- Low storage and too many background apps are the most common causes of a slow phone.
- Back up before any major clean-up or reset.
- If the phone is several years old and the battery is weak, replacement may be the better option.
The short answer
Android phones slow down as storage fills, apps pile up, software gets older and batteries age. Most of the time you can make a phone noticeably faster in half an hour without spending money. Menu names vary between brands, so search the settings screen if you cannot find an option.
Step 1: Restart and update
- Restart the phone. It clears temporary problems and stops stuck apps.
- Install system updates in Settings, under System or Software update.
- Update apps in the Play Store, but avoid installing apps from outside the official store. See fake apps and malware.
Step 2: Free up storage
When storage is nearly full, the phone struggles to save temporary files, and everything slows down. Aim to keep at least 10 to 15 percent free. Back up photos and videos first. See how to back up your phone and laptop, and follow free up phone storage for a full method.
Step 3: Remove or disable heavy apps
- Uninstall apps you have not used for months.
- Disable pre-installed apps you do not need, where the phone allows it.
- Check Settings, then Apps, and sort by size or usage to find big or busy apps.
- Replace heavy apps with “lite” versions when available.
- Be careful with apps that claim to boost speed or clean the phone. Many are not helpful.
Step 4: Limit background activity
- Turn off auto-sync for apps you do not need.
- Restrict background data and battery use for rarely used apps.
- Reduce live wallpapers and animated widgets on the home screen.
- Switch on a data saver or battery saver mode if the phone allows. See smartphone battery care.
Step 5: Clear app cache
The cache is temporary data that apps store to open faster. Over time it can grow large. Go to Settings, Apps, choose a big app and select Storage, then Clear cache. Do not choose Clear data unless you mean to reset the app, because it can remove logins, messages and saved games.
Step 6: Adjust animations
Android can show smooth animations when you open and close apps. Reducing them can make an older phone feel quicker. This option is in Developer options, which you unlock by tapping the build number in About phone several times. Then set the window, transition and animator scales to 0.5x or off. If you are not comfortable with this, skip the step.
Step 7: Check for problems
- If the phone is hot or the battery drains fast, a faulty app or malware may be the cause. See fake apps and malware.
- Check battery health. A worn battery can cause the phone to slow itself down.
- Restart in safe mode, if your phone supports it, to see if a downloaded app is the cause.
Last resorts
- Back up everything that matters.
- Do a factory reset from Settings, then set up the phone as new and install only the apps you need.
- If the phone is still slow, consider a battery replacement from a trusted technician.
- If the phone no longer receives updates, is very old or has a damaged screen, a replacement may be wiser. See how to choose a good smartphone without overspending.
Quick checklist
- Restart and update
- Free at least 10 to 15 percent of storage
- Remove unused apps
- Limit background activity and clear cache for large apps
- Back up before a reset
- Consider a new battery or phone if nothing helps
Key points to remember
Most slow phones are slowed by clutter, not by faults. Cleaning up regularly keeps the phone useful for longer. If your laptop is slow too, read how to speed up a slow laptop.
