This is a letter I wrote for someone recently. I am a former PC-Guy, now turned Linux... but occasionally I get called on to help with Apple products (which by-the-way, I believe they are the best designed, if you can afford them, but even Apple is not 100% bulletproof).
You can switch iPad for your OS on most of the searches listed here, and still get the information you need.
Hi,
Before you start... Notice this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Computer+Hacker+vs+Cracker
In short: Hackers are the "Good Guys", and Crackers are the "Bad Guys". These terms have been twisted mostly by bad media reporting in the 90's, and the industry is still trying to correct this. Most "True Hackers" are still offended by this error. Even trusted media still gets this wrong (mostly because it is so commonly accepted).
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I suggest you read this all the way through first, and then decide what to do.
Try and recall if you gave permission to install an App (while traveling), or anytime recently, especially one that was NOT associated with the "Apple Store" online (or any 100% trusted source, which you likely cannot verify).
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The first thing I always suggest when a system is running slow, is to do an ISP "Speed Test". In order to do a comprehensive test you should know the rated speed of the connection you are using (i.e. the speed being paid for, but if not, that is OK), and (ideally) have that be the only active device on the network, plus not have the device engaged in "high-bandwidth" activities such as music and video streaming, big downloads (or uploads), system updates, etc.
Another "ideal" for the speed test is to do a "Cold Boot" (power the system down completely, wait 5+ seconds, and start it up again). Some newer systems (Win-10 especially) are not as obvious about a cold boot, but I believe with all Apple products it is pretty straightforward (you will get a "Power Off" message, or something similar).
When in doubt, do a simple "restart". For instructions Google / search things like:
https://www.google.com/search?q=iPad+Power-Down
https://www.google.com/search?q=iPad+Restart
Actually (especially if you cannot manage all of the above details)... Do a speed test first... reboot and/or restart... then do another speed test (after a clean boot).
Comparing the test results as you go can give a clue.
In most cases the ISP speed will be fine... but not always.
If the ISP (Internet Service Provider) speed test is much lower than you think it should be, then the problem is usually with the "provider" (this typically does not happen very often).... Call them and report your findings.
If the speed test is fine, and the PC or Tablet is still running slow, then the problem is usually with the system. 90% of the time or more, a reboot will fix the system speed problem.
Note...: Most "bench technicians" (say in a shop or store) will likely run "performance tests" to determine a systems health. I have never had access (or tried to use) these programs. (Remember, a simple restart & update check usually fixes things.) And these advanced tools are why a shop (or an OEM [Apple] store can be better (in extreme cases).
If your system is still slow after everything above (all variations of restarting & speed testing), then the problem is most likely in the OS (Operating System), or one or more problematic apps / programs, or a combination of the two.
Rule number one here is: Be sure the OS and all installed apps are up-to-date. For an iPad try starting with:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Checking+iPad+System+Updates
I cannot stress the importance of this enough.
If you get everything up-to-date, and the ISP speed tests are OK, and the system is still slow, you are getting closer to a conclusion of "Been Cracked", but not yet.
Another common problem is Age (i.e. What generation is the device?). If the system is 5+ years old, especially if it was at a low-budget price to begin with (lower than average CPU "clock speeds", and lower than average "RAM" amounts [for that generation device]), then it could be that all the software (the OS and all the software / app update have simply outstripped the hardware. The hardware simply cannot keep up.... In this case, you just need to go buy a new one. (I always suggest "average" to a bit "above average" [in terms of hardware resources], to get the best value over the longest reasonable term.)
... "Age" is the most common "computer system slowness" problem that I see, everywhere.
If all of the above do not seem to be the problem, then you need to look at getting the system "scanned" for "Malware" (malicious software).
Malware includes: computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, scareware, etc.
Start with:
https://www.google.com/search?q=iPad+Malware+Scan
... and go from there.
Sticking to Apple sources is a good idea. Example:
(From that, I suspect it cannot be done. It is a "feature" [design element] of the device [hardware & software].)
You probably should read this one:
"Jailbreaking refers to the process of removing all restrictions imposed on an iOS device."
Ideally you will be able to find a temporary scanner that you can run through a browser (if it exists, and for iPad it apparently does not). For a Tablet (or smartphone), you will likely need to install an App. And for an Apple device, you will almost certainly need to get it from the "Apple Store". (I'd be extremely cautious about anything not from the Apple Store, especially for this job.) But apparently even this does not exist for iPad.
If all else fails...
Take it into an Apple Store (with service techs), or a certified Apple repair shop. (Independent shops can be better sometimes, but you gotta know you can trust them. Do your homework, or get a good reference.) ... They should be able to advise you properly.
Let me know how it goes.
171210
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