How to speed up a slow phone: ten things to try before you buy a new one
Phones feel slower as they age, but many “slow phone” problems are fixable. Try these in order. Each one is safe, and none needs special tools.
1. Restart it
Switch the phone off and on. This clears temporary problems and apps stuck in the background.
2. Free up storage
A phone that is almost full slows down and cannot install updates. Clear photos, videos, chat media and unused apps: phone storage full? how to free up space.
3. Update the system and the apps
Updates fix bugs and sometimes speed things up. Install them on Wi-Fi. After a big update the phone may be slow for a day while it settles.
4. Remove or disable apps you do not use
Uninstall apps you have not opened for months. Some apps run in the background and use memory and battery.
5. Check the battery mode
Low-power or battery-saver modes can slow the phone to save energy. Turn them off and test. A worn battery can also cause slowdowns: how to check your battery health.
6. Limit background activity
Switch off background refresh or background data for apps you do not need updating, and turn off widgets and live wallpapers you do not use.
7. Reduce animations
Some phones have a setting to reduce or shorten animations, which can make the phone feel quicker. Look in the accessibility or display settings.
8. Clear cache for the heaviest apps
In each app’s storage settings, clear the cache (not the data) of the largest apps. It rebuilds as you use them.
9. Check for heat and a bad charger
A hot phone slows itself down to cool off. Take off a thick case, keep it out of the sun, and use a good charger.
10. Reset only as a last step
If nothing helps, back up the phone and reset it to factory settings. Follow how to switch phones without losing anything for the backup steps, because a reset erases everything.
When it is time to replace it
If the phone still struggles after these steps, the chip or memory may simply be too old for today’s apps, or the phone may no longer get updates. Compare current options in Smartphones before you buy.
