How to adjust Android performance: complete optimization instructions

Has your smartphone started to slow down, applications open with a delay, and the interface freezes? This doesn't always mean it's time to buy a new gadget. In 90% of cases, slow operation can be corrected using software methods - without going to a service center or purchasing additional hardware. Even budget models can work faster if you configure the system correctly. In this article - from basic (garbage cleaning) to advanced (manual kernel optimization). We will look at how to reduce the load on the processor, free up RAM and even Android started to slow down, applications open with a delay, and the interface freezes? This doesn't always mean it's time to buy a new gadget. In 90% of cases, slow operation can be corrected using software methods - without going to a service center or purchasing additional hardware. Even budget models Snapdragon 4xx or Mediatek Helio able to work faster if the system is configured correctly.

In this article - 15 proven ways to speed up Android, from basic (garbage cleaning) to advanced (manual kernel optimization). We will look at how to reduce the load on the processor, free up RAM and even disable hidden Google features that eat up to 30% of performance on older devices. All methods work on pure Android (from Google Pixel to Xiaomi), as well as on shells MIUI, One UI and ColorOS.

Important: if your phone is older than 2018, some settings may be missing - manufacturers often simplify the interface for weaker devices. In this case, use the alternative methods from this article.

1. Diagnostics: why is Android slow?

Before optimizing, you need to understand source of the problem. Brakes can occur for various reasons:

• 📱 Lack of RAM - background applications occupy the entire RAM, the system does not have enough resources for new tasks.
• 🗑️ Filled storage - if less than 10% of the memory is free, Android starts “glitchy.”
• 🔄 Too many animations —transitions between screens, opening menus and scrolling eat up processor resources.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware —some applications mine cryptocurrency in the background or show hidden advertising.
• 🔋 Battery wear — when the battery degradation is below 70%, the system artificially limits performance.

To determine the “bottleneck”, open Settings → System → About phone → Android version and click on the item 7 times Build number. Return to Settings → System —a new section For developerswill appear. Here we are interested in three parameters:

• Average CPU load - if the value is higher 20% at rest, the system has “parasitic” processes.
• Memory usage — if less than 500 MB is free RAM, you need to close background applications.
• Operating time — if the phone discharges in 4-5 hours with normal use, the problem may be in the battery or the background.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UIthe section For developers may be called Developer options or hide in Advanced settings.

2. Clearing garbage: cache, temporary files and unnecessary data

The first step to speedup is freeing up space. Even if you have 128GB of memory, clogged storage slows down your system. Let's start with the simplest:

2.1. Clearing the application cache

Caches are temporary files that applications save for faster operation. Over time, they accumulate and take up gigabytes. To clear:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an application (for example, Chrome or Instagram).
3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass clearing, use the built-in utility (on Xiaomi — Security → Cleaning, on Samsung — Device Maintenance).

2.2. Deleting unnecessary files

Photos in Telegram, downloaded memes from VKontakte, old APK files - all this takes up space. Check:

• 📁 Use Files by Google (free application from Google) to search for duplicates and large files.
• 🎵 Remove offline music from Spotify/Yandex Musicif you do not listen to it.
• 📱 Transfer photos to the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive) and delete local copies.

Delete cache of all applications|Check folder Downloads for unnecessary files|Delete old APK and installation files|Transfer photos/videos to the cloud|Empty the trash in the gallery-->

2.3. Disabling or removing unnecessary applications

Many manufacturers install firmwarethat cannot be deleted (for example, Bixby on Samsung or Mi Browser on Xiaomi). data-i="132">Open disable:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select an unnecessary application (for example, Facebookif you don’t use it).
3. Click Disable or Delete updates (if the button Delete is inactive).

⚠️ Attention: Not disable system services with names com.android. or com.google. —this can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Type of garbage	How to clean	Effect
Application cache	Settings → Applications → Clear cache	Frees up 1–5 GB, speeds up application launch
Temporary files	Files by Google → Cleanup → Unnecessary files	Frees up 500 MB–2 GB
Duplicate photos	Google Photos → Utilities → Free up space	Frees up to 10 GB
Unnecessary APK	File manager → Download folder	Frees up 200–500 MB

3. Optimizing RAM. (RAM)

RAM is the “desktop” of your phone. The more free space there is, the faster applications run. But Android manages memory differently than Windows: the system itself closes unnecessary processes. However, sometimes it needs help. RAM, the faster the applications run. But Android manages memory differently than Windows: the system itself closes unnecessary processes. However, sometimes she needs help.

3.1. Limiting background processes

By default, Android allows applications to run in the background, even if you are not using them. To limit this:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select an application (for example, TikTok or AliExpress).
3. Click Permissions → Advanced → Limit background activity.

For global settings:

1. Activate Developer mode (as in section 1).
2. Go to Settings → System → For developers.
3. Find the item Process limit and set Maximum 2 processes in the background.

3.2 Using lightweight versions of applications

Many popular services have lite versions (Lite), which take up less memory and work faster:

• 📱 Facebook Lite instead of regular Facebook.
• 💬 Messenger Lite instead Messenger.
• 📷 Instagram Lite (not available in all regions).
• 🎵 Spotify Lite to listen to music without unnecessary functions.

3.3. Rebooting the phone

It sounds trivial, but regular reboot (once every 2-3 days) cleans RAM and closes “frozen” processes. On weak devices (for example, with 2–3 GB of RAM), this can give a speed increase of up to 40%.

If the phone is very slow, try forced reboot:

• On most devices: press Power + Volume Down for 10–15 seconds.
• On Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Bixby (if there is a button).

4. Setting up animations and visual effects

Android is known for smooth transitions and beautiful animations, but they eat up CPU resources. Disabling or speeding up these effects can significantly improve performance, especially on weaker devices.

4.1. Disabling animations through developer settings

First activate Developer mode (as in section 1), then:

1. Go to Settings → System → For developers.
2. Find three parameters:
   • Window animation scale — set Off or 0.5x.
   • Transition animation scale — set Off or 0.5x.
   • Duration scale animator — set Off. or 0.5x.

These changes will be applied immediately - the interface will become less smooth, but noticeably faster.

4.2. Using a lightweight theme

Some manufacturers offer light themes with simplified icons and animations:

• 🎨 On Xiaomi: Settings → Screen → Theme → Light Theme.
• 🎨 On Samsung: Settings → Appearance → Themes → Minimalistic.
• 🎨 On Clean Android: install launcher Nova Launcher and select a minimalist style.

4.3. Disabling live wallpapers and widgets

Live wallpapers and animated widgets (for example, weather with rain animation) constantly load the processor. Replace them with static ones:

1. Long press on the main screen → Wallpaper → select a static image.
2. Remove widgets that update in real time (for example, Google Weather or Yandex Traffic).

5. Optimizing the battery and performance

Modern smartphones automatically limit performance if the battery is worn out or the energy saving mode is turned on. But sometimes these restrictions work too aggressively. how to balance the speed and operating time.

5.1. Checking the battery condition

If the battery has degraded below 70% of the original capacity, the system begins throttling (artificial reduction in performance:

• Use the application AccuBattery (shows wear as a percentage).
• On Samsung open Settings → Device maintenance → Battery → Battery status.

If wear is above 30%, consider replacing the battery - this can return up to 20% of performance.

5.2. Setting the performance mode

Some devices allow you to manually select the processor operating mode:

• 🔋 On Xiaomi: Settings → Battery → Performance mode (select High performance).
• ⚡ On ASUS ROG Phone or Black Shark: activate Game mode for maximum power.
• ⚠️ On Samsung s One UI This mode may be called Maximum performance and hidden in Additional battery settings.

⚠️ Attention: Constant use of maximum performance mode reduces battery life and accelerates battery wear. Only turn it on. if necessary (for example, for games or video editing).

5.3. Disabling adaptive brightness and Always On Display

Functions Adaptive brightness and Always On Display (always on screen) consume power and cause the processor to wake up more often. Disable them:

1. Settings → Display → Adaptive brightness → turn off.
2. Settings → Screen → Always On Display → turn off or install timer.

6. Advanced methods: manual optimization and custom firmware

If standard methods do not help, you can try advanced methodsThey require more time and sometimes technical knowledge, but give the maximum effect.

6.1. Reset to factory settings

This is an extreme measure, but it helps in 80% of cases when the phone is completely trashed. Before resetting:

Make a backup copy of your contacts. (export to VCF)|Save photos to the cloud or on a PC|Record passwords from the browser or password manager|Make sure you know the login/password for your Google account-->

To reset:

1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code).

After the reset, the phone will be like new - but do not restore data from a backup if it is old (this may return the old ones problems).

6.2. Installing custom firmware

Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) are free of “garbage” from manufacturers and often work faster.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ⚡ Higher performance due to the absence of bloatware (pre-installed unnecessary applications).
• 🆕 Security updates last longer than the original firmware.
• 🛠️ Ability to fine-tune the kernel and processor.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty.
• 🔧 Risk of the phone being “bricked” if installed incorrectly.
• 📱 Some functions (for example, Samsung Knox or Xiaomi IR Blaster) may stop working.

If you decide, follow the official instructions on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. First, check if your model is supported:

fastboot getvar product

(This command is needed enter in ADB after connecting the phone to the PC.)

What are root access and why you need them?

root access give complete control over the Android system, allowing you to delete system applications, overclock the processor or block ads at the OS level. However, they violate security (viruses can gain access to data) and void the warranty. On new devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 or Google Pixel 7) it is more difficult to get root due to improved protection.

6.3. Kernel optimization using Magisk and Kernel Auditor

If you have root access, you can manually configure the system kernel for maximum performance. To do this:

1. Install Magisk (to get root).
2. Download Kernel Auditor from Magisk Repo.
3. In the application, select a profile Performance and apply the settings:
   • Increase Maximum CPU frequency by 10–15%.
   • Disable Thermal throttling (but watch out for overheating!).
   • Activate ZRAM to compress RAM.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect kernel settings can lead to overheating, sudden shutdowns, or even damage to the processor. Do not increase the frequency by more than 20% of the standard and always monitor the temperature (use CPU Monitor).

7. Optimization for games and heavy applications

If your phone slows down in games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or when editing videos, you need special settings. Let's take a look at how to get the most out of the hardware.

7.1. Enabling the game mode

Many manufacturers add a special game modethat:

• 🎮 Blocks notifications and calls. during the game.
• ⚡ Optimizes CPU and graphics usage.
• 🔋 Disables background processes for maximum FPS.

How to enable:

• On Xiaomi: Settings → Accessibility → Game mode.
• On ASUS ROG Phone: swipe down → Game gen.
• On Samsung: Settings → Additional functions → Game functions.

7.2. Lowering resolution and graphics in games

Even if your phone supports Full HD+ or 2K, playing at maximum resolution is not always justified: Try lowering the graphics settings. data-i="377">🎮 V

• 🎮 B PUBG Mobile: Settings → Graphics → Smoothness (Balanced) + 30 FPS.
• 🎮 V Genshin Impact: Settings → Graphics → 30 FPS + Average quality.
• 🎮 V Call of Duty Mobile: Settings → Graphics → Low + 40 FPS.

This can increase FPS by 20-50% without losing the gaming experience.

7.3 Using GFX Tools. for forced 60 FPS

Some games artificially limit FPS on weak devices. To get around this, use GFX Tools:

1. Download GFX Tool for your game (for example, GFX Tool for PUBG).
2. Select profile 60 FPS or 90 FPS (if supported).
3. Activate the mode Force 60 FPS and start the game.

⚠️ Attention: Not all games support forced FPS increase. In some cases, this may lead to bans (for example, in PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).Use at your own risk.

8. Alternative launchers and shells

Standard shells from manufacturers (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) are overloaded with unnecessary functions. Lightweight alternative launchers can speed up the interface.

8.1. The best lightweight launchers for weak phones

Launcher	Size (MB)	Features	Suitable for
Nova Launcher	15	Minimalistic, gesture support, icon customization	Any devices
Lawnchair	10	Similar to Pixel Launcher, without unnecessary water	Weak phones (2–3 GB RAM)
Smart Launcher 6	20	Automatic sorting of applications, built-in search	Devices with 4 GB RAM and higher
APEX Launcher	12	Theme support, gestures, little advertising	Budget smartphones

8.2. Setting up the launcher for maximum performance

After installing an alternative launcher:

1. Disable animations in the launcher settings.
2. Reduce the number of desktops to 1-2.
3. Disable widgets (especially weather or news).
4. Use static wallpapers instead of live ones.

8.3. Disabling the standard skin (for experienced ones)

On some devices you can completely disable the standard skin (for example, MIUI or EMUI) and use only the launcher. To do this:

1. Get root access.
2. Install Debloater Tool (for example, Universal Android Debloater).
3. Disable system packages associated with the shell (for example, com.miui.home for Xiaomi).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android optimization

Is it possible to speed up Android without root access?

Yes, most of the methods in this article (clearing the cache, disabling animations, optimizing RAM) do not require root only for deep tuning the kernel or removing system ones. applications.

Why did the phone slow down after updating Android?

New versions of Android require more resources. If your phone is older than 2019, the update may slow it down. Try resetting it to factory settings or rolling back to the previous version (if possible).

How to check which application is loading the most. processor?

Open Settings → Battery → Battery Usage. This shows the applications that consume the most energy (as a rule, they also load the processor). You can also use CPU Monitor from Settings → Battery → Battery usage Google Play.

Does cooling the phone help increase performance?

Yes, but temporarily. When overheated (above 45°C), the processor starts throttling - reduces the frequency for protection. Use a cooling case or fan for games, but do not overcool the phone (below