Phase 1: Check for Unfamiliar Apps
Malicious applications can often be the cause of a slow iPhone. Review your installed apps and remove any that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.
- Go to your Home Screen and swipe left through all pages to see all installed apps.
- Alternatively, use the App Library by swiping all the way to the right on your Home Screen.
- Look for any apps you don't recognise, or apps that have unusual names or icons.
- To uninstall an app, press and hold its icon until a menu appears. Tap
Remove App, thenDelete App, and finallyDeleteto confirm.
Tip
If you're unsure about an app, try searching for its name online to see if it's legitimate.
Phase 2: Review Privacy Settings and Permissions
Compromised apps or rogue processes might be overusing your iPhone's resources by accessing sensitive data or running in the background. Adjusting privacy settings can help limit this.
- Go to
Settings→Privacy & Security. - Review
Location Servicesand disable for any apps that don't genuinely need your location. - Check
CameraandMicrophoneaccess and revoke permissions for any apps that shouldn't be using them. - Under
Tracking, ensureAllow Apps to Request to Trackis enabled, and review which apps have tracking permission. Disable tracking for any suspicious apps. - Go to
Background App Refresh(located underSettings→General) and turn off for apps you don't need constantly updating.
Important
Be cautious when disabling general system services, as this might affect the normal operation of your iPhone.
Phase 3: Clear Website Data and Browser History
Sometimes, malicious websites or browser extensions can cause performance issues. Clearing your browsing data can help resolve these.
- Open
Settings→Safari. - Scroll down and tap
Clear History and Website Data, then confirm by tappingClear History and Data. - If you use other browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox), open each app and look for its settings to clear browsing data, cache, and cookies.
- Consider reviewing your Safari extensions (
Settings→Safari→Extensions) and disable any you don't recognise or use.
Good to know
Clearing website data might log you out of some websites, but it can significantly improve browsing performance.
Phase 4: Reset All Settings or Erase All Content and Settings
If the above steps haven't resolved the issue, more drastic measures may be necessary. These options either reset system settings without deleting data or completely wipe your device.
- First, ensure you have a recent backup of your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. Go to
Settings→ Your Name →iCloud→iCloud Backupand check the 'Last successful backup' date. - To reset all settings without erasing your data: Go to
Settings→General→Transfer or Reset iPhone→Reset→Reset All Settings. This will reset all your settings but keep your data, apps, and media. - To completely wipe your iPhone (only as a last resort): Go to
Settings→General→Transfer or Reset iPhone→Erase All Content and Settings. You will need to enter your passcode and Apple ID password. This will return your iPhone to factory settings, deleting all data. - After performing a full erase, set up your iPhone as new rather than restoring from a backup, just in case the backup contains the issue. You can manually reinstall apps and transfer important data back later.
Important
Erasing all content and settings will permanently delete all data from your iPhone. Ensure you have a full backup if you choose this option.
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers