7 Hidden iPhone Settings That Improve Performance Every User Should Know

Your iPhone is a powerful device, but over time, even the newest models can feel slower or drain battery faster than expected. The good news is that Apple includes several lesser-known settings in iOS that can help improve iPhone speed and extend battery life on a single charge.

These hidden iPhone settings in 2025 focus on practical tweaks that reduce background activity, manage resources more effectively, and keep your device running smoothly. Many users in Redditch and beyond miss these settings in the app. They only take a few minutes to adjust, but they can make a big difference. Here are seven effective options to consider.

1. Limit Background App Refresh

Apps often continue refreshing content in the background, even when you’re not using them. This process uses CPU resources and network data, which can slow down your phone and reduce battery life over time.

• Go to ‘Settings’ > click on ‘General’ > tap on ‘Background App Refresh’.

Here, you can turn it off entirely or set it to Wi-Fi only. For most people, choosing Wi-Fi strikes the right balance; it prevents unnecessary mobile data usage while keeping apps up to date when you’re connected at home or at work. This simple change frees up processing power, making apps launch quicker and scrolling feel more responsive.

2. Enable Optimised Battery Charging

Keeping your iPhone at 100% charge for extended periods degrades the battery faster. Apple designed Optimised Battery Charging to learn your routine and delay charging past 80% until just before you usually unplug.

• Navigate to ‘Settings,’ select ‘Battery,’ and then proceed to ‘Battery Health & Charging.’
• Turn on Optimised Battery Charging.

On iPhone 15 and later, you can also set a specific Charge Limit (like 80% or 90%) to further protect long-term health. This feature helps optimise iPhone battery life without requiring daily manual adjustments.

If your iPhone’s battery health has dropped significantly and the optimisation tweaks aren’t delivering the improvement you need, our expert iPhone repair team at Fone Tech Redditch is here to help. We provide fast, professional battery diagnostics and safe, genuine battery replacements that restore your iPhone’s full performance, longer runtime, and reliable day-to-day use.

3. Switch to LTE Instead of 5G When Needed

5G delivers fast speeds, but in areas with weaker coverage, your iPhone works harder to maintain the connection, draining battery and sometimes causing minor lag.

• Access ‘Settings’, then tap on ‘Cellular’. Next, tap ‘Cellular Data Options’ and select ‘Voice & Data’.
• Choose LTE over 5G Auto or 5G On. This allows for consistent 4G speeds while consuming less energy.

You can switch back to 5G at any time for demanding tasks. Many users find this tweak extends daily battery life by hours without noticeable impact on everyday browsing or streaming.

4. Turn On Low Power Mode Permanently or via Shortcuts

Low Power Mode reduces background activity, dims the screen sooner, and limits visual effects to save energy. While it slightly slows some animations, it significantly boosts endurance when the battery is low.

• Find it in ‘Settings’ > then head to ‘Battery’. You can turn it on manually or set it to activate automatically at 20%.
• For greater control, create a Shortcut to toggle it by time or location.

This is especially useful during busy days in Redditch when you’re out and about without easy access to a charger.

5. Reduce Motion and Visual Effects

iOS uses animations and transparency for a polished look, but these effects require additional GPU work, which can impact performance on older devices or during multitasking.

• Go to ‘Settings’ > then click on ‘Accessibility’ > then go to ‘Motion’ > then tap on ‘Reduce Motion’ and turn it on.
• Then, click on ‘Display & Text Size’, and disable the options.

These adjustments make the interface feel snappier, with quicker app switches and less strain during heavy use.

6. Manage Location Services and App Permissions

Constant location tracking in the background is a major drain on battery life. Many apps request “Always” access when “While Using” is sufficient.

• Go to ‘Settings’ and choose ‘Privacy & Security.’ Next, look for ‘Location Services.’
• Review each app and change permissions to “While Using the App” or “Never” for those you don’t need.

This reduces GPS usage, freeing resources to improve overall speed and extend iPhone battery life.

7. Clear Storage and Update iOS Regularly

Nearly full storage slows your iPhone because the system struggles to manage temporary files and caching.

• Go to ‘Settings’ > click on ‘General’ > tap on ‘iPhone Storage’ to see what’s taking up space and offload unused apps or delete large files.
• Also, always install the latest iOS updates via Settings > General > Software Update. Apple includes performance improvements, bug fixes, and battery optimisations in these releases. Staying current ensures you benefit from the newest efficiency tweaks.

These settings target the most common causes of slowdowns and battery drain. Start with one or two, then add more as you go. You’ll likely notice your iPhone feels faster and lasts longer without any hardware changes.

FAQs

How often should I assess my iPhone’s battery health?

Check it monthly in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the maximum capacity drops below 80%, consider service options to restore performance.

Will disabling Background App Refresh affect my applications?

It may delay content updates until you open the app, but most apps still function normally. Wi-Fi-only mode offers a good compromise.

Does using LTE instead of 5G really save battery?

Yes, especially in areas with spotty 5G coverage, as the phone doesn’t have to search constantly for a stronger signal.

Are these settings safe for all iPhone models?

Yes, they work across supported iOS versions, though some options, such as Charge Limit, appear on iPhone 15 and newer models.

Final Thoughts

Small adjustments to these hidden settings can make a big difference in how your iPhone performs day-to-day. These iPhone performance tips are especially helpful if you’re managing a busy schedule or simply want a smoother experience, as they help maintain speed and battery efficiency over time. Give them a try and enjoy a more responsive device. If your iPhone feels frustratingly slow and unresponsive, don’t settle for laggy performance. At Fone Tech Redditch, our expert technicians specialise in diagnosing and fixing the root causes of sluggish iPhones. Visit our shop today for fast, reliable mobile phone repairs that restore your iPhone’s speed, responsiveness, and full potential, backed by genuine parts and professional service you can trust.