Getting your iPad running smoothly again: where do you start?
Your iPad is slowing down. Apps are loading slowly. The screen is lagging. You know cleaning it up helps, but where do you begin? Delete the wrong files and you'll lose important photos. Follow online tips and you'll get lost in technical jargon.
But here's what no one tells you: the problem isn't what you need to delete. It's what you think you need to keep. Those 47 apps you "will use someday"? Those thousands of screenshots of recipes and funny memes? Your iPad isn't a digital attic. It's a workhorse that needs regular maintenance.
And that maintenance is surprisingly simple if you know the right approach. No technical knowledge required. No risk of data loss. Just five concrete steps that will make your Safari browser and entire iPad blazing fast again in half an hour.
Useful links
- iPad accessories for optimal protection and functionality
- Refurbished iPads as a sustainable alternative
- AirPods for wireless listening pleasure with your iPad
Why is your iPad actually getting slower?
Your iPad isn't a computer that automatically gets faster the longer you use it. Quite the opposite. Every app you install, every photo you take, and every file you download takes up space. This digital clutter piles up. The result? Your tablet slows down, apps crash more often, and your battery drains faster.
The good news is you can fix this problem yourself. No technical knowledge required. No expensive software needed. Just five concrete steps that will have your iPad running like new again in under thirty minutes.
Step 1: Identify the space hogs
Before you start deleting things, you need to understand where the problems lie. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. Here, you'll immediately see which apps are taking up the most space. These are often games, video editing apps, or streaming services with downloaded content.
Pay particular attention to apps you haven't used in more than three months. That Netflix series you downloaded for that one flight? It can go. Those games the kids played a year ago? No longer needed either. Tap an app to see when you last used it. This will help you make informed choices.
Smart tip for app removal
Don't delete apps directly from the home screen. Always go through the storage settings. This way, you'll see how much space you're actually freeing up. Some apps seem small but store gigabytes of documents and data.
Step 2: Optimize your photo library
Photos and videos are often the biggest culprits. A single video can easily reach hundreds of megabytes. But you don't have to delete all your memories. Apple offers smart solutions.
Go to Settings > Photos and enable "Optimize iPad Storage." This will only keep smaller versions of your photos on the device. The originals are safely stored in iCloud. When you open a photo, the full-size version will automatically download.
Remove duplicate photos and screenshots
- Blurry or failed photos
- Screenshots of recipes, directions or temporary information
- Duplicate photos (often you have multiple versions of the same photo)
- WhatsApp images saved automatically
Use the "Recently Deleted" feature to permanently free up space. Deleted photos remain in this folder for thirty days.
Step 3: Clean up Safari
Your browser is constantly collecting data. Cookies, cache, history—it all piles up. This slows down not just Safari, but your entire iPad.
Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This will delete all stored website data. You'll have to log in to websites again afterward, but the difference in speed is noticeable.
Limit future data collection
- Enable 'Prevent cross-site tracking'
- Block all third-party cookies
- Use private mode for one-time browsing
Step 4: Manage your messages smartly
Messages take up more space than you think. Group conversations with photos and videos, in particular, can reach gigabytes. Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages and choose "30 days" or "1 year" instead of "Forever."
You can also manually remove large attachments. Open a conversation, tap its name at the top, and select "Info." Here you'll see all shared photos, videos, and documents. Swipe left to delete individual items.
Step 5: Perform a thorough system update
An outdated operating system is inefficient. Apple optimizes performance with every update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Download and install any available updates.
Preparing for the update
- Make sure you have at least 50% battery or connect the charger
- First, make a backup via iCloud or your computer
- Schedule the update at night so you won't be bothered by it
Additional tips for lasting speed
Restart your iPad weekly. Hold down the Home button and the Power button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. This clears temporary files and frees up RAM.
Disable background refresh for apps you don't use daily. This not only saves space but also battery life. Go to Settings > General > Background Refresh.
Consider cloud storage for your documents. Use iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox for files you don't need daily. This way, they stay accessible without taking up space.
When is a new iPad a good idea?
Sometimes a cleanup isn't enough. If your iPad is older than five years, it might no longer support new updates. Apps then become incompatible and security risks increase. A refurbished model offers the solution: the performance of a newer model at a reasonable price.
With these five steps, you can give your current iPad a new lease on life. It'll take you half an hour at most, but you'll notice the results for months to come. Apps will open faster, the screen will respond instantly, and your battery will last another day. Just like when you first took the device out of the box.
Conclusion: results within half an hour
Cleaning up your iPad doesn't have to be a technical challenge. With these five steps—from deleting unused apps to optimizing your photo library—you'll make a noticeable difference in just half an hour. Your tablet will be instantly responsive, apps will load quickly, and the battery will last longer.
If your iPad is really due for replacement, refurbished models are a smart choice. But try these cleaning tips first. Chances are your current iPad will still last for years .
