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When using our smartphones, we often make mistakes that can slow them down. So how can you fix these issues to keep your iPhone or Android running smoothly? Kevin Charron, Senior Repair Manager at BackMarket.com, shares his insights.
BackMarket.com is an international marketplace for refurbished electronics, headquartered in Paris. By giving devices a second life, the company helps combat electronic waste.
According to Charron, a phone repair expert, many people overlook the key reasons why their smartphones begin to lag. So what exactly are those reasons?
Too Many Unused Apps Running in the Background
Charron explains that as smartphone performance improves, so does the number of apps available for download. However, research shows that we use around 90% of our apps no more than ten times. That means most of them are dead weight—something users often forget. Yet these apps may still be running in the background, eating up memory and draining battery life.
The good news, he says, is that turning off or deleting unnecessary apps is easy on both iPhones and Android devices. According to Charron, you can boost your phone’s performance with just a few simple steps.
Start by going to your settings menu and reviewing your list of installed apps. Then, don’t hesitate to delete the ones you rarely or never use. As Daily Mail reports, this small change can have an immediate impact on your phone’s speed.
Your Phone’s Storage Is Full
If your phone’s storage is more than 90% full, it can seriously slow things down.
Charron points out that a phone needs at least 10% of free storage space to handle cache—temporary files that help apps run smoothly. Without that free space, performance suffers.
To fix this, clear out your phone’s cache and delete large, unnecessary files like old games and videos. You can also move that content to cloud storage to free up space.
Battery Issues
Another common reason for a sluggish phone is battery trouble. As batteries age, their capacity drops, and they no longer hold a charge as effectively, Charron explains.
For example, an iPhone battery should retain at least 80% of its original capacity. To check your battery’s health, go to the “Battery” section in your settings. If performance is poor, consult a technician. A replacement battery may be the best solution.
