The Easiest Ways to Make Your Slow Android Phone Feel New Again

If your Android device has begun to exhibit signs of sluggishness, resist the urge to toss it aside in favor of a costly upgrade. The reality is that your phone is not on its last legs; rather, it is likely overwhelmed by a buildup of digital clutter. Those frustrating freezes and slow-loading apps are not indicative of a failing device but rather a consequence of accumulated applications, forgotten files, and background processes that drain your battery.

Before you consider a replacement, take a moment to explore some straightforward solutions that can rejuvenate your device, enhance its performance, and restore its youthful vigor.

Delete All of Your Forgotten Apps

Begin by sifting through your home screen and app drawer to remove any applications that have fallen into disuse. These dormant apps not only occupy valuable storage space but may also retain access to personal information granted upon installation. The process of uninstalling an app varies by manufacturer, but comprehensive guides are available to assist you if you encounter difficulties.

<span class="c-shortcodeImagecaption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall” readability=”27″>You can also uninstall apps using the Play Store. <span class="c-shortcodeImagecredit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall”>Jason Cipriani/CNET

Eliminate Old Files to Free Up Storage

Next, take a moment to declutter your storage by reviewing the files saved on your Android device. It’s easy to overlook the various documents and images that accumulate over time, such as takeout menus or random GIFs. To streamline this process, utilize the preinstalled Files app, which may be labeled differently depending on your device. Navigate to your Downloads folder and either delete unwanted files or transfer them to cloud storage solutions like Google Drive. Many file management apps also highlight large files, making it easier to identify and remove space-hogging items.

<span class="c-shortcodeImagecaption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall” readability=”27″>Left: Files app on a Pixel 3. Right: My Files on a Galaxy S10 Plus. <span class="c-shortcodeImagecredit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall”>Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Tweak Home Screen Settings for a New Look

One of the standout features of Android is its customization potential. Begin by exploring the home screen settings already available on your device. A few minor adjustments, such as changing the app grid layout or modifying how notifications are accessed, can breathe new life into your phone’s interface. Long-press on an empty area of your home screen to access these settings and experiment with different configurations to find what suits you best.

<span class="c-shortcodeImagecaption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall” readability=”27″>Your options for designing your home screen are endless. <span class="c-shortcodeImagecredit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall”>Lexy Savvides/CNET

Optimize Your Device Settings

Now is an opportune moment to revisit your device settings. Adjusting features that have been a source of annoyance can significantly enhance your experience. For instance, enabling dark mode not only improves aesthetics but also conserves battery life. A comprehensive guide is available to help you navigate these settings effectively.

<span class="c-shortcodeImagecaption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall” readability=”28″>Device settings are easily ignored, but they're important to get your device just right. <span class="c-shortcodeImagecredit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall”>Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Customize Your Privacy Options

Finally, take a moment to review your privacy settings. Navigate to the Settings app, select Privacy, and then Permissions Manager. This allows you to scrutinize which applications have access to your personal data. If you find an app that you prefer not to have access to certain information, simply revoke its permissions. This quick check can significantly enhance your peace of mind while using your device.

<span class="c-shortcodeImagecaption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall” readability=”27″>Use the Permissions Manager to control which apps have access to your data. <span class="c-shortcodeImagecredit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall”>Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
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The Easiest Ways to Make Your Slow Android Phone Feel New Again