Check for Recent App Installs or Updates
Newly installed or recently updated apps can sometimes cause performance issues. It's helpful to see if any changes coincide with your phone's slowdown.
- Go to Settings >
Apps>See all apps. Sort byDate installed(you may need to tap the three-dot menu icon to find this option). - On Samsung devices, navigate to Settings >
Apps. Tap the filter icon and sort byLast usedorDate installed. - Think about any apps you've recently installed or updated around the time your problems began. Pay attention to apps downloaded from outside the Google Play Store.
Tip
If you suspect a recently installed app, try recalling when your phone started misbehaving. This can help narrow down the apps to investigate.
Monitor Your Phone's Storage Space
A full storage can significantly impact your phone's performance, leading to slowdowns and instability. It's a good idea to check how much space you have left.
- Navigate to Settings >
Storage. - Review the categories to see what is consuming the most space, such as
Apps,Photos & videos, orSystemfiles. - Note down the amount of available storage. If it's less than 10-15% of your total capacity, it could be contributing to the problem.
Important
Running low on storage can not only slow down your phone but also prevent essential system updates from installing correctly.
Examine Battery Usage for Demanding Apps
Some apps might be silently draining your battery and consuming system resources in the background, causing your phone to feel sluggish. Let's look for any power-hungry culprits.
- Go to Settings >
Battery>Battery usage. - Observe which apps have been using the most battery power over the last 24 hours or the chosen period.
- Look for any apps with unexpectedly high usage, especially if you haven't been actively using them.
Good to know
High battery usage often correlates with high CPU usage, meaning an app is working hard and potentially slowing down your entire device.
Check for System Updates
Outdated software can contain bugs or inefficiencies that impact performance. Ensuring your phone's operating system is up-to-date is a crucial first step in troubleshooting.
- Navigate to Settings >
System>System update(on Samsung, this is Settings >Software update>Download and install). - Tap
Check for updateto see if any new versions of Android are available. - Note whether your phone is running the latest available version or if an update is pending.
Good to know
System updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements that can resolve many common issues.
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers