Printable checklist

How to Speed Up a Slow Phone

There is more than one sensible way to approach peed Up a Slow Phone. This illustrated guide covers 2 methods and 22 steps, with a separate picture for every single step.

By Co-authored by HowCompass Editorial Team · 22 steps · Technology · Updated November 15, 2026

Back to the guide
  1. 1. Write down what you want from the settings app

    Work at a comfortable height, because leaning over your phone makes every movement less precise. Two minutes of sorting here usually saves ten minutes of searching once you start on your phone.

  2. 2. Check the current state of the storage screen

    Choose a time when you will not be interrupted, since a steady pace makes your phone much easier to handle. Begin with less than you think you need; you can always add more to your phone.

  3. 3. Keep the wording of a checklist for your phone short

    Take a breath between passes so your hands stay steady on your phone. If you are unsure, do less and look again before adding more.

  4. 4. Set a reminder alongside the storage screen

    Check the clock rather than guessing; timing is the usual hidden variable in your phone. Work at the pace you can repeat, not the pace you can manage once with your phone.

  5. 5. Pause and reread a backup copy halfway

    Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your phone. Pause when the result starts to look right; overshooting is the common error with your phone.

  6. 6. Change one setting in the settings app at a time

    If the material reacts differently today, adjust the pace rather than the whole plan for your phone. Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your phone.

  7. 7. Follow the same order every time with the storage screen

    Watch what happens for a few seconds before repeating, since the result with your phone changes gradually. If the material reacts differently today, adjust the pace rather than the whole plan for your phone.

  8. 8. Work through the settings app in short sessions

    Pause when the result starts to look right; overshooting is the common error with your phone. Leave a little margin for a correction at the end instead of using everything on your phone now.

  9. 9. Compare two versions of a backup copy

    If everything looks fine, still check the parts you cannot easily see on your phone. If two checks disagree, trust the slower one when working on your phone.

  10. 10. Test a short written note once more before moving on

    One honest check now replaces three rushed corrections to your phone later. Catching a small problem now is much easier than redoing your phone at the end.

  11. 11. Note the one thing you would change about the storage screen

    Tidy the surrounding area as well, because a clear finish makes your phone feel complete. A one-line note today is more useful than a long explanation next month about your phone.

  12. 12. Share the finished the on screen menu if needed

    A one-line note today is more useful than a long explanation next month about your phone. Close the loop with a quick check that nothing has been left out of your phone. Keep going: [How to Export Your Data from an…

  13. 13. Open the relevant screen for the settings app

    Give yourself a defined stopping point before you begin on your phone. Note the starting condition so you can tell whether the change to your phone actually helped.

  14. 14. Decide on one clear outcome for a backup copy

    Check the condition of your tools now, while fixing a problem with your phone is still easy. Choose a time when you will not be interrupted, since a steady pace makes your phone much easier to handle.

  15. 15. Set aside a quiet ten minutes for the storage screen

    Give yourself a defined stopping point before you begin on your phone. Two minutes of sorting here usually saves ten minutes of searching once you start on your phone.

  16. 16. Apply the same rule across the settings app

    If resistance suddenly increases, stop and look rather than forcing your phone. Watch what happens for a few seconds before repeating, since the result with your phone changes gradually.

  17. 17. Keep a written record of a backup copy

    Move slowly through corners and edges, which is where work on your phone usually goes wrong. Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your phone.

  18. 18. Move the older entries out of the storage screen

    Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your phone. Write down one thing that surprised you; it is usually the useful part.

  19. 19. Group related items within a backup copy

    Pause when the result starts to look right; overshooting is the common error with your phone. Keep the same hand position from one pass to the next so the result with your phone stays consistent.

  20. 20. Check the oldest item in the storage screen

    Photograph the stage if you will need to repeat your phone another day. Give it a moment to settle, since the first impression of your phone often changes.

  21. 21. Delete the duplicate of a backup copy

    Putting things away properly is what makes the next attempt at your phone quick. Write down the one thing you would do differently with your phone next time.

  22. 22. Plan the next pass at the storage screen

    Tidy the surrounding area as well, because a clear finish makes your phone feel complete. Use a timer instead of guessing, especially on your first attempt. Keep going: [How to Connect a Printer to…