Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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It's common for users to clear the cache when their phones slow down.
There are other ways to refresh and reset your device.
My go-tos include sideloading older app versions and speeding up system animations.
Smartphone launch season is back, and I'm finding myself answering the question of "Should I upgrade?" from family and friends all over again. Typically, I would advise them to clear the cache of their popular apps and services first. The system-wide wipe helps remove excess (and temporary) files, making devices run a little smoother.
Also: Slow Android phone? My 4-step refresh routine can speed it up fast
But sometimes, simply clearing your Android or iPhone cache isn't enough, as my mom's now seven-year-old Samsung Galaxy S10 is proof of. If you ever find yourself in a similar position, consider my other checklist of small tweaks that can make a big difference.
For this list, I'll be focusing on Android phones, with advice applicable to models from Samsung, Google, and Motorola.
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