How to speed up your Android device

Android devices are like any mobile device, laptop or PC in that they slow down over time. Sure, faster processors, more RAM, and fast flash storage speeds keep your device running faster for longer, but no matter how your smartphone or tablet is powered, it will eventually get bogged down. and slow down.

Newer versions of Android can make newer devices run faster, but in general, older devices just can't cope and run slower. Nobody likes a bulky smartphone, so here's our guide to speeding up your Google-powered device.

How to speed up your Android device

If your Android is lagging, there are a variety of things to check. Of course, an aging device is bound to run slower at some point. But that doesn't necessarily mean that your device is a complete loss. Lags and slowdowns may also occur on newer devices.

There's a lot you can do to speed up your Android device backup, but it will take some investigative work to find out why it's slow. So let's get started.

Check your device storage

First of all, one of the most common reasons why your Android device is slowing down is because the memory is full or nearly full. This section will teach you how to check your devices storage and free up some of it.

Notes: The instructions below may vary depending on the Android device you are using and the version of Android you are using.

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the Parameters icon.
   
2. Tap the search icon and type Storage room (on newer models, this option is available as part of device maintenance).
   
3. Check the available storage at the top (in this example, 91% of storage is full). If your device's memory is almost full, note which items are taking up the majority of your storage. We will need to delete as much data as possible.
   
   Notes: On newer versions, you can scroll down this page to see a list of unused apps and duplicate files.

How to free up storage space

If your device's memory is full, it's time to start deleting content. We will start by deleting videos/images and apps. Fortunately, this is a simple process. We will use Google Photos and Google Play Store to quickly delete data that we no longer need.

Here's how to safely delete photos and videos without losing anything important:

1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android device and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
   
2. Press Free up space.
   
3. Confirm that you want to free up space on your device.
   

Google Photos automatically backs up photos and images. Using this method only deletes data that takes up space on your device, but is safe and secure in the cloud.

Using a similar method, you can free up space by quickly deleting apps you no longer use. Here's how:

1. Open Google Play and tap your profile icon in the upper right corner (older versions may have three horizontal lines in the upper left corner).
   
2. Press Manage apps and device.
   
3. Tap Manage.
   
4. Tap the Filter option. Then select Less used.
   
5. Check the boxes next to the apps you want to uninstall. Then tap the trash can icon to delete them from your device.
   

Deleting apps using the Google Play Store is a quick and easy way to free up space on any Android device.

Close your browser tabs and apps

If your storage isn't an issue, your RAM may be. Too many open browser tabs and apps can slow down your device. Let's make sure all unnecessary programs are closed.

Closing apps on your device is quite simple, but the instructions depend on your device manufacturer. You will need to use the device's multitasking feature to view all open apps (usually the bottom left button on your device). When you can see all of your open apps, swipe each one up to close.

After closing all applications, go to your web browsers and start closing all tabs; again, the instructions vary depending on the browser you are using. We'll show you how to close tabs on Chrome.

1. Open your web browser and tap the square icon with a number (usually in the upper right corner).
   
2. Tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner.
   
3. Press Close tabs (this is irreversible and there is no confirmation request).
   

Remove problematic apps and malware

Malware and harmful apps are often the reason why you have problems with your Android device. It could be a download or an app you downloaded innocently causing trouble. To fix the slowdown, you will need to start your phone in safe mode.

Although it may be tempting to download useful apps such as cleaners, these often do more harm than good. Go ahead and delete them all. Also, if you have encountered ads and pop-ups on your home screen, remove all excess utility apps until the ads disappear, which will speed up your phone.

First, we'll head to Settings>Apps and start removing any apps you don't recognize. Next, remove utility-type apps, as they are known to spam your phones, causing slowdowns. If you see third-party calculators, cleaners, launchers, and even alarm clocks, go ahead and delete them.

Next, search your app drawer for the My folders case. Sieve through the Downloads case, APK folder, and Comprimé case; delete any documents you don't need or know about.

Clear your device's cache

Over time, your device collects small bits of data and files that it really doesn't need. If your phone's cache is full of unnecessary data, it can cause it to slow down. We have a detailed article on how to clear cache on your devices you can check out. But again, the instructions vary depending on the Android version and device model you are using.

If you have a newer device, you can head to the Parameters and use the Device maintenance function to quickly release memory (cached data).

Check the battery health of your devices

A battery that no longer works properly can cause slowdowns on your Android device. Often, you can spot this problem if your phone starts to overheat or swell. But sometimes there are no physical indicators that the battery is the problem.

An older model of Android device probably needs a new battery. Assuming you have a unibody device, you will need to take your phone to a repair center to have it tested and replaced. Newer Android devices have a battery status indicator in settings.

Unfortunately, if the battery goes bad, you'll need to have it replaced. Check with the device manufacturer first for any warranty coverage. If your device is out of warranty, a third-party repair shop is your best bet.

Perform a software update

The decision to update is not always easy. First, consider the age of your device and the storage capacity. If you have a Samsung Galaxy S6 with only 16GB of storage, an update to Android 10 may do more harm than good. However, a software update is designed to fix bugs and glitches as well as keep your phone safe.

If you haven't done the latest update available on your Android device, now is a good time to do so. Head to the Parameters on your Android device and use the search icon to type Software update. If there is one available, plug your phone into its charger and connect to WiFi. Then complete the update.

Perform a factory reset

Another option, known as the “Nuclear” option, is to reset your device to factory settings. Not only will this erase all your data, but it will also rid your device of any problematic data that is causing slowdown. Here's how:

1. Open the Parameters on your Android device and tap the magnifying glass to type Return to factory settings. The search option will take you directly to the parameter we are looking for.
   
2. Press Factory data reset. The option you see may vary depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.
   
3. Press reset.
   

You will need to follow the previous steps on your screen, such as entering passwords. Remember that once you complete these steps, all your apps, photos, contacts, and documents will disappear from your device. If you haven't backed up this information to a cloud service, it will be gone forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about Android slowdowns.

Should I buy a new phone?

If you've done all the steps above and your phone is still malfunctioning, it's time to assess the benefits of upgrading your phone. First of all, a newer device shouldn't have any slowdown issues, so it's probably best to seek personalized support before rushing out to buy another one.

Then, if you have an older device with limited storage, things will only get worse. The older the hardware and software, the more problems you'll have with updates, slowdowns, and even app compatibility.

Finally, if your device has physical or liquid damage, major internal components may not function properly. Over time, corrosion and exposure to the elements will slow down, overheat, and eventually stop working altogether.

What if my phone charges slowly?

Another problem you may notice over time is that your phone no longer charges as fast as it once did. The first thing to check if this happens is your charging cable and charging pad. Try changing them to another configuration to see if it charges fast.

Next, check your charging port. This issue is often evidenced by a kinky charging cable; a dirty charging port will slow down your devices ability to reach full battery capacity. Use a flashlight to search the charging port for dust, lint, and other debris. Be careful before cleaning your charging port. Many models have delicate pins which, if broken, can cause even more problems.

Finally, you may have failed hardware. If the charging port or Sub-PBA has gone bad, you will need to have it replaced by a professional.