Today, our mobile phones are not just a communication tool, but have become the epicenter of our digital lives. With the evolution of technology, these devices have become true portable computers, managing everything from messaging apps to social media, games, email, online banking, home automation, and much more. However, As time goes by and with constant use, it is not uncommon for speed problems to appear.Your phone may start to slow down, lag, or even freeze, which can be extremely frustrating, especially when you need to perform urgent tasks.
In this article we show you how to make the mobile go faster, integrating simple tips, basic and advanced steps, as well as the best recommended apps to clean and optimize your device. We'll also go in-depth the usual causes of slowness and the common mistakes we've all made at some point. The goal is that by the end of reading, you'll have enough tools and knowledge to restore your Android phone's original fluidity.
Main reasons why your mobile phone becomes slow
Before diving into the solutions, it is important to understand Why an Android phone often becomes slower over time:
- Accumulation of junk files and cache: Apps and the operating system itself store temporary data that, if not deleted, takes up space in the internal memory and slows down the device.
- Background apps and services: Many apps run without you noticing, consuming RAM and processor resources.
- Aging hardware: Heavy use and application development can overwhelm the capabilities of older devices.
- Insufficient storage space: When your phone approaches its memory limit, the system has difficulty managing processes and data.
- Lack of updatesAn older operating system, without the latest patches and enhancements, may be less efficient or contain bugs that affect performance.
- Excessive animations and visual effects: Although they make the device more attractive, they consume resources that could be used for more important tasks.
- Presence of malware or non-optimized apps: Applications of dubious origin may be completely affecting the speed and security of the system.
Recognizing these factors is essential to applying the most appropriate solution in each case. Now, let's review the best strategies to get your phone back on track.
How to Make Your Phone Go Faster: Complete Guide to Solutions
1. Restart your mobile phone from time to time
Although your phone is designed to stay on most of the time, Performing a periodic reboot can be the solution to many slowness problemsA simple power cycle helps free up RAM, close stuck processes, and clear temporary system errors.
- Why does it work? Upon restart, the operating system closes all background applications and processes that may be consuming resources.
- How often? It's recommended to restart your phone at least once a week, especially if you notice the interface is less fluid or unexpected lags appear.
If the problem persists after the restart, you can now rule out specific errors and continue with the rest of the measures.
2. Keep your operating system and apps always up to date
Updating both the operating system and installed applications is essential. Each new version usually includes performance improvements, security patches, and bug fixes. that may be affecting your phone's speed. Don't be afraid of losing some space with updates: the benefits far outweigh the storage costs.
- Manually check for available updates at Settings > System > Software update.
- Go to the Play Store and go to โMy apps and gamesโ to update the apps individually or activate the automatic update.
Additionally, older versions of apps or Android itself may contain bugs that have already been fixed in future revisions.
3. Delete or disable apps you don't use
Excessive installed apps are a key factor in slowing down smartphones. Every app can consume resources even when you're not actively using it., in addition to taking up storage space. Periodically review your apps and delete anything you don't need.
- For apps that can't be uninstalled (bloatware), you can disable them by going to Settings > Apps > Select the app > Disable.
- Avoid unnecessary app versions (for example, have only one gallery app, one browser, etc.).
By reducing the number of active apps, you'll also minimize background processes, freeing up RAM and CPU for the truly important tasks.
4. Deep system cleanup: delete unnecessary files and caches
Deleting files you no longer need (photos, videos, documents, audios, downloads and cache files) is vital for the proper functioning of your phone.When internal storage is full, the operating system has less room to work and struggles to handle processes and applications.
- Delete duplicate or unneeded photos.
- Delete heavy videos sent via WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Use your phone's file manager or a reliable cleaning app to get rid of the clutter.
You can use tools like Files by Google (which we'll explain later) to perform a smart and secure cleanup. Remember to also empty your Downloads and Documents folders, as well as the caches of large apps like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
5. Disable or reduce system animations
Animations make the visual experience more engaging, but They consume a lot of resources and can slow down the entire system., especially on mid-range or low-end and older phones. You can access the Developer Options and modify or delete the animations like this:
- Go to Settings > About phone > Build number and tap several times until Developer Mode is activated.
- Look in Settings > System > Developer options.
- Modify the scales: โWindow Animation Scale,โ โTransition Animation Scale,โ and โAnimation Duration Scale.โ You can set them to โAnimation Offโ or โ0,5xโ to reduce their effect.
If you prefer, in some launchers you can adjust the speed of desktop animations for a more immediate response.
6. Limit background apps and manage RAM
Keeping many applications open or processes in the background can crash RAM and affect overall performance. Limit multitasking and close them manually from the task manager.
- Check in Settings > Apps to see how many apps are running.
- Force close apps you don't need or use the "Battery Saver" options to prevent them from opening automatically.
- Some customization layers include an app manager that makes this task easier.
Sometimes apps like Facebook, Messenger, or TikTok tend to stay active all the time, wasting resources without you even noticing.
7. Use 'Lite' versions or alternatives of heavy apps
Many popular apps (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) have versions Small lighter, optimized to consume fewer resources.
- Download Lite versions from the Google Play Store for apps that you use a lot but notice are slowing down your phone.
- You can also look for alternative apps to the heavier ones, such as email readers, web browsers, or gallery apps.
8. Check the physical condition of the phone and the battery
Wear and tear on internal components, especially the battery, can have a direct impact on performanceWhen the battery is severely degraded or failing, the system attempts to protect it by limiting the speed of the processor and other resources, resulting in significant slowdowns.
- Check your battery status from Settings > Battery or using diagnostic apps.
- If you notice that your phone is getting too hot, especially when using a thick case, temporarily remove it to improve heat dissipation.
- If you notice signs of swelling, abnormal charging, or unexpected shutdowns, contact a service center.
9. Protect your phone against malware and viruses
La The presence of malware or malicious applications can drastically reduce the speed and security of your mobile phone.Always download apps only from the Google Play Store and avoid installing APK files from unknown sources. If you suspect malicious apps:
- Run a scan with a recognized security app.
- Remove any suspicious or unknown apps.
Malware often impacts performance because it runs in the background or consumes resources by sending data without your consent.
10. Reset your phone to factory settings only if absolutely necessary.
When nothing else works, Resetting to factory settings is the last optionThis deletes all data and apps, returning the system to its original, out-of-the-box state. Before proceeding:
- Back up your photos, videos, contacts, and important files to the cloud or a computer.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset.
You'll regain all of your device's original performance and fix any software errors, but you'll lose all data stored on the internal memory if you haven't backed up your data.
11. Advanced Solution: Safe Mode to Identify Problematic Apps
If after trying the above recommendations the mobile is still slow, try starting the device in Safe ModeThis allows Android to boot without any third-party apps, ideal for detecting whether slowness is caused by a poorly optimized or malicious app.
- Boot your phone into safe mode (the process may vary depending on the manufacturer).
- Check if your device is running faster. If so, the problem is with an installed app.
- Reboot normally and delete the most recently downloaded apps until you find the culprit.
How to speed up your phone: best apps to clean and optimize Android
It is not enough to simply apply the tips manually; there are Specialized applications that simplify all processes and help you keep your phone in perfect condition for longer.Below we present some of the most recommended and functional ones currently available.
Files by Google: Free up space and manage your files intelligently
One of the essential tools for freeing up space, automating cleanup, and intuitively finding unnecessary files. Files by Google analyzes your entire storage and accurately identifies what you can safely delete..
- Smart cleanup of junk files, heavy apps, and duplicate items.
- Personalized recommendations on cards to optimize space based on your habits.
- Tool for sharing files quickly without connection or data usage.
- Cloud backup for important data.
Ideal for those looking for a secure, free system developed directly by Google.
Clean Master
Clean Master is one of the best-known apps for removing junk, freeing up space, and improving overall performance.Its main functions include:
- Junk file and cache cleaner.
- RAM booster, which frees up unused memory from background apps.
- Application manager and uninstall management.
- CPU cooler if it detects overheating.
- Block unnecessary apps and notifications.
Its interface is simple and it is an effective tool to extend the life of your device.
DU Speed โโBooster
DU Speed โโBooster stands out for its functions of Deep cleaning and automatic optimization in the background, very useful if you want to forget about manual maintenance tasks:
- Efficient removal of junk files and accumulated caches.
- Task manager to identify and close apps that consume excessive resources.
- Network optimization and energy savings to increase daily autonomy.
- AppLock that protects the privacy and security of your personal apps.
- Call blocking and advanced management of specific app permissions.
Other recommended applications to optimize your mobile
- SD Maid: Allows you to remove remnants of uninstalled apps and hidden residual files.
- CCleaner: Provides cache clearing, app manager, and system analysis options.
- Avast Cleanup: Cleans temporary files, detects rarely used apps, and helps manage memory.
These tools, properly configured and used with caution, They can help you maintain fluidity and security on your mobile phone without having to constantly resort to drastic solutions..
Common mistakes that slow down your phone and how to avoid them
There are some Common habits and mistakes that can slow down your mobile device even if you have applied optimization tipsReview these points and try to avoid them:
- Installing unnecessary applications or those that do not pass security controls.
- Not clearing the cache regularly and letting the internal storage fill up.
- Using animated wallpapers that can consume excessive resources.
- Having too many widgets on the desktop.
- Not checking the battery status and overheating.
- Neglecting system and app updates.
- Using older versions of apps or the operating system.
- Do not perform periodic reboots.
The more good habits you incorporate into your digital routine, the easier it will be to keep your phone in optimal condition for longer.
If after applying all these steps and using the recommended apps, you notice that your phone is still slow or constantly freezing, the problem may be hardware-related and requires service. Sometimes, a simple battery replacement or internal repair can bring your device back to life.
