Clear out the clutter
Over time, apps, photos, downloads and cached data can pile up and slow things down.
- Delete unused apps: If you haven’t opened it in months, chances are you don’t need it.
- Clean up your storage: Remove old photos or videos you’ve already backed up.
- Clear your cache: This helps free up memory and can make your phone snappier.
Most phones have a storage or device care section in settings that can help you clean up with just a few taps.
Turn off fancy animations
Visual effects look nice, but they can also slow down your device – especially older models.
- On Android: Go to Developer Options and reduce or turn off animation scales.
- On iPhone: Go to Accessibility > Motion and turn on ‘Reduce Motion’.
You might not even notice the difference visually, but your phone will probably feel more responsive.
Update your apps and software
Running outdated apps or system software can lead to bugs and slowdowns.
- Make sure your apps are up to date through the App Store or Google Play.
- Check for system updates in your settings and install them when available.
Updates often include performance improvements and security fixes, so they’re worth doing regularly.
Restart your phone once in a while
Yes, really! Just turning your phone off and on again every few days can help clear temporary files and free up memory.
It’s a quick reset for your device, and it can solve small glitches or lag that builds up from continuous use.
Use lighter versions of apps
Some apps have “lite” versions that use less data and storage.
- Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, and Google Go are great examples.
These are designed to run faster on phones with limited storage or slower internet.
They usually have the core features you need without all the extras you probably don’t use anyway.
Limit background activity
Apps running in the background can drain both your battery and your phone’s performance.
- On Android: Go to Battery or Apps settings to restrict background usage.
- On iPhone: Check Background App Refresh and turn it off for apps that don’t need it.
This can make a noticeable difference, especially if you have lots of apps open.
Avoid live wallpapers and unnecessary widgets
Live wallpapers look cool, but they also use extra processing power. The same goes for widgets that constantly update in real time.
- Stick to a static wallpaper.
- Keep only the widgets you actually use.
Less visual clutter can also make your home screen feel cleaner and faster.
What’s a widget?
Widgets are essentially mini-apps that reside on your phone’s home screen or lock screen, providing a snapshot of information or functionality from your installed apps.
What they do:
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Display information: They can show you things like the weather, time, date, battery level, calendar events, news headlines, or stock prices.
- Provide quick access: They allow you to perform actions, such as playing music, setting an alarm, or accessing a search function, directly from the home screen.
Where they are:
- Home screen: You can add widgets to your home screen to easily see information or perform actions at a glance.
- Lock screen: Some phones allow you to add widgets to your lock screen for quick access to information without unlocking your phone.
- Today View (iOS): iOS devices have a dedicated Today View where you can see a collection of widgets.
Examples include:
- Weather widget: Displays the current temperature and weather conditions.
- Calendar widget: Shows upcoming events in your calendar.
- Music widget: Lets you play, pause, or skip songs without opening the music app.
- News widget: Displays the latest news headlines and allows you to read summaries.
- Battery widget: Shows the remaining battery life of your phone and other connected devices.
You don’t need to be a tech whiz to give your phone a boost. A few small tweaks here and there can go a long way in improving how your device performs day-to-day.
