a static image for your background.
Update to the latest iOS version
Always (repeat: always) update your phone when a new iOS version becomes available. “Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements,” Calderon says. “To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.”
Disable Siri
Siri can be a helpful virtual assistant — but it can also be taxing on your phone. “Siri is great when it works, but most of the time it doesn’t work or it doesn’t work well,” Said Michael Jan Baldicana, SEO and technical content specialist with Dream Chasers. “Turning off Siri will fix that.”
Disable iCloud
“This is one of the most important things you can do to speed up your device,” Baldicana says. “This will stop apps from updating their data on iCloud.”
Turn off iCloud by heading over to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
It isn’t uncommon to lose iPhone speed over time. But a few changes and adjustments can help speed things along and save you frustrations.
