Why Is Notion So Slow?
Ongoing Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Updated October 21, 2026
Quick answer
Notion is usually slow because of heavy databases or long pages, a bloated local cache, or a Notion-side incident. Check the status page, force reload or reset the app, then simplify heavy database views.
Most likely fix: Check whether Notion itself is degraded.
Symptoms
Pages take several seconds to open, typing lags, the sidebar or search spins, and databases render slowly, often worse in the browser and on older phones.
Why it happens
- Large databases with many visible properties, formulas, rollups and relations
- Many inline databases (dashboards) on one high-traffic page
- Very long pages with many blocks and embeds
- Corrupted or bloated local cache in the app or browser
- Notion-side degraded performance (several incidents in 2026)
- VPN, proxy or security software slowing connections to *.notion.com
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Check whether Notion itself is degraded
- Open notion-status.com
- If an incident is listed, wait for it to be resolved; local fixes will not help
2. Force reload the desktop app
- In the menu bar select View > Force reload
- Or press Ctrl/Cmd + R on a stuck page
3. Reset the app and clear local data
- Desktop: Help > Troubleshooting > Reset & Erase All Local Data (you will be logged out)
- Browser: open DevTools, right-click the refresh button and choose Empty Cache and Hard Refresh, then clear Notion cookies
- Mobile: delete and reinstall the app; your data stays synced to your account
4. Lighten heavy database views
- Hide properties you don't need in each view
- Add filters on simple properties (select, status, date) before formula or rollup filters
- Filter out old rows with a Created time filter or archive them
5. Split heavy dashboards and long pages
- Keep each large database on its own page and show it elsewhere with linked views
- Avoid stacking many inline databases on one page
- Split very long pages into subpages
6. Disable VPN or proxy and allowlist Notion
- Turn off the VPN and reload
- On a work network, ask IT to allowlist *.notion.com
This guide also covers
- why is notion so slow
- notion slow
- notion lagging
- notion slow to load
- notion slow 2026
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