Web pages taking forever to load on Safari? If your iPhone SE 3 (2022) is running iOS 15.5 and browsing feels sluggish, it could be anything from network issues to overloaded cache. Here’s a complete guide to speed up Safari and get things running smoothly again.
1. Close Safari and Restart It
Sometimes Safari just needs a fresh start.
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and pause to open the App Switcher.
- Find Safari and swipe it up to close.
- Reopen Safari and check if loading speeds improve.
- Also, close any extra tabs you don’t need — too many open tabs can bog things down.
2. Restart Your Router and iPhone
If your entire internet feels slow — not just Safari — try power cycling your network:
- Turn off your Wi-Fi router/modem and unplug it.
- Wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
- On your iPhone SE, press and hold the Side button and either Volume button, then slide to power off.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn the iPhone back on.
Rejoin your Wi-Fi and test Safari again.
3. Clear Safari’s History and Website Data
Old cache and cookies can mess with performance.
- Go to Settings > Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm to wipe cached files, cookies, and history.
To only remove cookies:
- Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.
- Tap Remove All Website Data.
This frees up space and can fix loading issues.
4. Check and Optimize Your iPhone’s Storage
Low storage can slow down everything — even Safari.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Review what’s using the most space.
- Follow Apple’s Recommendations or tap Show All to manage files.
- Consider offloading unused apps or deleting large media you don’t need.
5. Reset All Settings
If the problem started after a settings change or update, a settings reset might help.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm.
This resets system and network settings, but won’t delete your data. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure some preferences afterward.
6. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Safari updates are bundled with iOS, so it’s worth checking for updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
If your internet is too slow for over-the-air updates, you can update using a computer via iTunes or Finder on macOS.
7. Try an Alternative Browser
If Safari still feels sluggish:
- Download Chrome, Firefox, or Edge from the App Store.
- See if pages load faster using another browser.
- If they do, the issue may be isolated to Safari.
8. Talk to Your Internet Provider
Still no luck? The problem could be with your internet service.
- Contact your provider and ask if there are any outages or restrictions on your account.
- They can also run remote diagnostics on your modem/router.
- If the equipment is faulty, they may offer a replacement or repair.