Should I restore my iPad as new or from a back up?

My 6th generation iPad is running super slow. Especially safari and chrome stop and balk for long periods---I've tried everything but have decided my next step is to do a full restore. But everything I read says to do a backup first. I'm worried that if I restore from a backup, I will just reinstall the problem if something is corrupted. Isn't it better to just start fresh? Any guidance would be most appreciated. Thank you!


By the way---my photo library is in iCloud so I'm not worried about losing anything there. And for the most part, I can reinstall any apps that I find I'm missing.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad

Posted on Jul 24, 2024 7:20 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 24, 2024 8:51 AM

Keeping an up-to-date backup of your data and files is always a good idea - as, should the worst happen, you minimise the possibility of losing important or irreplaceable data:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


As for your performance difficulties, begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset. As before...:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


After performing the factory restore, you can restore your backup when prompted. If the problem returns, reset the iPad again and setup "as new" without restoring data and settings from your backup.




1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 24, 2024 8:51 AM in response to Phil Rogers

Keeping an up-to-date backup of your data and files is always a good idea - as, should the worst happen, you minimise the possibility of losing important or irreplaceable data:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


As for your performance difficulties, begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset. As before...:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


After performing the factory restore, you can restore your backup when prompted. If the problem returns, reset the iPad again and setup "as new" without restoring data and settings from your backup.




This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Should I restore my iPad as new or from a back up?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.