Is your old phone running slow, making even simple tasks frustrating? You’re not alone. Over time, both Android and iPhone devices can start lagging due to bloated storage, outdated software, or background processes. The good news? You don’t need to buy a new phone just yet!
In this guide, we’ll share proven tricks to speed up your old phone, whether you’re using an Android phone running slow or an iPhone needing a performance boost. Plus, we’ll recommend the best phone cleaner apps to keep your device running smoothly. Let’s dive in!
Why Is Your Old Phone So Slow?
Before we jump into fixes, let’s understand why your phone slows down:
- Low Storage Space – When your storage is nearly full, your phone struggles to function efficiently.
- Outdated Software – Older OS versions may lack optimizations for better performance.
- Too Many Background Apps – Unused apps running in the background drain RAM.
- Battery Degradation – A weak battery can throttle performance to save power.
- Cache & Junk Files – Over time, temporary files pile up and slow down your device.
Now, let’s speed up your old phone with these expert-approved methods.
How to Speed Up an Android Phone Running Slow
- Free Up Storage Space
A cluttered phone is a slow phone. Try these steps:
- Delete unused apps and large files (videos, duplicate photos).
- Use Google Files or SD Maid to clean junk files.
- Move media to cloud storage (Google Photos, Dropbox).
- Restart Your Phone Regularly
A simple reboot clears RAM and stops background processes.
- Disable or Uninstall Bloatware
Many Android phones come with pre-installed apps you don’t need.
- Go to Settings > Apps and disable/uninstall unnecessary apps.
- Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove system bloatware (advanced users).
- Use Lite Versions of Apps
Apps like Facebook Lite or Twitter Lite consume fewer resources.
- Install the Best Phone Cleaner App
Some top-rated cleaner apps for Android in 2025:
✔ CCleaner – Cleans cache and junk efficiently.
✔ Norton Clean – Removes residual files safely.
✔ Avast Cleanup – Optimizes storage and battery.
How to Give Your iPhone a Performance Boost
- Clear Safari Cache & Website Data
- Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- Offload Unused Apps
- Enable Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Offload Unused Apps.
- Reduce Motion & Transparency Effects
- Turn on Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion.
- Update iOS Regularly
Apple releases optimizations in updates—always stay on the latest version.
- Reset All Settings (Without Losing Data)
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Best Phone Cleaner Apps in 2025
If manual cleaning feels tedious, these apps can help:
|
App |
Best For |
Platform |
|
CCleaner |
Deep junk cleaning |
Android, iOS |
|
Clean Master |
One-tap optimization |
Android |
|
Phone Boost |
Speed & RAM cleaner |
iOS |
|
Avast Cleanup |
Storage & battery |
Android |
FAQs: Speed Up Your Old Phone
Will a factory reset speed up my phone?
Yes, but back up your data first. A reset removes all clutter and restores default performance.
How often should I clean my phone?
Once a month is ideal to prevent slowdowns.
Does closing apps improve speed?
Not necessarily—modern OSs manage RAM efficiently. Force-closing apps may even slow things down.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Old Phone Running Fast
You don’t need the latest flagship to enjoy smooth performance. By freeing up storage, disabling bloatware, and using the best phone cleaner apps, you can speed up your old phone significantly.
For Android users, focus on clearing junk and optimizing RAM. iPhone owners should update iOS and reduce background processes.
Ready to revive your sluggish phone? Try these tricks today and enjoy a faster device!