Is your once-speedy iPhone now crawling along at a snail's pace? Before you rush out to buy the latest model, there are several clever tricks that can breathe new life into your device. These expert-approved methods could save you hundreds of pounds while making your iPhone feel practically new again.
The Storage Solution: Why Less Really Is More
One of the biggest culprits behind a sluggish iPhone is nearly-full storage. When your device reaches capacity, it struggles to perform basic tasks efficiently. Aim to keep at least 10-15% of your storage free for optimal performance.
Start by tackling these storage hogs:
- Offload unused apps but keep their documents
- Clear Safari cache and browsing history
- Review and delete large video files and duplicates
- Enable iCloud Photo Library to optimise device storage
Background App Refresh: The Silent Performance Killer
Many users don't realise how many apps are constantly running in the background, draining resources and slowing everything down. Head to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and disable this feature for apps that don't genuinely need real-time updates.
Visual Effects: Style Versus Substance
While iOS's visual flourishes look impressive, they consume significant processing power. Reducing motion and transparency effects can provide an immediate performance boost, particularly on older devices.
- Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Motion
- Toggle on 'Reduce Motion'
- Enable 'Reduce Transparency' for additional gains
The Nuclear Option: When All Else Fails
If your iPhone still isn't performing as it should, a full factory reset and restore from backup can work wonders. This process clears out accumulated system clutter and corrupted files that gradual updates leave behind.
Important: Always ensure you have a recent iCloud or computer backup before proceeding with a reset.
Battery Health: The Unsung Hero of Performance
Modern iPhones automatically manage performance based on battery health. If your battery is significantly degraded, your phone might be throttling itself. Check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health and consider a replacement if it's below 80% capacity.
By implementing these straightforward strategies, you can extend your iPhone's usable life by years, saving money while reducing electronic waste. Sometimes the best upgrade isn't a new phone - it's optimising the one you already own.
