Every phone slows down over time: storage fills up, apps pile up, and background services multiply. You do not need a new phone yet. Try these fixes in order.
1. Restart it
If your phone has been on for weeks, a restart clears temporary memory and stuck processes. It is the quickest fix and it often works.
2. Free up storage
A nearly full phone is a slow phone. Go to Settings → Storage to see what is using space, and use Free up space. Google’s guidance also includes archiving apps you rarely use (keeps their data and icon), deleting downloads, and clearing junk with Files by Google. Full guide: phone storage full? How to free up space.
3. Update the system and apps
Settings → System → Software update, and update apps in the Play Store. Updates fix bugs that cause lag.
4. Uninstall apps you do not use
Each app can run services in the background. Remove what you have not opened in months. For heavy social apps, try the “Lite” version if one exists (for example Facebook Lite).
5. Find the app slowing everything down
- Check Settings → Battery → Battery usage: an app using lots of battery in the background is usually also slowing the phone.
- Restrict its background activity, or uninstall it.
- If one app keeps crashing or freezing, see how to fix apps that keep crashing.
6. Remove widgets and live wallpapers
Live wallpapers and lots of widgets on the home screen use memory and battery. A plain wallpaper and fewer widgets make a cheap phone feel snappier.
7. Speed up animations (optional)
On most Android phones you can turn on Developer options (tap Build number seven times in Settings → About phone), then set Window, Transition and Animator scale to 0.5x. The phone feels faster because menus open sooner. Leave other developer settings alone.
8. Factory reset (last resort)
If the phone is still slow, a factory reset returns it to how it left the factory. It erases everything, so back up first (Google backup, Google Photos, WhatsApp backup). Then Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data.
This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.
Common questions
Do cleaner and booster apps speed up my phone?
Usually not much, and many show ads or collect data. Android already manages memory. Use the built-in storage tools and Files by Google instead.
Will a factory reset make my phone faster?
Often yes, because it removes everything you added. But it erases the phone, so back up first and try the other fixes before resetting.
Why did my phone slow down after an update?
Phones often do background work after an update. Give it a day. If it stays slow, free up storage and restart.
How much free storage should I keep?
Try to keep at least 10 to 15% of storage free. A nearly full phone slows down noticeably.
