Is your phone slow? Try these practical steps to speed up an iPhone or Android phone before replacing it.
Quick answer: Restart your phone, free up storage, update the operating system, remove unused apps, reduce background activity, and check battery health. If it is still slow afterward, the hardware may be reaching the end of its useful life.
A slow phone does not always mean you need a new one. Over time, storage fills up, apps run in the background, software becomes more demanding, and battery health can decline. Try the steps below in order, starting with the fastest solutions.
1. Restart your phone.
A restart clears temporary processes and can fix slow performance caused by an app or system task.
- iPhone: Hold the side button and either volume button, then drag the power-off slider. Wait a few seconds and turn it on again.
- Android: Hold the power button, then tap Restart. The wording may vary by manufacturer.
If your phone has become slow suddenly, restarting it should be your first step.
2. Free up storage space
Phones can become less responsive when storage is nearly full. Remove apps you no longer use, large downloads, duplicate files, and unnecessary videos.
- iPhone: Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Android: Go to Settings → Storage or search Settings for “Storage”.
Start with large videos, offline downloads, and apps you have not opened recently. For more help, see our guide on how to free up storage on your iPhone or Android.
3. Update the operating system and apps.
Updates can fix bugs, improve compatibility, and address performance problems.
- iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Android: Open Settings → System → Software update, or use the search bar in Settings.
- Update apps through the App Store or Google Play Store.
Do not install updates from links in unexpected messages. Use your phone’s built-in settings or official app store.
4. Remove unused apps.
Unused apps may take up storage, run background processes, or send unnecessary notifications. Delete apps you no longer need.
On Android, avoid installing “phone booster” or “RAM cleaner” apps. Many add advertising, request excessive permissions, and do little to improve performance.
5. Reduce background activity
Some apps continue checking for content when you are not using them.
- Turn off notifications you do not need.
- Restrict background activity for apps that update constantly.
- Remove unnecessary widgets and live wallpapers.
- Disable location access for apps that do not need it.
Do not disable background activity for essential messaging, security, or navigation apps unless you understand the effect.
6. Check the battery health.
An ageing battery can affect performance and battery life. On iPhone, check Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. Android menus vary, but many devices include a battery diagnostic under Settings → Battery.
If the battery is significantly degraded, replacing it may improve the phone’s useful life more affordably than buying a new device. Read our guide on how to extend your phone’s battery lifespan.
7. Reset only as a last resort
If your phone remains slow after the steps above, back up your data and consider a factory reset. This removes apps, settings, and personal files, so do not begin without confirming that your photos, contacts, messages, and important files are backed up.
When should you replace your phone?
Consider replacing it if:
- It no longer receives important security updates.
- The battery is severely degraded and cannot be replaced affordably.
- Apps you need no longer run properly.
- The display, charging port, or other hardware is failing.
- A reset does not improve performance.
Final verdict
Most slow phones can be improved without buying a new one. Start with a restart, storage cleanup, updates, and unused-app removal. If the phone is still slow after a backup and reset, compare repair costs with the price of a replacement.
