Easy fixes for iPads and tablets

Tablet computers are affected by many of the same problems as smartphones such as cracked screens, slow running and short battery life. Follow the below tips for common tablet issues you experience.

Cut down on widgets and live wallpaper

Does your tablet seem slow when starting up apps, or is there a delay between typing and characters appearing on your screen? You can reduce this lag by following a few simple tips.

• If your tablet runs the Android operating system, start by disabling any live wallpaper you have running; these animated, interactive backgrounds on your home screen may be fun, but they can introduce lag and will also reduce battery life. To do this, open your "Settings" menu and navigate to "Applications Manager." Tap on the icon of the live wallpaper you have running, then press "Uninstall." While in this area of the menu, uninstall any apps that you don't plan to use.
• Android tablets and phones may be installed with widgets — icons that appear on your home screen that act as shortcuts to an app, or display information directly (for example, a widget may show you weather conditions at your location). If a widget isn't useful, remove it by pressing and holding on its icon, then dragging it to the top (or sometimes bottom, depending on the model) of the screen until it turns red. It will disappear when you lift your finger.
• Close apps that you're not currently using — simply select the app and press "Stop" to shut it down.

Software or hardware could be to blame

Start by cleaning your screen. This has a special coating that repels oil from human skin and so needs careful treatment, so avoid using any solvents or domestic glass cleaners on its surface — any moisture may cause damage.

• Switch off the tablet and unplug it from the charger. Use a blower brush (sold in camera stores) to remove any grit or lint on the screen or lodged between the screen and the case. Then rub the screen gently in a circular motion with a microfibre cloth, such as that used for cleaning eyeglasses.
• Try resetting the tablet. If this doesn't work, you may need to restore it to its factory default state. This usually involves pressing a certain combination of keys and connecting the device to your computer. Consult the manufacturer's website or your user's manual for instructions for your make and model of tablet.

Use a microfibre cloth — never a paper towel or tissue — to clean the screen of your tablet.

Check your software and USB

Connecting your iPad, iPhone or iPod to your Mac or PC should be simple. But what if the device doesn't show up when it is plugged into the computer?

• Try charging the device for at least three hours and then reconnect it to the computer.
• Use a different USB port on the computer and another compatible cable if you have a spare or can borrow one.

Use a USB cable to connect your MP3 player to your computer; software such as iTunes (Mac) or Device Stage (Windows) allows you to sync your music between the two. Many alternative software packages are available.

When you charge any portable electronic device, make sure to remove it from its case to minimize the danger of overheating.