iPad Pro Slow? Here’s Why and The Real Fix!

Is your iPad Pro slow? Considering how much time we spend on our tablets, a slow iPad Pro is super frustrating. Learn why your iPad Pro is running so slow and how to speed it up with these step-by-step instructions.

Why is my iPad Pro so slow?

Your iPad Pro is slow because, like any electronic device, iPads slow down over time. But a lagging iPad can also be caused by performance issues you can fix. The most common factors behind slow iPad Pro include unused apps, outdated software, and overloaded storage space.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your iPad Pro is slow:

• Bloatware and other junk files are clogging up storage space.
• You’re not running the latest version of iPadOS.
• You have a poor network connection (weak Wi-Fi signal).
• Your iPad has been exposed to extreme weather.
• Your iPad settings aren’t optimized, such as motion and display brightness.
• Too many open apps
• Poor battery health

How to speed up your iPad Pro

So, is your iPad Pro running slow? If your iPad is overloaded with data, runs automatic downloads, or needs software updates, there are a few quick wins for better performance no matter which model you have. Speed up your iPad Pro (2021), iPad Pro (2020), iPad Pro (2018), iPad Pro (2016), or even the iPad Pro (2015)with the following steps. Here’s how to make your iPad Pro faster.

Close open apps

If too many apps are open, your iPad Pro might be working overtime.

For iPad Pro with home button, double-tap the Home button. Swipe up on an app to close it.
For iPad Pro without home buttons, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause without lifting a finger. Tap and hold the app that you want to close, and then tap the minus sign.

Restart your iPad Pro

Did you try turning it off and on again? Restarting your device can help with iPad speed and make your iPad Pro faster.

To restart your iPad Pro with home button:

1. Press and hold the Power button on the top of your iPad.
2. Gently swipe right on slide to power off.
3. Then to turn it back on, press and hold the Power button again until the Apple Logo appears

.

To restart your iPad Pro without home button:

1. Press and hold the Power button on the top of your iPad and either of the volume buttons.
2. Gently swipe right on slide to power off.
3. Then to turn it back on, press and hold the Power button again until the Apple Logo appears

.

Check for iPadOS updates

A simple iPadOS update can help speed up a slow iPad Pro. Install the latest software on your sluggish iPad Pro to give your device the boost it needs. When new iPadOS updates are launched, people commonly report speed issues on their existing version. Some even ask “why is my iPad Pro overheating?” Not only can updating your device make your iPad Pro faster and cooler (literally), it strengthens your built-in security.
Here’s how to check for iPadOS software updates:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to General.
3. Then tap Software Update, which will instantly prompt the “Checking for Update …” message.
4. The newest iPadOS version will be displayed with an option to learn more or install. Tap Download and Install to continue, then follow the password prompts to complete installation.

Turn off location services

Many apps need location services. Google Maps can’t take you home if the app can’t locate you. Ride-sharing apps can’t track a ride in real time without GPS coordinates. But these location services don’t need to run 24/7.
If your iPad Pro is really slow, conduct a location permissions audit. You should quickly check which apps use location services, which apps can be switched off completely, and which apps can be switched to “While Using the App.”
Here’s how to turn off or edit location services:

1. Open the Settings app, then go to Privacy > Location Services.
2. Decide if you want to turn Location Services off entirely or only for some apps.
3. To turn off Location Services for all apps, toggle the Location Services option from green to grey.
4. To turn off Location Services for individual apps, find the app in question and tap its name to set permissions. Choose between Never, Ask Next Time, and While Using the App.

Check your internet connection

“My iPad Pro is running slow,” often means, “the internet on my iPad Pro is running slow.” So how to make your iPad’s internet faster? In most cases, slow internet isn’t a problem with your iPad so much as with your Wi-Fi network or mobile data connection.
Here are a few ways to diagnose the cause of your iPad’s slow internet connection:

Get a stable connection

If your Wi-Fi connection isn’t strong, you’ll see an immediate drop in internet speed. Make sure your Wi-Fi icon indicates a full-strength connection. If not, try toggling your Wi-Fi off and then on again. If that doesn’t help, move closer to your router or switch to mobile data.

Perform an internet speed test

A free online speed test will quickly assess your internet connection’s download and upload speeds. It’s a good way to confirm that you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for from your internet service provider (though Wi-Fi will always be slower than a direct Ethernet connection). Some speed test providers even have standalone apps for iPadOS and other devices.

Reset your network settings

Resetting your iPad’s network settings can give it a fresh start with a faster internet connection. You’ll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password when you’re done.

1. Open your Settings app and go to General > Transfer or reset iPad > Reset.
2. Tap Reset Network Settings and enter your Passcode when prompted.
3. Tap Reset Network Settings to confirm.

Reduce motion settings and screen brightness

A brighter screen takes up more energy and may be the cause of why your iPad Pro is slowing down. You don’t have to go full-on night mode, but a slight adjustment may help speed up a super sluggish iPad Pro. Also consider turning off motion effects in iPad settings to speed up your device. Just note that reducing motion settings will affect autoplay videos and the user interface experience on some apps.
Here’s how to reduce motion settings on iPad:

1. Tap the Settings app.
2. Go to Accessibility.
3. Select Motion to customize settings.
4. Choose which of the four types of motions you want to adjust by toggling its corresponding tab from green to grey.

Here’s how to reduce screen brightness on iPad:

1. Tap the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Display & Brightness.
3. Reduce screen brightness using the scroll bar and consider turning on Night Shift to automatically reduce brightness when natural light is dimmer.

Free up space on your iPad

Did you take a million photos today? Or worse, is your iPad Pro too slow because you need to remove bloatware or junk files? It’s time to learn how to clean up your iPad.
Start by removing unwanted images and videos, then move on to deleting unused apps and bloatware. Dropping this extra weight can make your iPad Pro considerably faster.
Remember, hiding an app on an iPad does not free up storage space.

Restore to factory settings

Is your iPad Pro so slow that none of these tips have made a difference? If the above strategies can’t help your iPad Pro speed up, you’ve got one more option: restoring your iPhone to its factory settings.
This is a last resort, because performing a full factory reset deletes all the data on your iPad. Back up any data you wish to keep to your iCloud account or on a computer or external hard drive before performing a factory reset.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset on your iPad:

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Select Transfer or Reset iPad at the bottom.
3. Choose Erase All Content and Settings, which will do exactly that — erase everything.

Disable some automatic background processes

We don’t recommend doing this unless you have a serious performance issue with your iPad Pro , but you might be able to get more speed by shutting off tasks that the iPad performs automatically in the background.

1. Start the Settings app.
2. Tap ”App Store,” and then switch off ”Apps,” and ”App Updates” in the Automatic Downloads section.
3. Tap ”Back” to return to the main page.
4. Tap ”General” and then tap “Software updates”
5. Turn of “Automatic Updates“
6. Tap ”Back” to return to the previous page.
7. Tap ”Background App Refresh.”
8. Tap ”Background App Refresh” and tap ”Off.”

Replace your iPads battery

If you’ve had your iPad Pro for at least a couple of years, the battery might be reaching the end of its optimal performance life. Most iPad Pro batteries will last many years, but once they pass their peak performance capability, Apple may remotely throttle the performance of your iPad to keep it from unexpectedly shutting down because the battery isn’t working properly.

To check on your iPad’s battery health, start the Settings app and tap “Battery,” then tap “Battery Health.”

This screen shows you the maximum remaining capacity of your battery, and the “Peak Performance Capability” gives you an assessment of the battery’s overall health. If it says that the device is “currently supporting normal peak performance,” you don’t need to do anything. But if you see a message that your battery’s health is “significantly degraded,” you should consider contacting Apple support to replace the battery.

What to do if your iPad Pro is still running slow

If you’ve tried all of the above and your iPad Pro is still lagging, you may need to look for damage. If the iPad Pro has physical or liquid damage, it may not work properly. You may need to contact Apple Support for help.