Tired of Your Sluggish Tablet? Here’s How to Speed Things Up

Tablets are essential for staying connected, streaming your favorite shows, and getting work done on the go. But when your tablet slows down, frustration builds fast. Laggy scrolling, endless buffering, and slow app loading can turn your everyday tech companion into a source of stress.

So why is your tablet running slow, and what can you do about it? Whether you’re searching for quick fixes or wondering if it’s time to upgrade, here’s what you need to know.

Why Is My Tablet So Slow and Laggy? 5 Potential Causes

Nobody likes a laggy tablet, but it’s not always easy to know the problem behind the slowdown. Here are some common causes that are easy to address.

1. Low Storage Space

If your tablet is running slow, you may have limited storage space. Tablets need free space to handle temporary files, background processes, and system updates. Cached data, downloads, and old apps may be eating up room behind the scenes and causing a slowdown.

2. Outdated Software

Running outdated software or apps can impact your tablet’s performance. Newer versions often fix bugs and improve speed. On the flip side, a newer operating system (OS) can overwhelm older hardware, especially if it includes heavy features or animations.

3. Too Many Background Apps Running

Many apps continue running in the background even when you’re not using them. Messaging apps, widgets, cloud backups, and system services can all drain resources, leading to slower performance.

4. Poor Internet Connection

If your tablet only seems slow while browsing, streaming, or downloading, the issue may not be the tablet at all. It could be your internet connection. Try testing other devices to rule out WiFi problems.

5. Cache Buildup

Apps store temporary files (cache) to help load faster, but this data can become bloated or corrupted over time. This bloat can cause apps to freeze or take longer to open.

Why Is My Tablet Charging So Slow?

Maybe your tablet performs okay, but it takes forever to charge. Here are a few reasons that could be happening:

• Defective charger or cable: Old or faulty charging accessories may not deliver consistent power.
• Dirty charging port: Lint, dust, or debris can block contact between the charger and the port.
• Poor battery health: Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to charge quickly. Tablets over 2–3 years old may experience much slower charging times.
• High or low ambient temperature: Extreme heat or cold can trigger thermal protection systems, which slow charging to prevent battery damage.

How to Make Your Tablet Faster

How do you speed up your tablet? Try these simple tips:

Restart Your Tablet

We’ve all heard the joke, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” But in reality, this can actually help revive your tablet’s performance. Rebooting clears temporary processes and closes apps that may be running without your knowledge.

Install Software Updates

Does your tablet have a software update you’ve been putting off? Keep your operating system up to date if your device can handle it. If updates make your device slower, consider rolling back (if possible) or disabling resource-heavy features like motion effects, animations, or app suggestions.

Close or Delete Unused Apps

Apps that run in the background can be a major drain. Close those you’re not actively using and uninstall the ones you no longer need. Favor official versions from your device’s app store, and consider “lite” apps for better performance on older tablets.

Clear Some Storage Space

Delete unused apps, remove downloads, move photos and videos to cloud storage or an SD card (if supported), and regularly empty your trash folder. For optimal performance, try to keep at least 15–20% of your storage free.

Upgrade to a Newer Device

Sometimes, even with the best cleanup, your tablet is just too old to function properly. Upgrading may be the smartest move if your device is several years old and still lagging. A new tablet can offer faster load times, improved battery life, better security, and access to the latest features.

Looking for a family-friendly option? An upgraded tablet also makes a great electronic gift for kids.

Time for a Tablet Upgrade? Consider a Rent-to-Own Plan

If you’re over a tablet that’s always slow, upgrading doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. Renting to own is a great way to get the devices you need now without the stress of buying them outright. Whether you need a reliable tablet for work, school, or streaming, Rent-A-Center offers tablets and other electronics with flexible weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly rental payment options.

Plus, you get other amazing benefits when you shop tablets at Rent-A-Center. With RAC Exchange¹, you can exchange or upgrade your item at any time during the first six months of your rental purchase agreement. Also, with our Refer-A-Friend program, you can get $30 in RAC Rewards² when your referral opens a new agreement and makes their first full payment. They’ll get $30 in RAC Rewards too!

Get the Tablet Upgrade You Deserve at Rent-A-Center

Tired of tapping and waiting? If your tablet is lagging behind, Rent-A-Center makes it easy to upgrade to a faster, more reliable device. Enjoy flexible payment options and stay connected at the speed you need. Shop tablets online or visit your local Rent-A-Center to find your perfect tech match today.

¹“RAC Exchange” program valid for agreements entered at select locations, is available to new and existing customers and applies to inventory obtainable by store location. Cash price of the item selected for exchange may not exceed approval amount, which is subject to validation and adjustment prior to exchange and may vary from original approval amount. Exchange requires execution of rental agreement for item selected for exchange, which must be completed within six (6) months following the first active rental date of item being returned for exchange. Agreement for item being returned for exchange must be in good standing (with all rental payments current) at the time of exchange and product must be in good condition. Rent paid for prior agreement will be applied to reduce the total cost to own for the replacement agreement but rent paid may not be applied in full to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement. Any applicable Same As Cash period will apply to new agreement based on product selection and agreement term. The amount of rent paid from prior agreement eligible for application to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement may vary from 40% to 66%, depending on your state of residence. Exchanges under program may not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Participating locations only. Eligible items only. All items subject to availability and approval. See Store Manager for complete details.
²RAC Rewards can be applied to defer all or a portion of a rental payment. They have no cash value, are non-transferable, will not reduce the total cost to own or purchase-option amounts, and are available to referred customers who have not had an active agreement within the past 180 days.