How to find out what is slowing down your phone

Phones slow down for a few common reasons. Finding the right one saves you from buying a new phone too early.

1. Storage almost full: keep at least 10 to 15 percent free
2. Too many apps running in the background: check battery usage by app in settings
3. Old software: install system and app updates
4. A worn battery: very old batteries can make some phones throttle performance
5. Heavy home screen widgets and live wallpapers

The last resort

If nothing helps, back up your data and do a factory reset. Many phones feel close to new afterwards.