A smartphone on Android over time turns into a warehouse of unnecessary files, background processes and advertising notifications. Even new devices after six months begin to “slow down”, quickly discharge and heat up. The reason is not “weak hardware”, but clogged system: pre-installed applications, cache, duplicate photos, remnants of deleted apps and hidden services Google devour resources.

This article is not about a radical reset to factory settings (although we will consider this method as well). Here you will find systematic approach: from removing viruses and cleaning startup to fine-tuning permissions and disabling surveillance. All methods have been tested on Android 12–15 and work on both flagship Samsung Galaxy S24and budget Redmi or Realme. The main rule: do not erase files manually through the file manager if you do not know their purpose - this can break the system.

1. Diagnostics: what exactly is slowing down your Android

Before cleaning, you need to understand what kind of garbage is interfering with work. To do this, you don’t need third-party utilities - built-in tools are enough.

Open Settings → Battery → Battery usage. Here you will see the applications that use the most battery. Pay attention to apps marked “Background Activity” - they work even when you are not using them. Typical culprits: Facebook, Instagram, instant messengers and games with aggressive advertising.

Next check Settings → Memory. The system will show how much space is occupied by:

  • 📱 Applications (including cache and data)
  • 📷 Media (photos, videos, music)
  • 📄 Files (documents, downloads)
  • 🔄 System files (updates, log files)

If the “Other” section takes up more than 5–10 GB, this is a reason for deep cleaning.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) not all files may be displayed in the “Memory” menu. Use third-party managers like Files by Google for accurate diagnosis.
Type of garbage How it manifests itself Solution
Application cache Slow app operation, long loading Clearing the cache manually or via Settings → Storage
Background processes Rapid battery drain, overheating Disable autorun in Settings → Applications
Duplicate photos/videos Lack of memory, clutter in the gallery Usage Google Photos or Gallery Doctor
Residual files "Dead" folders after uninstalling apps Search by package name (com.example.app) in the file manager
📊 How often do you clean your smartphone?
Once a month
Only when it starts to slow down
I have never cleaned it
I use automatic cleaners

2. Removing pre-installed software (bloatware) without root

Bloatware - these are unnecessary applications that the manufacturer installs out of the box. They take up space, consume battery power, and often cannot be removed using standard methods. On Samsung this Bixby, Samsung Pay, Game Launcher; on Xiaomi — Mi Browser, Mi Video; on Huawei — AppGallery and duplicate services Google.

There are three ways to get rid of them:

  • 🔧 Disable (does not delete, but stops working):
    Settings → Applications → Select app → Disable
  • 🗑️ Removal via ADB (requires a PC and USB debugging):

    Connect the phone to the computer, turn on Developer mode (click on the build number 7 times Settings → About phone), then enter the command:

    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

    Replace com.example.app with the name of the package (you can find it out through App Inspector in Play Market).

  • 🧹 Using debloaters (for experienced users):

    apps like Universal Android Debloater (for PC) or Bloaty McBloatface (mobile application) automate process.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications may disrupt the operation of the firmware. For example, deleting Google Play Services will lead to the collapse of most functions. Before experiments, create a backup via Settings → System → Backup.

☑️ Preparing to remove bloatware

Done: 0 / 4

3. Clearing the cache and data: what can be deleted and what cannot.

The cache speeds up applications, but over time it turns into digital dumpFor example, YouTube may. accumulate gigabytes of temporary files, and Chrome hundreds of megabytes of site data. You need to clear the cache selectivelyand not everyone.

How to do this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Instagram).
  3. Click Storage → Clear cache.
  4. For deep cleaning, use Clear data, but remember: this will reset all app settings (you will log out of your account, lose downloads, etc.).

It will help to automate the process Files by Google (section “Cleaning”) The app analyzes unnecessary files and offers to delete:

  • 🗃️ Cache of unused applications
  • 📥 Old downloads (APK, archives)
  • 📹 Duplicate videos and screenshots
  • 📧 Temporary messenger files
💡

If, after clearing the cache, the application begins to work slower, give it time to cache the data again. For example, Google Maps may slow down the first 1-2 launches after clearing.

4. Optimizing startup and background. processes

Many apps start automatically when you turn on the phone or connect to the Internet. This not only consumes the battery, but also slows down. systemFor example, Facebook can wake up the processor 200 times a day, even if you are not using it.

How to disable autostart:

  • 🛑 On pure Android (Pixel, Motorola):
    Settings → Applications → ⚙️ (three dots) → Special access → Autostart.
  • 🔄 On Xiaomi/Redmi:
    Settings → Battery and performance → Battery management → Select apps → set “Limit background activity.”
  • ⚡ On Samsung:
    Settings → Device care → Battery → Background activity.

For advanced users: use Greenify (requires root or ADB). applications when they are not needed, saving up to 30% of the charge.

What will happen if you disable all background processes?

Some functions will stop working: notifications in messengers will arrive with a delay, the weather and widgets will not update automatically. It is optimal to leave only critical applications in startup (calls, SMS, etc.). alarm clock).

5. Setting permissions: why applications know too much about you

Data collection is one of the main reasons for slowdowns. Applications constantly request access to geolocation, contacts, camera and microphone, even when it is not needed. For example, Flashlight (flashlight) requests access to your SMS. and Games —to the call list.

How to limit permissions:

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permission manager.
  2. Select a permission type (for example, “Camera” or “Location”)
  3. Turn off access for unnecessary applications. For example, TikTok is not required to know your exact location.
  4. For Google Play Services system applications, permissions cannot be changed - this is a firmware limitation.

Pay special attention special access:

  • 📍 Geolocation: disable for social networks and games.
  • 🎤 Microphone: allow only for calls and voice assistants.
  • 📂 Files and media: limit access for instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp you do not need access to ALL photos).
  • 🔄 Autostart: see the previous section.
💡

Disabling unnecessary permissions not only speeds up the phone, but also increases privacy. For example, restricting access to geolocation for Instagram reduces battery consumption by 5–10%.

6. Freeing up memory: what you can delete without risk

Even if you delete all applications, the system may indicate that the memory is full. The reason is hidden files:

  • 📂 Folder Download: APK, PDF, archives accumulate here. Most files can be safely deleted.
  • 🗑️ Folder .thumbnails (in DCIM): photo and video thumbnails, take up to 1–2 GB.
  • 📥 Cache Google Play Services: can weigh up to 500 MB. Cleared via Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage.
  • 🎮 Game data: Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact stored gigabytes of textures. They are deleted through the game settings.

To search for large files, use Files by Google or SD Maid. These apps show:

  • 📊 Memory distribution by file type.
  • 🔍 Duplicates and empty folders.
  • 🗃️ Old backups (for example, from WhatsApp).

⚠️ Attention: Not manually delete files in folders /system, /data or with the extension .odex, .apk (if you do not know their purpose). This can lead to system crash.

7. Alternative firmware: when standard methods do not help

Even if after all the manipulations, the phone works slowly, the reason may be the firmware. Manufacturers often overload their shells ( firmware. Manufacturers often overload their shells (MIUI, One UI, ColorOSwith unnecessary functions. The solution is to install custom firmware (for example, custom). firmware LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

Advantages of custom firmware:

  • ⚡ Clean Android no bloatware.
  • 🔄 Regular security updates.
  • 🛠️ Possibility fine tuning (kernel, task scheduler).

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if you unlock the bootloader).
  • 🔌 Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”).
  • 📱 Some functions may not work (for example Samsung Pay or branded cameras).

If you decide to take this step:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
  3. Flash the firmware via ADB sideload.

⚠️ Attention: The firmware process is different for each device. Study the instructions on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA for your model.

8. factory settings

If all methods have been tried, and the phone still lags, it remains hard resetThis will delete all data, but will return the device to its original freshness.

How to reset correctly:

  1. Create a backup copy:
    • 📱 Contacts: export to VCF or synchronize with Google Account.
    • 📷 Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud.
    • 🔑 Passwords: check if they are saved in Google Password Manager.
  • Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data.
  • After reset do not restore data from a backup copy of the old system is will return the garbage back. Install applications selectively.

    • If resetting does not help, the problem may be hardware. parts (worn out memory, weak battery). In this case, only repairing or replacing the device will help.

    💡

    Resetting to factory settings is not a panacea. If you install the same applications again and do not change your usage habits, the problem will return in 1-2 months.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning Android

    Can I remove Google Play Services? Will this save money? memory?

    No. Google Play Services is a critical system component. Removing it will lead to the collapse of most functions: Play Market, Gmail, YouTube and even some banking applications will stop working. Instead of deleting, disable auto-update via Settings → Applications → Google Play. Services → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

    Why is memory freed for a short time after clearing the cache?

    Caches are temporary files that applications create anew when used. For example, Instagram caches stories and photos, and Chrome — web pages. To prevent memory from becoming clogged:

    • Limit background activity of applications (see section 4).
    • Use “light” versions of apps (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
    • Clear the cache manually regularly (once every 1-2 weeks).

    How to clean the phone if it does not turn on?

    If the device does not respond to the power button:

    1. Connect to charge for 30 minutes - the battery may be low.
    2. Hold Power + Volume Down for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
    3. If that doesn’t help, try logging in Recovery Mode (the combination of buttons depends on the model, usually Power + Volume up) and do Wipe Cache Partition.
    4. As a last resort, flash the stock firmware via Odin (Samsung) or Fastboot (other brands).
    Attention: If the phone does not turn on after a fall or moisture, do not try to clean it programmatically - contact the service.

    Which cleaning applications really work?

    Most of the "cleaners" from Play Market (for example, Clean Master, CCleaner) not only do not help, but also slow down the systemworking in background. Useful alternatives:

    • 📂 Files by Google - analyzes unnecessary files without unnecessary waste.
    • 🛠️ SD Maid (paid) - removes residual files and duplicates.
    • 🔍 AccuBattery - shows which applications are consuming the battery.

    Avoid apps that require root or offer to “speed up your phone by 300%” - this is a marketing scam.

    How to clean your phone from viruses?

    Symptoms of infection:

    • Advertising in unexpected places (for example, in the notification menu).
    • Unknown applications in the installed list.
    • Rapid battery drain and overheating.

    To remove viruses:

    1. Install Malwarebytes or Bitdefender (free versions).
    2. Run a scan in Safe Mode (press the power button → "Safe" mode").
    3. Remove suspicious applications through Settings → Applications.
    4. If the virus is not removed, reset to factory settings.
    Prevention: do not install APKs from unverified sources and disable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security).