How to Make Your Old iPad Run Faster: Easy Tips and Tricks

Clearing out unused apps and data

Your iPad may have been a game-changer when you first bought it, but now, it may take forever for an app to load or for a web page to open. If you’re facing similar problems, it’s time to clean up your device and speed up its performance.

The first step towards speeding up your iPad is to clear out all the apps and data that you no longer need. Over time, you may have accumulated a lot of unused data on your device that has been slowing it down. Clearing out this data can be a daunting task, but it is necessary to ensure that your device functions optimally.

The first step towards clearing out your device is to identify the apps that you no longer need. Go through all your apps and identify the ones that you have not used in over a month. Once you have identified these apps, uninstall them by following the steps below:

1. Locate the app that you want to uninstall on your home screen.

2. Press and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.

3. Tap on the small ‘x’ that appears on the app icon.

4. Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping the ‘delete’ button.

Aside from uninstalling unnecessary apps, you should also consider checking how much storage space each app is using. Some apps could be taking up a considerable amount of space, making it difficult for the device to function effectively. To check the space used by each app, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings and tap on General.

2. Tap on Storage & iCloud Usage.

3. Tap on Manage Storage.

Once you have accessed the Manage Storage option, you will see a list of all your installed apps and the storage space that each app is occupying. Identify the apps that are consuming a lot of space and consider deleting them or carrying out a backup and deleting their associated data.

In addition to clearing out unused apps and checking the storage space of each app, it is essential to remove all unnecessary data from your device. This includes clearing out your browsing history, cache, and cookies. Removing this data will not only help to free up space on your device, but it will also go a long way in enhancing your device’s functionality. Here are the steps you need to follow to delete this data:

1. Go to Settings and tap on Safari.

2. Tap on Clear History and Website Data. Confirm that you want to delete the data.

It is essential to note that this process will log you out of all websites that you had previously saved your passwords to.

Clearing out unused apps and data is a vital step towards speeding up your iPad. It may seem time-consuming and tedious, but it is worth your while. By uninstalling unnecessary apps, checking storage space, and deleting unnecessary data, you will ensure that your device is functioning optimally, and this will save you a lot of frustration and time in the long run.

Updating to the Latest iOS Version

Updating your iPad to the latest iOS version can significantly speed up your device. This is because software updates typically come with bug fixes and performance enhancements, which can help improve the overall speed and responsiveness of your iPad. Here are the steps you can follow to update your iPad:

1. Connect your iPad to a stable Wi-Fi network. Updates can be quite large, so you’ll need a strong internet connection.
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPad will check for available updates.
3. If an update is available, click Download and Install. You may need to enter your passcode.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

It’s also worth noting that newer iOS versions may be optimized for newer iPad models. This means that while updating your iPad is generally recommended, you may run into some limitations if your iPad is quite old. For example, older iPads may not be able to run the latest iOS version, which can limit the features and functions available to you.

If you’re unsure about whether your iPad can be updated to the latest iOS version or not, you can check the official Apple website to see the compatibility list of iOS versions with various iPad models.

In general, it’s a good idea to keep your iPad updated to the latest iOS version whenever possible, as this will ensure that you’re getting the best possible performance out of your device.

Disable or Limit Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh can be a significant battery and data hog for your iPad. Simply put, it is a feature of iOS that allows apps to update their content in the background even when you are not using them. This may seem like a great feature; however, if you have an old iPad with limited resources, it could be causing issues with performance. Therefore, disabling or limiting it is a great way to improve your iPad’s speed and extend its battery life.

Here are some steps you can follow to disable or limit Background App Refresh:

Step 1: Disable Background App Refresh for all apps

You can disable Background App Refresh for all apps on your iPad by following these simple steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad
2. Tap on General
3. Tap on Background App Refresh
4. Select Off to disable Background App Refresh for all apps

Step 2: Limit Background App Refresh for some apps

If you want to keep Background App Refresh for some specific apps, you can limit it to Wi-Fi only or entirely disable it. Here is how you can do it:

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad
2. Tap on General
3. Tap on Background App Refresh
4. Select the apps you want to limit or disable Background App Refresh for
5. Choose from the option to either limit it to Wi-Fi only or turn it off entirely

You may want to consider disabling Background App Refresh for social media apps such as Facebook or Twitter as they are known for being power-hungry.

Step 3: Keep your apps updated

Keeping your apps updated is essential to ensure they work correctly and for optimal performance. App updates tend to improve stability and can also fix any bugs that may affect your iPad’s performance. Make sure you regularly check for updates by going to the App Store and updating any outdated apps.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly improve your iPad’s speed and extend its battery life. Disabling or limiting Background App Refresh is an effective way to reduce the workload of your old iPad’s CPU and RAM, allowing it to work more efficiently.

Adjusting iPad settings for optimal performance

Do you have an old iPad that has become sluggish and slow? It can be frustrating to use a device that doesn’t perform as well as you’d like. But before you give up and buy a new iPad, there are some things you can do to speed up your old iPad and make it work like new again. One of the most effective ways to do this is by adjusting your iPad settings for optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to optimize your iPad settings to improve its performance:

1. Clear up space

As you use your iPad over time, it accumulates data like apps, photos, and files that take up space. When your iPad’s storage is near capacity, it can slow down its performance. Therefore, freeing up space in your device can increase the speed and performance of your iPad.

To clear up space, follow these steps:

• Open Settings app and tap on General.
• Tap on iPad Storage or iPhone Storage, depending on the device.
• Review the apps to see which ones are occupying the most space. This will enable you to delete large files that you don’t use or need.

Additionally, you can use cloud storage services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive to store your files and free up space on your iPad.

2. Reduce motion and transparency effects

Your iPad has features like background motion and transparency effects that enhance its aesthetics. However, these features can slow down your device’s performance. Luckily, Apple allows users to customize their iPad’s display settings. Reducing motion and transparency can save battery life, reduce device heat, and increase performance.

To reduce motion and transparency, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app and tap on General.
• Tap on Accessibility and under the Vision section, tap on Reduce Motion.
• Turn on Reduce Motion to disable the background motion effect.
• Return to the Accessibility screen and tap on Increase Contrast.
• Turn on Reduce Transparency to disable the transparency effect.

3. Disable automatic downloads

Your iPad is configured with automatic downloads that automatically update apps, music, and books. It’s a convenient feature that saves you time since it automatically updates your device. However, when your iPad is running low on memory and disk space, automatic downloads can slow down the performance of your device. Fortunately, this feature can be turned off to increase the speed of your device.

To disable automatic downloads, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app and tap on App Store.
• Scroll down to Automatic Downloads.
• Toggle off the switch for Apps, Music, Books & Audiobooks, and Updates.

4. Turn off Background App Refresh

Your iPad automatically refreshes apps in the background to ensure that the latest content is available when you open them. However, this feature can consume a lot of battery life and cut down on your iPad’s performance. Turning off this feature can significantly increase your iPad’s speed.

To turn off background App Refresh, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app and tap on General.
• Tap Background App Refresh.
• You can either disable it entirely by toggling it off or select only essential apps that you want to refresh in the background.

Disabling this feature won’t stop you from receiving or sending push notifications, and in turn, it will improve the iPad’s performance and battery life.

5. Factory reset

If you have tried all the tips above and your iPad’s performance is still slow, then you might have to consider factory resetting your device. A factory reset restores your iPad to its original settings, and it’s a great way to get rid of bugs, glitches, and malware infections that could be affecting your device’s performance.

Before carrying out a factory reset, make sure you have a backup of all your essential data on iCloud or your computer, so you don’t lose any important files.

To carry out a factory reset on your iPad, follow these steps:

• Open Settings on your iPad and tap General.
• Scroll down and tap Reset.
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
• Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
• Tap Erase iPad and confirm the action.

This process will delete everything on your iPad and restore it to its original state. After the reset, set up your iPad and start afresh.

By following these tips and adjusting your iPad settings for optimal performance, you will be able to speed up your old iPad and make it work like new again. Try these tips today and start enjoying a faster and more efficient iPad experience!

Consider replacing the battery or upgrading the hardware

If your old iPad is still slow after implementing the previous suggestions, it might be time to consider replacing the battery or upgrading the hardware. Similar to how an old car can benefit from a new engine or transmission, an old iPad can benefit from a new battery or upgraded hardware.

Replacing the battery is a straightforward process, and if you’re comfortable with DIY, you can do it yourself. There are many tutorials online that can guide you through the process, or you can consider taking your device to an expert who has the tools and expertise to handle the job. It is essential to note that the battery replacement process can vary depending on the iPad model you have. For example, the older models have screws, which you will need to remove before you can pop off the bezel to access the battery. On the other hand, the newer models come with adhesive strips that you will need to remove before replacing the battery.

Upgrading the hardware will require more expertise and funds, but it’s definitely an option if you’re looking to breathe new life into your old iPad. Hardware upgrade options include RAM, storage, and processors to boost the iPad’s speed and performance. If you’re looking to upgrade the hardware, it’s best to consult an expert who can recommend the best upgrades to address the specific performance issues you’re facing.

It’s essential to note that not all hardware upgrades are possible on all iPad models. For instance, RAM upgrades are only possible on a few models. Therefore, it’s essential to research which models support hardware upgrades before making any purchases. Also, if you’re looking for a significant boost in performance, upgrading the hardware should be done in conjunction with the previous steps mentioned in this article.

In conclusion, these tips can help speed up an old iPad and make it perform better. With these suggestions, you can enjoy a smoother, faster, and more responsive experience on your device. Replacing the battery or upgrading the hardware are options to consider when hardware or battery issues are heavily impacting the iPad’s performance. Overall, remember to maintain and take care of your device to reap long-term benefits, and if all else fails, you can always consider upgrading to a newer version of the iPad.

Originally posted 2019-07-05 00:39:32.