Is your iPhone running at what seems like a snail’s pace? It may be time to take matters into your own hands. A slow iPhone or an iPhone battery that takes forever to charge are frustrating technical issues, but they’re not entirely without solutions. Natalie Boese, digital organization expert, two-time bestselling author and founder of Natmac Consulting, offers three iPhone mistakes you should never make if you want a faster iPhone or longer battery life. And stick around for more tips on how to extend battery life for the best possible user experience.
Problem: Your iPhone is too full:
Your iPhone may not have enough free storage space.
THE CORRECTION : “Check how much you’re using by going to Settings -> General -> About and look at the number to the right of Available,” Boese said. “If you have less than 2GB, you need more space. Delete unused apps and old downloads to instantly save a ton of space. Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage and click Enable.
Problem: Your iPhone needs an update:
Although installing the new iOS can sometimes slow down the phone at first, it’s usually because your iPhone is re-indexing the files and will resolve itself within a few days.
THE CORRECTION“Head to Settings -> General -> Software Update to install the latest version of iOS. While you’re at it, turn on automatic updates,” Boese said.
Problem: Too many tabs open in Safari:
Trying to find information using Safari can be very slow when you have way too many open at once. These tabs are constantly updating in the background of your iPhone and taking up memory, which slows it down.
THE CORRECTION: Automatically close tabs. Settings -> Safari -> Tabs -> Close tabs and select how often you want to close them (after a day, a week, a month), according to Boese.
3 tips to preserve longer battery life:
1. Your iPhone needs an update:
“Here we go again. Another reason to update your iOS on your iPhone,” Boese said.
THE CORRECTION: Head to Settings -> General -> Software Update to install the latest version of iOS. While you’re at it, switch Automatic updates to ON.
2. Optimize your settings:
Adjust your screen brightness and use Wi-Fi instead, according to Boese.
THE CORRECTION: Enable auto-brightness to extend battery life. To enable it, go to Settings -> Accessibility. Tap Display & Text Size, then turn on Auto-Brightness. To turn off cellular, go to Settings -> Cellular -> Cellular Data and switch to OFF.
3. Show battery usage:
Check which apps are using the majority of your battery, Boese said.
THE CORRECTION: Head to Settings -> Battery. Note the app offender, then close the app. Also, disable any background activity to prevent apps you don’t use from refreshing. Go to Settings -> General -> Background App Refresh and select Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi & Cellular Data or Off to disable Background App Refresh completely.
It does take care of saving your iPhone’s battery, but it will equate to a better overall smartphone experience (so it’s definitely worth it).