Is your iPad slow? The simplest solution you'll never use.
Is your iPad slow? Apps crashing? You probably never use the simplest solution. Most people don't turn off their iPad for months. They simply close the case, charge it when needed, and continue. It makes sense—why turn off a device that wakes up in a second?
But here's the surprise: that very "never turn it off" is often the culprit behind slow performance, app crashes, and a battery that drains faster. It sounds counterintuitive, but your iPad, just like you, needs a complete reset every now and then. Not a factory reset where you lose everything, but a simple power cycle. A matter of thirty seconds that can save you weeks of frustration.
At Leapp we see it every day: people trading in their refurbished iPad because it is 'broken', while a simple restart would have solved the problem.
Useful links
- iPad collection - discover our refurbished models
- Accessories - cases and chargers for your tablet
- Screen protectors - optimally protect your screen
Why turning off your iPad really helps
It might sound old-fashioned, but turning your tablet off completely solves a surprising number of problems. While you're using it, various processes continue to run in the background. Apps you've closed often leave residue in RAM. After weeks or months without a restart, these residues accumulate like digital dust.
RAM fills up, slowing down new tasks. The processor has to work harder to keep up, which uses more battery power. A simple restart clears this digital dust in one go. Your tablet starts with a clean slate, making everything run smoothly again.
When do you know it's time?
- Opening apps takes longer than usual
- The keyboard is slow to respond when typing
- Switching between apps is stuttering
- The battery drains faster
- The device gets warm without heavy tasks
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections drop out
- The screen does not respond well to touch
The different ways to turn off your iPad
There are several ways to turn off your tablet, depending on your model and iOS version. We'll discuss the most common options.
Method 1: The Classic Way
For iPads with a Home button (older models):
- Press and hold the power button on top
- Wait for the slider to appear
- Slide right to turn off
- The screen goes black - done
Method 2: For newer models without a home button
With iPad Pro and more recent Air models, it works slightly differently:
- Press and hold the power button and a volume button at the same time
- The slide-out will appear after a few seconds
- Swipe right to turn off
- Wait until the screen goes completely black
Method 3: Through the settings
Are the buttons not working properly? No problem:
- Open Settings
- Tap on General
- Scroll all the way down
- Tap 'Turn off'
- Slide to confirm
What if your iPad won't turn off?
Sometimes your device stops responding altogether. In that case, you'll need to force restart it. This is safe and won't cause you to lose any data.
Forced restart on models with a home button:
- Press and hold the power button and home button at the same time
- Keep holding even when the spawn screen appears
- Release when the Apple logo appears
- The tablet restarts automatically
Forced restart on newer models:
- Press and release volume up
- Press and release volume down
- Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears
- Release and wait for the device to boot up
How often should you turn off your iPad?
There's no hard and fast rule, but these guidelines will help:
- Daily use: switch off once a week
- Intensive use: twice a week
- Sporadic use: after each use session
- In case of problems: switch off and restart immediately
Make it a habit to turn off your tablet while charging overnight. This gives the device time to cool completely and charge without background processes.
Additional tips for optimal performance
Besides turning it off regularly, you can do more to keep your tablet running smoothly:
Manage apps
Completely close apps you're not using. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap the Home button) and swipe up the app previews. This prevents them from using unnecessary RAM.
Free up storage space
A full storage space slows down your device. Check regularly:
- Delete apps you no longer use
- Clean up photos and videos
- Empty the trash in the Photos app
- Delete old messages and attachments
Update software
Install iOS updates as soon as they're available. These often include performance improvements and fixes for known issues. Check monthly under Settings > General > Software Update.
Common misconceptions
Let's debunk some myths:
"Turning off is bad for the battery"
Nonsense. Modern lithium batteries don't suffer from this problem. On the contrary, occasionally turning it off completely can improve battery calibration.
"You will lose data when you turn it off"
Everything is saved. Only temporary files are deleted, which is a good thing.
"It takes a lot of time"
The entire process takes a maximum of one minute. The time savings from improved performance are much greater.
When is replacement necessary?
Sometimes turning it off doesn't help. Signs that your tablet really needs replacing:
- Apps crash despite restarting
- The screen shows spots or stripes
- The battery runs out within two hours
- Updates are no longer possible
- The device becomes extremely hot
In these cases, a refurbished model is often the smartest choice. You get a professionally reconditioned device with a warranty, for a fraction of the original price.
Conclusion
Turning off your iPad is the simplest maintenance you can perform. It takes virtually no time, yet delivers immediately noticeable improvements. Make it a habit, just like brushing your teeth. Your tablet will last longer and work more smoothly. Start today: turn your device off, wait thirty seconds, and turn it back on. You'll be amazed at the difference.
Make restarting regularly a habit
Regularly turning off your iPad might sound like advice from 2005, but it still works. Those thirty seconds will save you weeks of frustration with slow apps and a glitchy interface. Make it a regular routine —for example, every Sunday evening while charging.
If the problems persist despite this simple trick, it might be time to replace your current model . At leapp, you'll find professionally refurbished tablets that will last for years to come.
