Why Is My Phone So Slow?

Tech Made Simple blog cover for fixing a slow phone

This is for you if… your phone takes ages to open apps, type messages or load photos.

I was helping someone in Arlesey whose phone felt painfully slow, but the biggest problem was not the age of the phone. It had almost no free storage left.

Start with storage

When a phone is nearly full, it can slow down. Check Settings for storage and look for large videos, downloaded TV shows, duplicate photos and unused apps.

Update, then restart

Updates often fix performance problems. After updating, restart the phone properly. It sounds simple, but it clears temporary issues.

Look for one troublesome app

If the phone slows down after opening one particular app, update that app or remove and reinstall it. Too many browser tabs can also make an older phone feel heavy.

Check battery health

On some phones, an old battery can affect performance. If the battery is very worn, replacing the battery may be better value than replacing the whole phone.

When to get help

Membership is for ongoing help and peace of mind across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk: learn more. For one-off slow phone help, you can book a visit.

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