Old iPhone lagging? Heres how to boost its speed and make it work like new

While iPhones are fast and snappy, older models running their last iOS updates feel slow. We are talking about the iPhone SEs and iPhone 12s or older here. But there’s a way you can make older iPhone models snappier, just like new. In this guide, we will list down some of the useful methods to make your laggy iPhone faster.

Make your iPhone work like a new device

Clear RAM and Cache Regularly

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your iPhone’s speed is by clearing the cache regularly. While the latest iOS 18 doesn’t allow you to clear cache, older iOS versions do. You can also clear the cache. Cached data can accumulate over time, leading to a slowdown in performance. To clear the cache, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This will help free up storage space and enhance your device’s speed.

Update iOS Software

Keeping your iPhone’s iOS software up to date is crucial for optimal performance. Regular software updates not only provide new features but also include bug fixes and performance enhancements. To update your iOS software, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

Manage Storage Effectively

Insufficient storage space can significantly impact your iPhone’s speed. To manage storage effectively, review your apps and delete any unused or unnecessary ones. Additionally, you can offload apps that you rarely use to free up space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to identify and remove large files or apps.

Disable Background App Refresh

Background app refresh allows apps to update content in the background, consuming resources and affecting your iPhone’s speed. While we recommend keeping this on on new iPhones, it’s better to turn it off on older devices. To disable this feature for specific apps, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle off the apps you don’t want refreshing in the background

Check batter, optimize Battery Usage

Low battery health can make your iPhone stutter. If you can, try to invest in a new battery as that will make your iPhone perform like new. You can also use features like Low Power Mode to disable power-hungry features, which will help your iPhone focus on one thing at a time. You can also check the Battery Health section in Settings to monitor your battery’s capacity and performance over time.

Reset Settings

If you’re still experiencing speed issues with your iPhone, you can try resetting your device’s settings. This will revert all settings to their default state, potentially resolving any software-related issues affecting performance. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings to initiate this process.

By following these strategies, you can make your device work like new. However, if you still feel that your iPhone isn’t performing properly, then it’s time to invest in a new one. You can check for used or refurbished devices as well if you are on a limited budget. Read our guide on refurbished vs new phones here.