Is Your Phone Getting Slower? Here’s What You Can Do
We’ve all been there — your phone starts running slower than usual, apps take longer to load, and the frustration sets in. You don’t need to give up on it! There are plenty of ways to speed up your gadget and get it running like new again. Let’s dive into some simple steps to optimise your device's performance.
Collection of old phones
Keep your software up to date
One of the easiest ways to enhance your device’s performance is by ensuring it's running the latest software. Software updates are designed to fix bugs, improve security, and speed up processes. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
How to check and make sure the software is up to date
| Apple | Android | Samsung |
| Open Settings | Open Settings | Open Settings |
| Tap General | Tap Software update | Tap Software update |
| Tap Software Update | Tap Download and Install | Tap Download and Install |
| Tap Download and Install (if available) | Follow instructions to complete update | Follow instructions and restart |
| Follow prompts to restart |
Various apps on a phone screen
Uninstall unused apps
We all have apps that we downloaded at some point but no longer use. Take a moment to go through your apps and uninstall those that aren’t adding value to your device. This simple action can free up space and reduce unnecessary strain on your system.
How to uninstall apps
| Apple | Android | Samsung |
| Go to Home Screen | Swipe up to open Apps screen | Open Apps screen |
| Tap and hold app icon | Tap and hold app icon | Tap and hold app |
| Tap Remove App or X | Select Uninstall | Tap Uninstall |
| Tap Delete App to confirm | Confirm removal | Confirm |
Please note: some pre-installed apps cannot be uninstalled, but you may be able to disable them.
Declutter your device: pictures, music, and more
The more data you store on your device, the slower it tends to get. Photos, videos, music, and documents can take up considerable space. Try backing up your content to the cloud or an external drive, then remove it from your device.
How to back up to the cloud and an external drive
| Apple | Android | Samsung |
| iCloud Backup: Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Toggle On > Back Up Now | Google Drive: Settings > Accounts & Backup > Tap Google Account > Select content > Back up now | Samsung Cloud / External: Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud or Google Account >Tap Back up now |
| External Backup: Connect iPhone to computer > Open iTunes or Finder > Back Up Now | Google Photos: Open Google Photos app > select photo(s) > tap Upload | To SD/USB: - My Files > select > Move to SD card or USB |
If your device supports an SD card, move files to the card to relieve your phone’s internal storage and improve performance.
Use an app manager
Sometimes, even after you close an app, it continues to run in the background, using up processing power. This is where an app manager comes in. It’s recommended to use one built into your device, but third-party options are available to download from the app store. An app manager helps close apps fully, freeing up valuable processing space and boosting performance.
How to use an app manager
| Apple | Android | Samsung |
| - Swipe up on the Home screen or double-click the Home button - Swipe up on the open apps to close them | Settings > Apps > Select App > Force Stop | Settings > Device Care > Battery > Battery Usage> Tap app > Force Stop or Optimise |
| Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Toggle off Limit Notifications: Settings > Notifications > Adjust per app | Use a trusted third-party app manager from the Play Store | Samsung Optimisation Cycle: Settings > Device Care > Tap Optimise Now OR enable Auto Optimisation |
Identify and remove unused apps
Remove unnecessary widgets
Widgets are handy, but they can also be resource hogs. They stay running in the background on your home screen, constantly using up memory. If you have widgets you don’t regularly use, consider removing them.
How to remove widgets from the Home Screen
| Apple | Android | Samsung |
| Tap and hold widget | Tap and hold widget | Tap and hold widget |
| Tap Remove Widget | Drag to Remove at top or tap Remove | Drag to Remove at top or tap Remove |
| Confirm removal |
A clutter-free home screen can help your device run more smoothly and efficiently.
Collection of new phones
It’s all about maintenance
While you can’t upgrade your device’s processor or memory, these simple steps can help keep your device running at its best. Regularly updating your software, cleaning up your apps, and managing your files all contribute to a faster, more efficient device.
