Why an Android smartphone has become slower: reasons and solutions

Your smartphone used to fly, but now it barely crawls? Applications take a long time to open, animations are jerky, and the battery runs out in half a day? This is a common problem that users of even flagship devices face after 1-2 years of use. But don’t rush to run to a service center or buy a new gadget - in 90% of cases, slow operation can be fixed on your own. Android I used to fly, but now I can barely crawl? Applications take a long time to open, animations are jerky, and the battery runs out in half a day? This is a common problem that users of even flagship devices face after 1-2 years of use. But don’t rush to run to a service center or buy a new gadget - in 90% of cases, slow operation can be corrected yourself.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons for the brakes - from banal cache clogging to hardware faults. You'll learn how to diagnose the problem, what settings to optimize, and when it's actually time to take your phone in for repair. We have also collected current life hacks for devices on Android 10–14that will help restore the previous speed without losing data.

1. Clogged memory: the main enemy of performance

The most common cause of slowdowns is lack of free space in the internal memory. When the device has less than 10–15% free space left, the system begins to work in emergency mode: applications do not have enough space for temporary files, the cache is not cleared automatically, and background processes conflict for resources.

How to check? Go to Settings → Storage. If there is less than 5-8 GB in the "Available" section (for modern smartphones), it's time to act. This is especially critical for budget models with 32–64 GB of memory, where the system takes up up to 50% of the space out of the box.

• 📱 Delete unnecessary applications: even unused apps take up space and can run in the background. Check the "Applications" section in the settings and delete everything that you have not used for more than a month.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache: in the same "Storage" section, click "Free up space" → "Cached data". It's safe - the cache will be restored the next time you launch applications.
• 📁 Transfer files to cloud: Google Photos data-i="60">If you have a smartphone with microSD support, do not transfer applications to the memory card - this will only worsen performance. The card is only suitable for media files.: Photos, videos and documents can be automatically downloaded to Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Dropbox, and then delete local copies.
• 🔍 Find junk files: Use the built-in Cleanup tool (on Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) or applications like Files by Google.

⚠️ Attention: Some "cleaners" (for example, Clean Master or CCleaner) can delete important system files. Use only built-in tools or proven utilities from the manufacturer.

2. Background processes: invisible resource hogs

Android is a multitasking system, but if there are too many applications running in the background, it leads to RAM overload cpu. This is especially noticeable on devices with 2–4 GB of RAM. Symptoms: the phone heats up, discharges quickly, and when switching between applications, a long reboot occurs.

How to check? Open Settings → Applications → Running (the path may differ on some firmware). Here you will see a list of active processes and how much memory they are consuming. The norm is if there are 15–25 applications running in the background. If there are more than 40 of them, it’s time to optimize.

• 🛑 Limit background activity: in the settings of each application (section “Battery” or “Memory”) you can disable running in the background. Start with social networks, instant messengers and games.
• 🔄 Disable autorun: on Xiaomi, Huawei i Samsung there is a separate "Autorun" section in the battery settings. Disable it for unnecessary apps.
• 📵 Use "Performance Mode": many smartphones (for example, Realme, Oppo) have an option to speed up in games or when running heavy applications.
• ⚡ Reboot the phone every 2-3 days: This closes hung processes and clears RAM. On Android 12+ you can set up an automatic reboot according to a schedule.

Application	Typical RAM consumption (in the background)	Is it possible disable?
Facebook	300–500 MB	Yes (without damage)
Telegram	150–250 MB	Partially (messages will arrive with a delay)
Google Play Services	200–400 MB	No (critical system process)
Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact)	500 MB–1.5 GB	Yes (but you will have to download the data again)

3. Outdated firmware: why updates are important

Many users ignore system updates, considering them unnecessary. But in fact firmware directly affects performance. Manufacturers regularly optimize code, close vulnerabilities and adapt the system for new applications. For example, Android 13 20-30% faster Android 10 on the same hardware due to improved memory management.

How to check the relevance? Go to Settings → System → Software update. If an update is available, install it. Pay attention to the file size: if it is more than 1 GB, this is a “major” update (for example, from Android 11 to Android 12), which is definitely worth installing.

• 🔄 Update not only the system, but also applications: outdated versions of apps may conflict with new firmware.
• 📡 Use Wi-Fi to download: updates weigh hundreds of megabytes, and interrupted downloading over a mobile network can damage files.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to 50%+: if the battery runs out during installation, the device may turn into a “brick.”
• ⏳ Do not interrupt the process: installation may take 15–40 minutes. A progress bar or black screen may appear on the screen - this is normal.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially Samsung and LG older than 2019), performance may be reduced after major updates. This is due to the fact that manufacturers artificially limit battery power. In this case, resetting to factory settings will help.

What to do if the update does not install?

If the system writes "Loading error" or "Unable to install update", try:

1. Reboot the phone.

2. Clear cache in Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear cache.

3. Install the update manually via your computer (instructions are available on the manufacturer’s website).

4. Reset network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.

4. Viruses and malware: hidden threats

If your smartphone suddenly starts to slow down, for no apparent reason, there is a risk that it is infected. virus or mining software. Symptoms: the phone heats up without load, discharges quickly, suspicious advertisements or unknown applications appear. Sources of infection: pirated APKs, hacked games, fake “cleaners” or phishing sites.

How to check? Install an antivirus (Dr.Web, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes) and run a deep scan. Pay attention to application permissions: if the calculator requests access to contacts and SMS, this is a reason to be wary. Check the list of installed apps in Settings → Applications for suspicious names.

• 🛡️ Uninstall suspicious applications: especially those that you did not install knowingly.
• 🔍 Check traffic consumption: Settings → Network and Internet → Data usage see which apps consume a lot of mobile data in the background.
• 📱 Disable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Unknown sources (on Android 8+ this permission is given for each application separately).
• 🔄 Reset your settings to factory settings: if the virus is deeply embedded in the system, this is the only reliable way. Don't forget to back up your important data!

An example of dangerous permissions for regular applications:

android.permission.READ_SMS
android.permission.SEND_SMS
android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION (if the application is not associated with maps)

5. Battery wear: how the battery affects speed

After 500–800 charging cycles, the battery capacity drops by 20–30%, and Android begins to artificially limit performance to extend battery life. This is called throttling (throttling) - the system reduces the processor clock speed when the battery is low or worn out. As a result, the phone runs slower, but holds a charge longer.

How to check wear and tear? Install the application AccuBattery or Battery Health. They will show the actual battery capacity and the number of charging cycles. If the capacity drops below 70–75% of the nominal value, it’s time to change the battery. Also pay attention to the temperature: if the phone heats up above 40°C under normal load, this is a sign of battery degradation.

• 🔋 Disable battery optimization for important applications: In Settings → Battery → Battery optimization you can add exceptions for instant messengers or navigators.
• ⚡ Use the original charger: cheap charges can damage the power controller, which will lead to additional throttling.
• 📉 Do not discharge the phone to 0%: the optimal charging range is 20–80%. Full discharge accelerates wear.
• 🔄 Calibrate the battery every 3 months: Discharge the phone until it turns off automatically, then charge to 100% without interruption.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Samsung Galaxy S8–S10, Huawei P20–P30) after replacing the battery, a reset or flashing may be required, otherwise the system will continue to limit performance, “thinking” that the battery is old.

6. Overheating: when the phone “strangles” itself

Android automatically reduces performance when overheated to protect components from damage. The normal operating temperature of the processor is 35–45°C. If it rises above 50°C, the system begins Forcibly closing applications and reduce the CPU/GPU frequency. Frequent causes of overheating:

• 🎮 Long gaming sessions (especially during Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile).
• 📱 Using the phone in the sun or in a hot room.
• 🔋 Charging during intense load (for example, playing + charging = overheating).
• 🛠️ Dust in the connector or under the cover (relevant for non-separable smartphones).
• 🦠 Viruses or mining softwarethat load the processor.

How to cool your phone:

1. Close all background applications (especially games and navigators).
2. Remove the case (it can block the heat sink).
3. Place the phone in the shade or near a fan.
4. Turn off charging if it is running.
5. If overheating is frequent, check the thermal paste (at a service center).

Close all applications

Remove the case

Disconnect charging

Move to a cool place

Check for viruses (if it gets hot for no reason)-->

7. Hardware problems: when it’s time to call for service

If all software methods did not help, the reason the brakes may be in hardware malfunction. Here are the signs that it’s time to take the phone in for repair:

• 💥 The smartphone turns off spontaneously under load (even if the battery is charged).
• 🐢 Lags appear immediately after switching on, even before launching applications.
• 📱 The screen jerks or "glitches" when scrolling (there may be a problem with the display or cable).
• 🔊 The sound is distorted or disappears under high load (problem with the audio chip).
• 🔋 The phone does not hold a charge for more than 1-2 hours even after replacing the battery.

Frequent hardware causes of brakes:

Problem	Symptoms	Repair cost (approximately)
Flash memory wear (eMMC/UFS)	Slow writing/reading files, freezes when launching applications	3,000–8,000 RUR (chip replacement)
Damage to the motherboard boards	Random reboots, artifacts on the screen, module failure (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)	5,000–15,000 RUR (diagnostics + soldering)
CPU/GPU malfunction	Severe overheating, shutdowns under load, "brakes" in simple tasks	10,000–25,000 RUR (chip or board replacement)
Oxidation of contacts	Unstable operation, charging errors, spontaneous clicks	1,500–4,000 ₽ (cleaning + replacement of thermal paste)

⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone is older than 4–5 years, repairs may not be cost-effective. For example, replacing a motherboard with Samsung Galaxy S7 will cost 15,000 rubles, while a used device costs 8,000–10,000 rubles. Before repairing, check the price of spare parts and compare with the cost of a similar phone on the secondary market.

8. Optimization for specific brands

Manufacturers often add their own “chips” to the firmware, which over time begin to slow down the system. Here specific tips for popular brands:

• 📱 Samsung (One UI):
  • Disable Bixby and Samsung Free in the settings.
  • Clear Settings → Device maintenance → Memory.
  • Disable animation: Settings → Accessibility → Animation settings → Off
• 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI):
  • Disable Mi Video, Mi Music and other pre-installed applications.
  • Enable "Performance Mode" in Settings → Advanced → Performance Mode.
  • Disable advertising: Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Settings → Disable recommendations.
• 📱 Huawei/Honor (EMUI):
  • Disable Huawei Mobile Services (if you do not use Huawei services).
  • Clear Settings → Memory → Cleaning memory.
  • Disable "Smart Resolution" in the screen settings (it eats up resources).
• 📱 Google Pixel (Stock Android):
  • Disable Google Discover (swipe left on the main screen → Settings → Disable).
  • Clear cache Google Play Services.
  • Enable "Adaptive Battery" and "Adaptive Brightness" for optimization.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android brakes

Is it possible to speed up an old smartphone with 1–2 GB of RAM?

Yes, but radically. Install light firmware (for example, LineageOS without GApps) or use Android Go (for devices with 1 GB of memory). It will also help:

• Disabling animation through Developer settings.
• Using lightweight versions of applications (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• Limiting background processes in Developer settings → Process limit (set to "Maximum 2 processes").

If the phone was released before 2016, it is better to consider buying a new device - even after optimization it will slow down in modern applications.

Does resetting to factory settings help?

Yes, but temporarily. A reset deletes all user data and returns the system to a "clean" state. This helps if the brakes are caused by:

• Clogged cache and temporary files.
• Conflicts between applications.
• Incorrect system settings.

The effect will last 1-3 months, if you do not repeat previous mistakes (installing unnecessary apps, ignoring updates, etc.). Important: before resetting, make a backup copy of photos, contacts and messages!

Why does a new smartphone slow down immediately after purchase?

Possible reasons:

• 📦 Lots of pre-installed software (especially on Samsung, Xiaomi). Remove or disable unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Background indexing of files (the system scans your media library, contacts, etc.). Wait 1-2 days - the brakes should go away.
• 🦠 Virus in the firmware (rare, but happens with “gray” devices). Check with an antivirus.
• 💥 Defect or malfunction. If the brakes do not work after a reset, contact the warranty store.

How to check which application is slowing down the phone?

Use the built-in tools:

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery usage. Applications that consume a lot of energy usually load the system.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Working and see which apps are using the most RAM.
3. Install CPU Monitor or Simple System Monitor to monitor CPU load in real time.

If one application constantly hangs at the top of the list, try clearing its cache, updating or deleting it.

Is it worth using "speed boosters" from Google Play?

No, most of these applications (Clean Master, DU Speed Booster, 360 Security) not only do not help, but also harm:

• They take up additional resources while working in the background.
• They can delete important system files.
• They often show false warnings about “viruses” in order to sell premium version.

The exception is built-in optimizers from the manufacturer (Samsung Device Care, Xiaomi Security). But it is enough to run them once a week.