Is your phone slow? Learn tips on how to improve your smartphone so it doesn't freeze anymore.
There are many factors that can cause your phone to freeze. Contrary to popular belief, a gallery full of photos and videos is not necessarily the culprit behind a smartphone’s malfunction. Whether it’s an Android phone or an iPhone (iOS), issues such as apps running in the background, accumulated cache files, excessive customization features enabled, and an outdated operating system can negatively affect the smoothness and responsiveness of your device.
For optimal performance and a more satisfying user experience, it is recommended that you take steps such as closing unnecessary apps and updating the operating system. This will ensure that your phone is running at its best and taking full advantage of its features, while avoiding the frustration of an unresponsive device. So, find out what causes your phone to freeze and how to fix it in the following list.
Storage full
One of the main causes of unstable cell phone usage is the total storage space. Heavy and unused applications take up unnecessary space, affect the performance of your device and generally slow it down. The first step to solving this problem is to check your phone's storage space and free up space by uninstalling apps you no longer use.
You can also transfer your photos, videos, and other files to cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Drive. Check your storage regularly to keep your phone running smoothly and without lag, and to keep more space free for important items.
Outdated system
An outdated operating system can make your phone unstable and cause it to crash. Updates often provide performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced security features, so it's important to regularly check your smartphone for pending updates.
To check for and install pending updates on Android, open Settings and scroll down until you find “System” or “System updates.” Tap this option and select “System update” or “Check for updates.” If there are pending updates, you’ll be notified and given the option to download and install the updates. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
To check for and install iOS updates, open the Settings app and scroll down until you find General. Then, locate and tap “Software Update.” The system will automatically check for updates on your phone. If there are any pending updates, you’ll be given a description of the improvements and fixes that are coming. Tap “Download and Install” to begin the update process. The process may take a while, so make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery life.
Background apps
If your phone is running slowly and frequently crashing, it could be due to multiple apps running in the background. Even if you don’t use them directly, apps use system resources like CPU and RAM. So stopping them can free up valuable resources and improve your phone’s performance.
To close a running app on your Android phone, press the multitasking button, or the square button, on the navigation bar to view the list of recent apps. Then, tap the app you want to close and drag it up. Repeat the process to close other apps you're not using.
From the iOS home screen, swipe up until you reach the center of the screen. Then swipe left or right to find the app you want to close. Finally, swipe up to close the app.
Cache data
Caches are application files stored on your phone. With the data saved, it acts as a kind of “quick memory” that speeds up access to apps, because the files do not need to be downloaded again. The accumulation of files over time can affect the system’s performance. Therefore, clear the cache periodically to free up space and improve your phone’s performance.
In addition to this procedure, there are other procedures that can help you free up space on your smartphone's RAM. One interesting tip is to enable the feature RAM Plus, if available on your device. This feature allows you to allocate more RAM to the applications you are using.
Visual customization
Customizing your phone's look with wallpapers, transitions, and widgets is fun, but these visual elements can consume system resources and cause your phone to crash. Disabling or minimizing visual customization tools can improve your phone's performance, making it more responsive and snappy.
You can disable visual effects for screen features on iOS systems using the “Settings” under “Accessibility” options. For example, you can reduce the transparency and motion of screen transitions.
Open Settings on your Android and find the “Display” option. Tap on it and you’ll find several adjustable settings, such as “Brightness,” “Contrast,” and “Theme.” To change it, simply tap on the desired option.
Old battery
A dead or worn-out battery can cause your phone to freeze frequently. As components age, their ability to provide enough power to your device can decrease, which can affect its performance. If you notice that your smartphone freezes, especially when the battery is low, it may be a sign that it is time to replace your smartphone. Contact an authorized service center or manufacturer's technical support to obtain a new battery that is compatible with your device.
