iPad Air 3 Lagging and Freezing in iOS 13? Here’s How to Fix It

by

If your iPad Air 3 started lagging, stuttering, or freezing after updating to iOS 13, you’re not the only one. While the update introduced new features, it also caused performance issues for some users. The good news? In most cases, you can fix these issues with a few simple steps.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your iPad running smoothly again.

1. Close Background Apps

Apps that were left open during the update might be causing the slowdown.

Here’s how to close them:

  • Double-press the Home button to open the App Switcher.
  • Swipe up on each app preview to force close them.
  • Press the Home button again to return to the main screen.

2. Force Restart Your iPad

A soft reset can clear out temporary glitches and refresh system memory.

To force restart:

  • Press and hold the Power button + Home button together.
  • Release both when you see the Apple logo.

Let the iPad reboot fully and check if performance improves.

3. Update Your Apps

Outdated apps may not run well on iOS 13 and can cause freezing or slowdowns.

To update apps:

  • Open the App Store.
  • Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
  • Scroll down to Pending Updates.
  • Tap Update All, or update individual apps manually.

Restart your iPad after updates are complete.

4. Free Up Storage Space

Low storage can severely impact performance.

To check and manage storage:

  • Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
  • Review which apps or files are using the most space.
  • Delete old photos, videos, or unused apps to free up memory.

Aim to keep at least 1–2 GB of free space.

5. Reset All Settings

If system settings were corrupted during the update, resetting them might help.

To reset all settings:

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset.
  • Tap Reset All Settings.
  • Enter your passcode and confirm.

This won’t delete your data, but will reset Wi-Fi, wallpaper, and other preferences.

6. Factory Reset (If Issues Persist)

A full reset can resolve deeper system glitches. Backup your data first via iCloud or iTunes.

To factory reset:

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Enter your passcode and follow the prompts.
  • After reset, set up your iPad as new and check for improvements before restoring from a backup.

Alternatively, use iTunes on a computer to restore your iPad:

  1. Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC.
  2. Open iTunes and select your device.
  3. Click Restore iPad, then follow the instructions.

7. Use iOS Repair Tools (Optional)

If the issue seems tied to iOS bugs and you’re not ready to reset, try using third-party iOS repair tools like:

  • ReiBoot (Tenorshare)
  • iMyFone Fixppo
  • Joyoshare UltFix
  • Dr.Fone – Repair

These tools can fix common iOS issues without data loss.

8. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried everything and your iPad Air 3 still lags or freezes, it might be a hardware issue—or a bug Apple needs to fix in a future iOS patch.

Reach out to Apple Support for diagnostics or visit your nearest Apple Store for in-person help.

Leave a Comment