Solved: How to boost iPhone’s speed after upgrading to iOS 17?

Have you noticed your iPhone or iPad slowing down after installing iOS 17 or iPadOS 17? You’re not alone; this is a common occurrence for many users following major system software updates. While these updates are designed to improve performance, it may not happen immediately, particularly if you’re using an older device or have a substantial amount of data stored on your iPhone or iPad.

If your device is feeling sluggish after the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 update, there’s no need to worry. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind this slowdown and provide you with practical tips to get your iPhone or iPad back up to speed.

Solution 1: Be Patient After Upgrading to iOS 17 / iPadOS 17

Following a major update, your iPhone or iPad goes through a series of background tasks to optimize and organize various types of content, such as photos, contacts, files, videos, and other media. These tasks also involve scanning through your photo library to identify objects, people, pets, and more. It’s important to understand that these background processes can temporarily slow down the performance of your device, which is entirely normal.

In addition to the slowdown, you might notice that your battery drains faster during this period. However, rest assured that this is a temporary situation, and your battery life will return to normal once these tasks are complete.

The key here is patience. Allow your device the time it needs to finish these essential indexing tasks. To expedite the process, consider leaving your device plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi overnight. In some cases, it may take a night or a few nights for these background processes to conclude. Remember, this is a one-time process, and your device will soon be back to its optimal performance.

Solution 2: Keep Your Apps Up to Date

After updating to iOS 17, you may notice that some of your apps don’t function as smoothly as you’d like them to. This can happen because app developers need time to ensure their applications are fully compatible with the new iOS version.

To address this issue, it’s crucial to keep your apps up to date. Here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Open the App Store on your device.

Step 2: Tap on your profile icon, typically located in the top right corner.

Step 3: In the menu that appears, select “Update All” to initiate the update process for all your apps.

Updating your apps ensures that you have the latest versions, which often include bug fixes and optimizations for the most recent iOS version. This simple step can significantly improve the performance and stability of your apps on iOS 17.

Solution 3: Improve Performance by Disabling Background App Activity

Background app activity, where apps continue to run in the background, can contribute to slowing down your iPhone or iPad’s performance. To address this issue, you can disable Background App Refresh by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and select “General.”

Step 3: In the “General” menu, locate and tap on “Background App Refresh.”

Step 4: Toggle the switch to turn it OFF.

Disabling Background App Refresh prevents apps from running in the background, which can conserve system resources and enhance the speed and responsiveness of your device. This simple adjustment can lead to a smoother and more efficient user experience on iOS 17 or iPadOS 17.

Solution 4: Free Up Storage Space for Improved Performance

To ensure that your iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 functions at its best, it’s essential to have sufficient free storage space. Aim to have at least 5GB of free storage on your device, but having more is even better. Here’s how you can clear up storage:

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and select “General.”

Step 3: In the “General” menu, tap on “iPhone/iPad Storage,” depending on your device.

Step 4: Here, you’ll find a list of apps and files that are using up your device’s storage space. Review this list and identify any unneeded apps or large files that you can delete.

By removing unnecessary apps and files, you’ll create more space on your device, allowing iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 to operate more smoothly. This step is crucial for optimizing your device’s performance and ensuring a responsive and efficient user experience.

Solution 5: Monitor and Maintain Battery Health

Your iPhone’s performance can be significantly impacted by the condition of its battery. Here’s how you can check and address battery health issues:

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and select “Battery.”

Step 3: In the “Battery” menu, tap on “Battery Health.”

Here, you’ll find information about your battery’s health and any messages related to battery degradation. If you notice that your battery health is significantly reduced or if you receive messages about battery problems, it’s a sign that your battery may need replacement.

Replacing the battery can substantially enhance your device’s performance, as it ensures that your iPhone has a stable and healthy power source. This can lead to improved responsiveness and overall usability of your device, especially when running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17.

Solution 6: Enhance Performance by Disabling Animations

If you’re using an older device, disabling certain animations can make it feel significantly faster and more responsive. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and select “General.”

Step 3: In the “General” menu, tap on “Accessibility.”

Step 4: Under the “Accessibility” menu, select “Motion.”

Step 5: Here, you’ll find the option called “Reduce Motion.” Turn it ON.

Enabling “Reduce Motion” removes unnecessary animations and visual effects on your device, which can not only make your device feel faster but also reduce eye candy that may not be necessary for your user experience. This is particularly helpful for older devices running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17, as it can enhance their overall performance and usability.

Solution 7: Resolve Issues with a Force Reboot

If you’re encountering performance problems or glitches on your iPhone, a force reboot can often do the trick. Here’s how to do it:

For Face ID iPhones and iPads:

Step 1: Press the volume up button.

Step 2: Quickly press the volume down button.

Step 3: Next, press and hold the side or power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

For devices with home buttons:

Step 1: Simultaneously press and hold the power button and the home button.

Step 2: Continue holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

A force reboot essentially gives your device a fresh start and can resolve various issues that may be affecting its performance. It’s a handy solution to have in your arsenal when dealing with problems on iOS 17 or iPadOS 17.

Solution 8: Stay Updated with iOS and iPadOS

Keeping your device up to date is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Here’s why and how to do it:

• Performance Improvements: Most performance issues are not due to software bugs or defects but can be resolved through software updates. Apple regularly releases updates to iOS and iPadOS that include performance enhancements and bug fixes.
• Quick Bug Fixes: If there are any software-related issues or bugs, Apple is known for addressing them promptly with updates. Staying updated ensures that you have the latest fixes and improvements.

To stay on top of available updates:

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and select “General.”

Step 3: In the “General” menu, tap on “Software Update.”

If updates are available, you’ll see them listed here. Simply tap “Install” to download and install the latest iOS or iPadOS updates. Keeping your device’s operating system current is a straightforward way to maintain peak performance and ensure you’re benefiting from the latest features and optimizations.

Conclusion: Enhance Your Device’s Performance with These Tips

The tips we’ve provided are geared towards improving the performance of iPhones running iOS 17, but they can also be applied to iPads experiencing sluggishness after updating to iPadOS 17.

By following these steps, you can expect your device to regain its smoothness and speed. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences with iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 in the comments below! Your feedback can be invaluable to others who may be facing similar challenges and looking for solutions.