I disabled one option and my Android smartphone became faster

Over time, even the latest Android smartphones can slow down due to accumulating data and limited storage. While a factory reset is a common fix, a more subtle approach involves disabling Android system animations. This can significantly boost performance by freeing up resources.

Boost Your Android by Turning Off Animations

Turning off animations is a simple but effective way to speed up your device. It is especially helpful for older phones.

Why Animations Matter

Animations in the operating system make the user experience smooth. They show visual cues for actions like opening apps and switching screens. But on devices with limited power, these animations can slow things down, causing lags and stutters.

How to Turn Off Animations

Accessing Developer Options:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your device.
2. About Phone: Find the About Phone or About Device section.
3. Build Number: Tap the Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Options (you may need to enter your device’s PIN).
4. Developer Options: Return to Settings, scroll down, and tap Developer Options.

Turning Off Animations:

1. Open Developer Options: In the Settings menu, open Developer Options.
2. Animation Settings: Find the Drawing or Animations section.
3. Adjust Scales: Set the Window Animation Scale, Transition Animation Scale, and Animator Duration Scale to Animation Off or a lower value (e.g., 0.5x).

Trade-offs of Turning Off Android Animations

Turning off animations can make transitions feel abrupt, but the performance boost is often worth it, especially on older devices. Consider the following:

• Device Age: Newer devices might not see significant improvements, but older models will benefit more.
• User Preference: Users who like visual feedback might find the lack of animations jarring.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Performance

1. Clear App Cache: Periodically clear app cache to free up storage space and improve performance.
2. Uninstall Unused Apps: Remove apps you no longer use to prevent them from using resources.
3. Manage Auto-Start Permissions: Turn off auto-start for apps that don’t need it.
4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your device’s software for performance improvements and security patches.
5. Use Storage Management Tools: Use built-in tools to delete unnecessary files and manage storage.
6. Consider a Lite Launcher: Use a lighter version of your launcher for better performance on older devices.
7. Factory Reset as a Last Resort: If all else fails, a factory reset can resolve persistent performance issues, but back up your data first.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing App Cache

Regularly clearing the app cache can help improve performance by freeing up storage space. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your device.
2. Storage: Go to the Storage section.
3. Cached Data: Tap on Cached Data and confirm to clear all cached data.

Managing Auto-Start Permissions

Some apps launch in the background, which can slow down your device. To manage these permissions:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. Apps: Go to the Apps section.
3. Auto-Start Management: Find Auto-Start Management or similar options.
4. Turn Off Unnecessary Apps: Turn off auto-start for apps that don’t need it.

Keeping Your Software Updated

Updating your device’s software is crucial for good performance. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. To check for updates:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. System Updates: Go to the System Updates section.
3. Check for Updates: Tap Check for Updates and follow the on-screen instructions.

Using Storage Management Tools

Most Android devices have built-in storage management tools to help you remove unnecessary files. To use these tools:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. Storage: Go to the Storage section.
3. Free Up Space: Tap on Free Up Space or similar options to delete large files, duplicate data, or temporary files.

Considering a Lite Launcher

A lighter version of your launcher can improve performance on older devices. Lite versions use fewer resources and offer a smoother experience. Popular options include Nova Launcher Lite and Microsoft Launcher.

Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If your device still performs poorly despite trying these strategies, a factory reset might be necessary. This will wipe your device clean and restore it to its original settings, fixing performance issues caused by software problems or corrupted data. Before doing this, back up all important data:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. System: Go to the System section.
3. Reset: Tap on Reset and select Factory Data Reset.
4. Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm and complete the reset.

Conclusion

Turning off animations and using these tips can extend the life of your Android device and improve its performance. Every device is different, so try different strategies to find the best balance between performance and visual appeal. With a little effort, you can keep your Android running smoothly for years to come.