iPad Pro Keeps Lagging or Freezing? Here’s How to Fix It

Is your iPad Pro feeling sluggish, freezing during app use, or randomly stalling even when performing simple tasks? This kind of behavior is frustrating—especially on a device as powerful as the iPad Pro. While older models might show their age, if you’re using a newer model like the 2018 iPad Pro, these problems are likely software-related and fixable. Try these proven solutions before heading to a service center.

1. Close Background Apps and Restart Your iPad

When too many apps are running in the background, they can bog down performance.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
Swipe up on each app preview to close them all.
Then restart your iPad:
- Press and hold the Top button + Volume button until the power slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then press the Top button again to turn it back on.

If the screen is frozen, force a restart:

Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Hold the Top button until you see the Apple logo.

2. Check and Free Up iPad Storage

Lack of free storage space often leads to lag and freezing.

Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
You’ll see a breakdown of used vs. free space.
Delete unused apps, offload large media files, and clear message attachments.
You can also tap Enable next to “Offload Unused Apps” for automatic storage optimization.

3. Update All Apps

Outdated apps can be buggy and cause system slowdowns.

Open the App Store > Tap your profile icon.
Scroll down to see pending updates.
Tap Update All or update individual apps showing frequent issues.

4. Delete Problematic Apps

If a certain app always causes freezing or crashes:

Tap and hold the app icon until it wiggles.
Tap the X to delete it.
Or go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, tap the app name, then tap Delete App.

Reinstall later from the App Store if needed.

5. Install the Latest iPadOS Version

iOS updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure your iPad is plugged in and has a strong Wi-Fi connection.

If your iPad is too unstable to update via Settings, use a computer with iTunes or Finder to install the update manually.

6. Reset All Settings

If something in your settings is causing conflicts, a reset can help without erasing your data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset.
Choose Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm.

This will reset Wi-Fi settings, display preferences, and other system configurations—without deleting your files.

7. Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)

If nothing else works, you may need to start fresh. Back up your data to iCloud or iTunes first.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode to confirm.
Follow the on-screen steps to reset and set up your iPad like new.

You can also do this via a computer using iTunes or Finder for more control.