How I Turned My Super Slow Android Phone Into a Speed Machine

With more than a decade of experience, Nelson covers Apple and Google and writes about iPhone and Android features, privacy and security settings, and more.

Is your Android phone starting to feel sluggish? Are your apps taking forever to load? Don't trade it in just yet. That doesn't always mean you need to buy a new phone. Devices naturally slow down with use, but a few quick fixes can give your phone a boost and help you avoid spending money on an upgrade.

Most of the improvements come from your settings. Clearing out unused apps, adjusting battery optimization and limiting background processes can free up resources and make your phone run faster almost right away. And while you're at it, give your device a proper cleaning -- studies show that phones are often dirtier than ...