Why is my phone so slow? See how to fix

The moment your phone starts operating slower than usual, it could be frustrating because something that is not expected to take up to 5 seconds for the operation to complete might take up to 2 minutes. That’s funny, right? Sometimes it occurs without warning or giving you any sign, and sometimes it happens gradually, giving you some little sign, and later results in what you can’t cope with.

Nevertheless, you have nothing to worry about. It might be just a little troubleshooting that within 1 minute, you can solve the problem yourself. Before you proceed, simply ask yourself, what could be the cause? How can I troubleshoot my phone to speed up its operation system?

If you can’t find an answer to that, you don’t need to bother yourself too much. At reladex.com.ng, one of our aims is to diagnose your Android, iPhone, or any other phone’s problems and provide the guidelines on how to resolve them with less stress.

Phone speed is influenced by a combination of factors, including the hardware, software, and the number of tasks your phone is handling simultaneously. A phone that was once fast can become sluggish due to various reasons, from software updates to storage issues.

Common Symptoms of a Slow Phone

Identifying the signs of a slow phone is the first step toward improving its performance. Here are some common symptoms:

• Delayed Response: Apps take longer to open or respond.
• App Crashes: Apps unexpectedly close or freeze.
• Lagging: Scrolling through menus or web pages is not smooth.
• Overheating: The phone becomes unusually hot, especially during simple tasks.
• Battery Drain: The battery depletes faster than usual.

What are the causes?

There are a few things we have figured out that can make your phone slower than usual. If you fall into any of the listed causes below, avoid it and restart your phone.

•   Insufficient space:One of the most frequent causes of a slow phone is a lack of available storage space. When your phone’s storage is nearly full, it struggles to function efficiently, leading to slower performance.How Storage Affects Performance:
  

  Storage Used	Impact on Performance
  0-50%	Optimal performance
  51-80%	Slight slowdown
  81-100%	Significant lag

  To keep your phone running smoothly, it’s important to regularly clear out unnecessary files and apps.

• Overheating: when you’re not in a cold environment while you’re using your phone, it may result in overheating and, invariably, may make your phone’s operating system slow.
• Too Many Background Apps: Running multiple apps simultaneously can drain your phone’s resources, leading to slower performance. Background apps use up RAM, which is essential for your phone to run smoothly.
• Software Updates and Compatibility Issues: Software updates are designed to improve your phone’s performance, but sometimes they can have the opposite effect, especially if your phone is older. New updates may not be fully optimized for your device, causing it to slow down.
• Outdated Hardware: If your phone is several years old, its hardware might struggle to keep up with newer software and apps. This can result in slower performance and reduced functionality.
• Battery Health and Performance: As your phone ages, its battery health can deteriorate, impacting overall performance. A weak battery can cause the phone to slow down, especially during power-intensive tasks.How to Check Battery Health:

  Most smartphones have a built-in feature to check battery health. If your battery is in poor condition, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Why is my phone so slow all of a sudden?

It’s natural for a phone to slow all of a sudden. This may be due to the version of the app you’re operating with. You’re probably still operating with an old version of the app. You may need to update the app to the current version. Learn how to turn off low data mode and other related

Another consideration is your internet connection; if you’re working with it at the time, make sure you’re still connected to it; otherwise, you may encounter errors from your internet connection, which will eventually slow down your phone’s operating system. 

You might have run out of storage on your phone due to some auto-backup in the background, such as WhatsApp backup.

Related: How to find Apple ID without phone or with phone

How to speed up the iPhone (troubleshoot iPhone)

 If you’re experiencing a slower operation system on your iPhone than usual, you may need to consider the following troubleshooting.

• Close any open apps: When you open too many apps at the same time, your iPhone may be working overtime. For that reason, open only the app you want to work with at a time.

• Reboot your iPhone: Rebooting is always the best option when you’re experiencing something like this. It will also help you clean up any other unnecessary things operating in the background.

• For better operation, check your storage: at least you should have 2 GB of free space on your phone. How to check storage on an iPhone: tap on settings, select general, then iPhone storage. If your storage is too low, you may need to free up space.

• If it’s physically damaged, such as a touch screen, it’s advisable to get a new screen.

How to speed up an Android phone (troubleshoot an Android phone)

 If you notice your Android phone’s operating system is slower than before, you may need to try some of the following troubleshooting:

• From our research, clearing the app cache can help to resolve a lot of issues related to the app in question. Likewise, clearing your web browser cache can improve the speed of your browsing.

• If you have low phone storage and are downloading or collecting large files, it will definitely slow your operating system.

• Check for software updates: Always keep your phone up to date. Software updates normally contain new features and performance improvements that will help you enjoy a smooth operating system.

Effective Solutions to Speed Up Your Phone

Clearing Storage Space

Freeing up storage space is one of the quickest ways to improve your phone’s performance. Start by deleting unused apps, old photos, and large files.

Steps to Clear Storage:

1. Go to your phone’s storage settings.
2. Identify large files and apps you no longer need.
3. Delete or transfer them to cloud storage.

Managing Background Processes

Limiting background processes can free up RAM and improve your phone’s speed. This is especially important if you tend to multitask with several apps open at once.

Steps to Manage Background Processes:

1. Access the developer options in your phone’s settings.
2. Limit background processes to a manageable number.
3. Regularly close apps you’re not using.

Updating Software and Apps

Keeping your software and apps updated ensures that you’re benefiting from the latest performance improvements and security patches. However, it’s wise to research major updates before installing them, especially on older devices.

Resetting Your Phone

If your phone’s performance issues persist despite other solutions, a factory reset might be necessary. This will erase all data and settings, returning the phone to its original state.

Steps for a Factory Reset:

1. Back up all important data.
2. Go to your phone’s settings and select the reset option.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Battery Maintenance Tips

To maintain battery health and performance, avoid letting your phone’s battery drain completely. Instead, try to keep it charged between 20% and 80%. Additionally, avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures.

When to Consider Upgrading Your Phone

Evaluating Your Phone’s Lifespan

While it’s possible to extend the life of your phone through proper maintenance, there comes a time when an upgrade might be the best option. If your phone is several years old and struggling to keep up with basic tasks, it might be time for a new device.

Signs That It’s Time for a New Device

• Frequent Crashes: Your phone regularly crashes, even after a factory reset.
• Incompatible Apps: New apps are no longer compatible with your device.
• Poor Battery Life: The battery doesn’t last long, even with minimal use.
• Hardware Damage: Physical damage is affecting performance, and repairs are costly.