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TechEngage » Phones

5 Best Methods to Speed Up Older and Sluggish iPhones

Avatar for Syed Hassan Zaman Syed Hassan Zaman Updated: January 7, 2024

Credit: Design by Muntaha Hussain / TechEngage
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The iPhone is the most advanced and versatile mobile device. Like all other phones, iPhones also experience battery deterioration. Apple has incorporated a feature that can slow down the iPhone to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

According to Apple, they added the slowdown to the iPhone to prolong the battery life and to maintain the premium experience. However, the slowdown is limited to certain iPhones such as iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.

Is it necessary to experience a slowdown after a certain period? No, it is not necessary or unavoidable. Taking specific measures to maintain the iPhone makes it possible to increase its speed instead of slowing it down. This comprehensive article outlines the 5 most effective methods to speed up the iPhone and prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Table of Contents

  • 1- Get rid of unnecessary files
  • 2- Disable the Automatic Apps update
  • 3- Turn off Location Services
  • 4- Use HEIF and HEVC for Images and Videos
  • 5- Update apps
  • Wrap up

1- Get rid of unnecessary files

Crossing the maximum storage space of the iPhone is harmful to the iPhone’s speed. Occupying the maximum storage of the iPhone will enhance the CPU use and collective effort of the iPhone to keep the battery usage under control.

You can relieve your iPhone by deleting redundant and nonessential files. For example, you can delete or transfer the extra images, videos, and documents to the other device or outright delete them. To do so, head to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage and select Manage Storage under the Storage section.

You can delete unnecessary files and check your current storage space. Additionally, you can remove old conversations, uninstall unused apps, and enable iCloud Photo Library. These actions will help extend battery life and boost iPhone performance.

2- Disable the Automatic Apps update

Running apps in the background can significantly drain the battery and slow your iPhone. To prevent this, disable the automatic update feature of the apps to conserve battery and CPU usage.

The overarching benefit of disabling the app’s automatic update is that it can prolong the life of the battery and can cause more rigorous speed. Are you wondering how to disable the automatic app update? To disable the automatic app update, go to the settings > iTunes & App Store and tap the toggle switch to turn off Updates in the Automatic Downloads section.

This will give you manual control over the app update, and you can update to whichever app you want on your iPhone.

3- Turn off Location Services

Location services can significantly impact the iPhone battery life. Consequently, the device’s speed may also be affected. To optimize battery usage and enhance iPhone performance, it is advisable to limit access to location services. When downloading apps, it is no longer necessary to provide all information, including location.

In iOS 11, you have control over privacy settings and can deny app companies access to your location. Simply go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services to adjust the settings. This will protect your privacy and optimize battery life and iPhone speed.

4- Use HEIF and HEVC for Images and Videos

Apple enthusiasts purchase the iPhone to capture moments regardless of the time of day. The storage space on their device is largely consumed by images and videos. Yet, is it possible to address these issues without compromising the preservation of visual media?

To reduce the size of images and videos, you can embrace the HEIF and HEVC format. Simply go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select High Efficiency to adopt the new formats.

5- Update apps

Updating apps is just as important as installing them. Without updates, certain apps can remain inactive and fail to perform optimally. Moreover, these apps may consume excessive battery power and gradually deplete it.

To update the apps, open the Apple App Store and select “update all” to ensure maximum efficiency and speed while minimizing battery usage on your iPhone.

Wrap up

Older iPhone models can still experience slowdown. To prevent this, follow the measures mentioned earlier. Maintaining moderate battery usage is crucial. Occupying maximum space on your iPhone increases battery consumption and reduces CPU utilization.

Following these measures can help speed up your iPhone and prevent gradual slowdown. Updating apps, disabling automatic app updates, using HEIF and HEVC, and deleting unnecessary files are crucial steps.

Published: March 15, 2022 Updated: January 7, 2024

Filed Under: Phones Tagged With: app, Apple, Delete, HEIF, HEVC, how-to, iPhone, Slowdown

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Avatar for Syed Hassan Zaman

Syed Hassan Zaman

Gadgets & Social Media Writer

Syed Hassan Zaman is a Gadgets and Social Media Writer at TechEngage covering social platforms, smartphones, apps, tech events, and consumer gadgets. With more than 80 published articles, Hassan has a sharp instinct for the products and platforms that shape how people connect, communicate, and consume digital content.

Joined January 2022

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