Category: Technology
What to Do When Your Device Is Running Slowly
A slow phone, tablet, or computer can make even simple tasks frustrating. Apps take forever to open, webpages crawl onto the screen, typing feels delayed, or your device seems to think every click deserves several seconds of careful consideration.
A slow device doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken or needs to be replaced. Many performance problems are caused by temporary issues, limited storage, too many programs running, outdated software, or one particular app causing trouble.
Before spending money on a new device, work through a few basic steps. You may be able to improve its performance yourself, and even if you can’t, you’ll have a much better idea of what the problem might be.
First, Figure Out What’s Actually Slow
“Everything is slow” can mean several different things.
Ask yourself what you’re noticing.
Is it:
- One app?
- Every app?
- Websites?
- Videos?
- Starting the device?
- Opening files?
- Typing?
- Switching between programs?
- Downloading something?
Identifying exactly what’s slow helps determine where to look next.
Is It the Device or the Internet?
A slow internet connection can make a perfectly healthy device feel slow.
If the problem happens mainly when:
- Loading websites
- Streaming videos
- Downloading files
- Using online apps
- Making video calls
your internet connection may be the problem.
Try opening something that doesn’t require the internet, such as your device settings or a file stored directly on the device.
If offline activities work normally but online activities are slow, investigate your internet connection instead.
Restart Your Device
Start with one of the simplest solutions.
Restart the device.
Restarting can clear temporary problems and close processes that may be slowing things down.
It can help when:
- Apps are behaving strangely.
- The device hasn’t been restarted recently.
- Performance suddenly became worse.
- An update recently installed.
- Several programs have stopped responding properly.
After restarting, give the device a little time to finish loading before deciding whether performance has improved.
Close Apps You’re Not Using
Devices are designed to handle multiple apps, but having too much happening at once can affect performance.
On a computer, close programs you aren’t currently using.
This might include:
- Word-processing programs
- Games
- Video players
- Photo editors
- Unnecessary browser windows
On phones and tablets, you generally don’t need to constantly close every background app. However, closing and reopening a particular app can help if that app is frozen or behaving poorly.
Check Your Browser Tabs
Browsers can quietly become major users of your device’s resources.
If you have many tabs open, close the ones you no longer need.
Pay particular attention to tabs running:
- Videos
- Music
- Games
- Interactive websites
- Video meetings
Keeping a few useful tabs open is fine.
Keeping 84 tabs open because one of them contains an article you might theoretically read someday is less useful.
Bookmark important pages and close what you don’t need.
Check Your Storage
Devices need available storage space to operate properly.
When storage becomes extremely full, you may notice:
- Slow performance
- Apps that won’t update
- Failed downloads
- Problems saving photos
- Software updates that won’t install
Open your device’s storage settings to see how much space is available.
Find Out What’s Using Your Storage
Before deleting anything, see what’s actually taking up space.
Common storage users include:
- Photos
- Videos
- Apps
- Downloads
- Documents
- Games
- Music
- Offline media
Your device may show a breakdown by category.
Start with the largest categories rather than randomly deleting small files.
Clean Out Your Downloads
The Downloads folder can quietly collect years of unnecessary files.
You may find:
- Old PDFs
- Installation files
- Duplicate documents
- Photos
- Forms
- Files you downloaded once and never used again
Review the folder.
Move anything important somewhere appropriate and delete files you no longer need.
Review Large Videos
Videos can use much more storage than ordinary documents or photos.
Look for:
- Long recordings
- Accidental videos
- Duplicate videos
- Downloaded movies or shows
- Videos already backed up somewhere else
Deleting a few unnecessary large videos may free more storage than deleting hundreds of small files.
Make sure anything important is backed up first.
Remove Apps You No Longer Use
Apps and programs can take up significant storage.
Review what’s installed.
Ask:
When was the last time I actually used this?
If you haven’t used an app in a long time and don’t need it, uninstalling it may free storage.
Before removing an app, make sure important information isn’t stored only inside it.
Don’t Install “Cleaning” Apps Randomly
You may encounter apps or advertisements claiming to:
- Make your phone dramatically faster
- Clean your computer
- Boost memory
- Repair performance
- Remove thousands of errors
Be cautious.
Some cleanup tools are unnecessary, misleading, or potentially unsafe.
Use the storage and maintenance tools built into your device whenever possible.
Check for Updates
Outdated software can sometimes cause performance or compatibility problems.
Check for updates to:
- Your operating system
- Apps
- Web browser
Use your device’s official update system.
Updates can fix bugs, improve security, and sometimes improve performance.
Give Updates Time to Finish
A device may temporarily run slowly during or immediately after a major update.
It may be:
- Installing files
- Organizing information
- Updating apps
- Synchronizing cloud data
- Processing photos
- Completing background tasks
If the slowdown began immediately after an update, give the device some time and restart it when appropriate.
Check Whether Something Is Downloading
Large downloads can affect both device and internet performance.
Check whether your device is:
- Downloading an update
- Installing a game
- Synchronizing cloud files
- Backing up photos
- Downloading offline movies
- Transferring large files
If so, performance may improve after the task finishes.
Check Cloud Synchronization
Cloud services may work in the background to:
- Upload photos
- Download files
- Synchronize documents
- Back up information
This is normally useful, but large synchronization jobs can temporarily use system resources and internet bandwidth.
If you recently added many files or set up a new device, cloud synchronization may simply need time to finish.
Check Whether One App Is Causing the Problem
If your device works normally until you open one particular app, that app may be responsible.
Try:
- Close the app.
- Reopen it.
- Check for an update.
- Restart your device.
- See whether the problem returns.
If the app continues causing problems, check the developer’s official support information.
Check What’s Running on Your Computer
Computers provide tools that show which programs are using system resources.
Depending on your computer, you may be able to see which programs are using large amounts of:
- Processor power
- Memory
- Storage activity
- Network activity
You don’t need to understand every item listed.
Look for familiar programs using unusually large amounts of resources.
Don’t randomly stop unfamiliar system processes. Some are necessary for the computer to operate.
Too Many Startup Programs Can Slow a Computer
Some programs automatically launch whenever your computer starts.
Over time, you may accumulate many programs running in the background even though you aren’t using them.
Examples might include:
- Chat programs
- Game launchers
- Cloud services
- Music apps
- Manufacturer utilities
Your computer’s startup settings may allow you to control which programs open automatically.
Disable only programs you recognize and know you don’t need at startup.
Check Your Browser Extensions
Browser extensions add features to your web browser.
Too many extensions, or a poorly behaving extension, can sometimes slow browsing.
Review installed extensions and remove ones you:
- Don’t recognize
- No longer use
- Don’t need
Be especially cautious with extensions installed from unfamiliar sources.
Restart Your Browser
If only web browsing feels slow:
- Close unnecessary tabs.
- Close the browser.
- Reopen it.
- Try again.
If the problem continues, check:
- Your internet connection
- Browser updates
- Extensions
- Whether another browser has the same problem
This can help determine whether the issue is the browser or the device itself.
Watch for Overheating
Devices may intentionally reduce performance when they become too hot.
If your phone, tablet, or computer feels unusually hot:
- Stop demanding tasks.
- Move it out of direct sunlight.
- Make sure ventilation openings aren’t blocked.
- Place it on an appropriate hard surface if needed.
- Allow it to cool.
Don’t place an overheating electronic device in a refrigerator or freezer.
Sudden temperature changes and moisture can cause additional problems.
Give Your Computer Room to Breathe
Laptop ventilation can be blocked when the computer is used on:
- Beds
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Sofas
A hard, flat surface usually provides better airflow.
If your computer’s fans are constantly running loudly, check that ventilation openings aren’t blocked by dust or objects.
Be Careful When Cleaning Electronics
Dust can accumulate around vents and equipment.
Before cleaning:
- Turn the device off when appropriate.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t spray cleaning liquid directly into electronics.
- Don’t insert objects into ports or vents.
For expensive equipment, improper cleaning can cause more damage than the dust you were trying to remove.
Helpful Resources: Browse Device Cleaning & Organization for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.
Check for Malware Warning Signs
Malicious software can sometimes affect computer performance.
Possible warning signs include:
- Unexpected pop-ups
- Programs you don’t recognize
- Browser settings changing unexpectedly
- Strange advertisements
- Security warnings from legitimate security software
- Unexplained heavy system activity
A slow computer alone doesn’t prove you have malware.
Use your device’s built-in security tools or reputable security software rather than random “virus removal” programs advertised online.
Don’t Trust Pop-Ups Saying Your Device Is Infected
Websites may display frightening messages such as:
YOUR COMPUTER HAS 17 VIRUSES!
Your phone is infected!
Immediate action required!
A webpage generally cannot perform a complete security scan of your device simply because you visited it.
Don’t call phone numbers or install software from these warnings.
Close the page and use your device’s legitimate security tools.
Check Your Battery
On phones, tablets, and laptops, an aging or damaged battery can sometimes affect device performance.
Your device may provide battery health information in its settings.
If the battery:
- Drains extremely quickly
- Won’t hold a charge
- Causes unexpected shutdowns
- Appears swollen
have the device evaluated.
A swollen battery is a safety issue and shouldn’t be ignored.
Older Devices Naturally Become Slower
Technology changes over time.
Newer apps and operating systems may require more:
- Memory
- Storage
- Processing power
A device that worked perfectly several years ago may eventually struggle with newer software.
This doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong with it.
It may simply be reaching the limits of what its hardware can comfortably handle.
Should You Replace the Device?
Don’t assume replacement is the first solution.
Consider replacement when:
- The device can no longer receive important security updates.
- It can’t run software you need.
- Repairs cost too much compared with replacement.
- Hardware is failing.
- Storage or memory limitations constantly interfere with normal use.
- Performance remains poor after reasonable troubleshooting.
For some computers, upgrading components may be possible.
For many phones and tablets, replacement may eventually be more practical.
Back Up Before Major Repairs
If your device is having serious problems and may need repair, protect your information first whenever possible.
Back up:
- Photos
- Documents
- Contacts
- Important files
Repairs, resets, and hardware failures can sometimes result in data loss.
Your files may be more valuable than the device itself.
Don’t Factory Reset Too Quickly
A factory reset erases information and returns a device close to its original state.
It may sometimes solve serious software problems, but it shouldn’t be one of your first troubleshooting steps.
Before considering a factory reset:
- Back up your information.
- Make sure you know your account passwords.
- Confirm important files are safely stored.
- Understand what will be erased.
- Try simpler troubleshooting first.
A factory reset is the sledgehammer in the toolbox. Useful sometimes, but not what you reach for because one app took seven seconds to open.
A Simple Slow Device Routine
If your device suddenly feels slow, try these steps in order.
Step 1: Restart
Restart the device.
Step 2: Identify the Problem
Determine whether everything is slow or only one app or website.
Step 3: Check Your Internet
If only online activities are slow, test your connection.
Step 4: Close Unnecessary Programs
Close programs and browser tabs you don’t need.
Step 5: Check Storage
Make sure the device isn’t extremely full.
Step 6: Check for Updates
Install legitimate system and app updates.
Step 7: Check Background Activity
Look for downloads, backups, or synchronization.
Step 8: Check for Overheating
Make sure the device isn’t unusually hot.
Step 9: Investigate Specific Apps
Determine whether one program consistently causes the problem.
Step 10: Ask for Help
If performance remains poor, get help before making major changes or replacing the device.
Slow Device Checklist
Start Here
✔ Restart the device
✔ Determine what’s actually slow
✔ Check whether the problem is internet-related
✔ Close unnecessary programs
✔ Close unnecessary browser tabs
Check Your Device
✔ Check available storage
✔ Review large files
✔ Remove apps you no longer use
✔ Check for updates
✔ Look for large downloads or backups
Check Performance
✔ Determine whether one app causes the problem
✔ Review startup programs on computers
✔ Review unnecessary browser extensions
✔ Check for overheating
✔ Check battery health when available
Before Taking Major Action
✔ Back up important information
✔ Don’t install random cleanup software
✔ Don’t trust fake virus warnings
✔ Don’t factory reset without preparation
✔ Get help if you’re unsure
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Assuming a slow device automatically needs to be replaced.
- Assuming slow websites mean the device itself is slow.
- Keeping enormous numbers of unnecessary browser tabs open.
- Ignoring storage warnings.
- Randomly deleting files without checking what’s important.
- Installing unfamiliar “speed booster” or “cleaner” apps.
- Assuming every slowdown means the device has a virus.
- Clicking frightening pop-up security warnings.
- Blocking laptop ventilation with blankets or pillows.
- Factory resetting a device before trying simpler solutions.
- Erasing information before making a backup.
- Spending money on upgrades or replacement before identifying the actual problem.
A slow device is often telling you that something needs attention, not necessarily that the device is finished. Restart it, identify exactly what’s slow, check storage and updates, and look for anything unusual running in the background. If the basics don’t solve the problem, you’ll at least have narrowed down what’s happening before deciding what to do next.
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