IPadOS26 significantly slows down My iPad mini 5th gen. (iPad’s responses to tapping, swiping, & pushing buttons lags by 10 sec. On the condition when I opened 2 Safari tabs. IPADOS26 also quickly drains my battery from 100% to 5% within 2 hours. How do I downgrade back to IpadOS18?
iPad
Your iPad is vintage 2019. In six years, there's a really good chance the battery has degraded significantly, which would explain the issues you're experiencing. You cannot downgrade. But you can have the battery replaced in your iPad, which will bring it back to new condition. See this to schedule a battery replacement --> iPad Repair and Service - Apple Support
Rolling-back to an earlier version of iOS/iPadOS is not possible.
All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed.
If your iPad is not operating or performing as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update 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:
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:
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
Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support - and request a remote diagnostic test. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044
You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad. If a fault is identified, or battery replacement is potentially required, here you will be in the best possible place to explore your available options:
Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
For practical purposes, Apple usually exchange a qualifying iPad for a renewed/refurbished iPad of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for repair or battery replacement.
iPadOS 26 slowed down my iPad mini 5th gen and quickly drained my battery. What do?
