1. Why is my phone slow ?

A phone can become slow for several reasons, and this is completely normal. Over time, many applications remain open in the background, even when they are no longer in use. The phone’s memory can also gradually fill up with photos, videos, or files received through messages. A phone that is never restarted will also eventually slow down, just like a device that no longer receives updates. Finally, it’s important to know that an older phone naturally becomes less fast over the years. In most cases, this is not a malfunction, but simply a lack of maintenance.

2. Simple actions to try first to speed up your phone

Before doing anything complicated, a few very simple actions can improve your phone’s speed in just a few minutes. Closing all open applications helps free up memory and reduces the phone’s workload. Restarting the device works like a real “automatic cleanup” and fixes many small slowdowns.

Let’s see this in practice. To close all apps running in the background, tap the three vertical lines at the bottom left of the screen, then tap “Close all applications.” After doing this, restart the phone to clear the RAM and relaunch the Android operating system that runs your device.

You can also temporarily enable battery saver mode, which limits certain background functions and makes the phone smoother. These actions are safe and can be done regularly, even by beginners. This is useful if you are unable to free up storage space or if restarting the phone did not improve its speed.

3. Freeing up memory to restore smooth performance

When a phone’s memory is almost full, it inevitably becomes slower. Deleting blurry, duplicate, or unnecessary photos and videos already helps recover a lot of space. Videos take up even more storage and should be sorted as a priority, especially those received via WhatsApp. It is also important to empty the photo trash, as deleted files often remain stored there.

Uninstalling apps you never use also helps free up memory. However, it is strongly discouraged to delete system apps, as they are essential for the phone to function properly. Check out my dedicated article on how to free up phone storage. You will learn, for example, how to clear app caches (temporary files) from your most-used applications, especially data-hungry social media apps.

4. Updating your phone and apps

Updates play a key role in your phone’s speed and stability. Updating apps often fixes bugs that cause slowdowns. Android system updates, in turn, improve security and overall performance. So, when your phone asks you to restart to install an update, do it immediately!

The battery also has a significant impact: when it is worn out, the phone may intentionally slow down to prevent sudden shutdowns. It is therefore recommended to perform updates when the phone is sufficiently charged and connected to Wi-Fi to avoid any issues.

5. What to do if your phone is still slow ?

If your phone remains slow despite all the previous tips, it may be a sign that your device is reaching the end of its life. Over time, older hardware struggles to keep up with modern apps and updates. Before thinking about replacing it, you can try a factory reset to restore the phone to its original state — but make sure to back up your important data first. Sometimes, clearing all apps, files, and settings can give your phone a new lease on life.

If it’s still slow after that, it may simply be time to consider a newer device. Remember: a slow phone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken; it just needs a little maintenance or an upgrade.

Related useful articles

• How open phone settings
• How free up phone space

Conclusion

A slow phone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. With a few simple and regular actions, it’s possible to significantly improve its speed and usability. Closing apps, restarting the device, freeing up memory, and installing updates often solve the problem. If the phone remains slow despite everything, it may simply be reaching the end of its life, which is perfectly normal. The key is not to panic, to avoid misleading solutions found online, and to take the time to maintain your smartphone, just like any other everyday device.

Final advice: when buying your next smartphone, make sure the storage capacity is sufficient (I’m talking about internal storage — 128GB or 256GB minimum) and that the processor is powerful enough. How can you tell? Choose a mid-range device, or high-end if possible, but avoid low-end models, as you risk facing the same problem in a few months. I see too many users neglect these purchase criteria and end up frustrated after a few years of use.

Thibaut Mathieu

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