RAM is one of the most necessary hardware in your iPhone that keeps your device running smoothly. So if you feel your iPhone is slow or its performance is sluggish, it’s time to clear memory or RAM to speed up your iPhone.
Other methods to speed up your iPhone include restarting and force-quitting apps. However, even with the introduction of the new iPhone 14 series, the process remains the same as its predecessors. But before we start, let’s take a quick look to understand RAM and why resetting it benefits you.
- What is RAM on iPhone?
- What does clearing RAM do on iPhone?
- How to clear RAM on iPhone with AssistiveTouch
- How to clear RAM on iPhone using Home and Power buttons
What is RAM on iPhone?
RAM stands for “random access memory”—it’s also known as “volatile working memory.” In the simplest terms, it’s where all active processes on your iPhone are carried out.
iOS has excellent RAM management. But when you have too many activities going at once, like running multiple graphics-intensive games, editing apps, streaming over LTE, etc. your iPhone may struggle to keep up; especially if it’s an older device.
When this happens, you’ll notice that your iPhone’s performance becomes sluggish. The keyboard may take more time to open, there can be a delay in swiping gestures or button presses, and the phone may get too hot to handle. In situations such as these, freeing up RAM can be a helpful solution.
What does clearing RAM do on iPhone?
Clearing RAM frees up some processing power on your iPhone. This is done by discarding any unnecessary information in the background. On the surface, nothing changes, but you’ll experience the difference when operating your device.
With reduced information to handle, your iPhone will speed up and run smoother. It’s a completely safe and effective way of boosting the performance of your device.
So now that you have a basic idea, let’s learn how to reset RAM on any iPhone model.
How to clear RAM on iPhone with AssistiveTouch
On newer devices with Face ID, namely, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, iPhone XS, XR, and X, you can reset the RAM with AssistiveTouch. Here’s what you have to do:
- Open Settings on your device and tap Accessibility.
- Now, tap Touch → AssistiveTouch.
- Turn on the button next to AssistiveTouch.
- Now go back to Settings and tap General.
- Tap Shut Down.
- Tap once on the AssistiveTouch button. Finally, touch and hold the virtual Home button in AssistiveTouch. Leave it when the iPhone’s screen flashes and returns to the Lock screen.
RAM has been successfully cleared on your iPhone. Enter the password if prompted.
On older iPhones, clearing RAM is faster as it doesn’t require AssistiveTouch. Let’s look at the process for iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone SE, and iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, and 6 Plus. Here’s what to do:
- Press and hold the Power button until you see the slide to power off option.
- Release the Power button and hold down the Home button for about 5 seconds.
After a few seconds, your screen will flash blank signifying that you have successfully cleared RAM on your iPhone. Enter your password if prompted.
Signing off…
These are the steps to clear iPhone RAM. After a little spring cleaning, your smartphone will run smoothly and without lag. Keep this trick in your back pocket for whenever your device seems to be a little under the weather. Please reach out using the comments section if you have any questions. We’ll do our best to help you out!
Video: How to Clear iPhone Ram in 2023
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Mahit is an engineer by Education with a corporate stint to his name. He ditched the corporate boardroom wars in favor of the technology battleground. For the better part of a decade, he has worked for popular publishing outlets, including Dennis Publishing, BGR India, AppStorm, MakeUseOf, and iPhonehacks.