Skip to content

iPhone Running Slow – How to Fix It 2026 Guide

Why Choose Keith Thomas

20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.

• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.

Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.

• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.

On‑site iPhone Performance and Software Support in London and the South East UK

What this page covers

This guide explains the most common software‑related reasons why an iPhone becomes slow or unresponsive, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:

• iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max / iPhone Air

• iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 / 15 Pro

• iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

• iPhone 13 / 13 Pro

• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

This page focuses on software issues only. Keith Thomas does not offer hardware repairs.

The most common performance problems

These are the issues Keith Thomas sees most often during on‑site visits:

• iPhone running slow

• iPhone slow after update

• iPhone slow after restore

• iPhone slow due to low storage

• iPhone slow due to System Data

• iPhone slow due to iCloud Photos

• iPhone slow due to Messages indexing

• iPhone slow due to background apps

• iPhone slow due to Apple Account issues

Quick checks you can do yourself

These steps solve around 40% of performance issues.

Check 1 – Restart the iPhone

Check 2 – Close all apps

Check 3 – Turn off Background App Refresh

Check 4 – Check iPhone storage

Check 5 – Update to the latest iOS version

iPhone running slow

This usually means:

• Background apps running continuously

• iCloud sync loop

• Mail fetch loop

Try:

• Turning off Background App Refresh

• Turning off Mail fetch temporarily

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone slow after update

This usually means:

• iOS re‑indexing photos and messages

• Temporary iOS performance bug

• Background processes running

Try:

• Leaving the iPhone plugged in overnight

• Updating to the latest iOS version

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone slow due to low storage

This usually means:

• Storage nearly full

• System Data too large

• iCloud Photos downloading originals

Try:

• Freeing storage space

• Turning on “Optimise iPhone Storage”

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone slow due to iCloud Photos

This usually means:

• Photos uploading or downloading

• iCloud sync loop

• Large photo library indexing

Try:

• Checking iCloud Photos progress

• Turning on “Optimise iPhone Storage”

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone slow due to Messages indexing

This usually means:

• Messages re‑indexing after update

• Large Messages history

• iCloud Messages syncing

Try:

• Leaving the iPhone plugged in overnight

• Checking Messages storage

• Restarting the iPhone

When DIY stops working

You should get on‑site help if:

• The iPhone remains slow all the time

• The iPhone is slow after update or restore

• The iPhone is slow due to iCloud or Mail

• Performance improves on another device but not your iPhone

These issues usually require:

• iPhone performance and software diagnostics

• iCloud Photos and Messages optimisation

• iOS update and background process optimisation

• iPhone configuration and repair

On‑Site iPhone Support – London & South East UK

If your iPhone is running slow, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:

• Central London

• West, North, South and East London

• Surrey

• Berkshire

• Hampshire

• Wiltshire

Keith Thomas is an Apple Support Specialist in:

• iPhone performance and software issues

• iCloud Photos and Messages optimisation

• iOS update and background process diagnostics

• iPhone configuration and repair

Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK

If your iPhone is running slow, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get everything working again.

Keith Thomas – Apple Support Specialist

Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days

Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7