How to Speed up an Android Smartphone

Co-authored by Brehima Traore

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

To keep your Android running quickly, you'll want to remove old apps and files that you don't use anymore. Clearing the app cache can also free up a lot of space and improve your phone's performance. If your device is loaded down with pictures, transferring them to a computer can be the quickest way to safely back them up or you can also upload them onto your drive to free up your storage. Finally, you can perform a factory reset and restore the device to its original performance, this erases your app data and will reset your settings. Be sure to take backup of your personal files just in case

Part 1

Part 1 of 6:

Uninstalling Old Apps

You can find this in your app drawer by tapping the grid at the bottom of your Home screen. You can also typically access settings from the Notification Panel.
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This will display all of the apps installed on your device.
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Scroll through the list to find apps you don't use. Apps that you know longer use may be taking up space and running in the background, slowing your device down. You'll see the amount of space each app takes next to the entry in the list.
- Some versions of Android allow you to sort by size by tapping the ⋮ button.
If this button is not available, the app likely came preinstalled and cannot be completely removed.
You may have to tap "Uninstall updates" first.
The more apps you can remove, the more space your phone will have. This will lead to better performance.^{[1]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 6:

Clearing Out Old Files

This is the grid at the bottom of your Home screen.
Each file you want to delete will have a checkmark next to it.
The layout of this screen will vary depending on your device, but there's usually a trashcan button or a Delete button you can tap at the top of the screen.
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Confirm your action. Tap on the OK button from the dialogue box. You're done!

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Part 3

Part 3 of 6:

Clearing Your Cache

You'll find this in the list of all of your apps.
It may just be labeled Storage.
This will clear all of the app cache data on your device. You'll have to sign into your apps again when you next launch them.^{[2]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 6:

Transferring and Removing Pictures (Windows)

1
Connect your Android device to your computer.
- If you have a Mac, see Transferring and Removing Pictures (Mac).
You can click the folder or Computer button in the Start menu, or press ⊞ Win+E.
The photos will begin copying to your computer, and will then be deleted from your device.
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Part 5

Part 5 of 6:

Transferring and Removing Pictures (Mac)

The pictures on your Android device will be transferred to your computer's hard drive, and will then be deleted automatically from your Android's storage.

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Part 6

Part 6 of 6:

Factory Resetting

If you are signed in with a Google account on your Android, your contacts should automatically be synced with your Google account. You can check your Google contacts at contacts.google.com. If you have contacts you need to back up manually, see Backup Contacts on Android.
When you factory reset, all of your data will be wiped. If you have files on your Android that you need to keep, connect your Android to your computer and transfer the files for safekeeping. See Transfer Data Between a Cell Phone and Computer for detailed instructions.
Once your data is safely backed up, you can start the reset process.
Some Android devices, notably Samsung devices, will require you to switch to the Personal section to find the reset options.
This will restore your contacts and settings, as well as your Google Play Store app purchases and downloads.

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How Can You Speed Up Your Old Phone?

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Why is my phone so slow?

Community Answer

Your storage may be reaching its limits. Free up some space by deleting unnecessary apps and files, and consider looking into one of the many apps designed to help your reclaim free space.

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How do I close running apps?

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Android suspends apps that aren't being used, so having multiple apps open won't actually slow down your phone. Still, you can close them if you need to. Open the Recent Apps screen and swipe away the apps you want to close. Avoid any task killer apps, as these may make your phone actually perform worse.

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How can I check for and remove viruses?

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Your Android phone cannot get virsues in the traditional sense. You can, however, download and install malicious apps that were disguised as something harmless. If you suspect that an app you have is malicious, uninstall it like you would any app on your device.

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Tips

Avoid apps that claim to speed up your phone. By keeping storage clear on your device removing apps you don't need, you'll keep your Android running as quick as it can.

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As devices age, they may not be able to keep up with the latest apps, even if your device is in peak shape. If your Android device is older than 3-4 years and you're trying to use apps like Facebook and Snapchat, you'll likely encounter a lot of performance problems.

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Your phone's RAM(random access memory) holds the processing of your phone. Therefore, the bigger the Gigabytes your phone's RAM is, the smoother it will work.

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