iPad Running Slow? Here's What Actually Helps

Photo by MARIOLA GROBELSKA on Unsplash

"My iPad is so slow now" — we hear this almost daily. In fact, we diagnose about 15-20 "slow iPad" cases every month. Sometimes it's a genuine hardware problem that needs repair. Often it's something fixable without spending much at all. Here's how to figure out what's actually going on.

Pro Tip

Before you do anything: Check your storage. Settings → General → iPad Storage. If it's over 90% full, that's likely your problem. iPadOS needs free space to work efficiently. See our detailed iPad storage full guide for step-by-step cleanup instructions.

Did You Know?

What We Find When Customers Report "Slow iPad" (2025)

• • 189 slow iPad diagnoses this year
• • 47% were storage full - fixed with cleanup guidance (free)
• • 31% had degraded batteries - causing throttling
• • 14% were simply old hardware - iPad Air 2 or older
• • 8% had software issues - factory reset resolved it
• • Average age of "slow" iPads: 4.2 years

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

What's Actually Slowing It Down

iPad slowdown usually comes from one of four causes:

1. Storage almost full
   The most common cause. When storage is over 90% full, iPadOS struggles to manage files efficiently. Apps take longer to open, the system feels sluggish, and things that used to be instant now take seconds.
2. Battery degradation
   Unlike iPhones, iPads don't show battery health percentage. But degraded batteries can cause throttling — the iPad deliberately slows itself down to prevent unexpected shutdowns. See our iPad battery replacement guide for diagnosis tips.
3. Software issues
   Old apps, background processes running wild, or a corrupted system can all cause slowdown. Sometimes a fresh start helps.
4. The iPad is simply old
   Newer iPadOS versions are designed for newer hardware. If your iPad can barely run the latest software, it will feel slow regardless of condition.

Storage Full Symptoms

If your iPad is slow because storage is full, you'll notice:

• Apps taking longer to open than they used to
• Camera refusing to take photos ("Not enough storage")
• Apps crashing when you try to save things
• General system sluggishness
• Updates failing to install

How to Check Storage

Settings → General → iPad Storage. You'll see:

• A bar showing used vs available space
• A breakdown by category (Apps, Photos, Messages, etc.)
• A list of apps sorted by storage use

Quick Fixes

• Delete apps you don't use — Be honest with yourself
• Clear browser data — Safari → Clear History and Website Data
• Offload unused apps — Keeps data but removes the app itself
• Move photos to iCloud — Settings → Photos → Optimise iPad Storage
• Clear message attachments — Messages can use surprising amounts of space

How Battery Health Affects Speed

Here's something most people don't know: a degraded battery can make your iPad feel slow, not just drain faster.

Why This Happens

When a battery degrades, it can't deliver power as quickly as the processor needs. To prevent unexpected shutdowns, iPadOS throttles performance. Your iPad deliberately runs slower to match what the battery can provide.

Signs of Battery Throttling

• iPad feels sluggish even with plenty of free storage
• Performance improves when plugged in
• iPad shuts down unexpectedly at 20-30% battery
• Battery drains much faster than it used to
• iPad is 3+ years old

How to Check iPad Battery Health

Unlike iPhones, iPads don't show battery health in Settings. You need third-party tools like coconutBattery (Mac) or iMazing (PC) to check cycle count and capacity. Or bring it to us — we can run diagnostics in minutes.

Did You Know?

Battery replacement effect: If battery degradation is causing throttling, a new battery can make your iPad feel dramatically faster. We've had customers say it's "like a new iPad" after battery replacement.

Software vs Hardware Issues

Software Issues (Often Fixable for Free)

• Storage full → Delete stuff, offload apps
• Too many background apps → Restart iPad regularly
• Outdated apps → Update everything in App Store
• Corrupted system → Backup and restore

Hardware Issues (Need Repair)

• Degraded battery → Battery replacement £99-249
• Storage damage → More complex, quoted individually
• Logic board issues → Professional diagnosis needed

Age Issues (May Not Be Worth Fixing)

If your iPad no longer receives iPadOS updates, it's considered "vintage" by Apple. Repair might not make sense for these devices:

• iPad Air (1st generation) and older
• iPad mini 2 and older
• iPad (4th generation) and older

When Repair Makes Sense

We'll always give you honest advice. Sometimes the right answer is "don't spend money on this iPad" — and we'll tell you that.

iPad Running Slow?

Bring it in for a free diagnosis. We'll check storage, battery health, and overall condition, then give you honest options. Sometimes it's free advice. Sometimes it's a simple fix. Either way, you'll know what's actually going on.

Visit us: Byte, Dovehouse Parade, Solihull.
Mail-in: Free shipping both ways across the UK.