How to Clear the RAM on an iPad or iPhone

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to free up space on your RAM to give your phone or tablet a performance boost, using an iPhone or iPad.

Things You Should Know

If you have an iPhone 7 or older, hold down the Sleep/Wake button until the "slide to power off" screen appears. Then, press and hold the Home button.
If you are using an iPhone 8 or newer, open

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/7\/7e\/Iphonesettingsappicon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Iphonesettingsappicon.png\/30px-Iphonesettingsappicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

. Go to General / Accessibility / Assistive Touch /

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png\/46px-Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":46,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

. Scroll down and tap Shut Down .
When you see the "slide to power off" screen, tap the gray circle icon in a square, and press and hold the "Home" option.
Regardless of your phone model, your screen will go blank and then will return to the regular home screen, indicating that the RAM has been cleared.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using iPhone 7 or Older

Download Article

1

Hold down your iPhone or iPad's Sleep/Wake button. You can find the Sleep/Wake button at the top or on the side of your iPhone or iPad's casing. Hold it down until you see the Power Off screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

When you see the "slide to power off" screen, you can release the Sleep/Wake button on your iPhone or iPad.

Advertisement
3
Press and hold down the Home button. Your screen will blank a bit, and you'll return to your iPhone or iPad's home screen. Your device's RAM will have been cleared. ^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview. 24 March 2021}
- The Home button is the circle button below your iPhone or iPad's screen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using iPhone 8 or Newer

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Find and tap the

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/7\/7e\/Iphonesettingsappicon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Iphonesettingsappicon.png\/30px-Iphonesettingsappicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

icon on your home screen to open the Settings app.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You can find this option next to

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/3\/36\/Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png\/30px-Iphonesettingsgeneralicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone icon\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

on the Settings menu.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Assistive Touch will allow you to perform actions without using the buttons around the casing of your iPhone or iPad. ^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview. 24 March 2021}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Slide the Assistive Touch switch to

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Iphoneswitchonicon1.png\/46px-Iphoneswitchonicon1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":46,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

. When this option is enabled, you'll see a gray button on your screen. You can tap this button to use Assistive Touch features.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Tap the back button on the top-left corner of your screen until you see the General menu.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This option is at the bottom of the General menu. You'll see the "slide to power off" screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It looks like a gray circle icon in a square. Your options will expand.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-12.jpg\/aid10263977-v4-728px-Clear-the-RAM-on-an-iPad-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Your screen will go blank after a few seconds, and you'll return to your iPhone or iPad's home screen. Your device's RAM will have been cleared.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I clear RAM on an iPhone without the Home button?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

Turn on Assistive Touch, which will add a Home button onto your screen that you can press.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 11

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

[2]

Log in

How to Clear the RAM on an iPad or iPhone

Things You Should Know

Steps

Using iPhone 7 or Older

Using iPhone 8 or Newer

Expert Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories