Are you missing the lightning speed of your smartphone when it was brand new? Now, it pauses before responding to your touch. Sometimes, the change can be all of a sudden. Also, the whole change in response can be gradual.
Whatever it is, your phone will eventually slow down. Why is my phone slow and hanging?
This guide offers the reasons. Moreover, it consists of effective remedies to recover a little bit of speed. However, your smartphone may not get the speed it had when you unboxed it. Still, you might notice some improvements without expert intervention.
Let’s start with the possible reasons, along with their respective solutions.
Why is My Phone Slow?
You can be annoyed when your high-end smartphone freezes several times. Not to mention the bother it causes, particularly when you are rushing. A slow phone, however, does not always say that there is something very wrong with the device.
Then, why is my phone slow? Over time, your smartphone can encounter several issues that build up. If you know what they are and how to target them, then fixing a slowed-down device won’t be a problem.
Let’s dig into the most common reasons why your phone slows down.
1. Background Apps
Users often keep programs running in the background instead of closing them properly. So, you are unaware of the several programs running in the background.
Each app uses some of the phone’s RAM. So, your device might struggle to give memory to other apps or new ones you open. Thus, your phone becomes sluggish and even starts freezing.
How can you fix a slow phone just because of too many apps running in the background? It’s better if you develop a habit of closing previous apps before opening the new ones. Simply pressing the Home button will keep the applications still in use.
Social media apps and fitness trackers can use a lot of resources, even when they are not in use.
2. Availability of Storage Space
Most smartphones have limited storage unless they allow an SD card for more space. For those phones that have limited storage, photos, files, and apps will fill up the space in no time.
Then, the real battle starts for the device. Since it can’t make space for operations, the device slows down. You must manage temporary and other files to improve the situation.
To speed up a slow phone, you can:
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Clear the cache on your phone.
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Also, uninstall any unused apps.
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Delete unnecessary media or files.
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Also, transfer large, important files to external devices or cloud storage.
How much storage space should be available to avoid hanging and freezing? According to experts, keep at least 20% of free storage space. Then, your phone runs smoothly.
3. Erratic SD Card
Certain smartphones still allow one to expand their storage capacity by means of an SD card. A faulty or wrong SD card can slow down your phone or cause it to freeze.
For instance, a corrupt SD card is difficult since it takes an eternity to get the saved files from it. Indeed, you will face the same issue while accessing applications from the card. Pay attention to whether your phone takes time whenever it tries to access data from the SD card.
If you find so, remove the SD card from your device and see if it improves the performance. Format the SD card if needed. So, replace your SD card if it has been corrupted or compromised in some way.
4. Outdated Software Version
Why is my phone slow and hanging? Well, your phone should have a balance between its hardware and software. Old or incompatible software can cause problems with new system features or apps.
So, you experience poor performance or freezing. Therefore, updating your phone’s software can be a breakthrough. In fact, every update brings security patches, bug fixes, and performance boosters.
That’s why you should never delay such updates. Otherwise, your phone’s speed and efficiency can be at stake. Make sure you keep checking for available system updates. The path is usually through Settings → System → Software Update for Android.
On your iOS device, go to Settings, then General, and then Software Update. For your convenience, you may also want to think about automating system updates. In case your device doesn’t support new updates any longer, replacing the phone is the best decision.
5. Overheating
Is your phone too hot to touch? For your information, exposure to extreme temperatures can be fatal for your smartphone. When you run too many resource-heavy applications, your phone starts heating up. The same applies to leaving your phone in the sun or connected to prolonged charging.
As a coping mechanism, your phone reduces its speed. So, you come across hang-ups and slower operations. Then, how to fix a slow phone?
Here’s what you can try:
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Refrain from using your phone under direct sunlight or while it’s charging.
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Close heavy apps like video streaming or games. This is especially important if your device feels warm.
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Also, prevent heat buildup by removing the case. Otherwise, you can get a lightweight case and see if it helps to lower the temperature.
Why is my phone slow even after following those instructions? Your phone likely has hardware problems that need a professional to fix.
6. Battery Health Depreciation
Why is my phone slow and hanging? If it’s an iPhone, then you should have a look at its battery health. The battery health affects your device’s performance more than you might realize.
Over time, batteries age. It affects their ability to deliver power to your phone. As a result, your phone slows down. To find your iPhone’s Maximum Capacity, go to Settings, then Battery, and select Battery Health.
If the Maximum Capacity is below 80%, your phone likely has reasons for slow speed. How to speed up a slow phone?
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Reduce demand on the battery of your phone by turning on Low Power Mode.
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You might have to change the battery if the circumstances do not improve.
Make sure you opt for original battery replacements for better performance and compatibility.
7. Malicious or Corrupted Apps
Apps should always come from reliable sources, such as the Google Play Store or App Store. Then, the chances of encountering a malicious app are much less. Using unverified sources can lead to installing a harmful or corrupt app.
Such corrupted or malicious apps can introduce your system to bugs or malware. Thus, your phone’s system may be overloaded. Reportedly, your phone starts freezing.
To be completely sure of the presence of malware, you can scan the system with antivirus software. Delete the apps that you are suspicious of.
8. Overloaded RAM or Memory
Why is my phone slow and hanging? Freed-up memory or RAM directly impacts how fast your phone can perform. So, insufficient RAM or memory can make your phone lag. Especially when you run resource-heavy applications such as editing software.
Well, you can’t extend your phone’s RAM. So, check the minimum requirements for an application before you install it. Moreover, quit all the background apps before launching a new app.
Preventing Slowdowns in the Future…
Clear temporary files by restarting your phone at least once a week. To speed up a slow phone, you can disable live wallpaper or advanced graphics settings. Keep the software version updated.
If your phone still feels slow, contact UAETechnician for mobile repair services near me. Technicians here are skilled and experienced. They can diagnose and fix underlying conditions effectively. They can also honestly say if a repair or replacement is the better choice.
